Boldo is a shrub, which is also known as Peumus boldus. The origin of its name lies in the Mapudungun name – folo.
The major part of this plant gets used for culinary purposes. The leaves of the boldo plant appear just like the bay leaves, which is also a constituent of a green tree.
The places that are native to this plant are – Peru, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. The boldo shrub has an imposing history of medicinal uses, and many of the locals do believe in the advantages of boldo plant.
The leaves of boldo have many isoquinoline alkaloids along with 2% essential oil, approximately. The essential oil in it constitutes eucalyptol ascaridole, cymene, and linalool, that are the main ingredients of this oil.
When treating the gallstones, professionals choose boldo along with other herbs, such as white fringe tree and barberry. Mostly the leaves of the boldo plant get used, but some countries do take benefits of the bark too.
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Science proves various beneficial uses of boldo. Some of its essential facts are –
[Also Read: Coconut Oil benefits ]
The boldo essential oil is extracted from the dried leaves of boldo(1). Large fractions of boldo leaves take place by using hot pressurized water or HPW and supercritical CO2. The extraction of boldo oil takes three hours to complete and provides a highly productive boldo essential oil. It gets a high potency of anti-oxidants too.
Boldo oil is useful in treating many problems and illnesses. A gentle massage over the aching areas of the body can cure the pain effectively. Boldo oil is not recommended for aromatherapy, as it is highly toxic. The boldo oil is highly efficient towards rheumatism, and due to its diuretic nature, it also facilitates passage of urine by removing toxins.
These amazing boldo benefits can help you out in several simple and easy ways –
There are many treatments available to treat the formation of gallstones, but boldo leaves are the most effective and popular measures. The alkaloid present in it stimulates the proper secretion of bile.
Boldo is responsible for cleansing and detoxifying the liver, that ultimately helps in preventing diseases related to the liver.
[Also Read: Liver Detox- Merits and Demerits]
The boldo leaves are known for stimulating the release of uric acid(2) from the body. This release helps in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Boldo leaves can prevent many of the gastrointestinal issues, such as – heartburn, constipation, and other digestive problems.
Researches show that consumption of boldo leaves can reduce anxiety, by stimulating the neurotransmitters and neurochemicals. Hence, it helps in improving mental health.
Boldo leaves have a high amount of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that can enhance the immune system. The anti-oxidants remove the harmful radicals from the body.
The anti-oxidants present in the boldo leaves are responsible for the detoxification of the body. They prevent the anti-microbial activity and maintain proper functioning of the organ system.
Boldo leaves can inhibit the growth of bacteria in the urinary tracts. It kills the growing bacteria and causes its removal from the body.
Boldo leaves are also beneficial in treating a sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea. It kills microbial activities in the affected areas and prevents further growth.
The most common use of boldo leaves is for the treatment of disease or achy joints. A gentle massage of boldo essential oil reduces a lot of pain.
The plenty of ways to uses of boldo are –
There are no significant side effects of consuming boldo leaves. However, excessive intake of boldo leaves might cause toxicity in your body, leading to many critical problems. You should use it in smaller quantities. Some other side effects could include –
In the cases mentioned above, one should avoid the consumption of boldo leaves, or consult a doctor or specialist, before consuming it.
Boldo benefits are no less than any conventional medicine. You have to take care of the side effects and the precautions to prevent their occurrence. There are several cases of chronic diseases, where boldo essential oil plays a crucial role in treating the causal problem. You can buy anything related to boldo from your nearest departmental or grocery store and enjoy its benefits.