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Boneset is a native to the Ontario region, but is less common in the northern part of the province in Canada. Boneset grows together with the two species of gravel root or joe-pye but Joe-pye grows in the south-western corner of the province. Both grow in wetlands, riverbanks, marshes and lakes and prefer open sunny areas. Joe-pye root and boneset herb are both wetland plants that boost the immune system.
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Boneset is easy to identify because of the joined leaves around the stem that are paired opposite. In this picture of white boneset the white flowers are just about to bloom. It is best known for treating fevers and in Traditional Chinese Medicine it treats all three stages of fever, Tai Yang, Shao Yang, Yang Ming. Called boneset not because it knits and repairs bones like comfrey but because it is used for deep, aching bone pain like rheumatic typhoid and “bone breaking fever.” It is extremely bitter, cooling and drying while stimulating the liver and digestion. Caution is advised! This plant is becoming increasingly endangered due to destruction of wetland habitat and over harvesting.
| Common Name | Boneset herb |
| Latin Name | Eupatorium perfoliatum |
| Family | Asteraceae (Aster) |
| Parts Used | Perennial- leaves and flowers |
| Target Organs | immune, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, liver, stomach, throat |
| Common Uses | Immune respiratory: stimulates immunity against infections. Used for fevers, dengue, malaria, colds, coughs, flu, infections, catarrh, sore throat, toxicity, Digestion: liver congestion, constipation, upset stomach, indigestion, gas, bloating Nervous system: debility, pain, neuralgia, |
| Properties | Anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory(local, systemic) anti-infective, antimicrobial, antineoplastic, antirheumatic, aperient, appetite stimulant, astringent, bitter, cholagogue, choleretic, digestive stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, immune stimulant, febrifuge, nervine, relaxant, stomachic, tranquilizer, peripheral vasodilator, vulnerary |
| Constituents | polysaccharides, flavonoids: quercetin, rutin, astragalin, hyperoside, inulin, sterols, vitamin D1, galic acid, essential volatile oil, glucosidal tannin, tannic acid, diterpenes, bitter glycoside: eupatorin, sesquiterpenes lactones, fatty resin, |
| Cautions | Medium strength: Only use dried herb. Avoid high doses long term use. May cause diarrhoea, vomiting in high doses. Low doses short term use for acute infections. Should not be used by pregnant, nursing women, infants and children under the age of ten. Use in formulation up to 25% for no more than 1 week or two. |
| Dosage | Tincture: 1-3ml Dried herb Tea infusion: 3-8g cold infusion for exhaustion and acute fever |
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