> Supplement Index > Boldo / Peumus boldus / Boldus > Boldo General Information Boldo Uses & Scientific Evidence For Boldo Dosage Information Boldo Safety & Interaction Information - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Boldo General Information Chilean legend has it that Boldo was discovered by a shepherd who believed his sheep were healthier and had fewer liver problems when they grazed on native Boldo plants in his fields. For hundreds of years, the Chilean people have used it for liver, bowel, and gallbladder problems. In Chilean folk medicine, Boldo is used as an anthelmitic for treating worms. Indigenous tribes in parts of Peru use the leaves for liver diseases, gallstones, and for use as a diuretic. The fruit has been used as a spice, the wood a charcoal, and the bark for tanning hides. Boldo has abortive, anodyne, anthelmitic, antiifungal, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, cytotoxic, demulcent, depurative, detoxifier, diuretic, hepatic, hepatotonic, hepatoprotective, laxative, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, teratogenic, tonic, and vermifuge properties. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Boldo Uses & Scientific Evidence For Today, Boldo is still used to treat liver, gallbladder, hepatitis, constipation, flatulence, poor digestion, gallstones, and poor appetite. It is also used for treating insomnia, rheumatism, cystitis, colds, earaches, gout, jaundice, dyspepsia, and is used as an overall tonic. In homeopathic medicine it is used to treat digestive disorders, constipation, and liver problems. The leaves have been used for the treatment of intestinal worms. Other parts of South America use Boldo for treating gonorrhea and syphilis. American herbalists prescribe this plant to activate the secretion of saliva, bile flow, and liver activity, but also for many of the conditions mentioned. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Boldo Dosage Information The standard dose of Boldo is 1/2 cup leaf infusion 1 to 2 times daily with meals, 2 to 4 ml of a 4 to1 ratio of tincture twice daily, or 3 to 4 g daily of powdered leaf in tablets or capsules. For extracts, follow the label instructions. For treating liver or kidney diseases, it is best to consult with your physician for the treatment of your condition. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Boldo Safety & Interaction Information When tested on animals, Boldo exhibited abortive and teratogenic properties, therefore it should not be used by pregnant or nursing women. It can also thin the blood, so for those taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin, or those with disorders that have a tendency towards thinning blood such as hemophilia, should not take Boldo without the supervision of a physician. Due to its diuretic effects, it is not for long term use. It can cause an allergic reaction. Discontinue using if you experience hives, itchy skin with swelling or a rash, or have trouble breathing. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - -