Overview
Acute respiratory/fever support: influenza, acute bronchitis, nasopharyngeal catarrh; diaphoretic to support ‘breaking a fever’ and clearing mucus; constipation with fever is mentioned in use lists. Also noted as tonic support for dyspepsia/debility and muscular rheumatism (in moderate doses).
Plant family
Asteraceae/Compositae
Parts used
Dried leaf and flowering parts
Actions
Diaphoretic · Anti-inflammatory · Stimulant · Tonic
Affinities
Respiratory · Immune · Digestive
Body systems
Respiratory · Immune · Digestive
Taste profile
Bitter
Tissue states
Traditional use
Indigenous and early American use for influenza/colds/fevers and deep bone pain syndromes (e.g., dengue-associated aches). Broad historical febrifuge/emetic/cathartic lists and homeopathic use lists are included on page.
Current use
Acute respiratory/fever support: influenza, acute bronchitis, nasopharyngeal catarrh; diaphoretic to support ‘breaking a fever’ and clearing mucus; constipation with fever is mentioned in use lists. Also noted as tonic support for dyspepsia/debility and muscular rheumatism (in moderate doses).
Dosage guidance
Tea: 1-2 g herb in 150 mL boiling water, steep 5-10 min, 3x daily. Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol): 1-2 mL 3x daily. Tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol): 1-4 mL 3x daily. Duration: NO LONGER than 2 weeks at a time.
Cautions & contraindications
CONTRAINDICATED: Known allergies to Asteraceae family (ragweed, dandelion, goldenrod, sunflower, daisies). Avoid simultaneous use with hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid herbs (borage, butterbur, coltsfoot, comfrey, gravel root, hemp agrimony). FRESH boneset contains toxic tremerol (nausea, vomiting, muscle tremors, can cause coma/death). Dried boneset does not contain tremerol. FDA: "Herbs of Undefined Safety."
Evidence notes
Safety hinges on proper drying (fresh boneset contains toxic tremerol; dried does not). Preliminary research suggests weak antibacterial/cytotoxic activity and possible immunostimulatory polysaccharides, but robust modern trials are limited; duration guidance is short-term (≤2 weeks).