Overview

Boldo (Peumus boldus) is an evergreen shrub native to South America. It's most commonly found in Chile. Its leaf has been traditionally used as medicine.

Boldo contains antioxidants and chemicals that might fight the growth of bacteria in the urine. But it also contains a chemical called ascaridole, which is toxic to the liver.

People use boldo for gallbladder disease, kidney stones, joint paint, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Boldo overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Boldo is commonly consumed in foods. But boldo is possibly unsafe when taken in larger amounts as medicine. Boldo contains a chemical called ascaridole, which is toxic and can lead to liver damage. Only ascaridole-free products should be used.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if boldo is safe. Side effects might include skin irritation.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Boldo is commonly consumed in foods. But boldo is possibly unsafe when taken in larger amounts as medicine. Boldo contains a chemical called ascaridole, which is toxic and can lead to liver damage. Only ascaridole-free products should be used.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if boldo is safe. Side effects might include skin irritation.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Boldo is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Boldo contains chemicals that might harm the fetus and cause liver damage. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Gallbladder problems: Boldo seems to increase the flow of bile, a fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. The extra bile flow might be harmful in people with gallbladder problems. Also, it's possible that having gallbladder problems increases the risk of liver damage from boldo.

Liver disease: Boldo might cause liver damage, especially in people who have liver disease.

Surgery: Boldo might slow blood clotting. This might increase the chance of too much bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using boldo at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with Boldo

    Boldo might harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Taking boldo along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Boldo

    Boldo might slow blood clotting. Taking boldo along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Lithium interacts with Boldo

    Boldo might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking boldo might increase how much lithium is in the body. This could cause serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

  • Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with Boldo

    Tacrolimus is a medication used to prevent organ rejection in people with organ transplants. Taking boldo with tacrolimus might reduce the amount of tacrolimus in the body. This could decrease the effects of tacrolimus and increase the chance for transplant rejection. Do not take boldo if you are taking tacrolimus after an organ transplant.

Dosing

Boldo has been traditionally used by adults as a tea. It's prepared by steeping 1 gram of dried boldo leaves in 150 mL of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. But there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of boldo might be. It might also be unsafe. Speak with your healthcare provider before use.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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