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What is boldo and what is it used for?
Boldo, whose scientific name is Peumus boldusis a plant native to the southern cone of the South American continent, and it is in this part of the planet that it is most consumed, although its use is currently widespread.
The boldo plant is mainly found in Chile, Argentina and southern Peru. It is one of the most widely used native medicinal plants in the region, due to its variety of medicinal uses.
It can be obtained in different formats, either the plant itself from which its leaves can be extracted to prepare an infusion (the “boldo tea” as it is usually called, although it is not really a tea, in many parts of South America tea is synonymous with infusion), as well as in pills, capsules or tablets, and even in oil.
This plant was already used by the natives of Chile for digestive and liver problems long before the arrival of the Spaniards on the continent.
Boldo Properties
This fantastic herb has long been used for its hepatoprotective and regenerative properties.
The benefits of this plant for the liver are no secret, and these properties of boldo also extend to other organs such as the stomach and the entire digestive system.
The plant contains monoterpene hydrocarbons, as well as flavonoids and alkaloids, which are the main components.
benefits of boldo
Considering the properties and formats, now let’s see what the benefits of boldo are and what the plant is used for.
Boldo for the liver
This medicinal plant is very useful for liver problems due to its properties and active ingredients. It also helps in the proper functioning of the gallbladder.
Boldo and milk thistle are two of the main herbs for improving liver function and healing damage to this organ.
bold to lose weight
The plant is diuretic, so it is an ally of weight loss diets. In fact, it is not uncommon for its use to supplement diets to become widespread.
This is used by many merchants who sell the plant as “boldo for weight loss”, which is not entirely true, since it does not mean that the plant is used for weight loss on its own, but rather that it is accompanied by a good, healthy, complete and balanced diet, in addition to regular energetic activity, whether at work or in sport, could help reduce the accumulation and retention of liquids, typical of a sedentary lifestyle contemporary.
Therefore, if you are using this plant for weight loss, we recommend that you keep in mind that although it is very beneficial and will help you with many other things, neither this plant nor any other is miraculous. on the subject.
Promotes the elimination of uric acid
Diets high in uric acid as well as excess of certain foods or drinks can affect the blood. Hyperuricemia or excess uric acid in the blood can cause problems, the best known being the disease known as gout.
Therefore, in addition to avoiding shellfish, fatty fish, red meat, organ meats and sausages, as well as alcoholic beverages, this plant can help improve the situation by helping to expel this acid from the blood.
Soothes the digestive system
Boldo tea helps to tone the digestive system and aid digestion, which is why it is highly recommended after meals, especially for dishes that are difficult to digest.
Eliminate intestinal gas
Another benefit of boldo is that it helps eliminate gas from the digestive system, especially intestinal gas that is bothersome and causes pain or cramping.
Other benefits
In addition to the exceptional and most common benefits, i.e. for liver health and to accompany diets or cleanse the body, boldo contains anti-inflammatory properties, helps fight vaginal infections, such as candida, improves poor skin pigmentation and lung health, as it also helps counter the buildup of secretions.
It is also used to create medicine, as seen in this CNN video:
Boldo tea: how to prepare this infusion
Preparing tea or infusion from this plant is relatively simple. It is prepared in the same way as other infusions of dried leaves.
The ratio is one teaspoon of coffee to one cup of water. Add boiling water to the leaves, cover and let stand 10 to 15 minutes.
Then it is filtered and it is ready to drink. You can add a little honey or panela, or drink without sweetener.
It is also possible to find, especially in South America, boldo tea bags to infuse directly into the cup, by adding boiling water.
It is not necessary to boil the leaves. In fact, they could lose properties.
Boldo tea is used to benefit from the properties of this plant and is, in fact, one of the best ways to do so. Even to make a boldo poultice, it is best to do so with tea or an infusion of the plant.
Contraindications of boldo
It is not a plant that can cause many problems, although there are contraindications to boldo, or rather possible side effects, which could be caused by excessive consumption of it, especially in infusion.
One of these side effects could be auditory hallucination or altered color perception.
In case of excessive consumption of boldo infusion or tea, it could also cause discomfort such as nausea, headache, dizziness or vomiting. It is therefore recommended not to exceed the maximum of 3 cups of infusion per day.
Likewise, another of the contraindications of boldo is that laxative effects of the plant could be increased if not consumed in moderation.
In any case, you should consult your doctor if you are taking medication because of the interaction that these and other side effects may cause.
Boldo: where to buy
Boldo can be purchased as tablets, capsules, dried herbs or sachets ready to make a tea or infusion. Tablets can be bought very easily these days, and they are one of the most used means, especially in Europe.
In Latin America it is more common to find the plant, which can even be planted in the garden or the terrace (in a pot or on the ground) and thus always have a fresh plant.
What other uses or benefits of boldo do you know? Leave them in the comments and we’ll help our community learn more about this fantastic plant!