Eupatorium Perfoliatum

Eupatorium Perfoliatum [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eupatorium_perfoliatum

Common name:
Boneset 
(Hoffman, 1983, 178)

Latin binomial:
Eupatorium Perfoliatum
(Hoffman, 1983, 178)

Family: 
Asteracae
(Giese, Brigham, Costa, Le, Ulbricht, Weissner, 2013)

Parts used:
Dried aerial parts
(Hoffman, 1983, 178)

Active constituents:

• Bitter glycoside (Eupatorin)
• Volitile oil
• Gallic acid
• Glucosidal tannin

(Hoffman, 1983, 178)
 

Actions:

• Diphoretic
• Aperient
• Tonic
• Anti-spasmodic
• Relaxant to the mucous membranes

(Hoffman, 1983, 178)

Indications:

• Used for relief of symptoms of influenza
• Relieves aches and pains
• Aids the body with dealing with fever
• Clears URT and clears mucous congestion
• Eases constipation
• Can be used in the treatment of muscular rheumatism

(Hoffman, 1983, 178)

Contraindications: 

•  Boneset may be toxic and long term use by pregnant or breastfeeding women should be avoided.
• Use cautiously as boneset is known to cause both vomiting and diarrhea, which may increase the chance of dehydration in small children, elderly individuals, or individuals suffering from a chronic condition.
• Allergies to Asteraceae/Compositae family members may occur, such as dandelion, goldenrod, ragweed, sunflower, and daisies.
• Allergic hypersensitivity can result in contact dermatitis due to the sesquiterpene lactone constituents of boneset.

(Giese, Brigham, Costa, Le, Ulbricht, Weissner, 2013)

Cautions:

• Use cautiously as boneset is known to cause both vomiting and diarrhea, which may increase the chance of dehydration in small children, elderly individuals, or individuals suffering from a chronic condition.
• Use cautiously in patients sensitive to boneset or Asteracae/Compositae plants, including such as dandelion, goldenrod, ragweed, sunflower, and daisies, as boneset may cause contact dermatitis.
• Use cautiously even in the amounts recommended by manufacturers, as boneset may promote sweating, the production of urine, and catharsis. 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.
• Avoid in patients with known liver or kidney conditions and patients who ingest moderate to large amounts of alcohol as boneset may contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

(Giese, Brigham, Costa, Le, Ulbricht, Weissner, 2013)

Dosage:

• Infusion: Poor 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb and leave for 10-15 minutes.
• Tincutre: Take 2-4ml of the tincture 3 times daily

 (Hoffman, 1983, 178)

Combinations: 
For the treatment of influenza it can be combined with Yarrow, Elderflowers, Cayeene or Ginger

(Hoffman, 1983, 178)

References:

Giese, Brigham, Costa, Le, Ulbricht, Weissner. (2013) Natural standard professional monograph.  

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.