Boldo, a tall aromatic shrub, grows on the mountain slopes of Chile and Peru.
The Araucanian people of central Chile have long used its lemon-scented leaves as a tonic. It was introduced into Europe in the 19th century where it is still used by herbalists to treat liver problems and gallstones.
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- Boldo is often found as an ingredient of herbal slimming teas
- Boldo is cultivated around the world to supply the herbal remedy market
- A cup of boldo tea is popular today in Chile as a mild stimulant
- It is said that its medicinal uses was a chance discovery. A Chilean shepherd noticed that his sheep were healthier when they grazed on boldo growing in his fields.