Boldo

Constituents

Isoquinoline alkaloids of the aporphine type (0.25-0.5%),main alkaloid is boldine

Volatile oil (2-3%) chief components are p-cymene, cineol, ascaridiole

Flavonoids: including rhamnetin-3-O-arabinoside-3'-O- rhamnoside (peumoside), isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside-7-)rhamnoside (boldoside), isorhamnetin diamnoside (fragroside)

Variation of the alkaloid content of Peumus boldus (boldo).

Effects

Antispasmodic, choleretic, increases gastric secretions.

Uses

Approved by Commission E

Dyspepsia complaints

The use of boldo is passed down from the time of the Incas and the herb is used in much the same way today - for a wide range of stomach, digestive, and liver complaints. Boldo leaves are used to treat bladder and urinary tract infections, gallbladder discomfort, gallstones, heartburn and indigestion, and stomach cramps. The herb works by encouraging the release of bile and dissolving fats and also by increasing intestinal transit time, giving the digestive tract more time to digest food. The ascaridole in boldo attacks intestinal worms.

It’s also used as a hangover cure, partly because it is believed to be an effective liver detoxifier. It was also used (and still is used) as a remedy for insomnia and sleeplessness. Those having difficulty sleeping reportedly not only were able to achieve restful sleep, but those who consume a day’s dose of Boldo tea had “increased dreaming activity” at night as well.

The Mapuche Shaman of Chile used Boldo leaves as in incense that helped them to reach a trance state. According to “Marginalities: Diamela Eltit and the Subversion of Mainstream Literature “, the vast majority of machis (Mapuche shaman) were women. The female shaman distinguishes herself from regular Mapuche women because of her ability to relate with the supernatural world through trance. And, although all Mapuche women are knowledgeable in the use of medicinal herbs, machis pride themselves in having methods of healing revealed to them through peuma or dreams.

Dreams and visions constitute an important aspect of Mapuche life, so naturally, the quest for herbs that help induce visions and dreams would be highly regarded. Like many African cultures, its through the oneiric realms that messages about both personal and social, positive and negative events are revealed, as well as connections to ancestral spirits. Unlike Christians, the Mapuches do not need churches to worship in because their religion is rooted in the unconscious. But, just like spirit possession and speaking in tongues of some Christian sects, under a trance state a machi purportedly communicates with the supernatural. Read more...

Physio-Medical Therapeutics, Materia Medica and Pharmacy BY T. J. LYLE, A.M.M. 1897

Boldo is an evergreen and fragrant tree. Its whitish fruit is aromatic, sweet and is eaten in its native country. Its hard round seeds are sometimes used in making the beads of rosaries. The bark gives a dye material for tanning.

The leaves are a soothing, diffusive, stimulating tonic to the mucous membrane. It is also antiseptic and valuable in atonic dyspepsia, hepatic torpor, biliousness and hepatic congestion. Its influence is also extended to the urinary and genital organs and is useful in cystic catarrh, menorrhagia and nocturnal erections. It improves the appetite, stimulates digestion and tones the general system.

Preparation Methods & Dosage :

Drinking this bitter tea before meals improve digestion and prevent heartburn, gas and bloating. Use 1 teaspoon of dried herb per cup.

Daily dosage: the average daily dosage is 4.5 gm. One cup of tea 2 to3 times daily.

Cautions:

Not to be used by persons with gallstones, serious liver conditions or obstruction of the bile duct. Not for long term use.

Overdose

Signs of paralysis are reported to appear following intake of very high dosages. A case is described in the older scientific literature in which depression, color hallucinations, sound hallucinations and partial motor aphasia occurred following the consumption of boldine over a period of months.