Agueweed
Scientific Name: Boneset
Other Names: Crosswort, Eupatorium, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Feverwort, Gravelroot, Indian Sage, Sweating Plant, Teasel, Thoroughwort
Should I take it?
Native to North America, boneset grows wild in swamps and other wetlands throughout the eastern two-thirds of the continent. It is an easily recognized plant 3 feet to 4 feet tall with thick, fuzzy stems that look as if they go through large, pointed leaves. The plants spread easily--forming extensive clumps, if not controlled. The tops of boneset have clusters of feathery white or slightly purplish flowers in the late summer and fall. For use in medicine, the leaves and tops (flowers and thin stems) of boneset are collected after the plants begin to flower. Fresh boneset may be used, but most commonly it is dried to be made into tea. Because boneset has an extremely bitter taste, tea made from it is often sweetened or flavored with another herbal, such as peppermint or ginger.
Native Americans and early pioneers used boneset to reduce fever, but not necessarily to heal broken bones. It is thought that the name "boneset" was derived from "break-bone fever", a type of high fever that caused intense bone pain. Much better drugs are now available to relieve fever. Recently, boneset and related plants have shown some ability to treat malaria in laboratory animals, but much more study is needed before it can be recommended for treating malaria or any other condition.
Dosage and Administration
Using boneset is not recommended. Compared to other laxative and fever-relieving products, boneset is not particularly effective. Continual use of boneset should be limited to a few weeks, at the most. No form of boneset is recommended for chronic use that lasts longer than six months.
Commercially available boneset products include capsules and extracts. An extract is a concentrated liquid preparation usually made by soaking chopped or mashed plant parts in a liquid such as alcohol, and then straining out the solid parts. Dosing recommendations vary according to the manufacturer and the condition being treated. The directions on the package should be followed.
Boneset may also be taken as a tea, which is made by soaking up to 2 teaspoons of dried boneset in about 8 ounces of hot water. Due to its extremely bitter taste, boneset tea is usually sweetened or flavored before drinking. Most sources recommend taking no more than 6 cups of boneset tea per day, possibly because high doses have been associated with nausea and vomiting.
Summary
Currently, boneset is not widely used. It may, however, have some slight ability to relieve constipation, reduce fever, or promote the breakup of chest congestion.
Risks
Although boneset has not been associated directly with liver problems, other plants in the same family as boneset have caused liver damage. Therefore, individuals who have liver conditions are advised to avoid it. Because it can cause intense vomiting and diarrhea, the use of boneset may also contribute to dehydration or low potassium levels--especially in young children or elderly individuals. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid taking it. Some individuals who have handled boneset plants have had allergic reactions.
Side Effects
Boneset can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Interactions
No interactions have been attributed to boneset. However, boneset has not been well studied in humans due to its potential to cause liver damage.
Last Revised April 4, 2008
|
Should I take it? 
