Medicinal Plants : Eupatorium perfoliatum

Name

Boneset

Biological Name

Eupatorium perfoliatum
Compositae

Other Names

Feverwort, Boneset, Agueweed, crosswort, eupatorium, Indian sage, sweating plant, teasel, thoroughwort, vegetable antimony, wood boneset

Parts Used

Dried aerial parts

Active Compounds

Sesquiterpene lactones ; eupafolin, euperfolitin, eufoliatin, eufoliatorin, euperfolide, eucannabinolide and helenalin.

Immunostimulatory polysaccharides, mainly 4-0-methylglucuroxylans.

Flavonoids; quercitin, kaempferol, hyperoside, astragalin, rutin, eupatorin & others.

Miscellaneous: diterpenes - dendroidinic acid, hebenolide; sterols; volatile oil.

Remedies For

Diaphoretic, bitter, laxative, tonic, anti-spasmodic, carminative, astringent.

Boneset is one the best remedies for the relief of the associated symptoms that accompany influenza. It will speedily relieve the aches and pains as well as aid the body in dealing with any fever that is present.

Boneset may also be used to help clear the upper respiratory tract of mucous congestion. Its mild aperient activity will ease constipation. It may safely be used in any fever and also as a general cleansing agent. It may provide symptomatic aid in the treatment of muscular rheumatism.

Description

Boneset is an indigenous perennial plant found in swampy areas and along stream banks in eastern North America. The rough, hairy stem grows to a height of 1 to 5 feet from a horizontal, crooked rootstock. The leaves are rough, serrate, and taper to a long point. White flowers appear in August and September. The plant has only a weak odor but a very bitter taste.

Dosage

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk as hot as possible. During fevers or the flu it should be drunk every half hour.

Tincture: Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Combinations : In the treatment of influenza it may be combined with Yarrow, Elder Flowers, Cayenne or Ginger. With Pleurisy Root and Elecampane in bronchial conditions.

Safety

No other information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.