Page 51 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Boneset,

Eupatorium perfoliatum

This herb supposedly got the name boneset due to its
use treating dengue fever, also known as break-bone
fever. It is excellent for treating fevers and is a great
choice for chest colds and flu. The herb is a perennial
native to North America. It is a member of the As-
ter/Sunflower family. It is also known as feverwort.
Identification: Boneset has erect, hairy stems that
grow 2 to 4 feet (0.6m to 1.2m) high and branch at the Boneset flowers and leaves, Jomegat, CC by SA 3.0
top. The leaves are large, opposite, and united at the
base. They are lance-shaped, finely toothed and have Colds, Flu, Bronchitis, Congestion and Ex-
prominent veins. Leaves are 4 to 8 inches (10 cm to 20 cess Mucus: Boneset is an excellent choice for the
cm) long with the lower ones larger than the upper treatment of the common cold, flu, and respiratory in-
ones. The blades are rough on the top and downy, res- fections. It discourages the production of mucus, loos-
inous, and dotted on the underside. ens phlegm and helps eliminate it from the body, fights
off both viral and bacterial infections, and encourages
The leaves of boneset are easily distinguished. They are sweating, which helps reduce the associated fever.
either perforated by the stem or connate; two opposite
leaves joined at the base. People given boneset early in the disease process have
milder symptoms and get well faster. A tincture is the
The numerous large flower heads of boneset are termi- easiest form to use.
nal and slightly convex, with 10 to 20 white florets, and
have bristly hairs arranged in a single row. Dengue Fever, AKA Break Bone Fever: Den-
gue fever thrives in tropical environments, and while it
The fragrance is slightly aromatic, while the taste is as- is not yet a problem here in the United States, it is
tringent and strongly bitter. Flowering from July to probably only a matter of time before it arrives.
September, this plant’s size, hairiness and other as-
pects can vary greatly. Boneset is the herb of choice for fighting dengue, a
painful mosquito-borne disease that results in high fe-
vers and terrible muscle and bone pain. It reduces the
fevers and fights the underlying causes of the disease.
It also gives the patient some relief from the “bone-
breaking” pain.

Malaria: Native Americans have commonly used
boneset to treat malaria. It promotes sweating, which
helps relieve the fever associated with malaria and
lessens the severity of the disease.
Yellow Fever and Typhoid: Boneset is helpful in
the treatment of yellow fever and typhoid, although it
is not as effective as it is for treating dengue fever and
malaria. Its main use here is its ability to reduce the
Medicinal Use: The flowers and leaves are used. accompanying fevers.
Best to let dry rather than use fresh due to some degree
of toxicity. The major medicinal properties of boneset Harvesting: Harvest the leaves and flowering stems
include use as an antispasmodic, sweat inducer, bile- of boneset during the summer, just before the buds
producer, emetic, fever-reducer, laxative, purgative, have opened. Dry them for later use. Seeds of boneset
stimulant, and as a vasodilator. ripen about a month after flowering and are collected

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