Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum
Common name: Thoroughwort, Feverwort, Indian Sage, Ague Weed, Through-stem, Thorough-Wax, Crosswort, Vegetable Antimony
Danish name: Lægekulsukker/Kulsukker
German name: Beinwell/Gemeiner Beinwell/Schwarzwurz/Wallwurz
Swedish name: Akta vallort
Norwegian name: Valurt

MEDICINAL: Used for treating severe fevers, as well as flu and catarrh conditions. One to two tablespoons of the tincture in hot water is used for sweat therapy to break fevers.

May be combined with Millefolium, Sambucus and Asclepias for influenza. Capsicum or Zingiber may be combined if desired.

Preparations and Dosage:
(thrice daily)
Dried herb: Dose 1.0-2 g or by infusion.

Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 25% alcohol. Dose 1-2 ml.

Tincture :1: 5 in 45% alcohol. Dose 1- 4 ml.

RELIGIOUS: An infusion sprinked around the house will drive away evil spirits and negativity.

GROWING: Boneset prefers damp to moist rich soils. It is a North American native perennial that reaches 2 to 4 feet high, and grows in partial sun. Blooms in August with clusters of tiny flowers. Common throughout Indiana but also found from Nova Scotia to Manitoba and from Florida to Texas.

Cultivation Details: Succeeds in ordinary well-drained but moisture retentive garden soil in sun or part shade. A very cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A polymorphic species.

Propagation Notes: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring or autumn.