Boneset Latin Name: Eupatorium Perfoliatum Other names: Agueweed, Crosswort, Eupatorium, Feverwort, Indian sage, Sweating plant,

Teasel, Thoroughwort, Tse-lan, Vegetable antimony, Wood boneset Element: Water Planets: Saturn Goddess/Gods: Gender : feminine Magickal Uses: Exorcism, protection. Medicinal Properties: Laxative, antispasmodic, expectorant, vasoconstrictor, cholagogue, cathartic, emetic, febrifuge, tonic, aperient, diaphoretic, diuretic, nervine, carminative, stimulant. A common home remedy of 19th century America, extensively used by Native Americans and early settlers. Widely used, reportedly with success, during flu epidemics in 19th and early 20th century. The effect of boneset depends on the form it is taken in. Taken cold, the infusion has tonic and mildly laxative effects. Taken warm, it is diaphoretic and emetic and can be used to break up a common cold, for intermittent fever, cough, and for the flu. The hot infusion is both emetic and cathartic. Used for malaria, rheumatism, spasms, cystitis, urinary stones, relieves night-time urination, fluid retention, jaundice, wounds, urinary stones, pneumonia, pleurisy, dyspepsia, relieves constipation (taken in a cold drink, it is a mild laxative), has calming effect, ague, gout. Leaves poulticed onto tumors. German research suggests nonspecific immune system-stimulating properties, perhaps vindicating historical use in flu epidemics. Promotes sweating, relaxes peripheral blood vessels, muscle cramps, sore throat, cough, headache, stuffy nose. Medicinal Part : Aerial parts, usually dried leaves and flowering tops Legends, Myths and Stories Boneset was one of early America's foremost medical plants, a popular panacea of extraordinary powers. Native Americans introduced the settlers to this New World herb. Its name reflects its use during a particularly harsh strain of flu called "break bone fever". Come cold and flu season, boneset can be invaluable in relieving coughs and upper respiratory congestion. Today, it is chiefly regarded as a weed with an interesting past. First used by the Native Americans, who passed along their high esteem for the plant to the settlers. The botanical name, Eupatorium, was selected to connote Mithridates Eupator, a king of Ponus about 115 BC, who supposedly discovered an antidote to poison among the species of this particular genus. When taken captive by his enemies, he preferred death to captivity, but had to have a slave stab him, for he had so thoroughly fortified himself against poisoning. The genus includes some 400 species, quite a number of which are reputed to have medicinal virtues. Boneset and

Joe-pye weed are among the latter species. Boneset was never used as an antidote to poison. Boneset was a popular bitter of early Americans. The infusion is taken cold; the hot tea induces sweating. Warning Emetic and laxative in large doses. May contain controversial and potentially liver-harming pyrrolizidine alkaloids.