Alpine Herb Boneset Herb Cut

Botanical Name: Eupatorium perfoliatum

Common Name:

• English: Throughwort
• Also, known as: Crosswort, Ague weed, Feverwort, Indian sage, Herbe Parfaite, Tsé-lan,  Durchwachsener Wasserhanf, Eupatorio,

Origin: Hungary

Harvested: Wild

Parts Used: Tops and leaves

General Information:

Eupatorium perfoliatum is a perennial herbaceous plant, with an erect, cylindrical hairy stem, which grows to 2-4 feet tall, forked at the tip. Boneset is a very common and familiar plant in low meadows and grows in full sun in any well drained soil., extending from Nova Scotia to Florida. Boneset was a favorite medicine of the North American Indians, who called it by a name that is equivalent to ‘Ague-weed,’ and it has always been a popular remedy in the United States, probably no plant in American domestic practice having more extensive and frequent use.

The leaves are perfoliate, large, opposite, joined at the base, lance-shaped, 3-8 inches long, pointing to a sharp point, the edges finely toothed. The leaves serve to separate the species at the first glimpse – they may be conceived either as perforated by the stem. Small whiteflowers grow in dense clusters above the leaf.  The flower-heads are terminal and numerous, large and slightly convex, with from ten to twenty white florets, having a bristly pappus, the hairs of which are set in a single course. The aroma of the plant is slightly aromatic, the taste astringent and strongly caustic. This species shows considerable variation in size, hairiness, form of leaves and flowering.

The root holds the appearance of penetrating the leaves through the center and standing them out crosswise. Flowering in August and September, the large bushy white flowers top the lavish green plant. It takes in a feeble odor, with a caustic mouthful

All parts of the plant are active, but the herb has only been official, the leaves and tops being gathered after flowering has commenced. They contain volatile oil, some tannic acid, and Eupatorin, a bitter glucoside principle, also resin, gum, and sugar.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can sweeten your herbal tea with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
• You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice tray or pop molds.

Precautions: 

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

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This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.