Herb Profile: Boneset

Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Asteraceae

Boneset stimulates the immune response and is best used during the secondary phases of colds and flu (ie. swelling of mucus membranes and yellow phlegm). Using this herb speeds the resolution of infections and supports rapid convalescence. The specific indications are upper respiratory infection, especially if accompanied by aches and pains. This includes: chronic cough, pneumonia and fevers. Boneset is also bitter and gently laxative, thereby improving the appetite and assisting in digestion. The classic anti-flu combination is boneset, echinacea and wild indigo (Richo Cech).

 

Preparations

Using the leaf and flowering tops without the stem, make a tincture of the fresh or dried herb. Make a cold infusion of the dried herb.
From Chris Marano: Boneset is useful in fever management: as a febrifuge to reduce fever in small cold doses (1-2 oz tea, 5-10 drops tincture in cool water) or as a diaphoretic in larger, hot doses (4-6 oz hot tea, 20-30 drops tincture in hot water).

 

Cautions/Contraindications

This is a strong herb that should be used only when needed. Excessive dosage will cause purging. Boneset is related to gravel root which contains potentially liver damaging alkaloids. Reports on the presence or absence of those alkaloids in boneset are ambigious. For this reason, it is prudent to avoid boneset during pregnancy or in the presence of a liver disease.

  

Disclaimer

The information on this page has not been approved by the FDA. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before using herbal products. We do not endorse the websites linked to in the resources and have not extensively reviewed all the information on external pages for accuracy. Everyone reacts differently to herbs and we do not attempt to be completely inclusive in the information and contraindications for each herb.

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