Main content Boldo

Boldo

Uses

Botanical names:

Peumus boldus

Parts Used & Where Grown

Boldo is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to Chile and is naturalized to the Mediterranean region of Europe. The leaves are used medicinally.¹

What Are "Star" Ratings?

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Why
1 Star Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity Refer to label instructions	Boldo has a history of use in South America for a variety of digestive conditions. Bitter herbs are thought to stimulate digestive function by increasing saliva production and promoting both stomach acid and Reference digestive enzyme production.² As a result, they are particularly used when there is low stomach acid but not in heartburn (where too much stomach acid could initially exacerbate the situation). These herbs literally taste bitter. Some examples of bitter herbs include Reference greater celandine, Reference wormwood, Reference gentian,Reference dandelion, Reference blessed thistle, Reference yarrow, Reference devil’s claw, bitter orange, Reference bitter melon, Reference juniper, Reference andrographis, Reference prickly ash, and Reference centaury.³. Bitters are generally taken either by mixing 1–3 ml tincture into water and sipping slowly 10–30 minutes before eating, or by making tea, which is also sipped slowly before eating. Reference Boldo has been used in South America for a variety of digestive conditions, although this may have stemmed from its impact on intestinal infections or liver function. Studies specifically showing a benefit from taking boldo in people with indigestion and heartburn have not been performed. Reference Picrorhiza, from India, has a similar story to that of boldo. While it is clearly a bitter digestive stimulant, human studies to confirm this have not yet been completed.

Used for

Why

1 Star

Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity

Refer to label instructions

Boldo has a history of use in South America for a variety of digestive conditions.

Bitter herbs are thought to stimulate digestive function by increasing saliva production and promoting both stomach acid and Reference digestive enzyme production.² As a result, they are particularly used when there is low stomach acid but not in heartburn (where too much stomach acid could initially exacerbate the situation). These herbs literally taste bitter. Some examples of bitter herbs include Reference greater celandine, Reference wormwood, Reference gentian,Reference dandelion, Reference blessed thistle, Reference yarrow, Reference devil’s claw, bitter orange, Reference bitter melon, Reference juniper, Reference andrographis, Reference prickly ash, and Reference centaury.³. Bitters are generally taken either by mixing 1–3 ml tincture into water and sipping slowly 10–30 minutes before eating, or by making tea, which is also sipped slowly before eating.

Reference Boldo has been used in South America for a variety of digestive conditions, although this may have stemmed from its impact on intestinal infections or liver function. Studies specifically showing a benefit from taking boldo in people with indigestion and heartburn have not been performed. Reference Picrorhiza, from India, has a similar story to that of boldo. While it is clearly a bitter digestive stimulant, human studies to confirm this have not yet been completed.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Boldo has a long history of use by the indigenous people of Chile, as a liver tonic and in the treatment of Reference gallstones.

How It Works

Botanical names:

Peumus boldus

How It Works

Boldo contains several types of primary constituents, including volatile oils (for example, ascaridole, eucalyptol), Reference flavonoids, and alkaloids. Boldine, which constitutes about one-fourth of the total number of alkaloids present, is the major alkaloid.⁴ Scientists believe that boldine is responsible for the plant’s choloretic (bile stimulating) and diuretic actions.⁵ In conjunction with other herbs, such as Reference cascara, rhubarb, and Reference gentian, boldo has been reported to improve appetite.⁶ Ascaridole, a compound found in the volatile oil of the plant, has been used as an anti-parasitic agent but is no longer recommended due its to toxic side effects.⁷

How to Use It

Tinctures that are free of ascaridoles are sometimes recommended. People may take 1 ml of tincture three times per day. Volatile oil of boldo is not recommended due to its high ascaridole content.⁸ ^{, 9} The dried leaf can be used as an infusion at 3 grams per day.

Interactions

Botanical names:

Peumus boldus

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:

Peumus boldus

The German Commission E monograph suggests that only an ascaridole-free preparation should be used internally. Boldo contains terpene-4-ol, an ingredient similar to that found in Reference juniper, and should be avoided by people with kidney disease, as it could cause kidney irritation.¹⁰ ^{, 11} In addition, the herb should not be taken during Reference pregnancy or breast-feeding. It should also be avoided by people who have obstruction of the liver bile duct, or severe liver disease.¹² There is one case report of liver damage occurring in a person taking a laxative containing boldo. The herb was suspected, though not proven, to be the cause.¹³ Excessive use of the herb over long time periods (more than three to four weeks continuously) is not recommended.

Related Information

Reference What Are Depletions & Interactions?

References

1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 95–6.

2. Schulz V, Hänsel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician’s Guide to Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed, Berlin: Springer, 1998, 168–73.

3. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 425–6.

4. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler’s Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicines. New York: Haworth Press, 1999, 74–5.

5. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler’s Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicines. New York: Haworth Press, 1999, 74–5.

6. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 46–7.

7. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 46–7.

8. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 46–7.

9. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 93–4.

10. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 93–4.

11. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 46–7.

12. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Publications, 1997, 26.

13. Piscaglia F, Leoni S, Venturi A, et al. Caution in the use of boldo in herbal laxatives: a case of hepatotoxicity. Scand J Gastroenterol 2005;40:236–9.

Last Review: 11-07-2012

Reference Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.