Better breathing, sound sleep, disease prevention – these are probably just a few health advantages a tree could give us. But to be specific, this article is dedicated to an archaic tree called Boldo – a tree that is native to Chile.
With a myriad of benefits, Boldo has proven its worth, or has it not?
To help you understand and learn a few fascinating health benefits upon consuming/using this, here’s our article to help you with.
What is Boldo?
Originating from South America, Boldo or scientifically referred to as Peumus Boldus, is an aromatic tree that is widely used in curing of gastrointestinal problems and even in formulas to relieve constipation. To be more precise, Boldo is used as an antidote for gallstones and gallbladder inflammation and several other kinds of liver disorders.
Boldo is a shrubby evergreen tree with leaves utilized in fluid extracts and as infusions. In general, the tree’s bark and leaves experience extraction and crop out cleansing boldine.
Boldine work as an impressive antioxidant in both biological and non-biological systems, which has ultimately stirred up oodles of uses in the pharmaceutical industry.
Currently, Boldo is used in making liquor, essential oil, and tea. For a human body to experience the better of boldo tea and essential oils work effortlessly.
Before we share health benefits this tropical tree has, here is a small note on Boldo’s past; how long and what led to its existence.
Also Read: HOW TO CURE TONSILLITIS FAST? 5 BEST PROVEN NATURAL REMEDY
History of Boldo
An exhumation of Monte Verde in Southern Chile is what led to the findings of medicinal plants used by the people in that region around 12,500 years ago.
In the Chilean region, Boldo is used as an anthelmintic to expel parasitic worms. This feature has been ascribed as the existence of anti-parasitic ascaridole, which is an element found in essential oils in the leaves of boldo. While indigenous tribes of Peru used the leaves to combat against liver problems and cure gallstones.
In 1869, Boldo was first investigated for medicinal purposes by a French physician. Since then, the tree has been widely renowned for its anti-parasitic and liver stimulating properties.
Boldo was also first used as an alternative for quinine* for curing cases like malaria.
*Quinine – A sour compound that is extracted from the bark of the Cinchona tree; commonly found in South America, Central America, Caribbean islands and parts of the Western Coast of Africa. A highly recommended medication used for treating malaria and babesiosis.
In 1875, Boldo was introduced to British and American pharmacists for curing of stomach, liver and bladder disorders.
Now that we know the origin and history of this tropical tree; it is time to learn the benefits, uses, and side effects that come with it.
13 Amazing Health Benefits of Boldo
Here is a list of fascinating health benefits that Boldo has proven to work effectively:
1. Treatment of Gallstones
In North America, Boldo is heavily regarded as the best medicine for curing gallstones. Boldo contains alkaloid and Boldin that vitalize the secretion of bile. The dried leaves of the boldo plant have proven to work effectively in the treatment of gallstones.
As Boldo is a powerful herb, overdosing can sometimes exacerbate the condition.
2. Treating Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Boldo works as a stimulant and purifier, thereby have a diuretic effect on the body. With the plant’s essential oil, Boldo can escalate the quantity and frequency of urine.
The essential oils assist in the secretion of uric acid, which makes it more productive during the treatment of UTI.
Boldo is also productive in reducing blood pressure problems and is potent in promoting heart health. A prescribed dose of essential oil can discharge the toxic gases that the intestinal tract gathers over time.
3. Assists in the stimulation of blood circulation
Boldo essential oil is infused with the blood-thinning property; resulting in removing the clot from the blood.
A smooth flow of blood all around the body assists the nutrients absorbed by the gut to enter into the essential organs. And steady blood flow is what lets oxygen disseminate through the entire body and to the organs.
It also vitalizes the brain nerves and assists in a comprehensive circulation of blood to the entire body. As efficient it may seem, it stabilizes the respiratory system and assures that the right amount of oxygen is being circulated to the lungs, liver, and other vital organs.
4. Cure Liver Diseases
Breaking down food for easy digestion, healing internal injuries, and excavating toxins from the body, the liver is perhaps the most crucial organs of the body.
If the organ is not given proper attention, toxins can harm your liver and will eventually contract health disorders like jaundice.
As an herb, Boldo detoxifies the liver and protects against other impending liver diseases.
Boldo oil has the efficacy to cure the liver and stimulate excretion of the harmful toxins present in it. Also, it bolsters the production of bile, assisting the liver in breaking down complex foods.
Also Read: HOW IS ACUPRESSURE DONE? BENEFITS & SIDE EFFECTS
5. Treatment of Anxiety
As it is sedative in nature, Boldo does help in getting rid of anxiety issues. As there is the sheer existence of sedative properties, boldo tea is widely consumed for anxiety treatment.
6. Insecticides
Oils that are naturally occurring are safer and reliable option to prevent mosquito bites. Boldo essential oils consist of certain chemicals that are toxic in nature and have the propensity to kill parasites existing in the body.
Boldo essential oil can be carried out to camping trips to keep insects at bay. Also, a preventive method to keep kids away from bugs while staying outdoors.
7. Curbing down the Cholesterol level
Boldo works effortlessly in curbing down the cholesterol level. It is now scientifically proven that if Boldo used in prescribed dose for at least 90 days, can help in modulating the bad cholesterol level.
It is also essential to consider that the consumption of boldo should be of nothing more than 90 days as it may damper your condition.
8. Enhances Immunity
Boldo oil includes elements like antimicrobial and antibacterial that are pretty efficient in safeguarding the body from harmful diseases. Boldo invigorates the immune system and guards from numerous seasonal illnesses.
