Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Folk Names: Agueweed, Crosswort, Eupatorium, Feverwort, Indian Sage, Sweating Plant, Teasel, Thoroughwort, Vegetable Antimony, White Snakeroot, Wood Boneset
Description: Boneset is a perennial, preferring swampy areas and stream banks. It can be found in eastern North America, from Quebec to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas. The rough, red, hairy stem grows from one to five feet from a horizontal crooked root. The purple, lanceolate leaves are joined at bases around stem. They are opposite and rough, the edges serrate and tapering to a long point. They are perforated by the stem and are wrinkled looking. The veins are prominent and the leaves are rough above and downy and resinous beneath. Terminal, flat-topped corymbs of numerous, white flowers appear from July to October, producing tufted seeds. The plant has a weak odor, but a very bitter taste.
Effects: gentle
Planet: Saturn
Element: water
Associated Deities:
Traditions:
The name Boneset may be traced to the ancient King Mithridates Eupator, first to use this plant medicinally. The belief in its ability to heal broken bones is said to come from the way the leaves conjoin at their base. Boneset was also named for the treatment of a disease called breakbone fever, prevalent in 19th century.
Magic:
Boneset is said to ward off evil spirits. Sprinkle an infusion about the home to drive away evil. To send negative energy back to the sender, burn boneset and chant:
I alone will break your bone,
You can no longer harm me,
The harm you've done returns to you,
As sure as sky turns blue.
Known Combinations:
none noted
Medical Indications: (Caution: long term use is not recommended as toxicity may occur) Parts Used: all parts, but especially the leaves and tops after flowering has begun
Boneset is antipyretic, aperient, cathartic, diaphoretic, emetic, anti-inflammatory, a febrifuge, tonic, and laxative. Take cold infusion for a tonic and mild laxative. A warm infusion or tea may be used as a diaphoretic and emetic, to break up cold and congestion, and for intermittent fever or flu. Boneset was used extensively for treating fevers, especially to induce sweats. Mix the powdered herb with Vaseline for ointment for sores or rashes.
Nutrition:
none
Mercantile Uses:
none