Boldo
Peumus boldus · Monimiaceae
Reviewed by The Sarv Health Team · Updated June 29, 2026 · Our editorial process
Boldo is an aromatic evergreen shrub native to Chile, where its leaves have been used by Indigenous peoples and in South American folk medicine for centuries, primarily as a remedy for the liver, gallbladder, and digestion. Classified as bitter and warming, it is one of the classic herbs for stimulating bile flow and supporting healthy liver and gallbladder function, traditionally used for sluggish digestion, gallstones, and the discomfort of a congested liver. Boldo is a valued digestive tonic, used to relieve indigestion, bloating, gas, and a heavy feeling after eating, especially after fatty meals. It also acts as a mild diuretic and has traditional use for the urinary tract, and it possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities. Its alkaloid boldine underlies its liver-protective and bile-stimulating effects. Used in moderate amounts, boldo is treasured as a remedy for the liver, gallbladder, and healthy digestion.
Medicinal Uses
Boldo is an aromatic evergreen shrub native to the central regions of Chile, where its leathery, fragrant leaves have been used by Indigenous Mapuche people and in South American folk medicine for centuries. It has since become a well-known liver and digestive herb in European herbalism as well. Boldo is classified as bitter and warming.
The foremost medicinal use of boldo is for the liver and gallbladder. As a bitter and a cholagogue, it stimulates the production and flow of bile, and is traditionally used to support healthy liver and gallbladder function, to help with sluggish bile, gallstones, and gallbladder discomfort, and to ease the symptoms of a congested or overburdened liver.
Boldo is equally valued as a digestive tonic. It is used to relieve indigestion, bloating, gas, and the heavy, sluggish feeling that can follow rich or fatty meals, helping the body digest fats more comfortably by supporting bile flow.
The herb also acts as a mild diuretic and has traditional use for the urinary tract, including mild urinary infections and as a gentle support for the bladder, and it possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities that support these uses.
Boldo's effects are attributed chiefly to the alkaloid boldine, along with its volatile oils (including ascaridole) and flavonoids, which provide liver-protective, bile-stimulating, antioxidant, and antispasmodic actions. Because its volatile oil is potent, boldo is used in moderate amounts and for limited periods and is avoided in pregnancy. Used appropriately, boldo is treasured as a remedy for the liver, gallbladder, and healthy digestion.
Benefits
Supports the liver and gallbladder, stimulates bile flow, helps with sluggish digestion and gallstones, eases the discomfort of a congested liver, relieves indigestion, bloating, and gas, aids the digestion of fatty meals, acts as a mild diuretic, supports the urinary tract, provides antioxidant and antimicrobial effects
How to Use & Dosage
300-600 mg per day, divided into doses.
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried boldo leaves in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup up to 2 times daily.
1-2 ml (about 20-40 drops), taken 2-3 times daily.
More Info
Frequently asked questions
What is Boldo used for?
Boldo is an aromatic evergreen shrub native to the central regions of Chile, where its leathery, fragrant leaves have been used by Indigenous Mapuche people and in South American folk medicine for centuries. It has since become a well-known liver and digestive herb in European herbalism as well. Boldo is classified as bitter and warming.
What are the benefits of Boldo?
Supports the liver and gallbladder, stimulates bile flow, helps with sluggish digestion and gallstones, eases the discomfort of a congested liver, relieves indigestion, bloating, and gas, aids the digestion of fatty meals, acts as a mild diuretic, supports the urinary tract, provides antioxidant and antimicrobial effects
How do you take Boldo?
Common preparations include capsules, infusion, tincture. See the dosage guidance above, and consult a qualified practitioner for amounts suited to you.
This information is for general wellness and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
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