Herb Profile: Boneset

Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Asteraceae

Boneset stimulates the immune response and is best used during the secondary phases of colds and flu (ie. swelling of mucus membranes and yellow phlegm). Using this herb speeds the resolution of infections and supports rapid convalescence. The specific indications are upper respiratory infection, especially if accompanied by aches and pains. This includes: chronic cough, pneumonia and fevers. Boneset is also bitter and gently laxative, thereby improving the appetite and assisting in digestion. The classic anti-flu combination is boneset, echinacea and wild indigo (Richo Cech).

 

Preparations

Using the leaf and flowering tops without the stem, make a tincture of the fresh or dried herb. Make a cold infusion of the dried herb.
From Chris Marano: Boneset is useful in fever management: as a febrifuge to reduce fever in small cold doses (1-2 oz tea, 5-10 drops tincture in cool water) or as a diaphoretic in larger, hot doses (4-6 oz hot tea, 20-30 drops tincture in hot water).

 

Cautions/Contraindications

This is a strong herb that should be used only when needed. Excessive dosage will cause purging. Boneset is related to gravel root which contains potentially liver damaging alkaloids. Reports on the presence or absence of those alkaloids in boneset are ambigious. For this reason, it is prudent to avoid boneset during pregnancy or in the presence of a liver disease.

  

🌿 Grow, Harvest & Learn with Us This Season! 🌿

Whether you're looking to fill your apothecary with vibrant, fresh herbs, start your own garden with strong, healthy seedlings, or deepen your knowledge of herbal medicine, we've got you covered.

Join our Fresh Herb CSA to receive weekly bundles of medicinal and culinary herbs, plus guidance on how to use them. Pre-order seedlings to get a head start on your herb garden with our carefully grown plants. Explore our herbal education programs to learn hands-on medicine-making, plant connection, and more.

Looking for high-quality, certified organic herbs year-round? We also offer dried herbs and small-batch tea blends, thoughtfully grown and harvested to bring you the best in herbal wellness.

Be part of a community that values resilience, self-sufficiency, and deep connection to the land. 💚

Sign up for the CSA, pre-order seedlings, shop our dried herbs and tea blends, or explore our herbal education offerings today!

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only. We do not endorse the websites linked to in the resources and have not extensively reviewed all the information on external pages for accuracy. Everyone reacts differently to herbs and we do not attempt to be completely inclusive in the information and contraindications for each herb. Trust your intuition if something is not feeling right for you.

Shop our Apothecary and Nursery