Boldo is a medicinal plant that contains active substances, such as boldine or rosmarinic acid, and that can be used as a home remedy for the liver due to its digestive and hepatic properties, in addition to having diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, for example.
The two most used types of boldo are the boldo de Chile or real boldo, Peumus boldus Molina which can be found in health food stores and herbal stores in the form of dried leaves or tea sachets and the Brazilian boldo, boldo da terra or fake boldo, Plectranthus barbatus , widely cultivated and found in Brazil.
Although it has several health benefits, the use of boldo can also cause side effects, especially when it is consumed in excessive amounts and for more than 20 days, in addition to being contraindicated for pregnant women by people with acute hepatitis, gallbladder stone , inflammation of the bile ducts or pancreatitis. Therefore, the use of boldo should always be done under the guidance of a doctor or other health professional who has experience with the use of medicinal plants.
The main benefits depend on the species of bilberry used and include:
1. Stimulate the functioning of the liver
Boldine, an alkaloid present especially in Chile’s boldo, and forskolin present in Brazilian boldo, stimulate the production of bile by the gallbladder, helping the liver to work better. These species of bilberry, are very useful in cases of liver problems that cause symptoms of headache, cold sweat and malaise.
2. Assist in the treatment of gallbladder problems
Bilberry stimulates the production and release of bile through the gallbladder and, therefore, can assist in the treatment of gallbladder problems. In addition, the boldo helps to normalize the functioning of the gallbladder.
3. Improve digestion
Bilberry helps improve digestion especially when taken in the form of tea before meals. In addition, boldine improves the action of bile that is released in the intestine, aiding in the digestion of fats and therefore relieves poor digestion.
4. Assist in the treatment of gastritis
The alkaloids present in the boldo help control stomach acids and can be very useful in helping to treat gastritis. In addition, the astringent properties of bilberry reduce the acidity of the stomach and thus aids in the treatment of heartburn.
5. Relieve symptoms of food intolerance
Boldo has digestive, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that can help relieve the symptoms of some food intolerances such as poor digestion, intestinal colic and excessive gas production.
6. Improve bowel function
The alkaloids present in the boldo act as an intestinal relaxant regulating the functioning of the intestine, which can be useful to treat constipation. In addition, the boldo reduces the production of intestinal gases giving the sensation of flat stomach and helps the treatment of worms and intestinal infections.
7. Eliminate fungi and bacteria
Bilberry can help eliminate bacteria such as:
- Streptococcus pyogenesthat causes throat infection or erysipelas, for example;
- Staphylococcus aureusthat cause lung, skin and bone infections.
In addition, Chile’s boldo essential oil has antifungal activity mainly for the fungus Candida sp which can cause ringworm of the skin. However, boldo should not replace any antibiotics and should only be used with medical knowledge.
8. Have antioxidant action
Boldo has phenolic compounds in its composition such as polyphenols and alkaloids, mainly boldine in Chile’s boldo, rosmarinic acid and forskaline present in Brazilian boldo, which have antioxidant action, fighting free radicals and reducing cell damage. Thus, boldo helps prevent and combat diseases associated with oxidative stress caused by free radicals such as atherosclerosis.
9. Improve the hangover
Bilberry helps to purify acetaldehyde, which is a substance produced by the liver after alcohol consumption and is primarily responsible for hangover symptoms such as dry mouth, headache and general malaise. In addition, boldine acts as a liver protector, helping to restore this organ.
10. Have a calming effect
Boldo is an aromatic plant, with a smell similar to that of mint, having a calming and relaxing effect when used in the form of tea or immersion bath.
How to use boldo
Boldo can be consumed in the form of tea or juice using the fresh leaves of the Brazilian boldo or the dried leaves of the Boldo from Chile, bought in pharmacies of natural or herbal products, as this type of boldo is not grown in Brazil. Boldo tea can be prepared immediately before taking and the leaves should not be boiled with water to avoid the strong bitter taste of this plant.
- Boldo tea:add 1 teaspoon of chopped boldo leaves in 150 mL of boiling water. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and take warm immediately afterwards. Boldo tea can be taken 2 to 3 times a day before or after meals. Another option is to have a cup before bed to help digestion after dinner and have a peaceful night’s sleep;
- Boldo juice:add 1 teaspoon of chopped boldo leaves in 1 glass of ice water and half a glass of lemon juice. Beat in a blender, strain and then drink.
Another way to use boldo is in immersion baths to calm and improve symptoms of tiredness and stress, as the aroma of bilberry is similar to that of mint, causing a feeling of well-being. In this case, you can boil 1 liter of water with a few leaves of bilberry for 15 minutes and then pour the bilberry tea in the bathtub water and stay immersed for approximately 10 minutes.
Possible side effects
Bilberry is safe for most adults when consumed for a short period of time. However, if the boldo is consumed in excessive amounts or for more than 20 days it can cause liver poisoning, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, boldo can cause increased uterine contractions and miscarriage and cause malformation in the baby, especially if consumed in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Who should not use
Boldo should not be used by babies, children, pregnant or nursing women and people with acute hepatitis, gall bladder, inflammation of the bile ducts, pancreatitis, liver or bile cancer. If you suspect pregnancy, it is recommended that, before using the boldo, a pregnancy test is done, as the boldo can cause abortion by increasing uterine contractions.
Boldo should not be used to treat infection with the new coronavirus, COVID-19, as there are no studies that prove the antiviral action of boldo tea against the coronavirus.
It is important to use the boldo under the guidance of a doctor, herbalist or a health professional with specific knowledge of medicinal plants.
