Witnessed by: Western
Boldo (Peumus boldus), of the Monimiaceae family. Evergreen shrub or small tree with rigid, warted, strongly aromatic leaves; native range: dry sclerophyll hillsides of central Chile and the Peruvian Andes. Globally recognized as boldu, boldea in English. The part used is leaf. Leaf intensely aromatic and camphoraceous, bitter, with a lemony-eucalyptus scent when crushed.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
BOLDO
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- boldo
- Scientific name
- Peumus boldus Molina
- Family
- Monimiaceae
Form
- Part used
- leaf
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- bitter · aromatic
Temperature
- Western
- warm and drying
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- liver · digestion · bowels
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- cholagogue, choleretic, hepatic, mild laxative, carminative, diuretic
Cautions
Contraindications: biliary obstruction, gallstones with duct blockage, severe liver disease, pregnancy
Toxicity: the volatile oil contains ascaridole, which is neurotoxic and hepatotoxic in excess; avoid the essential oil internally
Interactions
- Western
- anticoagulants: reported potentiation of warfarin with raised INR · hepatotoxic drugs: additive hepatic burden from ascaridole in high doses
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