A plant record

Boldo (Boldo)

Peumus boldus

EnglishBoldo

KreyòlBoldo

FrançaisBoldo

BotanicalPeumus boldus

Boldo (Boldo) — Peumus boldus, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

⚠ Not for liver disease or blocked bile ducts; can be toxic in large amounts. Short-term use only (about 4 weeks max). Digestive disorders: dyspepsia, constipation, sluggish bile production. Liver support. Mild cholagogue and choleretic.

Prepared as

Leaves

Chemistry

Boldine (alkaloid) — choleretic (stimulates bile production), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory. Essential oil contains ascaridole (potentially toxic in excess).

In three languages

Kreyòl — ⚠ Pa pou moun ki gen maladi fwa oswa kanal bil bouche; li ka toksik an gwo kantite. Sèlman pou kout tan (maks anviwon 4 semèn). Pwoblèm dijestif, konstipatyon, pwodiksyon fyèl. Sipò fwa. Cholagòg, kolerétik. Boldo disponib nan diaspora ayisyen kòm plant pou fwa ak dijestion difisil. Enfizyon fèy pou parese vesikyèl ak konstipasyon.

Français — ⚠ À éviter en cas de maladie du foie ou d'obstruction des voies biliaires; toxique à forte dose. Usage de courte durée uniquement (environ 4 semaines max). Troubles digestifs : dyspepsie, constipation, insuffisance biliaire. Soutien hépatique. Légèrement cholagogue et cholérétique. Le boldo est disponible dans la diaspora haïtienne comme plante pour le foie et la digestion difficile; infusion de feuilles pour la paresse vésiculaire et la constipation.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Kept alongside

LicoricePineapplePeacock flowerCalotropePapayaRingworm senna

More on Haitian plant medicine