Some herbs steal the show when it comes to immunity, (think elderberry, echinacea, or ginger), but boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) has been quietly holding down the immunity fort for centuries. Traditionally valued by Indigenous healers and early American herbalists, this hardy plant has long been used to support resilience during seasonal shifts. While it may not be the flashiest herb on the shelf, its deep-rooted history and versatility make it a true hidden gem.
Botanical Background of Boneset
Understanding the foundation of this herb is key to appreciating its benefits. Boneset is more than just a medicinal herb; it’s a vital part of North America’s ecosystem and botany history.
Scientific Name & Family
Boneset is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae), one of the largest plant families worldwide. Its Latin name is Eupatorium perfoliatum. This family connection explains its fluffy blooms and notable similarities to other medicinal plants like yarrow.
Unique Physical Traits
One of boneset’s defining characteristics is its “perfoliate” leaves, a unique feature that looks like the stem grows straight through the middle of the leaf. This quirk earned it the Latin designation “perfoliatum” and makes boneset strikingly identifiable in the wild.
Its clusters of small white flowers bloom in late summer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies—a bonus for sustainability.
Native Habitat & Growing Conditions
Boneset is native to North America, where it thrives in wetlands, meadows, and streams where the soil remains moist. It is found from Canada to the southeastern United States and prefers damp, sunny environments. Thanks to its adaptability, boneset remains a relatively easy herb to forage or cultivate in similar growing conditions.
For herb lovers looking to grow it, it's a hardy perennial, so once its established, it will return year after year with minimal care.
Historical Use & Cultural Significance
Think of boneset as an old soul in the herbal world, rooted in tradition, respected by those who know its worth, and still showing up when it’s needed most. Its history weaves through Indigenous wisdom, early American herbal practices, and the hands of those who value time-tested plant allies.
The Name “Boneset”
Boneset was named for its historical use for “breakbone fever,” a condition causing chills, body aches, and overall physical discomfort. Herbalists believed boneset could soothe these symptoms and help “set” the bones back to health.
Indigenous Wisdom
Native American tribes like the Iroquois, Cherokee, and Delaware honored boneset for its ability to support a healthy body temperature, calm an overactive inflammatory response, and calm digestive discomfort. It was traditionally brewed into teas to combat colds, relieve aches, and support overall wellness.
Indigenous wisdom passed down through generations have informed much of what herbalists know about boneset today. Their respect for this sacred plant was critical in its early adoption in colonial medicine.
Colonial & Early American Medicine
Boneset became a staple in 18th and 19th-century folk medicine. Doctors frequently recommended it for chills, common colds and illnesses. It was praised for stimulating sweating and easing congestion.
Between 1820 and 1916, boneset was included in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia as a formalized medicinal herb. Although modern pharmaceuticals eventually overshadowed its traditional use, boneset have never fully disappeared from herbal circles.
Health Benefits & Medicinal Properties
Boneset continues to be a trusted remedy, particularly for boosting immunity and respiratory function. Its healing capabilities go beyond its historical roots and are supported by tradition and emerging science.
1. Heat Relief & Immune Support
Most of us have begged for mercy at some point in our lives when a bug caused us to have chills, body aches and overall dread. Boneset can show us mercy! Known as a diaphoretic, it helps induce sweating to cool the body and support a healthy temperature.
Scientific Backing
Modern studies suggest boneset contains compounds that support healthy blood cells, helping your body to fight off the ick more effectively. It also supports a healthy microbial balance, aiding in fighting off bad bugs.
2. Respiratory & Sinus Health
Struggling with a congested chest or stubborn mucus? Boneset can help! Known for its ability to loosen mucus and clear airways, boneset is a powerful, natural expectorant that has been traditionally used to ease respiratory discomforts.
Benefits of Boneset:
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Loosens mucus and clears the airways
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Works as a natural expectorant to relieve congestion
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Soothes cold symptoms
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Supports overall respiratory health
Combine boneset with ginger or licorice root for enhanced soothing effects on the lungs and throat. This pairing not only boosts its effectiveness but also adds a gentle warmth to your remedy.
3. A Healthy Inflammatory Response: Sesquiterpene Lactones
Boneset is rich in sesquiterpene lactones, which are compounds that support a healthy inflammatory response. Traditionally, it was used to soothe an achy back, tense joints and the deep muscle soreness that comes with being sick.
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Joint Relief: Helps soothe inflammation and discomfort in joints.
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Muscle Soreness: Soothes deep aches, especially during recovery from being sick.
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Combined Support: Can be paired with herbs like turmeric or willow bark for enhanced benefits.
4. Gut Health With Boneset
As a bitter herb, boneset supports the digestion process by helping to stimulate digestive enzymes. Herbalists often recommend it for occasional issues such as indigestion, bloating, or sluggish metabolism, making it a versatile option for those seeking fast relief from discomfort. However, it’s important to note that boneset is highly potent in its bitterness, and smaller doses are strongly advised to avoid unpleasant side effects like nausea.
To make the most of the boneset’s benefits, try incorporating it in low doses alongside ginger. This helps temper its strong, bitter flavor and enhances its digestive properties for a more pleasant and effective experience.
How to Use Boneset Effectively
To get the most out of this traditional remedy, it’s essential to understand the different ways it can be prepared and used.
Forms of Preparation
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Tea: One of the most traditional ways to use boneset, tea is often brewed to help with colds and respiratory issues like chest congestion. However, due to its bitterness, its best to use small amounts and incorporate other herbs for support and flavor such as elderberries, ginger, and stevia leaf.
