It is a characteristic component of the sclerophyllous forest 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, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Brazil and bordering countries in South America.
In South America, Portugal 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 teas to moderate its flavor.
It is believed in the south-east of Brasil that the leaves of the boldo plant can be used as an effective hangover cure.