Treat yourself with Boldo

Botanical Name: Peumus boldus Molina

Part used: boldo leaves

Therapeutic properties: cholagogues, choleretic, stomachic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, laxative

Therapeutic use:

• digestive problems, especially if of hepatic and / or biliary origin (generally accompanied by symptoms such as post-prandial heaviness, halitosis, whitish tongue); spastic gastrointestinal disorders (abdominal cramps); constipation

Examples of medical specialties containing boldo extracts: Giuliani Medicinal Bitter, Reflash, Eparema, Menabil Complex, Colax etc.

NOTES: when boldo leaves are taken for curative purposes it is essential to use defined and standardized pharmaceutical forms in active ingredients (isoquinoline type alkaloids, of which the main one is boldin), the only ones that allow us to know how many pharmacologically active molecules are administering to the patient. Traditional herbal preparations such as infusions, juices and decoctions, do not allow to establish exactly the quantity of active ingredients administered to the patient, which increases the risk of therapeutic failure.

Boldo: traditional herbalist indications

Symptomatic treatment of dyspepsia and spastic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

Indicative dosage in adults and the elderly (oral)

1. If the boldo is taken in the form of titrated and standardized extracts in active ingredients:
   • the intake of 1 mg of boldina per dose is recommended, to be repeated 2-3 times a day
2. If the boldo is taken as an infusion:
   • take 2-3 times a day an infusion prepared from 1-2 grams of drug (leaves) dried in herbal tea

NOTES: if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, or are aggravated while using the product, consult your doctor. As a precautionary measure, do not take during pregnancy and lactation.

Boldo extracts are contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity towards the active substances that characterize them. The spontaneous use of eupeptic, choleretic and cholagogue preparations based on boldo is contraindicated in case of serious liver diseases, such as sclerosing cholangitis, presence of biliary lithiasis or other causes of biliary obstruction. In such contexts, boldo intake should only take place on direct medical advice and under medical supervision, since it could cause - especially in the case of microcalculosis - colics also important.

Boldo is a safe drug, for which there are no particular side effects (except for oil and distillates, rich in ascaridol, a toxic substance used in the past as anthelmintic). Side effects include episodes of:

• hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis)

If these side effects occur seriously, or if other side effects occur, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

For more information on the correct use of a specific boldo-based product, and for the complete list of side effects, see the package leaflet accompanying the product. This information must always be read carefully before starting treatment.

Examples of herbal preparations and medicines containing Boldo

Eparema tablets

Indications: constipation

Dosage: 1-2 coated tablets a day before main meals. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Reflash tablets

Indications: dyspeptic-biliary digestive disorders characterized by early satiety, feeling of fullness, digestive slowness, meteorology of the upper abdomen, halitosis, nausea, vomiting.

Dosage: 1 tablet before meals. To fully exploit the action of the product it is essential to suck the tablet for a few seconds and then swallow with a little water

Popular colagoga and choleretic herbal tea

Prepare a 5% decoction: bring to abolition and boil for 5-7 minutes, 5 grams of mixture for every 100 ml of water. Take a cup after meals.

Laxative herbal tea (Dr. Zambotti)

Prepare a 5% infusion: leave in infusion for a few minutes, in boiling water over low heat, 5 grams of mixture per 100 ml of water. Take a cup once or twice a day.