The leaves contain numerous isoquinoline alkaloids and about 2% essential oil (with cymene, eucalyptol ascaridole, and linalool as the main ingredients).
Native tribes of South America had been using the leaves of boldo for hundreds of years both as a culinary spice and herbal medicine to treat gout and ailments of the liver, bladder, and prostate.
Additionally, it was used as a remedy for insomnia, rheumatism, cystitis, gonorrhea, syphilis, colds, constipation, indigestion and earache.
The plant has been used traditionally to get rid of intestinal worms. The toxic ascaridole found in the essential oil has vermicidal properties and explains this use.
The herb was first introduced in 1875 to England and the U.S and then used to treat ailments related to the stomach, liver, and bladder, but also as a mild nerve tonic and sedative.
Today boldo is primarily used for the treatment of gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. The alkaloid boldin found in the herb has liver protective property and stimulates the production and secretion of bile.
Boldo is considered one of the best medicinal herbs for many digestive disorders, such as bloating, heartburn, and poor absorption of nutrients in the stomach and intestines.
It is also used to enhance detoxification of the liver and protect against liver damage from toxins and drugs which are known to have a detrimental effect on the liver.
The herb has a mild diuretic, mucosal protective, antiseptic and slightly calming effect and stimulates the excretion of uric acid.
The herb is therefore often used for urinary tract infections (cystitis), rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
When boldo is used to treat gallstones, it is often combined with other herbs like barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and white fringe-tree (Chionanthus virginicus).
For digestive ailments, such as loss of appetite, constipation and intestinal gas it is often used in combination with glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), rhubarb (Rheum officinale) and great yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea).
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