Peumus boldo
Part Used : Dried leaves.
Constituents :
- Alkaloids, of the isoquinoline type, up to 0.75%, including boldine, isocorydine,
- N-methyllaurotetanine, norisocorydine, isoboldine, laurolitsine, reticuline& others
- Volatile oil, containing mainly p-cymene, l, 8-cineole, ascaridole and linalool
- Flavonoid glycosides based on isorhamnetin.
Actions : Cholagogue, hepatic, diuretic.
Indications : Boldo is a specific for gall-bladder problems like stones or inflammations. It is also used when there is visceral pain due to other problems in liver or gall-bladder. Boldo has mild urinary demulcent and anti-septic properties and so would be used in cystitis.
Ellingwood considered it specific for "influencing the liver incases of toxaemia. It favours the resumption of functional activity of the liver without increasing peristaltic activity of the bowels, as most liver remedies do, thus acting kindly on the G-I tract" He also recommends it for:liver diseases, chronic intestinal trouble related to congestion of the liver.
Combinations : When treating gall-bladder or liver problems, it combines well with Fringetree Bark and Mountain Grape.
Preparations & Dosage : Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the dried leaves and let infuse l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take l-2ml of the tincture three times a day.