9. Improves Digestion
Healthy digestion has the most primary roles to play in the overall health of the entire human body. The digestive system is exposed to toxins that directly penetrate the body through food and water, which is also more likely to discharge precarious gases.
Boldo oil acts as a stimulant and includes microbial motion properties, making it significantly effective for a better health digestive system; also helps in regulating a suitable amount of stool and subdue gases from the internal tract.
10. Rheumatism
Augmenting concerns among women these days has been rheumatism. With the pain and inflammation, it leads to are in itself hard to deal with.
Boldo essential oils have slight narcotic and stimulating effects attached to it, which are crucial for the promotion of blood circulation throughout the affected areas caused by rheumatism.
Often diseases like rheumatism and arthritis are caused by obstruction of blood flow, but with a narcotic drug like Boldo, the sensation of the pain is reduced and offers some relief.
11. Reliable Antioxidant
Boldo is rich in antioxidants; thus preventing the formation of free radicals that lead to cell damage. Healthy cells help prevent infections and other internal injuries — also, antioxidants like these help to combat against cancer.
12. Annihilate Intestinal Worms
A parasite-free intestinal cavity and gastrointestinal tract are essential in maintaining the overall health. Antibodies like tapeworms and ringworms break down the immunity and lower the energy that our body spawns to function.
As toxic in nature, Boldo essential oil fights these parasites, thus destroying them entirely. Studies have shown that Boldo has the potential to eliminate all kinds of intestinal worms as worms like these cause severe health implications.
13. Antiseptic
With a presence of antiseptic properties, boldo essential oil is often melded with balms and other such ointments. The affected part or wounds are safeguarded from infection and promote a speedy recovery.
Classic use cases of Boldo
The endemic uses of boldo have been widely documented. Since boldo’s discovery, the plant has been used by the natives for eradicating liver, bowel, and gallbladder problems.
To go even further in time, Boldo has been eaten as a spice, its wood used for charcoal, and the bark used in tanning hides.
Boldo’s uses in the traditional medicine system are also well documented. Globally, the plant is used in homeopathy and as herbal medicine in the treatment of digestive disorders and boosting the production of bile in the gallbladder.
In the Brazilian herbal medical system, Boldo is used for curing a variety of disorders, and to name a few, dizziness, hepatitis, insomnia, rheumatism and liver congestion. Whereas, throughout the rest of South America, boldo is used for gonorrhea and digestive complaints.
In Germany, Boldo is employed in the treatment of bladder and liver complaints, gastric disorders as well as to vitalize gastric secretions. Also, in most parts of the country, boldo is used for loss of appetite and as an antispasmodic.
In the American herbal medicine system, boldo is widely known to stimulate the secretion of saliva, bile flow, and liver activity.
Also Read: ESSENTIAL OILS FOR KIDNEY STONES
Some Recent Practical Uses of Boldo
Hundreds of years ago, boldo was just a plant grown in farmers’ pastures in Chile. Fast forward to the 21st century; there are gargantuan sized fields of boldo cultivated around the globe to meet the market demand. These demands are to work as an herbal remedy for gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, and for numerous other types of stomach, liver, and digestive conditions.
Because of its antimicrobial activity, boldo tea is used in annihilating worms, treating colds and syphilis. However, these uses are based primarily upon anecdotal reports and not on scientific evidence.
Side effects – Why say “NO” to Boldo
Although Boldo is a powerful herb, it also does leave a horrendous experience in many states. The boldo oil is highly toxic and can eventually lead to convulsions and leave symptoms of toxic even in the slightest doses.
Here is why Boldo can be a big NO:
- Boldo has shown inefficacious properties and caused congenital fetal disabilities in animal studies, and should not be performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Can have adverse effects like coma, if used in higher doses.
- The presence of certain chemicals in boldo may thin the blood. For patients taking blood-thinning medications, should not seek help from boldo unless under the guidance of a seasoned healthcare practitioner.
![side effects of boldo]()
- As boldo promotes the flow of bile, a fluid produced by the liver and deposited in the gallbladder passes through tiny ducts in the intestine. More often than not, these ducts get blocked. A thing to worry here is that the extra bile fluid caused by boldo may be detrimental for people with blocked bile ducts.
- For people with liver problems, boldo is not to be used.
- Boldo may hinder blood clotting, so there are chances of excessive bleeding during and after surgery. It is recommended to stop using boldo before two weeks of scheduled surgery.
Quick Boldo Tea Recipe
To prepare boldo tea, pour about 1 cup of boiling water to 1 teaspoon of dry leaves, marinate for 10 to 15 minutes, and sip in the drink three to four times a day.
Also Read: IMPRESSIVE HEALTH BENEFITS OF LEMON JUICE
Appropriate Dosage
The appropriate dose of boldo counts really upon factors like the user’s age, health, and other conditions. Currently, there is no sufficient scientific information to determine the appropriate range of doses for boldo.
Do note that natural products may not always be safe, and dosages can be crucial.
Bottom Line and Few Words of Caution
Boldo packs a plethora of applications and is also versatile; however, contemplating that it is toxic too. Anything like boldo should be taken with extreme caution and under medical supervision. Like we said earlier, pregnant ladies must entirely avoid the use of both boldo oil and tea.
We urge you not to use boldo for a prolonged period of time, and also not consume it in large doses, as it may cause paralysis and death.
Before you consume or use, follow the directions on the product label, reach out to a pharmacist, or consult an herbal professional physician.