Monimiaceae
Boldo Leaf
Peumus boldus
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Chile and Peru (Andes)
Also known as: Boldo, Bold-do, Boldus Leaf
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Leaf
Therapeutic Uses
Liver and gallbladder complaints (Commission E approved), digestive stagnation, mild diuresis, intestinal parasites (ascaridole). Traditional Chilean liver herb.
Herbal Actions
Hepatoprotective (boldine — antioxidant, bile stimulant), cholagogue, antispasmodic, diuretic, antiparasitic (ascaridole)
Active Constituents
Alkaloids (boldine — primary hepatoprotective, isocorydine, norisocorydine), volatile oil (ascaridole — antiparasitic, p-cymene, cineole, linalool), flavonoids, tannins
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 0.5–1 tsp dried leaf per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily before meals — aromatic |
| Tincture | 2–3 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Commission E approved for liver and gallbladder. Ascaridole: antiparasitic but hepatotoxic at high doses — low therapeutic doses safe. Avoid prolonged high-dose use. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Bile duct obstruction. Pregnancy (emmenagogue). High doses hepatotoxic (ascaridole). Anticoagulants.
Side Effects: GI irritation. Liver toxicity (high doses/prolonged). Nausea. Safe at therapeutic doses.