Contents
BOLDO HAZARDS
Is boldo toxic?
Boldo is not a toxic plant in the recommended doses.
- In some regions of the world it is a culinary spice and is used in food in small doses. In particular, it is an aromatic herb of Chilean cuisine.
- This plant has become one of the most prescribed in phytotherapy for the liver in herbalists ‘.
- However, boldo is a plant rich in essential oils and contains medicinal components with certain contraindications. It use may cause side effects.
* More information: See the side effects and contraindications.
What components does boldo contain?
- Essential oil (1-3%): it contains monoterpene carbides (p-cymene, alpha and beta-pinene, gamma-terpinene) and oxygenated monoterpenes (ascaridol, cineol, linalool, terpineol and camphor).
- Isoquinoleinic alkaloids (0.2-0.5%): Boldo contains about 20 alkaloids derived from aporphine, the most important being boldine, which represents 25-30% of the total alkaloids.
- Flavonic glycosides: boldoside, boldoglucin.
- Flavonoids: rhamnetol, isorhamnetol, kaempferol, catechins.
What effects can boldo produce?
- In very high doses, boldo essential oil has narcotic, hypnotic and convulsive effects. It may produce hallucinations, vertigo and vomiting. Use the dry plant in the recommended doses.
- Boldo essential oil should be used in very low doses: doses higher than 0.3g. cause diarrhea and other adverse effects, even palsy.
- The essential oil has caused irritation of the kidneys and the genitourinary tract.
- Essential oil or high doses of the dry plant have been shown to be abortive and cause disruption of the fetus. Boldo is NOT a recommended plant during pregnancy.
- The alkaloids of the plant, specially boldine, are toxic in high doses. However, infusions at 1 and 2% do not cause toxic effects.
- Boldo alkaloids and glycosides of the plant are toxic to rodents.
| Because of its content in alkaloids and its richness in essential oils, boldo should not be used in long treatments or for more than 4 weeks. |
Precautions with boldo treatments
- Here are the basic precautions for healthy people. You will find the contraindications and side effects in an extended way in the sections of the list.
- Do not perform treatments longer than 4 weeks. Follow the doses prescribed by your doctor.
- It should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- The essential oil of the plant should not be used in children under 12 years old.
- Ask your doctor about boldo safety if you take medication.
- Check with your doctor about boldo safety if you have liver or kidney disease.
More information on boldo
This article was endorsed by Vicente Martínez Centelles - Founder of the web and director. Teacher of natural sciences, expert in plants, natural remedies and botanical photography.
