LGR Holistic Wellness

Commonly known as boneset or thoroughwort, Eupatorium perfoliatum is a perennial herb and is a very popular herbal remedy. It was termed boneset due to its efficiency in treating a prevalent strain of influenza, known as ‘Break-Bone Fever’.

The North American Indians used boneset as a medicinal remedy for breaking fevers. They would use it to make the patient sweat profusely and hopefully break the fever. Early European settlers learned about the herb from the Indians and applied it to many more uses. For many pioneers it was the “go-to” remedy for a multitude of ailments.

Some of Boneset’s medicinal properties and uses are:

Fevers and Colds

Eupatorium perfoliatum was mainly used to treat fevers caused by colds, influenza and even malaria. It has also been used to treat intermittent fevers in cases of typhoid fever and yellow fever.

Moderate Doses

If taken in moderate doses, Eupatorium perfoliatum can be used as a stimulant and as a warm infusion. It is this property to infuse warmth on patients that it mainly helps in fever patients. When taken, it radiates warmth all over the body and promotes profuse sweating that aids in the healing process of the fever. In addition to that, its warm effect also aids in relieving muscular rheumatism and colds.

Large Doses

Eupatorium perfoliatum can act as a laxative to remedy constipation. If taken in larger doses it functions as an emetic, which means it causes vomiting. It targets the whole digestive tract from the stomach to the bowels as a purgative herb, claimed to be able to expel tapeworms from the intestines.

It can also help with digestive cramping and can act as a diuretic to promote normal urine flow, thereby cleansing the body of impurities and toxins in the process.

Inflammation and Pain

Boneset also helps treat hoarseness, soreness and body pain. For example, pain in swollen joints, arthritis and gout. It’s also helpful in treating back pain caused by inflammation.

Boneset is a very useful and trusted natural remedy for these types of ailments and conditions, without the unwanted side effects of NSAID medications.

Little Scientific Research

Despite these uses of boneset and its potential for being an all-natural wonder herb, few studies and experiments have been done to prove its efficiency on a scientific level.

History however, has proved the natural healing powers of Boneset in treating inflammation and viral infections, the benefits as a circulatory and immune system stimulant, and as a cytotoxic medication (this means that it is toxic to certain cells and therefore helpful in treating cancer). It also has a history of treating dengue fever.

In Summary

For those who believe in its medicinal properties, they would say studies are not warranted. There has been plenty of anecdotal evidence over the years from real-life cases, testifying to the ability of boneset to heal many conditions and ailments.

As always, consult with your doctor before adding any herbal supplement to your wellness routine.