Boldo essential oil has many health benefits which can be attributed to its properties as vermifuge, anti – inflammatory, stimulant, narcotic, anti – rheumatic, insecticide, antiseptic, hepatic, diuretic, digestive and cholagogue substance. The botanical name of boldo is Peumus Boldus. Boldo essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of its leaves. Boldo is native to South America. It is commonly found in countries like Bolivia, Peru and Chile. Para – cymene, linalool, limonene, cineole, gamma terpinene, camphene, beta pinene, ascaridole and alpha – pinene are the main components of boldo essential oil. Ascaridole is component in this essential oil which is considered responsible for its toxic behavior. Boldo essential oil is not used in aromatherapy either due to its odor. It is highly toxic and it can produce convulsions and symptoms of toxicity even in very small doses. If boldo essential oil is used in slightly higher doses, then it can put someone into a coma. This is a reason why it should never be used as home remedy and it should be used only under the supervision of an expert. Boldo essential oil should be avoided during pregnancy at all times. This essential oil stimulates the production of uric acid.
Health benefits of boldo essential oil
Stimulates blood circulation: The boldo essential oil has stimulating effect on the blood circulation, brain and nerves. It can increase the circulation and the rate of respiration. This essential oil can stimulate discharges from the spleen, liver, gallbladder and endocrinal glands, such as enzymes and hormones, as well as the secretion of gastric juices.
Kills intestinal worms: This essential oil is toxic in nature which can kill intestinal worms (both tape worm and round worm) and their spawn. Boldo essential oil can be also used to counter other worms such as hookworms.
Boldo essential oil benefits and uses
Relaxes nerves: Boldo essential oil has strong effects on the neurotic and nervous systems and it has narcotic or intoxicating effects. When boldo essential oil is used in very small doses, then it can induce tranquilizing, soothing or relaxing effects on the nerves but if it is used in higher doses, then this can result in symptoms like convulsions, nervous afflictions, nausea and even coma.
Effective insecticide: Boldo essential oil is highly toxic which is making it a very effective insect killer. This property of the boldo essential oil can help to rid of some parasites on the human body such as flies, bed – bugs, mosquitoes, fleas and lice.
Increases urination: This essential oil can increase the urination, although mildly, both by quantity and urination. This can help to drain out the toxins like extra water, salts and bile which can be present in the body. Urination can also help to reduce weight due to the removal of fat and water through urine. Also it can help to reduce the blood pressure, prevent the formation of gases in the intestines, promote digestion and enhance appetite. Urination can help to clear any deposits in the kidneys and it can keep them clean.
Boosts liver health: Boldo essential oil is good for the liver. It can protect the liver from infections and it can stimulate the production of bile from it as well. This essential oil is used to treat a number of liver diseases.
Prevents sepsis: Boldo essential oil is very effective in countering infections and it can be used to protect wounds against tetanus and septic which are usually caused due to infection by bacteria. Due to toxicity of the boldo essential oil, germs cannot flourish the wounds and wounds are also protected from becoming septic.
Relieves rheumatism: This health benefit of boldo essential oil is due to its narcotic and stimulating effect. It is stimulant which means that it can stimulate the blood circulation in the affected parts of the body and it can give a relief from arthritis and rheumatism. Also it is narcotic which means that it can reduce the sensation of pain in the affected areas and it can give a relief from it.
