Get To Know The Paracetamol Plant (Boldo)

The boldo (Peumus boldus) is the only species of the monotypic genus Peumus, of the Monimiáceas family. This tree is endemic to South America, specifically central Chile, Argentina, and the southern Andean regions of Peru. Its leaves, with a strong aroma, are used for culinary and medicinal purposes, especially in Latin America.

Among its active principles we have: Essential oil with monoterpene components (camphor), tetracycline alkaloids with appointed nucleus (0.2-0.5%), the majority being boldine and 2% essential oil is also extracted from the leaves. , strongly aromatic, rich in eucalyptol and ascaridia.

Certain properties are attributed to it, such as the boldo fruit that is edible, and it has been eaten raw and cooked since pre-Columbian times. The bark, rich in tannins, is also used in tanning.

It also has medicinal uses where they are used: fresh or dried leaves and fruits. Stimulates digestive functions by increasing bile secretion. Contains boldine which is hepatoprotective. An infusion is used with half a teaspoon of boldo leaves in a cup of water.

Likewise, it also acts on the nervous system causing sleep and mild anesthesia. It is also a diuretic. The infusion of boldo, but also boldo oil at a rate of 5 drops, has been found beneficial in genitourinary infections.

In addition to this, the infusion of leaves is used to treat gastrointestinal conditions (dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis, indigestion, ulcer), liver (calculi, jaundice, colic, gallstone failure and inflammation), and genitourinary (gonorrhea, nephritis, syphilis, urethritis), migraine, gout and rheumatism.

In the same way, the crushed leaves are applied topically to treat scrapes and sores. Hot baths, fomentations and poultices are used to treat rheumatism, dropsy, syphilis, migraine and headache.

Therefore, the juice of the fresh leaf is used for earaches. The wine, syrup, tincture, and elixir of the fresh leaves are used to treat liver and rheumatic conditions. The decoction of the bark is used for stomach aches, coughs, and nervous weakness.

Otherwise it also has its contraindications, for example; in cases of obstruction of the bile ducts. In pregnancy, due to its alkaloid content. Excess boldrine can be toxic. As symptoms of intoxication, great excitement, reflexes and exaggerated breathing are shown, which can even cause death.

Historically, remains of boldo leaves used by humans around 14,500 years ago have been found at the archaeological site of Monte Verde, a place that lies a little further south of its current area of distribution.

In it, the results are evidenced where the properties granted through ethno-medicine in this case are confirmed.