| Boneset was used by Native Americans for a | | | | These leaves help to distinguish this plant species |
| valuable remedy against colds, flu, and fevers. | | | | at first glance. The flower heads of the boneset |
| Other common names that boneset is identified | | | | plant are terminal and numerous, being large, and |
| by include: thoroughwort, vegetable antimony, | | | | having anywhere from ten to twenty white |
| feverwort, agueweed, Indian sage, sweating plant, | | | | florets. The plant possesses an aromatic odor, |
| eupatorium, crossword, thoroughstem, | | | | with an astringent and strongly bitter taste. This |
| thoroughwax, and wild Isaac. In most cases, | | | | plant species varies considerably in size, hairiness, |
| boneset has been used primarily to treat fevers. | | | | form of leaves, and inflorescence. It can typically |
| They introduced boneset to the settlers in the | | | | be found flowering from July to September. |
| New World. From 1820 through 1916, boneset | | | | The entire herb is used to provide alterative, |
| was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia. This herb | | | | anti-inflamamtory, antiperiodic, antiviral, diaphoretic, |
| was also listed in the National Formulary from | | | | emetic, febrifuge, purgative, nervine, and stimulant |
| 1926 through 1950. Boneset has been used to | | | | properties. The primary nutrients found in boneset |
| restore strength in the stomach and spleen. It has | | | | include calcium, magnesium, PABA, potassium, and |
| also been used as a tonic for acute and chronic | | | | vitamins C and B-complex. Primarily, boneset has |
| fevers. Dr. Edward E. Shook actually felt that | | | | been shown to be extremely helpful in dealing |
| boneset was beneficial for every kind of fever | | | | with chills, colds, coughs, fever, flu, malaria, pain, |
| humans are subjected to. He also believed that it | | | | rheumatism, typhoid fever, and yellow fever. |
| had never failed in overcoming influenza. | | | | Additionally, this herb is beneficial in treating |
| Recent research has found that boneset contains | | | | bronchitis, catarrh, jaundice, liver disorders, |
| antiseptic properties that help to promote | | | | measles, mumps, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, |
| sweating. These properties also help in cases of | | | | scarlet fever, sore throat, and worms. For more |
| colds and flu. Boneset has also been shown to | | | | information on the many beneficial effects |
| contain antiviral properties and strengthen the | | | | provided by boneset, please contact a |
| immune system by enhancing the secretion of | | | | representative from your local health food store. |
| interferon. Additional studies have found that | | | | Although there is no recent clinical evidence that |
| boneset is effective against minor viral and | | | | guides the dosage of boneset, traditional use of |
| bacterial infections by stimulating white blood cells. | | | | the herb suggests that a dose be about two |
| Additionally, this herb has been used to treat | | | | grams of leaves and flowers. The internal use of |
| indigestion and pain and may also contain some | | | | this herb should be tempered by the occurrence |
| mild anti-inflammatory agents to help with | | | | of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in this plant. |
| conditions like arthritis. | | | | For those women who are pregnant or lactating, |
| Boneset is a perennial herb that has an erect | | | | this herb should not be used, as there have been |
| stout and a hairy stem. It grows from two to | | | | documented adverse effects on those women |
| four feet high, with branches at the top. The | | | | who are pregnant and/or lactating. |
| leaves of the boneset plant are large, opposite, | | | | Boneset is available in capsule, tablet, and liquid |
| united at the base, and lance-shaped. They grow | | | | extract forms at your local or internet health |
| anywhere between four to eight inches in length | | | | food store. Look for name brands to ensure |
| and taper into a sharp point. The edges of these | | | | quality and purity of the product you purchase. |
| leaves are finely toothed, with prominent veins. | | | | |