Boneset, scientifically known as Eupatorium perfoliatum, is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and has a long history of traditional use for its medicinal properties. Boneset gets its name from its historical use in treating dengue fever, which was also known as “breakbone fever” due to the severe bone pain it caused.
BONESET (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Family: Asteraceae
Parts Used: Whole herb
Taste: Bitter
Herbal Actions: Diaphoretic, Febrifuge, Immunostimulant, Antiviral, Nervine, Expectorant, Digestive Stimulant, Mild laxative.
Boneset possesses a range of medicinal properties that make it a valuable herb in supporting overall health. It is primarily known for its diaphoretic and febrifuge actions, meaning it helps induce sweating and reduce fevers. This makes it useful in the management of colds, flu, and other feverish conditions. Boneset is also considered an immunostimulant, helping to support and strengthen the immune system. Its antiviral properties contribute to its effectiveness in fighting viral infections. Additionally, boneset has nervine properties, which can help calm the nerves and promote relaxation. Its expectorant action makes it useful for respiratory conditions by helping to expel mucus and relieve congestion. Boneset also stimulates digestion and acts as a mild laxative, supporting digestive health.
There is a historical connection between boneset and “break-bone fever.” Interestingly, some have staunchly denied any direct influence of boneset on actual bone healing. In fact, I have come across herbalists who adamantly believe that the internal use of an herb cannot aid in the mending of broken bones. This intriguing topic has been extensively investigated by renowned herbalist Matthew Wood, who has delved into it through his clinical experience and conversations with traditional healers and herbalists of North America. Let’s explore his insights on this matter:
“The common name for this plant is boneset: pronounced “bon-a-set” or “bone set.” The name indicates its use as a bone-healing medicine. This tradition is widespread among Indian people in the Great Lakes and Appalachia, as well as among rural people in the same areas. One of the Anishinabe (Chippewa) names for boneset translates as “bone. . . to repair.” The famous Anishinabe herbalist Keewaydinoquay learned about it from her mentor, Nomequay, and used it herself on a compound fracture that she treated when she was alone on an island in Lake Michigan. Although I have heard of using boneset as a bone-healing remedy from many different folk medical sources, this application is not mentioned in the nineteenth-century literature of professional medicine and the scholarly writers tell us that there is no history of any such usage. Modern herbalists repeat this line and tell me that the use is only based on a misunderstanding of the name. I gave several case histories for setting bones with boneset in The Book of Herbal Wisdom. One woman who based her therapy on my book reported the following. She flew off a dirt bike in Arizona, landed on her shoulder, and shattered the ball of the left humerus, but not the socket. The doctors initially told her that they thought her arm would have to be amputated at the shoulder! She took boneset, mullein, and lobelia, and did energy work, shamanic healing, and prayer. Two weeks later she had surgery. The surgeon said, “It was as if I had opened up a different person.” The fragments were all forming back into place and the bone was healing beautifully. She added comfrey the night before and after the operation. I saw her six months later and she looked entirely healthy. Another woman suffered a spiral fracture of the tibia. Her husband put her on boneset tea. On the third day, she was sipping the tea and he was doing Reiki energy work on her when they both heard a click. “What happened?” he asked. He saw her eyes widen. “I just felt the bone go back into place,” she replied. This case too healed perfectly.”
Affinities: Immune system, Respiratory system, Digestive system.
Folklore:
Boneset has a rich folklore and cultural history. Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and Iroquois, used boneset for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating fevers, colds, and body aches. The name “boneset” is derived from its traditional use in reducing the intense bone pain associated with dengue fever. During the 18th and 19th centuries, boneset became a popular remedy in America, often used as a tea or tincture. It was considered a valuable herb during times of epidemics, as it was believed to help prevent the spread of disease.
Energetics:
Boneset is considered to have cooling and drying energetic qualities. It helps cool the body and promote sweating, making it beneficial for feverish conditions. Its drying action helps reduce excess dampness in the body. Boneset is also a bitter herb, which stimulates digestion and supports liver function. The bitter taste can help improve appetite and enhance the assimilation of nutrients.
Spiritual References:
In spiritual traditions, boneset is often associated with purification and cleansing. Its ability to induce sweating and reduce fevers can be seen as a metaphorical purification process, helping the body eliminate toxins and restore balance. Boneset is believed to have a grounding and calming effect on the spirit, helping to bring clarity and peace during times of illness.
Boneset has numerous health benefits, including:
Fever reduction: Boneset’s diaphoretic and febrifuge actions help to reduce fevers by inducing sweating and promoting the body’s natural cooling mechanisms.
Immune support: Boneset stimulates the immune system, helping to strengthen its response to infections and viruses.
Respiratory health: Boneset’s expectorant properties make it useful for respiratory conditions such as coughs, congestion, and bronchitis. It helps loosen and expel mucus from the lungs.
Digestive support: Boneset’s bitter and digestive stimulant actions can aid digestion, improve appetite, and relieve mild digestive complaints.
Relief from body aches: Traditionally, boneset has been used to alleviate the intense bone pain associated with illnesses like dengue fever.
Boneset is a valuable herb with a long history of traditional use. Its herbal actions, folklore, energetics, and spiritual references all contribute to its unique healing properties. Whether used for fever reduction, immune support, respiratory health, digestive aid, or pain relief, boneset offers a natural and holistic approach to wellness. Consider incorporating boneset into your herbal repertoire to support your overall health and well-being.
