Boldo Plant: Benefits, Risks, and How to Grow

The Boldo plant, or Peumus boldus, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Andean mountains of Chile and Peru. It can grow up to 20 feet high and is distinguished by its thick, waxy leaves. These leaves, when crushed, emit a powerful and distinctive aroma often compared to camphor. The plant produces small, pinkish-white flowers and edible greenish fruits.

Traditional and Modern Uses

Boldo has a deeply rooted history in the folk medicine of South America, where indigenous populations have long utilized its leaves. Traditionally, it was a primary remedy for a range of digestive system and liver-related complaints. Beyond these core uses, it was also applied for issues like bladder infections, rheumatism, gout, and even as a mild sedative to calm anxieties.

The historical applications of boldo have transitioned into modern use, where it remains a popular herbal product. Its most common form is as an herbal tea, consumed globally for digestive support. To prepare the tea, one to two teaspoons of dried boldo leaves are steeped in a cup of boiling water for about ten to fifteen minutes. This infusion is often consumed up to three times a day to address minor digestive discomfort.

Beyond its use as a tea, boldo is incorporated into various commercial products. Extracts from the leaves are found in dietary supplements, often combined with other herbs to target digestive health. In some cultures, boldo is used as a culinary spice, though its strong, pungent flavor means it is used in very small amounts. The plant’s extract is also utilized as a flavoring agent in certain alcoholic beverages.

Potential Health Benefits

The long-standing use of boldo for digestion is linked to its ability to stimulate the secretion of bile. The compounds within the leaves, particularly an alkaloid known as boldine, are thought to promote bile flow from the liver. This action, known as a choleretic effect, can help improve the digestion of fats and alleviate symptoms of indigestion and bloating.

The plant also exhibits antioxidant properties that may contribute to liver protection. The presence of boldine and other polyphenols like flavonoids in boldo leaves helps neutralize damaging molecules called free radicals. This action is believed to support liver health by shielding it from certain types of cellular stress.

Further research suggests that boldo possesses anti-inflammatory effects. This may explain its traditional use for conditions like rheumatism and joint pain. The compounds in the leaves may help to reduce inflammation in the body, offering relief from discomfort associated with inflammatory conditions. Animal studies have indicated that boldo can help protect the liver from toxins, partly due to these anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Risks and Safety Considerations

A safety concern associated with the boldo plant is the presence of a toxic compound called ascaridole. This substance is found in the plant’s essential oil and can be present in the leaves, particularly in high concentrations. Ascaridole is toxic to the liver, and consuming boldo products not certified as ascaridole-free can pose a risk of liver damage. Therefore, using boldo in large medicinal amounts is not recommended.

Certain individuals should avoid using boldo entirely due to potential health risks, including:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• People with pre-existing severe liver disease or kidney disorders
• Those with an obstruction of the bile duct
• Individuals with gallstones or other gallbladder problems

Boldo is recommended only for short-term use. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any regimen that includes boldo, especially when using it for medicinal purposes. A professional can provide guidance on appropriate use and help determine if it is a safe choice based on an individual’s health status.

Growing the Boldo Plant

Cultivating the boldo plant is best suited for those in a Mediterranean-like climate, corresponding to USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. The plant is sensitive to frost, which can damage or kill it. It thrives in conditions that mimic its native Andean foothills, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

For successful growth, boldo requires soil that is very well-draining. It does not tolerate waterlogged roots, so sandy or loamy soil types are preferable to heavy clay. The plant performs well in a position that receives full sun to partial shade, though some protection during the hottest part of the day is beneficial in warmer climates.

Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Boldo is a slow-growing plant, so patience is needed when cultivating it. Boldo plants are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. To produce fruit, both a male and a female plant must be grown in proximity for pollination, though the leaves are the most commonly used part.