Boneset Extract

Species Name: Eupatorium perfoliatum

Also known as: boneset, thoroughwort, snake roots, fever wort, ague weed, Indian sage, sweating plant.

The extract called boneset comes from the flowering plant Eupatorium perfoliatum in the Aster family. It is an herbaceous, perennial plant that is native to the eastern parts of North America.

The plant is varied in size, grows two to four feet high and can be found in low wet areas, near streams, in swamps and marshes.

Boneset has slightly aromatic white flowers that are in clusters. It is harvested after flowering with both the leaves and the tops being used.

What is boneset extract? The liquid extract is taken from the top and the leaves but the whole plant is considered useful. It also comes in teas, tinctures and capsules.

Home Remedies Using Boneset Extract

Benefits of Boneset Extract

It was first used by the Native Americans for fever, chills, colds, flu sore throat and to induce vomiting. The colonists arrived and it was then introduced to them by the Native Americans as a helpful tool.

Boneset extract was a once favored herb for the treatment of common fevers. It was even used against the more harsher typhoid and yellow fever but not with the most successful results. It is a mild laxative that promotes sweat, helping to break fevers.

Although it is well recognized for its treatment of fevers, perhaps even getting its name from a fever called breakbone fever, it was also thought to be helpful in the healing of broken bones.

The herb was put on a cloth and the broken bone was then wrapped with the material. It may have gotten its name from this practice as well but it is still up for debate. It was also used for wounds and cuts as a general treatment and for some more common skin conditions.

One of the issues with boneset extract lies in the fact that there are many other tried and proven herbs that have the same medicinal qualities, therefore this herbal extract is not taking the place of being a priority in testing.

Not much about boneset's active characteristics and uses concerning its inner make up is known. In studies using animals it boosts the immunity of white blood cells, defense and immunity cells.

It contains flavonoids and rutin that can help with the protection of blood vessels.  It also has anti inflammatory properties.

Side Effects of Boneset Extract

As with many of the herbs boneset extract has not been subjected to enough clinical testing to deem it safe for the use of children, pregnant women or women that are breast feeding.

Boneset contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids and these are toxic to the liver and may aggravate other conditions related to the liver.

There are no records to indicate what the contraindications are of taking boneset extract with prescriptive medications or OTC medications.

Some of the few side effects that are recorded are those of allergic reactions, diarrhea, vomiting, and is thought that boneset can create liver damage.