Boldo leaf (Peumus boldus)

Latin Name: Peumus boldus
Common Names: Boldo leaf

Boldo leaf is included in a group of natural herbs that increase the flow of bile and referred to as a Cholagoge. Known to botanists as peumus boldus, the boldo leaf is just that – a leaf from a woody evergreen shrub (as opposed to true “herbs,” which are perennials and do not have woody stems). Native to the lowlands of Peru and Chile, dried boldo leaf has been used by the Incas and Moche peoples of the region for centuries. Because it may promote the production of bile, cut peumus boldus leaves are said to support healthy gall bladder function. It may also be effective in the treatment of urinary tract infections.