Boldo ~ Peumus boldus

Boldo

Latin name: Peumus boldus

Family: Monimiaceae

Part used: leaves

Habitat: indigenous to Chile, naturalized in the Mediterranean

Main constituents: alkaloids (boldine, etc.), volatile oil, flavonoid glycosides

Energetics: cooling, drying, astringent, spicy, slightly bitter

Main herbal actions: cholagogue, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective

Minor herbal actions: mild diuretic, stomachic, sedative

Main medicinal uses: non-acute gallstones

Minor medicinal uses: crampy GI irritation, GI spasms, gout, hepatitis, dyspepsia

Preparations: infusion: 1 tsp/cup water (typical), 15 grams qd (Khalsa); 1:5 tincture: 10-40 gtt bid-qid

Contraindications: obstruction of the bile duct, pregnancy, concurrent use of blood-tinning medications, long-term use

Toxicity: unknown

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations; Rain-tree.com/boldo.htm

Boldo Module 2 lecture

• Indigenous to Chile
• 15 grams/day (Khalsa) Capsules preferred
• Unusual tasting tea
• Boldo is a tree.  The Leaves are used.
• When purchasing, get the vibrant, deep green colored leaves.
• Boldo is a liver remedy – one of KP’s top 5 herbs across the board