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Boldo
Native to Chile and Peru, Boldo leaves are traditionally used in
those countries as a diuretic and cholagogue (cholagogues increase
the production of bile). Because of the wide-ranging effects that
diuretics and liver-stimulants have, Boldo's main applications are
numerous.
Traditional and modern uses for Boldo therefore include fluid
retention, gallstones, liver and gallbladder pain, cystitis and
rheumatism.
The routes by which most waste products leave the body are the
urinary (kidneys, bladder) and biliary (liver, gallbladder) systems.
According to the principles of natural medicine, good function of
both the urinary and biliary systems, are often seen as cornerstones
to general health. If either of these systems functions
inefficiently, waste products may accumulate, causing problems in
the urinary or biliary systems themselves, or a build up of toxins
in the body.
In addition to its liver-stimulating effects, Boldo has recently
been shown to act as an antioxidant, and therefore may offer
protection against free-radical related oxidative damage to liver
cells during disease.
The Benefits of Boldo
Fluid retention (swollen ankles, feet, fingers etc)
Dieting and slimming
Gallstones
Liver or gallbladder pain
Cystitis
Rheumatism
Properties
Stomachic (improves stomach function), choleretic (improves bile
flow), diuretic and cholagogue properties have all been attributed
to Boldo. The alkaloids are believed to account for the choleretic
activity, and Boldo's essential oil contains terpinen-4-ol, the same
diuretic principle found in Juniper oil.
Boldo previously was used as an anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) agent,
due to its ascaridole content. However, ascaridole has since been
found to be a toxic irritant. Natures Aid Boldo is free of
ascaridole.
Contra-indications / Precautions
Boldo has no known drug interactions at the time of writing, but it
would be wise to avoid the simultaneous use of medical and herbal
diuretics. Avoid Boldo supplements if suffering obstruction of the
bile ducts, severe liver disease (eg: cirrhosis or liver cancer).
Not suitable for use whilst pregnant or breastfeeding.
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