Boldo (Peumus boldus) vs Triphala (Terminalia chebula blend)

Boldo (Peumus boldus)

Triphala (Terminalia chebula blend)

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.

Triphala is not a single herb but a traditional Ayurvedic blend of three fruits: haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and amalaki or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis). Haritaki has balanced energy with five flavors (bitter, sour, astringent, salty, and sweet), acting as a mild laxative that tones intestinal membranes, lubricates tissues, and relaxes muscle spasms. Bibhitaki is pungent, warming, antispasmodic, and serves as an expectorant and decongestant for respiratory conditions. Amalaki also has balanced energy with five flavors (sour, astringent, sweet, pungent, and bitter), containing small amounts of anthraquinones while being astringent, thus both laxative and bowel-toning, correcting both constipation and diarrhea.

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.

None noted in the source material. Generally considered safe when used appropriately.

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.