Wood Boneset

( Western Herb )

LATIN NAME

Eupatorium petrolatum

Wood Boneset is also known by many other names such as: Thoroughwort, boneset, Feverwort, Crosswort, Agueweed, Eupatorium, Indian sage, and Sweating plant.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

Wood Boneset is a tall, hardy, perennial plant, that has nothing to do with setting bones.

It is actually used to treat fever. It has an erect stout, cylindrical hairy stem, 2 to 4 feet high that is branched at the top.

The leaves are large, opposite, united at the base, lance-shaped, 4 to 8 inches long (the lower ones being the largest), tapering to a sharp point. The edges finely toothed and the veins are prominent and dotted underneath.

Wood Boneset is a very common and familiar plant in low meadows and damp ground in North America, extending from Nova Scotia to Florida. Native Americans took Boneset for fever-producing illnesses such as dengue fever, cholera, and typhoid.

It was one of the most extensive and frequently used herbs by the colonists. There was almost always bunches of the dries herb hanging tops downward from the attic rafters year around ready for immediate use if a family member caught a cold.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* fever, colds, flu, coughs

* congestion in the upper respiratory tract

* arthritis and rheumatism

* stimulant

* laxative

PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE:

Over the counter: Wood Boneset is available as dried leaves and flowers, and as tincture in health food stores.

Tincture: Take 10-40 drops in liquid at a time or follow directions on bottle.

At home:

Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried herb and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. This should be drunk hot as possible. For flu or fever, drink a cup every half hour up to 4 cups in a 6 hour period. Do not drink more than 6 cups in a 24 hour period. To mask the bitter taste , mix it with an herbal tea or add some honey and lemon.

Parts used: Aerial parts, usually the dried leaves and flowering tops.

Collection: Its flowers are collected as soon as they open in late summer or early Fall.

Constituents: Volatile oil, tannic acid, a bitter glycoside called eupatrid, resin, gum, sugar

Actions: Diaphoretic, tonic, diuretic, anti-spasmodic, aperient, laxative

Combinations: can be combined with Yarrow, Elder Flowers, Cayenne, Or Ginger for the treatment of influenza.

SIDE EFFECTS:

* Large doses can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

WARNING:

* Because Wood Boneset has a toxic effects, do not take it for more than two weeks at a time.

* Boneset contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to the liver; so if you have a history of alcoholism, liver disease, or live cancer, consult a herbalist before using it.

* Do not use fresh Wood Boneset because it contains a toxic chemical called tremerol. It can cause vomiting, rapid breathing and at high doses can possibly coma and death.