Boneset (Richweed, White Snakeroot, Ague Weed)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Eupatorium perfoliatum, E. rugosum
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Leaves
Petals/flower
Chemicals this herb contains:
Eupatroin
Resin (See Glossary)
Sugar
Tremetrol (See Glossary)
Volatile oils (See Glossary)
Wax (See Glossary)

KNOWN EFFECTS

Irritates gastrointestinal tract. Can produce "milk sickness" in humans, an acute disease characterized by trembling, vomiting and severe abdominal pain. It is caused by eating dairy products or beef from cattle poisoned by eating boneset. Increases perspiration. Causes vomiting.

Miscellaneous information:
Tremetrol can accumulate slowly in animal bodies and cause toxic symptoms. It may do the same in humans.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Decreases blood sugar. Treats malaria. Treats fever. Increases perspiration.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.
For symptoms of toxicity: See below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS