Boneset Tea Benefits

Boneset Tea Benefits have been known for a long time, particularly in the annals of Native American folk medicine, as being effective for colds and fever.

The plant acquired its name from its traditional use of treating dengue, or breakbone fever, which is a viral infection that produces muscle pain so intense that sufferers feel their bones will break. Boneset has long had a reputation as a very effective "cure-all".

Boneset is a daisy that usually grows anywhere from 2 to 4 feet. It possesses a long, hairy stem with white flower toppings. The flowers typically bloom during the months of July to September each year. Boneset usually grows in roadsides and in wet ground. Boneset is commonly found in the eastern part of North America.

Also known as eupatorium perfoliatum, boneset has diuretic, laxative, expectorant, emetic, anti-inflammatory and immuno-stimulant properties. The active constituents of boneset include sesquiterpene lactones (like euperfolin, euperfolitin, and eufoliatin), as well as polysaccharides and flavonoids like quercetin and rutin. These constituents may be derived through teas, tinctures and capsules.

Boneset is not recommended for long-term use as higher doses of the herb may cause damage to the liver or to the kidney. The herb should not be taken for longer than two weeks at a time. Overdose may be deadly. The safety of boneset for pregnant women and for children under 6 years of age has not been established.

To make boneset tea, place two to three teaspoons of dried boneset herbs (the above-ground parts like the leaves, flowers and stem are used) into a cup of boiling water. Then allow the mixture to stand for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Boneset Tea has a very bitter taste that's why honey or lemon is often added to it to make it more acceptable to the palate.

The following are the health benefits attributed to boneset tea:

• Boneset Tea is used to treat colds, coughs and ailments in the upper respiratory tract.
• Boneset Tea may help in the treatment of influenza, malaria and fever.
• Boneset Tea may help relieve migraine headache.
• Boneset Tea may help in relieving pain from arthritis and rheumatism.
• Boneset Tea may help in the treatment of jaundice.
• Boneset Tea may be helpful in fighting intestinal worms.