Boneset

Species Name:  E. perfoliatum.  Boneset is any one of about 500 species of herbaceous plants comprising the genus Eupatorium of the composite family (Asteraceae), native primarily to tropical America.

The North American plant known as boneset is E. perfoliatum.

Other Names by which Boneset is known: Often known as agueweed, thoroughwort, and Indian sage.

Used in Native American cultures, the leaves were often used to bind, or bandage, broken bones.

What is Boneset? Boneset is a member of the Sunflower Family (Asteracea) native to the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. and Canada. It is very common, and can be found growing along streams and in low meadows.

The flowers are grayish-white and bloom, from mid-August into September.  As suggested by the Latin species name, the stem appears to be growing through the leaf.

Early herbalists believed this to be a sign that boneset would be useful in setting bones. They based this on the “Doctrine of Signatures”, which was a belief that each plant had a sign to indicate what it could be used for.

The common name, boneset, is a product of this belief.

Home Remedies using Boneset:

Benefits of Boneset:

Some believe that boneset tea can cure everything from broken bones to colds and coughs. It is useful for colds and flu, because it helps loosen phlegm, reduces fever, and increases perspiration. 

Boneset also acts as a decongestant, laxative, and anti-inflammatory. It is good for liver, gall bladder, and bowel disorders.

Boneset is a stimulant, is used to reduce fever, and is a laxative.  Its greatest power is upon the stomach, liver, bowels and uterus.

It is regarded as a mild tonic in moderate doses, and it also causes sweating, especially when taken as a warm infusion, in which form it is used in attacks of muscular rheumatism and general colds. 

In large doses it causes diarrhea and vomiting.

Uses of Boneset:

All parts of the plant are active, but the herb only is official, the leaves and tops being gathered after flowering has commenced. They contain a volatile oil, some tannic acid, and Eupatorin, a bitter glucosidal principle, also resin, gum and sugar.

The virtues of the plant are yielded both to water and alcohol, working well as an infusion or tincture, or powdered in doses of twelve to twenty grains.

Side Effects of Boneset:

Long term use should be avoided as boneset may have toxic levels.