Scientific Name: Boneset
Other Names: Agueweed, Crosswort, Eupatorium, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Feverwort, Gravelroot, Indian Sage, Sweating Plant, Teasel, Thoroughwort
Who is this for?
Uses
In the past, boneset was used extensively for a number of conditions, including constipation, fever, and influenza. Chemicals in boneset do have some mild diuretic and laxative effects, making it slightly useful for relieving constipation. Diuretics promote the loss of urine from the body; laxatives stimulate bowel movements. Because it also encourages sweating, boneset may have some effectiveness for lowering fever. It may cause mucus to thin, possibly helping to break up lung congestion, and it may also relieve muscle discomfort associated with flu. Currently, however, the use of boneset is minimal because other drugs generally are more effective.
When should I be careful taking it?Precautions
No laxative should be taken for longer than needed to relieve constipation.
While boneset has not been shown to contain significant amounts of potentially harmful chemicals, some other plants in the same family have been associated with liver damage.
Products containing boneset have been placed in the "Herbs of Undefined Safety" category by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Individuals who should be particularly careful to avoid taking boneset include:
- Individuals with known liver or kidney conditions and those who drink moderate to large amounts of alcohol.
- Because boneset is known to cause both vomiting and diarrhea, the chance of dehydration may increase if boneset is taken by small children, elderly individuals, or individuals suffering from a chronic condition.
- Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should also avoid it because not enough is known about how boneset may affect a developing baby or an infant. Additionally, its potential to cause vomiting may complicate pregnancy.
What side effects should I watch for?
Major Side Effects
In large amounts, boneset may cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. Even in the amounts recommended by manufacturers, boneset promotes sweating and the production of urine. It also acts as a laxative. All of these effects could cause excessive fluid loss from the body, possibly also decreasing the body's potassium supplies. Low potassium levels can result in muscle weakness and potentially dangerous changes in heart rhythm.
Less Severe Side Effects
Some plants in the same family as boneset contain significant amounts of pyrrolizidine, alkaloids, a specific type of chemical that has been associated with liver damage. Boneset has not been found to contain high levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, but it may contain some. Those who have liver conditions may want to avoid using it.
Boneset belongs to the same family of plants as daisies, so individuals who are sensitive to daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed may also be sensitive to boneset.
What interactions should I watch for?
No interactions have been reported between boneset and prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other herbal products, or foods. However, because few reliable studies of boneset have been conducted, its possible interactions are not understood completely.
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how boneset interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
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
References
Anon: Boneset. In: DerMarderosian A, Beutler JA, eds. Facts and Comparisons: The Review of Natural Products. St. Louis, MO, Facts and Comparisons. February 1993.
Carvalho LH, Brandao MG, Santos-Filho D, Lopes JL, Krettli AU. Antimalarial activity of crude extracts from Brazilian plants studied in vivo in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice and in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum in culture. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 1991;24(11):1113-1123.
Carvalho LH, Krettli AU. Antimalarial chemotherapy with natural products and chemically defined molecules. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 1991;86(Suppl 2):181-184.
Gassinger CA, Wunstel G, Netter P. A controlled clinical trial for testing the efficacy of the homeopathic drug eupatorium perfoliatum D2 in the treatment of common cold. (author's translation) [article in German] Arzneimittelforschung. 1981;31(4):732-736.
Habtemariam S, Macpherson AM. Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of ethanol extract from leaves of a herbal drug, boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum). Phytotherapy Research. 2000 Nov;14(7):575-577.
Haughton C. Eupatorium perfoliatum (L)_. Revised September 23, 2002. Available at: http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/boneset.htm Accessed March 28, 2003.
HealthNotes, Inc. Boneset. 2002. Available at: http://www.mycustompak.com/healthNotes/Herb/Boneset.htm Accessed March 28, 2003.
Jellin JM, Gregory P, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al, eds. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 3rd Edition. Stockton CA: Therapeutic Research Facility, 2000.
Kemper Center for Home Gardening. Missouri Botanical Gardens. Eupatorium perfoliatum. Posted February 2001, Last Updated October 2002. Available at: http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/codea/C730.shtml Accessed April 11, 2003.
Lira-Salazar G, Marines-Montiel E, Torres-Monzon J, Hernandez-Hernandez F, Salas-Benito JS. Effects of homeopathic medications Eupatorium perfoliatum and Arsenicum album on parasitemia of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Homeopathy. 2006;95(4):223-228.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Online Edition. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. Stockton CA: Therapeutic Research Facility, 2006. Available at: http://www.pharmacistsletter.com/(S(ulqz3s45omt3ag55um4kj345))/home.aspx?li=1&st=1&cs=&s=ND.
Roder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie. 1995;50:83-98.
Last Revised April 4, 2008
Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.