Boldo
Peumus boldus
Herbs & Roots. Latin American & Amazon.
Also called Boldo leaf, Boldo do Chile
Rare liver injury reportedBoldo is a small Chilean tree whose leaves are brewed as tea after meals, mainly for digestion and liver support.
Did you know? In Chile, boldo tea is a common drink after meals.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Digestion & gut health. Used for indigestion and gas. Human trials are few, and most studies are lab or animal work.Traditional proof
- Liver. Traditional use for liver and bile flow. Human proof is limited.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Chilean folk medicine has used boldo leaves for indigestion, gallbladder complaints, and liver problems. The tea is a long-standing after-meal drink.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Hepatic, Cholagogue, Bitter. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Traditionally one cup of tea after meals. Products vary widely in active compounds, so follow the label and check with a doctor first.
Tea, tincture and capsule.
Where to get it
Grows wild in central Chile and is also grown commercially. Sold as dried leaves, tea bags, and tinctures.
Be careful
Large amounts may harm the liver. The concern is linked to ascaridole, a compound in the leaf oil, and rare cases of jaundice have followed repeated use. Avoid boldo with liver or gallbladder disease, and during pregnancy.
Avoid if: pregnancy; liver disease; gallbladder disease.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are bitter leaves used in traditional digestion and bile remedies.
- Works well together
Both are bitter leaves used in liver and digestion teas.
- Use cautionStatins (Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor)
Statins can affect the liver, and boldo may add to that strain. Check with a doctor before combining them.
The honest take
Boldo has a long folk history for digestion and liver complaints, but its proof is weak. Most studies are lab or animal work, and rare cases of liver injury have been reported. Skip it if you have liver or gallbladder disease, and choose products that are ascaridole-free if you use it.