Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
A North American wildflower long used as a tea for fever, flu, colds and coughs. In the lab, an extract stopped flu viruses from infecting cells, but it hasn't been tested in people.
What is Boneset?
- Plant family
- Asteraceae, the daisy family
- Parts used
- The leaves and other above-ground parts, as tea or as an alcohol-and-water extract
- Where it grows
- North America, including Kentucky, in wet meadows and along streams
- Genus
- Eupatorium
- Species
- perfoliatum
Also called
Thoroughwort, Eupatorium
Traditionally used for
- Fever and flu (traditional)
- Colds (traditional)
- Cough (traditional)
- Laxative (traditional)
Traditionally described as
- Blocked flu virus (in lab studies)
Health topics
Where Boneset appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Colds and Nasal Congestion
Used as a tea for colds and flu; an extract stopped flu viruses infecting cells in the lab. Not tested in people.
- Cough
Eastern Kentucky locals drink boneset leaf tea to calm coughs. Not tested in trials.
- Fever
A traditional Native American and folk remedy for fever and flu. Not tested in trials.
Traditions that use it
Native American Ethnobotany
Used by Native Americans for fever and infections, and as a whole-plant tea for colds, sore throat and flu.
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Boneset has long been used for fever, flu and the bone pain that comes with fevers. Native Americans used it as a tonic tea for colds, sore throat and flu. In Eastern Kentucky, local people still drink boneset leaf tea as a laxative and to calm coughs. It has also been used to bring on sweating and for digestion.[1]
Native Americans used the above-ground parts for fever and infections. In Europe today, alcohol-and-water extracts are used in herbal medicine for infections of the nose and throat.[2]
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
In a 2016 lab study, an extract of boneset stopped flu viruses from attaching to and infecting cells. This hasn't been tested in people.[2]
Other lab and animal studies report that boneset stimulates the immune system, may help reduce inflammation, protects the heart and kills bacteria. These haven't been confirmed in people.[1]
Sources
- [1] A Review and Survey of Local Eastern Kentucky Medicinal Plants and Their Pharmacological Benefits · DOI: 10.3390/plants14203182Peer-reviewed study
- [2] Antiviral activity of hydroalcoholic extract from Eupatorium perfoliatum L. against the attachment of influenza A virus · DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.016Peer-reviewed study
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.