Boldo infusions They don't have many contraindications when used occasionally and in moderate amounts, but it's important to know them, as well as the possible side effects. Side effects from the consumption of boldo, which are very relevant to avoid risks unnecessary for your health. This is how you can take advantage of their benefits. digestive and hepatic action without endangering the organism.
Indeed, despite the fact that the boldo It has good properties, hence its use in weight loss regimens and detox treatments; however, there are points that must be respected regarding its Side effects, Its Interacciones with medications and their prolonged consumption in infusion or in other presentations (capsules, extracts, syrups).
What is boldo and why is it used so much in infusions?
Boldo, scientifically known as boldo peumus boldusIs a evergreen shrub From South Americaespecially from Chile. It can reach several meters in height and features oval leavesThick, deep green in color, and with a somewhat rough texture. When rubbed, they release a characteristic aroma reminiscent of lemon and corianderwhich explains its use in both medicine and cooking.
The parts used in herbal medicine are primarily its leavesrich in essential oils, Flavonoids, tannins y alkaloids (above all boldine), responsible for its effects digestive, hepatoprotectors, diuretics, sedatives y anti-inflammatoryAlthough it can also be found in capsules, tablets, tinctures or syrups, the most common form of consumption is in infusion of dried leaves.
To prepare a basic boldo infusion, the following are usually used: 1 and 2 grams of dried leaves (approximately 1 teaspoon) in a cup of hot water, letting it steep for a few minutes before straining. It is usually taken after meals or before bed to aid digestion and relieve feelings of heaviness, gas, or mild dyspepsia.
Its popularity stems from the fact that it helps to stimulate liver and bile functionIt improves fat digestion and acts as a gentle laxative and at the same time, It has a relaxing effect on the nervous systemHowever, this activity is associated with active compounds that, if misused, can also generate toxicity and significant adverse reactions.
General side effects of boldo infusion
At usual therapeutic doses, boldo infusion is considered safe for most healthy adults for short periods. However, when the recommended amount is exceeded or its use is prolonged, different effects may appear. Side effects related above all to the boldine and with certain essential oils of the plant.
- Gastrointestinal irritationExcessive consumption can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, acidity or even Diarrheabecause the bile expelled into the intestine can be irritating and abruptly increase transit.
- Mild laxative: due to its properties choleretic (stimulates bile production) and cholagogues (promotes the expulsion of bile into the intestine), boldo can act as a mild laxativeIn some people this effect is desirable, but in others it can become a problem if the infusion is overused. In those cases, it is advisable to consider a diet for people who suffer from constipation.
- Headache, dizziness, and drowsinessIn high doses, the components of boldo essential oil can have effects narcotics y sedatives, generating headache, intense drowsiness o dizzinessThis is mainly associated with ascaridol and other terpenes, so the essential oil Boldo puree should not be used internally.
- Allergic reactions and dermatitis: certain people may present hypersensitivity to the plant and develop rashes, itching, inflammation Skin or mucous membrane rashes, and even more severe allergic reactions with difficulty breathing. If any allergy symptoms occur, stop taking the medication and consult a doctor immediately.
- Possible liver damage with abuse: although boldo is known for its properties hepatoprotectiveBoldine and other compounds can become hepatotoxic if consumed for prolonged periods or at high doses. Isolated cases have been reported of jaundice and liver damage associated with the improper use of this plant.
Boldo tea is generally considered safe when ingested in the recommended amounts and for a limited period (usually no more than 2 or 3 weeks in a rowExceeding these times significantly increases the likelihood of adverse digestive and hepatic effects.
Boldo side effects on male fertility
It is not proven that the moderate consumption the boldo infusion directly affects the sperm nor that it clearly alters the male fertilityNor has it been shown that its active ingredients have a relevant effect on the functioning of the thyroid glands in healthy men when used at usual doses.
In any case, the boldo abuse Yes, it's possible. toxic and affect various organs, especially the liver and the nervous system. Very high doses or prolonged treatments could indirectly harm overall health and, consequently, negatively affect semen quality or hormonal balance. For this reason, men trying to conceive or who have testicular or liver problems should only use boldo under [specific medical supervision/consultation/etc.]. professional supervision and avoiding any excess.
It is important to remember that the scientific evidence Research on the effects of boldo on fertility is limited, so it is recommended to act with caution and not to use this plant chronically or as a substitute for medical treatment for fertility problems.
Boldo contraindications during pregnancy and lactation
In all situations, as with many others medicinal plants, the boldo is clearly contraindicated during pregnancy and lactationThis recommendation is due to several factors that increase the risk for both the mother and the baby.
- Possible uterine contractionsSome components of boldo may stimulate smooth muscle, and it is feared that they may promote uterine contractions, with the consequent risk of spontaneous abortion or premature birthespecially in the first months of pregnancy.
- Potential teratogenic effectThere are not enough studies to support the safety of boldine and boldo essential oils on the fetal developmentAs a precaution, boldo is considered to potentially be associated with malformations or alterations in fetal growth if consumed during pregnancy.
- Transition to breastfeeding: during the lactation, some of the active compounds could pass into the milk and reach the baby, an organism especially vulnerable to substances with potential effects neuroleptics o hepatotoxicTherefore, its use in any form (infusion, capsules, syrup or extracts) is not recommended while breastfeeding.
- Lack of safety testingThe lack of quality studies demonstrating the safety of boldo at these stages makes it prudent to completely avoid its consumption and resort to other digestive alternatives that are safer for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Additionally, boldo is also not indicated in Babies nor in Small childrenbecause their bodies are more sensitive to alkaloids and essential oils, and there is insufficient data to support its safety at young ages.
Contraindications of boldo in cases of biliary obstruction and other pathologies
Although boldo facilitates the functioning of the gallbladder and the liver, in case of obstruction of the bile ducts The consumption of boldo infusions, as well as any preparation containing the plant, should be avoided. This includes situations such as gallstones that block the conduit, gallbladder inflammation o cholangitis.
- Bile stimulation: the boldo stimulates the secretion of bile and promotes its expulsion into the intestine. When there is an obstruction, this increase in bile can increase pressure in the ducts, worsen the blockage, trigger severe biliary colic and even worsen inflammation.
- Severe liver diseases: in disorders such as acute hepatitis, advanced cirrhosis o Liver cancerThe organ needs, in many cases, digestive rest and avoid metabolic overload. Boldine activity may not be beneficial and could even increase liver damage.
- Gallbladder and pancreatic pathologies: in people with stones in the gallbladder, inflammation of the bile ducts o pancreatitisThe use of boldo is contraindicated because biliary stimulation can aggravate symptoms and complicate the clinical picture.
- Renal diseaseSome sources indicate that boldo can cause kidney irritation in certain patients, therefore it is not recommended in kidney diseases moderate or severe, especially if they are accompanied by a significant decrease in kidney function.
Furthermore, the use of boldo is not recommended for people who take anticoagulant medication o antiplatelet agent (such as warfarin, heparins, acetylsalicylic acid or clopidogrel), since the plant contains compounds of the type coumarin may to enhance the anticoagulant effect and increase the risk of bleedingIt is also not advisable to combine it with alcoholbecause it increases the toxic load on the liver.
Toxicity of boldo, boldine, and other active components
In all cases, the toxicity The properties of boldo are mainly due to its content in boldine, an alkaloid that can be found in high concentration and which features powerful neuroleptic powers and complex effects on the liver and nervous system. Furthermore, boldo contains essential oils such as ascaridol, the cineole and other terpenes that contribute to both its benefits and its risks.
- Boldina: at low doses it provides action hepatoprotectiveIt is an antioxidant and cholagogue, but at high doses or in prolonged treatments it can result in hepatotoxic, with the risk of liver injury, jaundice, altered liver enzymes and, in extreme cases, severe parenchymal damage.
- Ascaridol and other essential oilsThey are responsible for part of the properties antiparasitic and antimicrobial properties of boldo, but they also possess potential neurotoxicHigh consumption could cause severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, seizures and, according to some experimental data, even increase the risk of cellular alterations that could be related to processes carcinogenic if the exposure is chronic.
- Drug interactionsBoldo is metabolized in the liver and can modify metabolism of certain drugsincreasing or reducing its effect. This occurs, for example, with drugs such as certain analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen), antiepileptics (phenytoin, carbamazepine), antifungals (fluconazole, itraconazole) and, especially, with the oral anticoagulants.
To minimize the risk of toxicity, it is recommended to respect the usual doses of infusion (around 1-2 grams of dried leaf per dose, up to 2-3 times a day) and do not prolong continuous treatments beyond 2-3 weeks without medical supervision. It is also prudent to discontinue consumption of boldo tea at least two weeks before any product surgery or important medical procedure, to avoid drug interactions and possible bleeding complications.
Used in moderation and following the recommendations of a professional, boldo can be a digestive and liver ally Useful in specific situations, but when its contraindications are ignored, plant preparations are combined with inappropriate medications, or its use is prolonged without control, the risk of relevant side effects increases significantly.
