Boldo Essential Oil is extracted from the plant called Peumus boldus (also called Boldoa fragrans and Boldu boldus) of the Monimiaceae family. Boldo Essential Oil’s chief constituents are: beta pinene, ascaridole, camphene, cineole, gamma terpinene, limonene, para cymene, linalool, alpha pinene and other monoterpeniods, like ascaridole which causes the oil to be toxic when taken excessively.
The leaves of the boldo plant are mainly used for teas, infusions and for cooking. Although it has medicinal properties, some experts warn against excessive use and improper consumption of Boldo Essential Oil.
Boldo Essential Oil has health benefits that could be credited to it being anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, Cholagogue, antiseptic, digestive, hepatic, diuretic, hepatic, narcotic, insectide, stimulant, narcotic and vermifuge material. The herb’s scientific name is Peumus boldus and the oil is extracted by steam distillation. The herb, called Boldo, can be found in countries in South America such as Peru, Chile and Bolivia.
Boldo Essential Oil Benefits
Boldo Essential Oil benefits include:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-microbial
- Helps digestion
- Cholagogue
- Anti-rheumatic
- Antiseptic
- Beneficial for liver
- Diuretic
- Insecticide
- Narcotic
- Vermifuge
- Stimulant
Boldo Essential Oil Uses
- Boldo Essential Oil as Insecticide. Boldo Essential Oil is highly toxic in nature that makes it a perfect insect killer. It is used to rid the body of parasites like lice, mosquitoes, fleas, flies and bed-bugs.
- Boldo Essential Oil as Narcotic. The oil has a potent effect on the neurotic and nervous system and has narcotic and intoxicating effects. In small doses, it can be used to induce soothing, relaxing and sedative effects on nerves. Higher doses can result to headaches, nausea, convulsions, nervous affliction and coma.
- Boldo Essential Oil as Vermifuge. The toxic nature of the oil can kill intestinal worms like tape and round worms and their offspring. It is utilized in fighting hookworms.
- Boldo Essential Oil as Antiseptic. The oil is good in countering infections, protecting wounds against tetanus and septic, which are caused by bacteria. Germs will not be able to infect wounds and will become septic due to the toxicity of the oil.
- Boldo Essential Oil as Anti-rheumatic. Boldo Essential Oil has a stimulating and narcotic effect. It stimulates the blood circulation in the affected parts of the body and relieves arthritis and rheumatism. Being a narcotic, it reduces the feeling of pain in affected parts and provides relief.
- Boldo Essential Oil as Antimicrobial. The poisonous nature of this oil is effective as an anti-microbial agent. It kills microbes and stops their growth. It is efficient against bacteria, any kind of microbe, protozoa, fungi and virus. It is used to heal several diseases and infections caused by microbes.
Boldo Essential Oil Side Effects
- Bile duct problems. Boldo Essential Oil appears to stimulate bile flow from the liver, which is stored in the gallbladder. The bile is used in the intestines for digesting fats. The ducts sometimes get blocked, and with extra blood flow due to Boldo Essential Oil, it may turn out to be harmful.
- Liver disease. It is recommended that people with liver disease should not take Boldo Essential Oil, as there is concern about damaging the liver.
- Boldo Essential Oil can thin blood. This might cause excessive bleeding during and after surgery. It is recommended to stop using Boldo at least two weeks before a surgery.
How to Make Boldo Essential Oil
Boldo Essential Oil is normally extracted from the leaves of the boldo shrub. Its essence is extracted by using hot and high-pressurized water. Afterwards, the essence is cooled and distilled in order to get oil. In some preparations, the leaves are infused in a carrier oil such as apricot kernel, coconut, or olive. Steep the leaves in oil and leave there for a couple of weeks – or more.
Boldo Essential Oil Recipe
Boldo Essential Oil products are varied from their powdered form and encapsulated, to its fluid extracts. Follow the directions for its use as specified on its various labels.
The traditional use of boldo is as an infusion or steeped tea which is taken one cup, once or twice daily. Use around 2 to 3 grams of boldo leaves and steep in 1 cup of hot water. Allow it to steep for10 minutes. Drinking the tea helps improve digestion, prevents heartburn, bloating and gas.
Homemade Tea
1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves
1 cup boiling water
Make the tea by adding a cup of boiling water to 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried and crushed boldo leaves. Steep for 10 minutes. Drink the tea twice or 3 times daily.
The average dose should not go over 3 grams of the dried herb daily. Add 1 or 2 ml of the tincture in a glass of water and take it twice or thrice a day.
Where to Buy Boldo Essential Oil
You can buy Boldo Essential Oil in bulk at website mountainroseherbs.com, n.stuccu.com, and other websites selling herbal products. Always remember to use the oils with caution and with expert care.
More Information on Boldo Essential Oil
- Boldo Essential Oil provides remedy for infections in the colon, gall bladder stones, urinary tract, excretory organs, intestines, and kidneys. It also cures dyspepsia and helps lose weight.
- It has chemicals that increase urine output as well as frequency of urination.
- It also keeps bacteria from forming in the urine
- It is used in the perfume industry
- The oil is lethal and could induce convulsions and toxic symptoms in small amounts. It could induce coma if higher doses were used.
- Due to its odor, do not use as aromatherapy. It must not be used as homeopathy and seek expert supervision for internal use.
- Must be avoided by pregnant women.
- Do not use undiluted.
- Not for long-term use.
- Not for use with persons who have serious liver and gallstone conditions, or obstruction of the bile duct.
