Scientific name: Peumus boldus Molina
Family: Monimiaceae
You might know boldo as the aromatic evergreen tree native to Chile, famous for its fragrant leaves that brew into a soothing herbal tea. Though not as commonly spotted in gardens as some other herbs, boldo holds a special place in traditional medicine and culinary traditions, especially across South America.
Boldo’s rich, slightly bitter flavor and its long history of use for digestive health make it a fascinating plant worth knowing about. Whether you’re curious about growing it or interested in its many uses, this Plant Compendium entry will guide you through everything boldo—from its botanical traits to practical tips for enjoying this aromatic shrub.
History of Boldo
Boldo has long been valued for its medicinal properties and aromatic qualities in its native lands.
Native Origins
Boldo is native to the central region of Chile, where it grows wild in dry, rocky hillsides and scrublands. Indigenous peoples and local communities have used boldo leaves for centuries, brewing them into teas believed to support digestion and liver health.
Traditional Medicine
In Chilean folk medicine, boldo tea is commonly used to relieve indigestion, stomach cramps, and liver disorders. Its popularity spread throughout South America and eventually into Europe as herbal remedies gained global interest.
Cultural Significance
Boldo is often considered a symbol of natural healing and resilience, thriving in harsh conditions where few other plants flourish. Its distinctive aroma and bittersweet flavor have also made it a cherished addition to herbal medicine collections.
Botanical Description
Boldo is an evergreen tree or shrub from the Monimiaceae family, native to Chile, and the only species of the genus Peumus. In Brazil, the plant is called “boldo do Chile” to differentiate from the unrelated “bold brasileiro” plant, Plectranthus barbatus, a member of the Lamiaceae family. Boldo is known worldwide primarily for its leaves.
Roots: Boldo develops a deep and extensive root system, helping it survive in dry, rocky soils typical of its native habitat.
Trunk & Branches: The tree reaches about 5–10 meters (16–33 ft) in height. Its bark is rough and grayish, sometimes peeling in thin flakes.
Leaves: The leaves are oval-shaped, leathery, and dark green, with a characteristic strong, camphor-like aroma. They have tiny oil glands visible when held up to the light.
Flowers: Boldo flowers are small, yellow-green, and appear in clusters during spring. They’re not showy but attract some native pollinators.
Fruit: The tree produces small, berry-like fruits about 1 cm wide, turning reddish-orange when ripe. These fruits are edible but not commonly consumed.
Growing Instructions
Boldo grows in an area known as matorral, a type of vegetation found in the arid regions of Latin America. Due to its popularity in traditional medicine and herbal medicine, boldo has also been introduced to other areas with similar climates. It can also be grown in other subtropical and warm regions of the world. Vegetative propagation is very difficult, as only cuttings from young seedlings have been rooted successfully. Interested in growing your own boldo? Here’s what you need to know:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade works best.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soils. It tolerates poor soil but dislikes waterlogged conditions. Maintaining soil humidity of 20% FC assures good leaf yields, but plants require higher irrigation intensities to reach the minimum essential oil content.
Temperature: Thrives in Mediterranean-type climates with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Watering: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
Spacing: Plant boldo shrubs 2–3 meters (6–10 ft) apart to allow airflow and growth.
Pruning: Light pruning in late winter promotes bushier growth and leaf production.
Life Cycle
Germination: Seeds can be slow to germinate, sometimes requiring scarification or soaking.
Growth: Boldo grows slowly but steadily, reaching maturity in about 3–5 years.
Flowering: Blooms appear in spring.
Fruit Set: Small berries develop after flowering.
Dormancy: Evergreen but growth slows during colder months.
Harvesting and Foraging
Harvesting
Pick mature leaves year-round, but best flavor comes from spring and early summer. Harvest leaves in the morning after dew has dried.
Foraging
Wild boldo grows naturally in central Chile, but be cautious to harvest sustainably and respect local regulations.
Plant Companions
Good Neighbors:
In its natural habitat, boldo is found both as a single plant exposed to full sunlight or as part of native forests where it grows under the partial shade of other tree species.
In its natural habitat, boldo is found both as a single plant exposed to full sunlight or as part of native forests where it grows under the partial shade of other tree species.
