Boldo (Peumus boldus) - Herbal Uses
Boldo, Latin name Peumus boldus, is an evergreen shrub and the species is very similar to Cinnamon and Bay trees. The shrub may grow up to be as tall as twenty five feet. Boldo is characterized by broad leaves which appear to be stiff and coriaceous. It also bears fruits -small berries, yellow in color which are known and widely used for their herbal properties.
Though Boldo is an indigenous shrub of Chile and the Mediterranean region of Europe, it is also being grown in the South American countries of Ecudor, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. In fact, the sizeable annual production of Boldo in South America has rendered it a predominant shrub in the region.
With an increasing number of people switching to herbal products, Boldo is gaining popularity as an alternative form of treatment. For instance, this shrub is used to prepare a tonic which serves as a panacea to all problems related to digestion. It naturally aids in the process of digestion by encouraging secretions in the stomach, gallbladder and the liver, thereby promoting a healthy digestive system. Moreover, Boldo is safe to use as one does not have to worry about any adverse effects.
Furthermore, the presence of a potent oil, Asaridole, makes Boldo a highly effective laxative. Boldo’s laxative properties have long been appreciated by the region’s tribal populations. Asaridole helps in the eradication of parasites and worms which reside in the intestines, without producing any harmful side effects. However, since Boldo is a documented liver toxin, it is meant only for external use. But it is impossible to ignore the wide range of indigenous uses that Boldo offers. Its primary chemical component is Boldine, which is an anti-oxidant. Boldo is not only used for removing stones from the gall bladder, but it is also an anti-inflammatory, that is used to fight inflammation of the gall bladder. Additionally, Boldo may be used for curing visceral pain caused by problems in the liver. It also has mild urninary demulcent and antiseptic properties.
Boldo is no doubt a widely used herb in South America, but with its myriad of medicinal properties, it is quickly gaining recognition all over the world. However, caution must be practiced while consuming it. Though Boldo based herbal products are touted as safe, clinical research indicates that an overdose of Boldo may lead to high levels of toxicity in the system. Thus, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified health professional before using them and stick to the prescribed dosage in order to avoid any complications.
"Twenty-first century medicine must not be confined to a twentieth-century bureaucracy."
Charles W. Pickering
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