(Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Boneset: Boneset – For Colds and Flu

Warning: Do not eat fresh boneset.  Do not take if you have a history of alcoholism, liver disease, or cancer without consulting a physician.  Do not take boneset for more than two weeks at a time, and do not exceed recommended amounts.

—Botanical name—  Eupatorium perfoliatum

—-Chinese Botanical name— Guan Ye Zelan

—Description— Golds, Flu, Arthritis, Intriguing Possibility and Dead-End File. #

Boneset is used to reduce fever, increase urine output, cause vomiting, and treat constipation. Boneset is also used to treat influenza, swine flu, Acute Bronchitis, Nasal Inflammation, Joint Pain (rheumatism), Fluid retention, Dengue fever, and Pneumonia; as a stimulant; and to cause sweating.

—Family— Compositae; other members include daisy, dandelion, marigold 

—Synonyms— Agueweed, Crosswort, Eupatorium, Feverwort, Indian Sage, Sweating pant, Sweat plant, Thoroughwort, and Vegetable Antimony. 

—Parts Used— Leaves and Flower tops.

—Constituents— Tremerol, Pyrrolizidines.

—Medicinal Action and Uses— Modern herbal critics tend to ridicule boneset as passionately as physicians a century ago praised it.   #

One says, “It simply doesn't work.”  Another claims, “Boneset lacks therapeutic merit.”  A third writes, “in view of [boneset's] singular lack of effectiveness, it seems incredible that the plant held official status from 1820 to 1950.”· 

COLDS AND FLU – European studies show this herb helps treat minor viral and bacterial infections by stimulating white blood cells to destroy disease=causing microorganisms more effectively.  In Germany, where herbal medicine is more mainstream than it is in the United States, physicians currently use boneset to treat viral infections, such as colds and flu.

ARTHRITTIS – One study shows boneset is mildly anti-inflammatory, lending some support to its traditional use in treating arthritis.

DEAD-END FILE – Traditional use notwithstanding, boneset has never been shown to be effective against dengue fever or malaria.

—Nutrient Source— Boneset is one of the top herbs to support the Musculoskeletal system. It may also offer support for the following body systems: Digestive and Immune/Lymphatic. #

—Side Effects or Negative Effects— In large amounts, boneset may cause nausea, vomiting, and violent diarrhea. Boneset contains chemicals (pyrrolizidines), which in large amounts cause liver damage and liver tumors in laboratory animals.  Boneset's effect on human cancer, if any, is unclear because the plant also contains anti-cancer substances. However, the pyrrolizidines in some healing herbs, such as comfrey have caused a few cases of liver damage in people who taken more than the recommended amounts.  It's not a good idea to take boneset frequently as a tonic.  Don't take more than recommended amounts.  Anyone with a history of alcoholism, liver disease, or cancer should not use this herb without consulting his physician. Do not eat fresh boneset.  It contains a toxic (tremerol), which causes nausea, vomiting, weakness, muscle tremors, increased respiration, and at high doses, possibly even coma and death.  Drying the herb eliminates the tremerol and the possibility of poisoning. The Food and Drug Administration lists boneset as an herb of “undefined safety.”  For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults who have no history of alcoholism, cancer, or liver disease, boneset is considered safe in amounts typically recommended. Boneset should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor.  If boneset causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or a laxative effect, use less or stop using it.  Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks. Do not take boneset for more than two weeks at a time, and do not exceed recommended amounts.

—Deterrent— Astringent and bitter, the dried aerial portions of boneset can be prepared as an extract, or as a warm or cold infusion. The tea is bitter. #

—References— A Modern Herbal – https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/comindx.html

—References— A Modern Herbal – Boneset  https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/bonese65.html

—References— “Advanced Treatise in Herbology” by – Edward E. Shook, N.D., D.C.  Copyright by Wendell W. Whitman 302 E. Winona Avenue, Warsaw, IN  46580.

—References— Business Dictionare.com http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/anaerobic.html

—References— “Dicitionary.com” http://www.dictionary.com

—References— “From the Shepherd's Purse” by – Max G. Barlow, Copyright 1990, ISBN 0-9602812-0-7.

—References— Henriette's Herbal Home – https://www.henriettes-herb.com/faqs/index.html

—References— Handbook of Medicinal Herbs second edition By James A. Duke with Mary Jo Bogenschutz-Godwin, Judi duCellier, Peggy-Ann K. Duke

—References— Medicine Net.com http://www.medterms.com

—References— Medical Herbalism The Science and practice of herbal medicine by David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG, Copyright 2003, ISBN – 0-89281-749-6 

—References— “Nutritional Herbology” by – Mark Pedersen, Copyright 2008, ISBN – 10: 1-885653-07-7; ISBN – 13: 978-1-885653-07-9

—References—  Planetary Herbology by – Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Copyright 1988, ISBN – 0-941524-27-2

—References— “Prescription for Nutrition Healing” by – Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Copyright 2006, ISBN: 1-58333-236-7.

—References— “The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines” by – Charles W. Fetrow, Pharm. D. and Juan R. Avila, Pharm. D. Copyright 2000, ISBN 13:  978-0-7434-0070-1, ISBN 10:  0-7434-0070-4, Page 83 – 84 

—References— “The Healing Herbs – The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature's Medicines” by – Michael Castleman Copyright 1991, ISBN: 0-87857-934-6, Page  85 – 87  

—References— “The Ultimate Healing System – The Illustrated Guide to Muscle Testing & Nutrition” by – Donald Lepore, N.D.

—References— WebMD http://www.webmd.com/default.htm

—References—  Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia.com http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

—Recipe— Boneset is taken as a tea or tincture. To prepare a tea, boiling water is added to 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (1–2 grams) of the herb and allowed to steep, covered, for ten to fifteen minutes. Three cups (750 ml) a day may be taken (the tea is quite bitter).

—Recipe— 1 part nettle leaf, dried; 1 part comfrey leaf, dried; 1 part Boneset, dried; 1 part elderberries, rosehips, hibiscus, mint, or any combination thereof.
part Raw Honey to sweeten.

To prepare a tea, boil water is added to the herbs and allowed to steep, covered, for ten to fifteen minutes. Three cups a day may be taken (the tea is quite bitter).

—Definition— A North American plant of the daisy family that bears clusters of small flowers and is used in herbal medicine.

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Generated on June 27th, 2007

Updated on August 6th, 2007

Updated on March 22, 2023