Boneset

(Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Other Names:

Common boneset, agueweed, feverwort, sweating plant

Range:

Family:

Asteraceae - Aster or Composite Family

Growth Type:

Herbaceous perennial

Height:

Typically reaches 2 - 4 feet in height

Leaves:

The narrow, lanceolate, leaves are arranged opposite along the stem. These leaves can grow up to 8 inches long and 2 inches wide. The leaves do not grow from petioles, but rather clasp the stem. This gives the appearance that the stem is growing right through the leaves.

Stem/Trunk:

A single central stem that is covered in long white hairs. The stout stem remains un branched until very near the top where flowering side stems appear.

Root:

Fibrous root system which can produce rhizomes from which new plants grow. This results in small colonies of the plant.

Flower Season:

Late summer or early autumn

Flower Appearance:

At the top of the plant wultiple clusters of small white flowers grow from small side branches of the main stem. These flower clusters can reach up to 8 inches across. They are typically found more in the 4-6 inch range though.

Seed/Fruit:

Small black seeds

Miscellaneous characteristics:

N/A

Habitat:

A wetland native, E. perfoliatum prefers moist to wet soil in full to partial sun.

Parts Used:

Flowers and leaves

Culinary Uses:

None Known

Energetics

Taste: Bitter
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Drying

Traditional Medicinal Uses:

Among other things, the flowering herb can be used to treat colds and influenza.

Indications

Uses

Medicinal Actions:

Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Antipyretic, Cathartic, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emetic, Febrifuge, Immunostimulant, Laxative

Constituents:

Plant: 11,13alpha-dihydroeuperfolide, 4-o-methyl-glucuronoxylan, 7-hydroxy-7-hydro-6-dehydro-3,4(z)-alpha-farnesene, 8beta-angeloyloxyeupatundin, Ascorbic-acid, Ash, Astragalin, Beta-carotene, Calcium, Chromium, Cobalt, Dendroidinic-acid, Eucannabinolide, Eufoliatin, Eufoliatorin, Eupafolin, Eupatorin, Euperfolide, Euperfolin, Euperfolitin, Fat, Fiber(crude), Fiber(dietary), Gallic-acid, Gum, Hebenolide, Helenalin, Hyperoside, Inulin, Iron, Kaempferol, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Quercetin, Resin, Riboflavin, Rutin, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium, Tannic-acid, Thiamine, Urs-20-en-3beta-ol, Water, Zinc