Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses: Condiment

Fruit - raw or cooked[1, 2, 166]. Sweet and aromatic with an agreeable flavour[2, 183]. The fruit is up to 2cm in diameter[2]. The leaves and bark are used as a condiment[177].

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Analgesic  Antiseptic  Antispasmodic  Bitter  Cholagogue  Diuretic  Malaria  Stimulant  
Tonic  Urinary

Boldu is a traditional remedy used by the Araucanian Indians of Chile as a tonic. The plant stimulates liver activity and bile flow and is chiefly valued as a remedy for gallstones and liver or gallbladder pain[254]. It is normally taken for only a few weeks at a time, either as an infusion or as a tincture[254]. It is often combined with other herbs such as Berberis vulgaris or Chionanthus virginicus in the treatment of gallstones[254]. The leaves are analgesic, antiseptic (urinary), bitter, cholagogue, diuretic, stimulant and tonic[4, 46, 165, 235]. They are considered a valuable cure for gonorrhoea in S. America[4]. The plant is taken internally in the treatment of liver disease (though the bark is more effective here), gallstones, urinary tract infections, intestinal parasites and rheumatism[238]. It has been used in the past as a substitute for quinine in the treatment of malaria[238]. The leaves are harvested during the growing season and are dried for later use[238]. Some caution is advised, the plant should not be used by pregnant women[254]. See also the notes above on toxicity. A volatile oil obtained from the plant destroys internal parasites[238]. Alkaloids contained in the bark are a stimulant for the liver[238]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Peumus boldus for dyspeptic complaints (indigestion) (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Beads  Charcoal  Dye  Essential  Repellent  Tannin

The bark is a source of tannin and is also used as a dye[1, 4, 238]. A deliciously fragrant essential oil is obtained from the leaves[245]. The dried and powdered leaves are scattered amongst clothes to sweeten them and repel insects[245]. The small fruits are dried and used as beads in necklaces[245]. When warmed by the body or the sun they release the scent of cinnamon[245]. The wood is used for making charcoal[4].

Special Uses

Scented Plants