Description

Boldo oil is extracted from Peumus boldus (also known as Boldu boldus and Boldoa fragrans) of the Monimiaceae family.

Oil properties

Boldo oil is extremely powerful and even small quantities can produce convulsions. It is yellow in color and has a disagreeable odor.

Origin of Boldo oil

Boldo oil is extracted from the Boldo tree, which grows wild in South America, particularly in Chile. Boldo oil’s toxicity is due to ascaridole and the oil is considered harmful to the human body even when used in very small doses.

Even a low dose of 0.07g per kilogram of body weight produced convulsions in animal testing.

In herbal medicine, the dried leaves are used for genito-urinary infections, gallstones, liver and gall bladder pain, cystitis and rheumatism.

Extraction

Boldo oil is extracted from the leaves.

Chemical composition

The main components of Boldo oil are a-pinene, b-pinene, camphene, limonene, y-terpinene, p-cymene, ascaridole, 1,8-cineole and linalool.

Precautions

Boldo oil is extremely toxic and should not be used in aromatherapy.