Boneset Herb (Eupatorium perfoliatum) — Bulk Dried Herb
Boneset Herb (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Boneset is one of the most distinctly North American of all botanical herbs — a tall, robust perennial of the daisy family that grows in moist meadows, stream banks, and woodland edges across eastern North America. Its unusual perfoliate leaves — which appear to be pierced by the stem — make it one of the most visually distinctive plants in the North American flora, and its long history of use among Native American peoples and 19th century Eclectic physicians makes it a cornerstone of American botanical heritage.
Our Boneset is certified organic, cut and sifted from the aerial parts harvested at peak flowering.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Eupatorium perfoliatum
- Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
- Common Names: Boneset, Thoroughwort, Agueweed, Feverwort, Sweating Plant
- Plant Part Used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops)
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: Eastern North America
- Appearance: Dried green herb with distinctive paired, perfoliate leaves
- Aroma: Mildly aromatic, slightly bitter
- Flavor Profile: Intensely bitter, slightly aromatic
About the Plant
Eupatorium perfoliatum is a coarse, hairy perennial that grows to 1.5 meters in height, found throughout eastern North America from Nova Scotia to Florida and westward to the Great Plains. Its most distinctive feature is its perfoliate leaves — opposite leaves whose bases are fused around the stem, giving the appearance that the stem grows through a single leaf. The plant produces flat-topped clusters of small white flowers in late summer and early autumn, which are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. The common name “Boneset” is believed to derive from its traditional use during outbreaks of “break-bone fever” (dengue fever), where it was used to ease the severe body aches associated with the illness.
Traditional Context
Boneset was one of the most widely used botanicals among Native American peoples of eastern North America, with documented use among the Iroquois, Cherokee, Menominee, Ojibwe, and many other nations. It was adopted enthusiastically by 19th century Eclectic physicians in North America, who considered it one of their most important botanical medicines and used it extensively during influenza and fever epidemics. It appears prominently in the writings of Eclectic physicians including John King and Harvey Felter.
Suggested Preparations
- Infusions: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried herb in hot water for 10–15 minutes (note: intensely bitter)
- Tinctures: Well-suited for alcohol extraction
- Herbal Blends: Traditionally combined with Elder flower, Yarrow, and Peppermint
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried Boneset maintains its quality for 1–2 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for educational and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition. Those with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should use with caution.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.