Mapuche Medicinal Herbs
Boldo (Peumus
boldus)
Before the Spaniards arrived , boldo
was a widely used medicinal plant by several indigenous
groups in the country. Specifically, the Mapuche people
used boldo for dislocations and rheumatism (Gusinde,
1917).
Boldo is a highly valued herb because
of its medicinal effects, that has been subject of
attention of naturalists and scientists from beginnings
of the last century. Nowadays, the use of boldo is
spread throughout all the national territory as well
as in many places of the world. In fact, at world-wide
level it is one of the most spread national species
because of its verified and exceptional curative properties,
that include alkaloids, essential oils, and flavonoides
at the same time.
Boldine is an alkaloid present in boldo
which stimulates the production of gastric juice and
bile, increasing the secretion of urea and uric acid.
It has a slightly hypnotic effect. Within their essential
oils there are eucaliptol, ascaridiol and p-cimol
which are substances with antiinflammatory and carminative
properties. The properties of boldo can be summed
up as follows: it is a digestive stimulant, colagogo
and colerético. It also has sedative effects on the
nervous system. All researchersl are agree about these
medicinal properties, although some suggest to use
boldo for other health problems such as: alleviate
toothache, rheumatic pains, etc.
Uses
Infusion: (as digestive
stimulant and sedative) Pour boiled water on the leaves
of boldo. Take it warm, after meals.
Poultice: (neuralgia
and rheumatic pains) Boil the leaves in a bit of water,
then use a clean cloth to apply it on affected area.
Bath: (for the rheumatic
pains) Boil a lot of leaves in two or three liters
of water. Strain and add to the bath. Take the bath
with a temperature of 35°C for about half an hour
(1 cup of salt of sea and 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate
could be added.)
Source: http://www.mundonuevo.cl
Health
Tradicional Atacameña. 1998. Domingo Gómez.
Juan Ahumada Charcas. Eduardo Necul Tello. Financiado
por Fondart 1997.
