Herb comparison
Boldo (Peumus boldus) vs Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Both plants are listed as traditional remedies for 2 of the same conditions, which is why they are easy to confuse. Their descriptions and full safety notes are below, free.
Boldo (Peumus boldus) is restricted
Preparation amounts are not shown for this herb. It is toxic, restricted, or otherwise unsafe to self-dose - the margin between a traditional dose and a harmful one is too small to publish as reference material. If you are considering it, that conversation belongs with a doctor or a qualified practitioner, not a website.
- 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.Milk thistle (Silybum marianum, sometimes Carduus marianus) is a tall biennial with spiny, white-veined leaves and purple, thistle-like flower heads. The seeds contain silymarin, a complex known for its potent hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties, making milk thistle one of the foremost Western liver remedies.
- 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.Generally Safe: May cause mild gastrointestinal upset or rare allergic reactions. Consult Professional: If undergoing chemotherapy or with severe liver conditions, seek guidance on concurrent use.
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.
Conditions that list both
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