Tell me about...
Boneset
What is boneset? What is it used
for?
Boneset is a tall, thin, flowering plant found throughout
North America. In addition to boneset, it is known under a
variety of names, including feverwort, Indian sage and thoroughwort.
It is in the same botanical family as echinacea and daisy,
and has serrated green leaves and small, white or yellow-white
flowers. The flowers and other aerial parts are used for medicinal
purposes.
Boneset has been traditionally used by Native Americans,
who employed boneset to treat a wide range of infections and
fever-related conditions. European settlers also used it to
treat fevers, with some practitioners claiming it was occasionally
effective against malaria.
The active ingredients in boneset include sesquiterpene lactones,
polysaccharides and flavonoids. Test tube studies have found
boneset extract to stimulate the function of immune cells,
which may explain its ability to combat colds and minor infections.
Boneset also raises body temperature, which explains its use
in fighting influenza. Some practitioners have used it to
clear upper respiratory infections and mucous-related congestion.
How much boneset should I take?
Traditionally, boneset is taken as a tea or tincture, with
one cup of boiling water added to 1-2 grams of boneset and
being allowed to steep for 10-15 minutes. Three cups a day
may be drunk; however, the tea is quite bitter. As a tincture,
1-4 millileters can be taken three times a day.
What forms of boneset are available?
Dried boneset is available, which is used to make boneset
tea. It is also available in extract and tincture forms.
What can happen if I don't get enough
boneset? What can happen if I take too much? Are there any
side-effects I should be aware of?
Some people may experience episodes of nausea or vomiting
when using boneset; this is more likely to occur when using
fresh plant instead of a dried version. Patients with liver
disease should avoid boneset, as should women who are pregnant
or lactating. As boneset can cause an increase in body temperature,
it should not be used by people who have a high (102 degrees
or higher) fever. Boneset should not be used consistently
for more than six months.
As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions
with boneset.
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References
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C (eds.)
PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics
Company, Inc;1998:842.
- Habtemariam S, Macpherson AM. Cytotoxicity
and antibacterial activity of ethanol extract from leaves
of a herbal drug, boneset (eupatorium perfoliatum). Phytother
Res Nov 2000;14(7):575-7.
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD.
Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals.
London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 48.
- Winslow LC, Kroll DJ. Herbs as medicines.
Arch Intern Med 1998;158(9):2192-99.
- Woerdenbag HJ, Bos R, Hendriks H. Eupatorium
perfoliatum L – the boneset. Z Phytother 1992;13:134–9.
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