Boldo is a plant intended to promote digestion and fight against constipation. It acts by stimulating the production of bile by the liver, which it consequently protects. It is also used in case of cystitis. Details on its use and its dangers with François Petitet, doctor of pharmacy and herbalist.
The boldo (Peumus boldus) is a small tree of the Monimiaceae family, native to Chile. Its oval, leathery, rough to the touch leaves are greenish-gray in color. It is the dried leaves that are used for their aromatic essence.
The boldo is a bitter and aromatic tonic Who stimulates digestive functions, especially in the gallbladder. He is “mainly used in case of hepatic (liver) problems and consequently to improve intestinal transit “, specifies François Petitet Doctor in pharmacy and herbalist. The boldo is therefore:
- hepatic stimulant, cholagogue (which facilitates the evacuation of bile), choleretic (which stimulates the secretion of bile) in hepatic insufficiency, cholelithiasis, and chronic cholecystitis which is an inflammation of the gallbladder often linked to the presence of lithiasis.
- digestive stimulant in case of dyspepsia (poor digestion, feeling of digestive “heaviness” and bloating).
- diuretic promotingurea removal
- urinary antiseptic in case of cystitis
- laxative : in case of constipation linked to hepatobiliary insufficiency.
The boldo is to be consumed “in herbal teaits particular taste is not always appreciated“, warns François Petitet. Take 10 grams per liter of water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes before drinking 1 cup before each meal. Or in capsules : boldo capsules contain powder from the dried leaves. Comply with the dosage indicated by the manufacturer of the product. The boldo also exists in mother tincture. Take 1 teaspoon in a glass of water always before the meal.
Boldo can be eaten from the age of 18. The people under anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) must abstain to take it without medical advice.
Clinical studies on the effectiveness of boldo are rare and none demonstrate effectiveness against hypertension.
Always for a short time.
In herbal medicine, boldo leaves are particularly indicated in cases of liver disease, to protect it. The European Scientific Coordination in Phytotherapy (ESCOP) designates the use of boldo in minor hepatobiliary disorders, (of the liver and gallbladder).
The main danger is in the duration of use of the boldo, which “should be short” insists the herbalist, in order to avoid toxicity by accumulation of one of its compounds, ascaridol. The use of boldo in case of difficult digestion and mild gastrointestinal cramps should not exceed 2 consecutive weeks, according to the recommendations of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The duration of use increases to four weeks maximum in case of hepatobiliary disorders, according to the European Scientific Coordination in Phytotherapy (ESCOP). Finally, “the use of essential oil of boldo which one sometimes finds in the trade is not to popularize“So much it is concentrated in ascaridol, a substance which can be toxic in high doses or over prolonged use, warns the herbalist. If in doubt, seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist specializing in herbal medicine.
Boldo can be purchased in pharmacies and herbalists (especially in herbal tea), in organic quality.
Consumption of boldo is prohibited during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Boldo is also contraindicated in cases of significant damage to the hepatic cell, the hepatocytes, and in people who suffer from obstruction of the bile ducts by stones. Always seek the advice of your doctor before consuming boldo.
Thanks to François Petitet, Doctor of Pharmacy and herbalist at Herbéo, in Bordeaux.