Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset) 206

Family: Compositae or Asteraceae

Part Used: Aerial parts (leaf, bud and flower)

Active Constituents:

Flavonoid (eupatorin), sequiterpene lactones, tannins, volatile oil

Medicinal Actions:

Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, emetic, laxative (aperient), stomachic

Medicinal Uses:

1)Influenza is the best known illness treated with Eupatorium. It became well known as a treatment during the epidemic of the early 1900's. It relieves the deep muscle and bone ache and the fever associated with flu.

2)It is one of the most potent of the diaphoretics, and should always be given with extra fluid because of that action. Cause people to break out into sweat and decrease fever. Thus makes the patient more comfortable.

3)Eupatorium may have some mucolytic action, lessening mucous production in flus or colds. This herb is normally used to treat acute conditions.

4)It has exhibited anti-bacterial activity against E. coli and Staph aureus. Because of this, it is included in many urinary formulas.

5)It is also a digestive bitter, stimulating HCl and aiding in digestion for hypochlorhydric patients. Good for recovery from illness. Large doses can be emetic thus it is detoxifying. Have laxative effect

6)Traditionally, it was used by Plains Indians to treat aching joints and aid in the healing of broken bones.

7)It tends to have an uplifting or opening action on the head area, so is useful in headaches that create a sense of dullness or heaviness along with the pain

8)Pericydine alkaloid not well assimilated, take short term during influenza.

9)Help open up the head when have congestion

Eupatorium purpureum

Diuretic, antimicrobia, good for urinary disease

Contraindications: Large doses of the herb are emetic. The herb has induced contact dermatitis due to direct contact in some people. There is a risk of liver damage if used in high doses for an extended period.

Toxicity is lessened by using dried herb.

Pharmacy:

Infusion: 1 tsp herb/Cup water X 10 min. q. 30 min. for fever, TID-QID for flu

Tincture: 15 - 30 drops TID to QID (for emesis, you may need up to 80 gtt)

as a tea combine it with melissa. To treat flu.