Check out our new exciting blog series "Spice for Health"

17. The B list : Herbs and spices that Heal- BOLDO

17. The B list : Herbs and spices that Heal- BOLDO
Boldo (  Peumus boldus)
An evergreen shrub
Archaeologists revealed Boldo was used 2,500 years ago


Appearance and Description

  • An evergreen shrubby tree
  • Menthol like smell
  • Grows six to eight meters high
  • Native to  Peru and central Chile
Primarily used in Bolivia, Chile. Paraguay Argentina Uruguay, Peru, Brazil and other bordering South American countries.

Flavor

Used in a similar way as bay leaves. Boldo is used as a herbal tea as well. 

Boldo fruits are not well known and appear from December to February. They are nutritious, tasty, green, small, edible spheres.

 

Uses

  • It is used as a medicinal beverage but also mixed in yerba mate a popular South American beverage.
  • It can be used in moderation as a seasoning in stews, soups, and herbal tea blends.
  • It is used medicinally. 

The Boldo leaf can be infused in water to extract oil. It is used in shampoos, soaps and skin lotions as well as hair rinses

Boldo Leaf Health Benefits

Boldo leaves are rich in alkalines. An Alkaline called boldine is an anti-inflammatory and it is effective in gastric activity stimulation. It detoxifies the liver, improves the digestive system and aids in weight loss.

 It contains the following active ingredients and antioxidant compounds.

  1. limonene
  2. coumarin
  3. camphor
  4. beta-pinene

.

  • Used for gastrointestinal spasms
  • Achy Joints
  • Gallstones
  • Liver disease
  • Bladder infections 
  • Gonorrhea.
  • It increases urine flow to and eliminates excess fluids from the body, reducing anxiety, killing bacteria and increasing the flow of bile.

 

  • Liver Detoxifier

The tea detoxifies the body stimulation function of the liver, reducing blood clots and thinning the blood

 

  • Digestion: Relieves constipation and flatulence
  • Boosts the Immune System: Antimicrobial and antiviral properties help to boost the immune system
  • Relieves Inflammation: Antioxidants reduce acute body inflammation

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