Summary
Boneset is a flowering plant that has approximately 60 different species. The medicinal part is the flower, which is indigenous to the eastern United States. It is know to help with colds and flu by boosting the immune system.
Description
Medicinal Parts
The medicinal part is the herb after flowering.
Flower and Fruit
There are numerous flower heads in terminal, large, and slightly convex cymose-paniculate inflorescences. They consist of 10 to 12 white, inconspicuous florets with bristly pappus whose hairs are arranged in a single row. The fruit is a tufted achene.
Leaves, Stem, and Root
Eupatorium perfoliatum is a perennial herb with a horizontal hairy rootstock. The stems are rough-haired and grow to about 1.5 m. The leaves are opposite, 10 to 15 cm long, lanceolate, crenate, tapering to narrow point and fused at the base. They have shiny yellow points due to the resin glands, which are visible on the undersurface.
Characteristics
The taste is astringent and persistently bitter.
Habitat
The herb is indigenous to the eastern U.S.
Production
Boneset is the complete aerial part of Eupatorium perfoliatum.
Other Names
Agueweed, Crosswort, Feverwort, Indian Sage, Sweating Plant, Teasel, Thoroughwort, Vegetable Antimony
Actions & Pharmacology
Compounds
Flavonoids: including eupatorin, astragalin, rutin, hyperoside
Sesquiterpene lactones: including eupafolin, euperfolitin, eufoliatin, eufoliatorin, euperfolide
Immunostimulating polysaccharides (heteroxylans)
Effects
The herb acts as an antiphlogistic, a diaphoretic, and a bitter, in addition to stimulating the body's immune system. In a comparative study of the homeopathic preparation Eupatorium D2 with aspirin in the treatment of feverish catarrh, a similar positive tendency was observed. In vitro, the phagocytic action of granulocytes was increased.
Indications & Usage
Unproven Uses
On rare occasions, Boneset is used in folk medicine.
Homeopathic Uses
Boneset is used as a treatment for flu and febrile diseases.
Precautions & Adverse Reactions
Health risks or side effects following the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded. Sensitization after skin contact with the plant is possible. Older scientific literature (Lewin) calls attention to the fact that the drug can lead to enhanced outbreaks of sweat and diarrhea in therapeutic use.
Dosage
How Supplied
- Liquid Extract
Mode of Administration
Boneset is used in homeopathic preparations and dilutions.
