Boneset - Eupatorium Perfoliatum

Boneset - Eupatorium perfoliatum in the Asteraceae or Aster family

Part used: Aerial part while in bud or flower.

Taste/smell: Nauseatingly bitter.

Tendencies: Cooling, drying.

Dosage: Infusion: 1 tablespoon per cup of water; or 1:1 fresh plant liquid extract: 10-40 drops 1-4 times per day in a little water.

Mental picture and specific indications: Boneset is used for influenza and colds with night sweats, aching in both muscles and bones, fever and a full, large pulse. The tongue is coated yellow with a bitter taste. Tea form is optimal for colds and influenza.

Use: (a) Stimulating diaphoretic, (b) Cholagogue, (c) Choleretic, (d) Antispasmodic, (e) Diuretic, (f) Emetic and laxative in large doses.

It enhances immune system defenses, making it beneficial for colds, influenza, intermittent fevers, rheumatism and pulmonary inflammation such as pleurisy with cough and sore chest. This plant was considered a miracle herb in 1918-1919 when it was successfully used for epidemic influenza.

Contraindications: In 2016 better testing methods have allowed researchers to find pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Boneset for the first time. It is now known that this herb contains the potentially toxic pyrrolizidines intermedine and lycopsamine. Some samples contain very minute amounts and others larger amounts. So get Boneset with no, or extremely low pyrrolizidines. Look to the European Union for currently acceptable levels.

Allergic hypersensitivity can result due to contact dermatitis from boneset or other Eupatorium spp. that contain sesquiterpene lactone constituents.

If you are looking for directions on making teas or tinctures, please see our "Making Herbal Products" page.

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Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.