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