Agueweed, Crosswort, Eupatoire, Eupatorio, Feverwort, Indian Sage, Sweating Plant, Teasel, Thoroughwort, Vegetable Antimony. CAUTION: See separate listings for Gravel Root and Sage.
Scientific Name:
Eupatorium perfoliatum.
Family: Asteraceae/Compositae.
People Use This For:
Orally, boneset is used as an antipyretic, diuretic, laxative, emesis, and cathartic. Boneset is also used to treat influenza (especially with aching muscles), swine flu, acute bronchitis, nasal inflammation, rheumatism, edema, dengue fever, and pneumonia; and as a stimulant and a diaphoretic.
Safety:
POSSIBLY UNSAFE: When used orally in excessive amounts. Large doses are
both cathartic and emetic. Though the alkaloids have not been characterized,
hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are common in this genus (3).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally, due
to possible hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid content (3); avoid using.
Effectiveness:
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of
boneset.
Mechanism of Action:
The applicable parts of boneset are the dried leaf and flowering parts.
Preliminary research suggests boneset might have cytotoxic and mild
antibacterial activity (4).
Adverse Reactions:
Report an Adverse Reaction to BONESET
Orally, boneset can cause an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to the
Asteraceae / Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed,
chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs.
Interactions with Herbs & Supplements:
HEPATOTOXIC
: Concomitant use is contraindicated due to the risk of additive toxicity. Herbs
containing hepatotoxic PAs include borage, butterbur, coltsfoot, comfrey, gravel
root, hemp agrimony, hound's tongue, and the Senecio species plants dusty
miller, alpine ragwort, groundsel, golden ragwort, and tansy ragwort (2).
PYRROLIZIDINE
ALKALOID
(PA)-CONTAINING
Interactions with Drugs:
None known.
Interactions with Foods:
None known.
Interactions with Lab Tests:
None known.
Interactions with Diseases or Conditions:
CROSS-ALLERGENICITY: Boneset can cause an allergic reaction in individuals
sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include
ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs.
Dosage/Administration:
ORAL: Traditionally one cup of tea, prepared by steeping 1-2 grams herb in 150
mL boiling water, has been used three times daily. The liquid extract, 1:1 in 25%
alcohol, has been used 1-2 mL three times daily. 1-4 mL of the tincture, 1:5 in
45% alcohol, has also been used three times daily (1).
Specific References: THYME
1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
2. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46.
3. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.
4. Habtemariam S, Macpherson AM. Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity
of ethanol extract from leaves of a herbal drug, boneset (Eupatorium
Also Known As: