Boldo

Identity

Common Name

Boldo

Scientific Name

Peumus boldus

Botanical Family

Monimiaceae

Native Region

Chile (Andean foothills)

Cultivation Regions

Chile, Peru, Mediterranean (cultivated)

Plant Parts Used

Leaves

Synonyms

Boldina, Boldo Leaf, Chilean Boldo

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

An evergreen shrub of Chilean hills with small oval leathery aromatic leaves, small clustered white bell-like flowers, and small edible green-yellow berries; the leaves are the part used.

Historical Background

Boldo is a fragrant evergreen of the Chilean hills, used for centuries by the Mapuche people for digestive and liver comfort. Its warm, camphor-like leaves brew a traditional South American after-meal tea, later adopted in European herbalism.

Earliest recorded uses: Indigenous Mapuche traditions of Chile for centuries; a digestive and liver herb later adopted in South American and European medicine.

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Aromatic, warm, slightly bitter, camphor-like

Tea Information

Research Summary

Boldo has a tradition as a digestive and liver herb; preclinical work shows antioxidant and choleretic activity. Clinical evidence is insufficient and it is not a treatment for liver disease, gallstones, or any condition; avoid in liver/bile-duct disease.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources