The aromatic leaves of the boldo tree have been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years. Boldo leaf tea is known for its strong, woody, and peppery taste, and many health benefits.
In this article, I’ll explain what Boldo ea is and what health benefits it has. I’ll also tell you where to buy it and how to prepare this exotic herbal tea at home.
Boldo Plant
Boldo (Peumus boldus) is a slow-growing tree native to the central region of Chile. It is an evergreen and shrubby tree that can reach a height of about 20 feet (6 meters).
Boldo produces white or yellow scented flowers and small, yellowish-green, berrylike fruits, which are tasty and nutritious.
Some evidence suggests that humans have consumed Boldo leaves as early as 13,000 years ago.
Boldo tea is commonly available in the South American countries of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It is often mixed with yerba mate leaves, and other herbs, to moderate its strong and slightly bitter flavor.
Yerba mate contains caffeine, while boldo is naturally caffeine-free, so mixing these two herbs creates an energizing herbal infusion.
Boldo Tea Health Benefits
Boldo leaves have been traditionally used by the indigenous Chilean people mainly for liver, gallbladder, and stomach problems.
Chileans have also used boldo tea as a general tonic for many other illnesses and health problems including hangovers, insomnia, colds, digestive problems, and joint and muscle pains.
Leaves of the boldo tree contain several phytochemicals, which act as antioxidants that provide many health benefits and help with preventing and treating diseases.
Boldine is often considered the most important one, as it has shown some potential in protecting the liver, stimulating bile production in the gallbladder, and increasing gastric juice secretion.
Some of the other phytochemicals found in boldo leaves are camphor, limonene, beta-pinene, and coumarin.
1. Promotes Healthy Liver
Boldo tea is well-known for its liver-protecting effect. There are several animal and human studies that support this claim.
A study from 1995 focused on boldine’s capability to protect human liver microsomes from lipid peroxidation. The study indicates that boldine may be valuable as an antioxidant and liver-protecting agent.
Another more recent study had rats consume aqueous boldo extract for 4 days before part of their liver was surgically removed. The study shows that boldo induced a significant effect on liver regeneration.
2. Supports Healthy Gallbladder
Gallbladder inflammation and gallstones have been traditionally treated with boldo tea, and this benefit has later been backed up by research.
A 2015 study on rats confirms boldine’s potential in stimulating bile production in the gallbladder. This can also help with getting rid of gallstones and grit accumulated in the gallbladder.
3. Improves Digestion
Digestive problems like bloating, gas, and poor nutrient absorption are often related to diminished production of bile and digestive juices.
Boldo tea is a great natural digestive tonic, as it stimulates our digestive systems and enhances the production and secretion of bile and other digestive juices.
4. Boosts Immune System
The natural antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds found in boldo leaves can help our bodies get rid of pathogens. There is also some promising research related to Boldo’s antibacterial actions.
For example, a study of Boldo and H. pylori urease shows a significant inhibitory effect against the bacteria. Boldo’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can also help us with relieving inflammation and restricting cell damage caused by free radicals.
5. Helps with Relaxing and Pain Relief
Boldo tea is considered to have a mild sedative effect, which may help with relaxing, relieving stress, and falling asleep. Its soothing effect can also help with alleviating headaches and muscle pains.
In addition, boldine may help ease joint pain and inhibit bone resorption related to collagen-induced arthritis.
Boldo Tea Side Effects
Boldo should not be consumed while pregnant or breastfeeding, as it has demonstrated some abortive properties.
Also, if you are using any medication, you should consult your doctor before drinking Boldo tea or using any other Boldo products. Boldo may have a blood-thinning effect, so if you are already using some blood-thinning drugs, you should be extra careful with it.
How to Prepare Boldo Tea
You can buy dried boldo leaves and use them to brew your tea.
Here are instructions for making 2 cups of Boldo tea:
- Pour 2 cups of spring water (or filtered water) into a kettle and bring to a low boil.
- Turn the heat off and add about 5 to 10 boldo leaves depending on the size of the leaves and how strong you like your tea.
- If you wish, you can add other herbs to improve the taste. Peppermint, ginger, and licorice root are my favorites.
- Cover and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pour into mugs through a strainer and enjoy your tasty boldo infusion!
The easiest way to prepare a nice cup of Boldo tea is to use tea bags. Just boil some water, pour it into a mug, and add one teabag. Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea.
Where to Buy Boldo Tea
If you visit South America or live there, you can find boldo tea in many stores and supermarkets. Otherwise, the best way to acquire high-quality Boldo leaves or boldo tea bags is to order them from Amazon.
Below are the best boldo tea products available as tea bags or dried leaves:
- Tadin Boldo Tea Bags: Affordable and high-quality Boldo tea.
- Nuestra Salud Organic Boldo Leaves: If you prefer to buy whole dried Boldo leaves, this is an excellent choice.
- Kurupi Mint Boldo Yerba Mate: An excellent herbal blend consisting of yerba mate, boldo, and mint.
Boldo Supplements
If you prefer to take your Boldo as a supplement, there are a couple of excellent products available on Amazon:
- Secrets of the Tribe Boldo Capsules: High-grade 1000 mg boldo capsules made with organically grown boldo leaf.
- HawaiiPharm Liquid Boldo Extract: Strong liquid boldo extract that contains only natural ingredients.
TIP: If you want to enjoy the health benefits of Boldo but don’t like its taste, you should buy the capsules. They allow you to ingest boldo leaf conveniently without tasting anything.
Enjoy the Benefits of Boldo Leaf Tea
For countless generations, Chileans have used boldo leaves in cooking and for making aromatic and healthy tea. Originating from the coastal mountains of Chile, boldo is now grown also in Europe and North Africa, and it is used as a herbal medicine all over the world.
I like to drink boldo tea, especially after big meals, as it helps me with digesting the food. I am also a big yerba mate enthusiast, and quite often I drink a mixture of mate and boldo, sometimes accompanied by other herbs.
Discover a taste of old Chilean tradition and try it!
Boldo Tea FAQ
What are the health benefits of boldo tea?
The most important health benefits of boldo tea include protective effects for the liver and gallbladder. It can also improve digestion, boost immunity, and help with relaxing and relieving pain.
Does boldo tea have caffeine?
No, boldo tea is naturally caffeine-free.
Where can I buy boldo tea?
You may be able to buy boldo tea in your local health food shop.
You can also order Boldo tea and supplements from Amazon. See the products recommended in this article for further information.
Have you tried boldo tea? How did you like its taste? Did it help you with health issues? Please post a comment below, and tell me about your experience.
Enjoy your healthy Boldo Tea!
-Joonas
PS. Here is another article that you might find interesting: Ashitaba Tea Health Benefits
I’ve always believed that nature provides the best medicines available. Thanks for this great information!
Hi Cynthia,
Thanks for commenting and good to hear that you enjoyed my article.
-Joonas
I love tea, especially green tea and matcha, but I also love to try new things. Right now I am looking to try yerba mate and stumbled upon this. It’s the first time I hear about Boldo, but it definitely something I want to try.
I normally avoid tea bags, as I find the taste to be way far from the leaves. I see you recommend both bags and leaves – are the bags so good that the tea is comparable to the one obtained from the leaves?
Thanks,
Alex
Hi Alex,
For a more authentic and tasty experience, I would recommend the whole boldo leaves for you.
I also wanted to include the option of boldo tea bags in the article, as they are very convenient to use and the taste isn’t bad either.
Best Regards,
Joonas
They are indeed very convenient, especially when traveling.
I’ll start with the leaves though, to get the best experience from the first attempt.
Thanks,
Alex