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Boneset, Dried

(also referred to as...)

Feverwort, Thoroughwort, Sweatplant, Indian Sage

Latin Name: Eupatorium perfoliatum

Family: Compositae

 
Description

Boneset is a tall, hardy perennial up to 1.5m high and 30-100cm wide. It has large, flat-topped, white or purple tinged flowers and blooms in late Summer. This plant is native to Eurasia and the Eastern United States. It is also found in swamps, meadows, and banks in eastern Canada. Prefers moist soil in sun or partial shade.

A very popular plant with North American Indians, boneset was introduced into Europe in 1699 and was used as a stimulating tonic and antispasmodic diaphoretic. Primary uses were to treat influenza epidemics and febrile conditions. In the 19th century, boneset was the household remedy in North America for coughs and colds.

In folk medicine and according to the doctrine of signatures: the leaves appear to be holding the stem-"bone set". The name Boneset was given to it, as it was used to treat a type of liver fever called "break bone fever".

The whole plant above the ground is cut when buds have formed and dried for use in infusions, liquid extracts, and tinctures.

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