Originally published April 14 2011
Boneset - This amazing herb is a flu and fever remedy
by Keith M. Henry, N.D.
(NaturalNews) The herb Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) has a long history of being used effectively in cases of influenza and fever. Native Americans also used boneset in the treatment of aches and pains of the structural system and in the healing of bones that had been broken. Many of the early uses of boneset were in the form of poultices or topical plasters. Taking the herb in the form of an infusion or tea did not become popular until around the mid-1900s.
The Sheer Power Of Boneset
The herb`s common name of boneset was derived from its ability to break the terrible fevers associated with influenza. These fevers were such in their severity that they were described as going to the bone or as bone fever.
Writing of boneset, Dr. Edward E Shook, N.D., DC, pointed out the amazing success of the herb as it was used very successfully in the United States for the treatment of influenza, a disease which killed some 6-8 million people during the first World War.
Native Americans And Boneset
History testifies to the fact that Native Americans were not ignorant of the dreaded influenza disease.
Before World War I Native Americans, having had many of their people stricken with influenza, were familiar with the disease. They did not call it influenza however. They called it "break bone fever". They called it break bone fever due to the incredibly painful sensation caused by influenza that produced the feeling of the bones being broken. This was probably due to the severe tension and contraction of ligaments which, "when temporarily relaxed and in clonic (convulsive) spasms, produced the sensation that the bones were breaking".
Native Americans used boneset in the treatment of break-bone fever or influenza. They were such adepts at herbology that most herbalists recognize that if a Native American used or approved an herb the herb was efficacious.
Indeed the Native Americans were masters at the craft of herbology. In fact, one Native American in Colonial times became famous for curing typhoid with boneset. For decades thereafter boneset was named after him i.e., Joe Pye weed.
Boneset Versatile
According to Mark Pedersen, a research chemist who specializes in herbal chemistry, no one chemical is responsible for the action of boneset. He points out that he has found boneset to be one of the most versatile medicinal plants. His research has revealed that in virtually every instance where there is inflammation or infection boneset has shown itself efficacious. Pedersen's research has also shown that boneset even has some anti-tumor properties.
Traditionally boneset has been used to treat fever, influenza, respiratory allergies, chills , rheumatism, bruises, broken bones, urinary tract infection and jaundice. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia points out that boneset can be used very effectively internally to treat fevers. In fact it is a specific for fevers, especially intermittent fevers.
The recommended way to take boneset internally, for fevers, is as a warm infusion or tea; ideally drinking 4 to 5 cups of the tea while in bed to encourage sweating.
Although boneset is widely used for flu, that is not the only thing that it is effective for. It can also help catarrh and bronchitis. It has also been used to help relieve fever induced aches and pains, and it has even been used as a decongestant.
The renowned herbalist and naturopath, Dr. John Christopher, as well as the imminent herbalist, Jethro Kloss, included boneset tea in their arsenal against influenza.
Nutritional Profile Of Boneset
The nutritional profile of boneset is interesting. It contains at least 23 nutrients. Among these nutrients are ash, calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, niacin, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc. Indeed it is one of the most efficacious herbs given to us by our Creator.
Sources: Nutritional Herbology, Mark Pedersen; Revised and Expanded Edition;1998
Natural Remedies Encyclopedia 4th Edition; V.Ferrell, Edgar E. Archbold, M.D., Harold M. Cherne, M.D.
Advanced Treatise In Herbology,Edward Shook, N.D., D.C.
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About the author
Keith Henry, N.D. is trained as a traditional naturopath and runs a naturopathic practice based out of Orlando, FL. He is the staff naturopath for phase 3 ministries Inc.--visit blog at: phase3ministries.com/wordpress/
, a Christian Ministry with emphasis on Natural Health based in Orlando Fl. He has also recently launched Bluezone Wellness.org designed to be the catalyst to teach, businesses workplace wellness, churches church place wellness, and other organizations wellness for their members.
Keith Henry, N.D. also just recently kicked off his internet radio show at blogtalk radio. Bluezone Wellness With Keith Henry, N.D.
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