How Boneset Can Help Cure Influenza

Other Common Names: Agueweed, Bonesset, Common Boneset, Eupatoire Perfoliee, Eupatorio, Feverwort, Hempweed, Indian Sage, Sweating Plant, Thoroughwort, Tse Lan, Wasserdost, Waterdost, Eupatorium perfoliatum

Range: Eastern N. America - Quebec to Manitoba, south to Florida and Texas; China; France; Germany; Italy; Netherlands.

Habitat: Wet woods, scrub, fens and damp grassland.

Boneset is one of the most popular domestic medicines in North America where it is used in the treatment of influenza, colds, acute bronchitis, catarrh and skin diseases. It has been shown to stimulate resistance to viral and bacterial infections, and reduces fevers by encouraging sweating. The plant, however, should be used with some caution since large doses are laxative and emetic and the plant might contain potentially liver-harming pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

The leaves and flowering stems are antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emetic, febrifuge, laxative, purgative, stimulant, vasodilator. An infusion of the dried leaves and flowers is used to bring relief to symptoms of the common cold, it loosens phlegm and promotes its removal through coughing. It is also used in the treatment of rheumatic illness, skin conditions and worms. The leaves and flowering stems are harvested in the summer before the buds open, and are dried for later use.

A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh plant, harvested when it first comes into flower. It is used in the treatment of illnesses such as flu and fever.