Boldo tea is a popular home remedy for the management of liver problems and digestive issues, such as indigestion, gastritis, and excess gas. Boldo is rich in boldine, rosmarinic acid, and forskolin; medicinal substances that stimulate the liver and possess digestive, antispasmodic, and soothing properties.

Boldo tea can be prepared using the fresh leaves of the woolly plectranthus plant, known as "boldo brasileiro" or "boldo-da-terra" (Plectranthus barbatus). It can also be made using the dried leaves of the Chilean "true boldo" plant (Peumus boldus Molina).

Boldo tea should only be used under the supervision of a doctor or herbal medicine specialist. While boldo tea has many benefits, potential side effects include liver toxicity, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Boldo tea is contraindicated in people with hepatitis, gallstones, and pancreatitis, and should also be avoided in pregnancy.

This content is solely for informative purposes and should not replace a medical consultation. Do not interrupt your current treatment without seeking medical guidance.

Health benefits

Boldo tea may be indicated for the management of:

Indigestion, acid reflux, or a burning sensation in the stomach;
Gastritis;
Constipation and excess gas;
Food intolerance;
Hangovers;
Worms and intestinal infections;
Liver problems, through the stimulation of bile production in the gallbladder;
Anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and insomnia;
Joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis.

Due to its antibacterial properties, boldo tea can also be used as a complementary therapy to treat infections of the lungs, throat, and skin.

Boldo tea for weight loss

Boldo tea is not indicated for weight loss, as there is no scientific proof that boldo tea leads to weight loss.

However, boldo tea does possess laxative, diuretic, and liver-stimulating properties that facilitate the digestion and elimination of fats, which can help reduce swelling, alleviate gas, and relieve constipation, resulting in a less bloated appearance.

The best way to lose weight in a safe and healthy way is by following a well-balanced diet designed by a registered dietitian that is high in fiber and low in fat and calories.

How to make boldo tea

To avoid a bitter taste, make sure to consume boldo tea immediately after preparing it and do not let the leaves sit too long in the hot water.

Ingredients

1 tsp fresh boldo brasileiro leaves or dried Chilean boldo leaves, chopped fine;
²/₃ cup (150 mL) water

Instructions

Boil the water, remove from the heat, and pour into a mug containing the chopped tea leaves. Let steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain, wait for it to cool slightly, and drink immediately.

Boldo tea should be consumed 2-3 times a day, before or after meals, for up to 20 days.

Drinking boldo tea before bed can also help promote restful sleep.

Side effects

Boldo tea is considered safe to drink for the majority of adults when consumed in the recommended amounts for a short period of time (up to 20 days).

Drinking excessive quantities of boldo tea, or drinking it for more than 20 days, can result in side effects such as liver toxicity from the ascaridole it contains. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and diarrhea.

Boldo tea can also cause uterine contractions and abortion as well as fetal malformations and therefore should not be consumed in pregnancy.

Contraindications to use

Boldo tea should not be consumed by babies, children, or during lactation. It is contraindicated in people with acute hepatitis, gallstones, inflammation of the bile ducts, pancreatitis, and cancer of the liver or gallbladder. It should also be avoided by people taking certain medications such as lithium, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, carbamazepine, phenytoin, simvastatin, and antifungals, such as fluconazole or itraconazole.

People taking anticoagulants, such as clopidogrel, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), warfarin, and heparin, should not drink boldo tea, as it may increase the risk for blood clots. It is also recommended to stop drinking boldo tea at least 2 weeks prior to surgery or other medical procedures.

Boldo tea should not be used in the case of confirmed or suspected pregnancy, as it may cause fetal malformations or result in abortion from uterine contractions. It is important to take a pregnancy test prior to consuming boldo tea if there is any suspicion that you might be pregnant.

Boldo tea should not be used to treat COVID-19, as there is no evidence supporting its efficacy against the coronavirus.