There are many benefits to consuming tea. However, especially some of them have even more advantages than others – such as boldo tea , for example.
Thinking about how popular this drink is and present in many homes, including serving as a “home remedy” for everyday situations, Hickey solution separated some important information about this tea. Check out:
Contents
What is boldo tea and what is it for?
The boldo tea is a preparation produced with the leaves of the plant boldo (regardless of type). It is widely used as a “natural medicine” throughout the world, mainly in South and Central America.
This tea is usually taken to treat digestive problems, detoxify the liver and contribute to overall health. What is possible because it is a plant with medicinal properties (diuretics, anti-inflammatory and antioxidants).
It is worth mentioning that, in most cases, boldo tea is not consumed daily . This is because it has a strong and bitter taste and, therefore, consumption is usually more frequent only when a health problem appears (such as poor digestion, for example).
12 benefits of drinking boldo tea
The vast majority of the benefits of bilberry tea are linked to the improvement in the functioning of the digestive system. However, this plant can also contribute to the health of the liver, promote immunity and even has soothing properties.
To learn even more, you can check out 12 benefits of drinking boldo tea:
It is good for the liver
The boldo-do-chile has a substance called boldina and the boldo brazilian contains forskolin . Both are beneficial to the liver, as they stimulate the production of bile by the gallbladder, helping the organ to function better.
Recalling that, among its main functions, the liver is responsible for facilitating the digestion and absorption of fat from food and for the metabolization of medicines.
Has antioxidants
Boldo tea has antioxidant substances such as phenolic compounds. As a result, it fights free radicals and, consequently, reduces cell damage and oxidative stress in the body.
Thus, the consumption of this tea can help in the prevention of diseases associated with cell aging (such as cancer and cardiovascular problems).
Improves digestion
Drinking boldo tea before meals can improve the action of bile, a secretion produced by the liver that acts on the digestion of fats.
In addition, the boldo has several phytochemicals, such as boldine , which help in cases of mild digestive disorders. Therefore, it can decrease gastrointestinal cramps, in addition to increasing the secretion of gastric juice and salivary secretion, facilitating digestion.
Decreases symptoms of gastritis
The gastritis is a condition characterized by an inflammation of the stomach lining, may have various factors associated with its cause (such as excessive alcohol consumption, for example).
Treatment usually includes changes in habits and use of medications. However, the use of natural therapies can also be used as a complementary care.
In this sense, bilberry tea can be a source of relief from the most common symptoms of the disorder, as bilberry alkaloids act by controlling stomach acids and can minimize burns and discomfort caused by gastritis.
Improves bowel function
Alkaloids also act as intestinal relaxants and can help regulate the functioning of the intestine, favoring the formation of the fecal bolus. This also has to do with the fact that the intake of liquids (especially water) contributes to this process.
Thus, bilberry tea can be useful for those suffering from constipation and, in addition, reduces intestinal gas and abdominal discomfort caused by disorders of the digestive tract.
Fights fungi and bacteria
The consumption of boldo tea can help eliminate bacteria that cause infectious diseases and also has antifungal action , especially against the fungus Candida sp .
This is responsible for the disease Candidiasis , which frequently affects the genital system but can manifest itself in any other system of the body. In general, women are more affected by the problem than men.
It is worth mentioning that although boldo can contribute to treatment, it is a complementary therapy and should not replace medical care. That’s because diseases caused by fungi and bacteria require specific treatment to effectively combat the problem.
Decreases hangover symptoms
Bilberry tea lessens the effects of a substance produced by the liver after drinking alcohol, which is called acetaldehyde . It is because of it that the common symptoms of a hangover appear (such as dry mouth, headache and malaise).
And as already mentioned, the plant also contributes to the health of the liver. In this way, boldo helps the liver to “recover” more quickly from the effects of excess alcoholic beverages.
Can treat leishmaniasis
Studies in animals and in test tubes have shown that bilberry tea can be effective in the treatment of leishmaniasis. The disease is caused by a protozoan that is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito.
