Common Names
Boneset is the most common name. Also referred to as Feverwort, Thoroughwort, Agueweed, Crosswort, Indian sage, Sweating Plant, Vegetable antimony, Teasel.
Species Used
Family
Asteraceae
Habitat
Common in meadows and damp areas of lower elevations in North America
Botanical Description
Perennial herb with upright, cylindrical stem covered with small "hairs". It can reach 2-4 feet and branch out at the top. The large, lance-like leaves are opposite/connate and there are numerous terminal flowerheads that display white florets from July through September, each with a bristly pappus. The leaves also display glossy yellow points because of the resin glands visible on the undersides.
Parts Used
Above ground parts
Historical Uses
Constituents
Sesquiterpene lactones, immunostimulatory polysaccharides, flavanoids, diterpenes, vitamin C, volatile oils, sterols, resins, and bitter glycosides (i.e. eupatorin). The polysaccharides in Boneset were responsible for a 28% increase in phagocyte activity in one German study, showing a higher efficacy than Echinacea.
Medicinal Actions
Febrifuge/antipyretic, antiphlogistic/anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, emetic, expectorant, aperient/mild laxative, chologogue, hepatic, anti-spasmotic, immunostimulatory. Native Americans taught this remedy to early pioneers for colds and flus that "settled in the bones" causing aches, etc. They also used it to counter malaria, especially during shortages of quinine. Grieve also lists Boneset as anthelmintic.
Medicinal Uses
Use the cold infusion for mild constipation, appetite loss, indigestion, and rheumatism. Use the hot infusion primarily when dealing with fevers, flu, acute infections such as bronchitis or measles, or when trying to induce vomiting.
Please Note: The information contained in this section of the web site is directed toward people with technical knowledge in the botanical medicine field. We provide this information as a service to naturopathic physicians, pharmacognocists, pharmacists, midwives, plant chemists and medical herbalists and we encourage health professionals to obtain a more general education in the area before applying treatments to themselves or their patients. Bastyr University assumes no responsibility for the results obtained from using this information. If you have a serious or lingering health concern, it is important to discuss it with a health care provider.
Eupatorium perfoliatum