Boldo (Peumus boldus) vs Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus)

Boldo (Peumus boldus)

Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus)

About

Boldo is a strongly aromatic multi-branched evergreen shrub or tree growing to 20 feet. It has egg-shaped leathery leaves with a lemony scent, clusters of white or yellow bell-shaped flowers, and small yellow berries. Native to Chile and Peru, it has become naturalized in the Mediterranean region and the West Coast of North America, where it grows on dry sunny slopes and in mountain pastures in the Andes. It is widely cultivated, and its leaves are gathered throughout the year. Boldo is a valued remedy in Latin American herbal medicine and is used by the Araucanian people in Chile as a tonic.

Irish moss is a reddish-brown seaweed growing to 10 inches, with a flat, forked plant body and fan-shaped outline. Found on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America, it grows just below the waterline, attached to rocks and stones. In summer in North America and in autumn in Ireland, it is pulled up by hand or with a rake at low tide and dried in the sun. This seaweed is used extensively in the food and pharmaceutical industries as an emulsifying and binding agent, appearing in products such as toothpastes. Its polysaccharides become jelly-like and demulcent when immersed in water, making it valuable both as a food ingredient and medicinal herb.

Safety & precautions

Do not take during pregnancy. Subject to legal restrictions in some countries due to the presence of ascaridole, a toxic constituent in the volatile oil. The dose and duration of treatment should be restricted to minimize risk. One case report suggests boldo may interact with warfarin; a woman taking warfarin experienced a modest rise in INR when using boldo (and fenugreek). The mechanism is unknown, and it is unclear whether boldo, fenugreek, or both were responsible. Boldo contains natural coumarins, but their anticoagulant activity is uncertain. Until more is known, monitor INR closely if combining boldo with anticoagulants.

Due to its blood-thinning property, Irish moss should not be used by people taking anticoagulant medicines. Generally safe when used as directed. No other significant warnings.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.