Avoid:
Plants needing heavy watering, as boldo prefers drier soils.
Plants needing heavy watering, as boldo prefers drier soils.
Common Pests and Diseases
Boldo is generally hardy, but watch out for:
Aphids: Can cluster on young shoots; treat with insecticidal soap.
Scale Insects: May appear on leaves; manual removal or neem oil can help.
Root Rot: Avoid overwatering and poor drainage.
Fungal Leaf Spots: Rare, but good airflow and pruning help prevent them.
Shopping Tips
Saplings:
Buy from reputable nurseries specializing in Mediterranean or South American plants.
Choose healthy, pest-free plants with strong stems and green leaves.
Buy from reputable nurseries specializing in Mediterranean or South American plants.
Choose healthy, pest-free plants with strong stems and green leaves.
Dried Leaves:
Available in herbal stores or online as boldo tea leaves.
Look for clean, aromatic leaves without dust or discoloration.
Available in herbal stores or online as boldo tea leaves.
Look for clean, aromatic leaves without dust or discoloration.
Storage
Fresh Leaves:
Use soon after harvesting for best aroma.
Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate briefly in a sealed bag.
Use soon after harvesting for best aroma.
Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate briefly in a sealed bag.
Dried Leaves:
Store airtight in a cool, dark place.
Keeps well for up to a year if stored properly.
Store airtight in a cool, dark place.
Keeps well for up to a year if stored properly.
Culinary Uses
Boldo’s aromatic leaves are mainly used for herbal tea rather than cooking.
Boldo Tea:
The most common use—steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
Known for its slightly bitter, camphor-like flavor with hints of eucalyptus.
The most common use—steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
Known for its slightly bitter, camphor-like flavor with hints of eucalyptus.
Flavoring Agent:
Occasionally used in small amounts to add a unique herbal note to savory dishes or sauces in South American cuisine, but this is less common.
Occasionally used in small amounts to add a unique herbal note to savory dishes or sauces in South American cuisine, but this is less common.
Health Benefits
Boldo is celebrated for its traditional medicinal uses, though scientific research is ongoing.
In folk remedies, boldo is best known for its digestive and liver-supporting properties. These traditional uses are also backed by several official pharmacopoeias, including those of Brazil, Chile, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Switzerland, as well as references like the Martindale Extra Pharmacopoeia. Boldo also plays a role in homeopathic medicine.
Modern research has helped identify the key compounds responsible for boldo’s effects. Its leaves contain:
Alkaloids (0.4–0.5%), primarily boldine, a compound known for antioxidant and liver-protective properties. Interestingly, boldine represents 12–19% of total alkaloids in the plant, though some commercial extracts have shown much lower levels.
Essential oils, including ascaridole, commonly reported as the major component with antimicrobial activity. However, variations in plant varieties have shown limonene as the dominant compound in some oils, with ascaridole making up just 1% of total terpenoids.
Flavonoids, tannins, glycolipids, and phenolic compounds — all of which contribute to boldo’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.
In infusions (like boldo tea), significant levels of catechin, a potent antioxidant, have been found. One study reported a catechin content of 2.25%, while total alkaloids (in boldine equivalents) were only 0.06%, showing a strong predominance of antioxidant compounds over alkaloids in tea preparations.
Here are some of the main benefits associated with boldo:
Digestive Aid: Helps relieve indigestion, bloating, and stomach cramps.
Liver Support: Traditionally used to promote liver health and stimulate bile production.
Antimicrobial Properties: Essential oils contain compounds with antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant: Flavonoids and phenolic compounds may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress.
Note: Always consult a healthcare professional before using boldo medicinally.
Toxicity and Safety
Essential Oils: Boldo leaves contain ascaridole, which can be toxic in high doses. Use boldo tea in moderation.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Avoid use due to limited safety data.
Allergic Reactions: Rare but possible; discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Pets: Boldo is not recommended for animals.
Environmental Impact
Native Plant: Supports local biodiversity in its natural range.
Drought Tolerant: Requires less water than many other herbs, making it a sustainable choice for dry regions.
Pollinator Friendly: Flowers attract native insects, supporting ecosystem health.
Cultivation: Minimal pesticide use needed due to natural hardiness.
