Asteraceae
Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Eastern North America
Also known as: Common Boneset, Thoroughwort, Agueweed, Feverwort
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Influenza with intense bone pain (classic indication — 'break bone fever'), deep colds, acute febrile conditions, mucous congestion, dengue fever support. Traditional Native American influenza herb — very specific for aching bones with fever.
Herbal Actions
Diaphoretic, immunostimulant, expectorant, bitter tonic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral
Active Constituents
Sesquiterpene lactones (eupafolin, eupatorin), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), polysaccharides, alkaloids (pyrrolizidine traces — monitor), volatile oils
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3–5x daily during acute illness |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3–5x daily acutely |
| Notes | Best used at onset of influenza — classic herb for that specific 'bone-breaking ache' of flu. Drink hot for maximum diaphoretic effect. Short-term use only (acute illness). Bitter — combine with elderflower to improve palatability. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Contains trace pyrrolizidine alkaloids — avoid long-term use. Avoid with liver disease. Short acute courses only (max 7–10 days).
Side Effects: Nausea and vomiting at high doses. Liver toxicity (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) with prolonged use. Emetic at very high doses.