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Tincture: Tinctures are a concentrated form of boneset extracted into alcohol or glycerin. They are convenient for those looking for a quick and easy way to incorporate the benefits of boneset into their routine. Many herbalists appreciate tinctures for their potency and ease of use.
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Capsules: For those who prefer a modern solution, capsules provide a convenient way to incorporate boneset. Although less common among herbal enthusiasts, capsules are ideal for travel or when making tea isn’t practical.
No matter how you use boneset, its versatility makes it a valuable addition to your herbal toolkit. Every body is different, so its best to experiement and find your preferred method of use.
Synergistic Herb Combinations & Plant Combination Preparations
To fully harness the boneset’s potent benefits, consider pairing it with complementary herbal allies. These combinations can enhance its effectiveness and provide a broader range of support for seasonal health challenges:
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Elderberry: A perfect pairing for support during cold season to boost immune response.
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Ginger: Adds warmth, supports digestion, and complements the boneset’s soothing properties.
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Yarrow: Enhances immune fighting capabilities and promotes overall wellness.
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Licorice Root: A soothing addition that benefits the throat and lungs.
Experimenting with these combinations allows you to create a more personalized and well-rounded remedy, supporting your health throughout the changing seasons and beyond.
Boneset at WishGarden
At WishGarden, we harness boneset’s time-tested strength in several of our powerful formulas, blending it with complementary herbs for synergistic support. This resilient plant plays a key role in promoting immune defense and overall wellness when you need it most.
Where You'll Find Boneset in Our Formulas:
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Kick-Ass Biotic – Supports immune defense against unwanted invaders and helps maintain a healthy microbial balance.
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Serious V-Fighter– Soothes those dreaded chills and body aches while giving the immune system a boost.
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Kick-It Biotic for Kids– Gentle yet effective immune support for kids, perfect for back-to-school or daycare exposure.
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Happy Ducts – Helps soothe clogged ducts while giving the immune system a supportive nudge.
Safety and Precautions
Boneset is a potent herb that should be used carefully to avoid adverse effects. When incorporating this remedy into your routine, always follow expert guidance.
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Avoid Long-Term Use: Limit boneset use to 1–2 weeks during illness unless otherwise advised by a qualified practitioner.
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Pregnancy: Boneset is not recommended for pregnant individuals. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
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Toxicity and Liver Risk: High doses can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The boneset contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may harm the liver when consumed in excess.
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Medication Interactions: Boneset may interact with prescription medications. If you are taking other drugs, consult a professional to avoid potential conflicts.
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Quality & Sourcing: Obtain boneset from reputable suppliers to guarantee purity and potency. Contaminated or improperly processed herbs pose additional health risks.
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Proper Dosage: More is not always better. Always follow recommended dosage guidelines to prevent adverse effects.
Remember, like any herbal remedy, respect the potency of the boneset and monitor your body's responses carefully. Always seek personalized advice from a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective use.
[[ recipeID=recipe-2m7kzqqq7, title=Boneset & Elderberry Seasonal Support Tincture Recipe ]]
Why Boneset Deserves a Place in Your Herbal Toolkit
From its ability to cool the body down, soothe aches and chills, and ease respiratory congestion, boneset is a timeless remedy with untapped potential!
If you’re new to boneset, start with small doses, mix it with complementary herbs, or consult a trusted herbalist for tailored guidance. Whether as a warming tea or a powerful tincture, boneset is an excellent ally for seasonal wellness.
Herbalist Q&A: Boneset
What is the difference between boneset and snakeroot?
While boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) and snakeroot (which can refer to different plants like Ageratina altissima or Polygala senega) are sometimes confused, they are completely different herbs with distinct uses.
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Boneset is mainly used for immune support and respiratory health.
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White snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) is TOXIC to humans and livestock—it contains tremetol, which can cause a deadly condition known as "milk sickness" if ingested through dairy products.
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Seneca snakeroot (Polygala senega) is used as an expectorant for respiratory issues but is unrelated to boneset.
Moral of the story? Don’t mix them up—one is a healing powerhouse, and the other (white snakeroot) is a no-go! Rely on trusted brands who sustainably source herbs.
Is boneset toxic to dogs?
Yes, boneset is considered toxic to dogs. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be harmful to the liver if consumed in large amounts over time.
Symptoms of toxicity in dogs might include:
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Weakness or lethargy
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Liver damage with prolonged exposure
Is comfrey the same as boneset?
Nope! Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) and boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) are two completely different plants, though they both have ties to bone health in folk medicine.
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Boneset is traditionally used for immunity, but also got its name from helping ease achy bones associated with illnesses.
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Comfrey, on the other hand, is famous for external use on wounds, bruises, and fractures (hence its nickname, “knitbone”).
Important note: Comfrey also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be toxic to the liver when taken internally in excess, so it’s mostly used topically.
What does boneset smell like?
Let’s just say boneset isn’t winning any fragrance awards.
It has a strong, slightly bitter, earthy scent with hints of musty hay. When brewed into tea, the aroma gets even more intense—herbal, pungent, and a little medicinal. If you love rich, grassy, old-school herbal smells, you might dig it. Otherwise, just add a little honey and lemon to make it more enjoyable!
Rebecca Younger is passionate about herbs and women's health. She aspires to plant seeds of inspiration within her community about plant medicine and healthier ways of life. She studied Herbal Medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver and is a certified Doula through the Matrona Foundation. She is the Brand Communications Specialist at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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