Boldo (Peumus boldus Molina, the only species in the genus Peumus) is a tree native to the central region of Chile, occurring from 33 to 40 ° South Latitude. Together with litre, quillay, peumo, bollen and other indigenous plants, it is a characteristic component of the sclerophyllous forest (hard leaves that resist long dry summers and cold rainy winters) endemic to central Chile. Its leaves, which have a strong, woody and slightly bitter flavor and camphor-like aroma, are used for culinary purposes, primarily in Latin America. The leaves are used in a similar manner to bay leaves, and also used as an herbal tea, primarily in Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Brazil and bordering countries in South America.
In Latin America and Spain, boldo is also used as a form of herbal medicine, particularly to support the gallbladder, but also to calm upset stomachs. In Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay it is frequently mixed with yerba mate or other teas to moderat
