Boneset Leaf (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Before aspirin, there was Boneset Leaf. Today the herb is still considered a valuable herbal treatment for coughs and colds and other viral infection symptoms, bronchitis and upper respiratory congestion. Boneset has also long been used to reduce fever and ease the bodily aches and pains accompanying it. Boneset is both a diuretic and a laxative and it is used as an herbal remedy for relief of constipation. The herb aids urine flow but is also used for relieving nighttime urination and bedwetting, fluid retention, gout, urinary stones, cystitis, and pleurisy. Flavonoids found in Boneset herbal extract have shown promise as a natural herbal remedy to help fight against tumors. Other traditional uses of Boneset include migraine relief, treating various ailments related to bowels, liver, stomach and uterus as well as a treatment for jaundice. Additionally, it has been used as an herbal folk medicine for fibromyalgia, diarrhea, and intestinal worms. Some studies done on animals indicate that Boneset leaf does, in fact, have the ability to reduce the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism. Boneset has anti-inflammatory properties that make it a useful herbal treatment for topical skin irritants and is also being studied for its ability to aid and subdue bruises, broken bones, and skin diseases.

The herb's common name was derived from its ability to break fever associated with influenza. The fevers can be so severe sometimes that they have been described as going to the bone, or bone fever. Dr. Edward E. Shook, N.D., DC, pointed out that it was amazingly successful in treating the virus during World War I. Boneset extracts have been considered a panacea, or cure for all illnesses. Boneset's sweat-inducing properties make this plant one of the most valuable items in herbal medicine. By increasing perspiration, it reduces fever and further helps to clear the body of toxins through the skin.

There is some scientific research which has shown that Boneset tincture can be used to treat the common cold, and as a natural treatment for viral infections, due to possible stimulation of the immune system. It is also thought that Boneset can increase resistance to infections, and as an herbal decongestant that loosens phlegm, eases a sore throat, cough, clears stuffy nose and relieves muscle cramps. This wonderful herb has been used successfully for the body pains and aches that influenza causes.

According to Mark Pedersen, a research chemist who specializes in herbal chemistry, no one chemical in the herbal extract, is responsible for the action of Boneset. The research has revealed that in virtually every instance when there is inflammation or infection, Boneset leaf has been shown to be efficacious, and may even have anti-tumor properties. Science echoes and substantiates its historical use by Native Americans and settlers alike, and the herb has been used for symptoms related to encephalitis, typhoid fever, yellow fever, mumps, measles, chicken pox, and most all illness that cause fevers.

Boneset is commonly used as a herb for treating and preventing osteoporosis. Boneset helps build healthy bone mass as well as to treat arthritis and symptoms of muscular rheumatism. It has been used as a pain reliever for broken bones and may help broken bones heal faster than immobilization alone.

As a mild laxative, Boneset is used to relieve constipation. It has antispasmodic properties, which are beneficial for all pains, for stomach cramps, indigestion and muscle tension. Boneset is thought to be an appetite stimulant, and to expel worms and parasites.

Boneset leaf is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties when taken internally, and when used topically, it is said to relieve skin diseases.