However, considering that these are preliminary analyzes and not tested on humans , in case of suspicion of the disease, one should not resort to homemade boldo treatment.
Otherwise, you should seek a doctor who will be able to prescribe the appropriate way to carry out the treatment of this pathology.
Decreases gases
A small portion of intestinal gases are formed from the fermentation of food in the large intestine, a process that is done by intestinal bacteria. Since the vast majority of gases occur due to excess air in the digestive system.
Thus, by facilitating digestion, the consumption of boldo decreases the amount of food residues that are not digested by the intestine and that would be fermented by bacteria. Thus, it can prevent the formation of this type of gases.
Thus, minimizing discomfort caused by the disorder, such as abdominal pain.
May increase immunity
Boldo acts on our immune system, acting as a natural immunomodulator and, thus, favoring the organism’s organic response to threats.
In addition, it has antimicrobial properties that contribute to the fight against infectious agents.
It is diuretic
Boldo tea has substances with diuretic properties, that is, it helps to increase the amount of urine. Therefore, it can contribute to the elimination of excess fluids in the body and is also beneficial for those who suffer from fluid retention and swelling.
Has calming effect
Boldo tea has properties that provide a mild calming action, which can help to reduce anxiety . Its consumption, especially before going to sleep, can increase the feeling of well-being of the body and improve the quality of sleep.
However, it is worth noting that this (as well as the other uses of boldo) is a type of complementary therapy , and should not replace professional monitoring. In the case of anxiety treatment, for example, boldo tea is often a way of collaborating with the action of medications (such as Fluoxetine).
What are the types of boldo?
In Brazil, there are two species of boldo that are better known and used: the boldo-do-chile or real boldo that has the scientific name of Peumus boldus Molina. It can be found in health food stores in dried leaves or tea sachets.
There is also the Brazilian boldo ( Plectranthus barbatus ), which is called boldo-da-terra or false boldo. This type is easier to find in Brazil in its natural form (plant and not in sachet).
Is boldo tea toxic?
It depends. Boldo tea should not be consumed daily or in large quantities. The ideal is to drink about a cup, which is equivalent to about 240 mL, per day.
This is because, in excess, bilberry tea can be harmful and toxic to the body.
In addition, its consumption is not recommended for pregnant women , people with acute hepatitis, who have gallbladder stones or inflammation in the pancreas. Considering that it acts on the functioning of the liver and that, in the case of pregnant women, it can be abortive.
Other complications that can occur from the excessive consumption of boldo tea are gastric irritations (cramps, diarrhea, etc.). Still, tea can interact with medications such as anticoagulants.
Therefore, it is important to always consult a doctor before consuming boldo tea, especially if you are undergoing any regular treatment.
Bilberry can also slow blood clotting. Therefore, consuming boldo tea before surgery, for example, can increase the chance of excessive bleeding during and after the procedure.
Therefore, it is emphasized that consumption should be limited in these specific cases.
How to make
There are several ways to prepare boldo tea. The most practical way is to buy boldo tea in sachets at health food stores, just add hot water and you’re good to go.
Another way to prepare is to add, in addition to water, other ingredients such as yerba mate, fennel or mint to complement or soften the taste of the boldo, which is usually quite bitter.
See two boldo tea recipes below:
Sachet recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 boldo tea sachet;
- 1 tablespoon of fennel;
- 1 cup of water.
Preparation: put all the ingredients in a pan and bring to a boil. Then let it stand for about 10 minutes. Strain the tea and serve it warm.
Recipe with bilberry leaf
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of chopped boldo leaves;
- 150 ml of water.
Preparation: put the ingredients in a pan and bring to a boil. Then let it rest for 10 minutes and strain. The ideal is to take it warm and avoid sweetening.
Boldo tea is an excellent option to have at home, be it the plant itself (for the use of the leaves) or sachets. This, considering that its use is quite versatile and can be useful for the relief of several common complications (such as poor digestion).
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