Boneset is a herb whose name was derived from its effectiveness in treating breakbone fever, the high fever that often accompanies influenza. The herb, for many years, has been used as an antipyretic (to alleviate fevers) and medicinal remedy for many other health issues. Boneset’s abilities include treating malaria, pneumonia, rheumatism, influenza, dropsy, and dengue fever.
Boneset, especially its leaves and the flowering tops, contains certain properties that are healthy for the body. To induce perspiration and relieve the symptoms of fever, drinking a hot infusion made with boneset can be of immense help. In addition, boneset also releases phlegm and encourages its elimination via coughing.
Now, let’s talk about a few of the health benefits of boneset.
Enhances the Immune System
Boneset is a potent immune booster and as a herbal remedy, the plant plays a vital role in stimulating the production of white blood cells that help to eliminate micro-organisms that cause diseases. The herb is also effective in accelerating recovery after an illness and boosting the body’s immunity.
According to some studies, boneset contains chemical compounds such as flavonoids and rutin that protect blood vessels against inflammation. As a matter of fact, boneset possesses powerful antibacterial properties that also help to safeguard the body against numerous disease-causing organisms.
Alleviates Digestive Problems
The consumption of boneset herbal tea can help in addressing a lot of digestive issues. The herbal tea can also help in improving appetite, eliminating stomach worms, easing constipation, treating indigestion, providing relief against stomach muscle tension as well as treating other common digestive problems. Boneset herbal tea serves as a diuretic, mild laxative and remedy for stimulating the flow of urine.
Relieves Fever
Boneset, which is also known as the “sweat plant”, can be helpful in alleviating several types of fevers, primarily by inducing perspiration. Evidently, boneset is a powerful diaphoretic agent which stimulates sweating when consumed. By inducing perspiration, the herb agent encourages the body to cool down as well as release various harmful toxins via the skin. This natural herb, for a very long time, has been used to particularly fever and treat influenza.
Eases Rheumatic Issues and Muscle Pain
Boneset helps to significantly ease painful muscle and joint aches caused by fevers and rheumatic conditions. This may explain the name “boneset.”
Repairs Fractures
This powerful natural herbal remedy is used to help repair broken or fractured bones, relieve bone pain as well as re-calcify teeth. In fact, people who drink boneset tea regularly, tend to enjoy better blood circulation, especially to the “periosteum”, the thin body tissue that covers the bones in the body.
In fact, studies suggest that boneset herbal remedy can build a bone mass that is healthy. This means that the herb is effective in alleviating various symptoms of muscular rheumatism and also treats arthritis. Additionally, the herb’s infusion effectively works on the nerves and joints, which are major components of the skeletal system.
Treats Dengue Fever
Boneset is very effective in the treatment of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease that leads to severe joint aches.
Relieves Respiratory Issues
Boneset, which is an effective natural herb, treats catarrh and provides relief for congestion by releasing the mucous in the upper respiratory tract. This potent herb can also be used to treat viral respiratory infections, flu, and colds.
You only need to brew and drink hot boneset tea if you want to induce, provide relief for aches connected with the flu or cold.
Treats malaria
Boneset is a natural herbal remedy that is widely used for decades treating malaria. In fact, according to some studies, boneset might serve as an outstanding complementary or alternative medication for malaria.
Side Effects and Precautions
- Boneset should never be consumed as a fresh herb, as it contains a toxic chemical due to a known as tremetol. In its dried form, boneset is safe and can be ingested by both the young and old.
- The herb should not be used for more than 6 months.
- Nursing mothers should steer clear of the herb as it is potentially toxic.
- The use of boneset is not advisable for treating a high fever above 102F.
- Too much of hot infusion may result in nausea and vomiting.
- Consuming large amounts of boneset herbal teas or extracts may lead to severe diarrhea.
- Boneset may also result in an excessive fluid loss from the body, as well as reduce the body’s potassium levels. Low potassium supplies can cause muscle weakness and potentially distorts the heart’s rhythm.
- People who are suffering from a liver disease should not use the herb.
- Boneset may potentially cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to plants in the family of Asteraceae/Compositae.