see also blog in Materia Medica section On this page: Boneset, Jewel Weed, Elecampane, American Ginseng.
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE HERBS
Eupatorium
perfoliatum - Boneset
Folk Medicine of the
Delaware and Related Algonkian Indians by Gladys Tantaquidgeon, primarily informed by Wi-tapanoxwe (Walks With Daylight) of Oklahoma., states about Boneset: “The root and
occasionally the leaves are infused as a treatment for chills and fever.”
About Mohegan uses, Gladys writes: “One of the most highly regarded herbs by most eastern Indian tribes. Infusions of leaves were administered in small doses for colds, fever, and general debility. In treating colds, the tea was drunk hot at night and cold in the morning.”
And about the Canadian Delaware: “This is considered to be a very powerful medicinal herb by my informants, and it should be used with great precaution, according to their belief. Tea made from the leaves is beneficial as a stomach medicine.” This footnote follows: “This plant so commonly used by both Indians and whites in those sections of eastern North America where it is indigenous, appears to be regarded as too powerful to be tampered with by the Six Nations Delaware informants. The Oklahoma Delaware, however, use the plant freely.”
In American Indian Medicine Vogel writes that Boneset was at one time a virtual panacea among both Indians and whites. The book is filled with references of the common and effective use of Boneset for fevers, stomach problems, and arthritis. There are also many quotes by white men of old who highly esteemed Boneset.
Densmore lists that Boneset was used as a charm by the Chippewa in How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts. In Native American Ethnobotany by Daniel Moerman “magical” uses of the Boneset are listed. It mentions that the Iroquois used Boneset for sorcery and for divination, that the Abnaki used it as a charm to attract deer for hunting,
In The Book of Herbal Wisdom Matthew Wood challenges the common belief that Boneset got its name from “breakbone fever” and was not used to set bones. Wood claims that he has met many folk medicine practitioners, especially Native Americans, who use Boneset to set bones.
Moerman lists that Boneset was use to mend bones by the Abnaki and that a cold, compound infusion of leaves were applied as a poultice to broken bones by the Iroquois. Brief mention compared to the rest of the long list of uses.
According to Moerman the Cherokee used Boneset as a pugative, diaphoretic, sudorific, disinfectant, diuretic, tonic, stimulant, emetic, and febrifuge. It was used for fever, ague, colds, flu, sore throats, irregular menses, rheumatism (topically), rattlesnake bites, and for the biliary system. The Delaware used roots and occasionally leaves for chills and fever. The Ontario Delaware considered leaves a powerful stomach medicine. The Iroquois used an infusion of roots for stomach pain and pain on the left side; they used a poultice of the plants for headaches; compound decoction of roots for colds; infusion of leaves for the onset of a cold; infusion of roots as a wash and poultice for syphilitic chancres; for fevers; for stomach pains; for piles; compound decoction of roots for kidneys; compound decoction of flowers and leaves as laxative; for typhoid; decoction of roots for stricture caused by menstruating girls; decoction of smashed roots for liquor habit; and for pneumonia and pleurisy. Koasati used a decoction of the leaves as an emetic and a decoction of the roots for urinary troubles. The Menominee used the whole plant for fevers. Meskawaki used leaf and flower infusion for worms and the root for snakebite. The Micmac used Boneset for kidney troubles and for spitting blood and gonorrhea. The Mohegan used it for colds and fever, stomach troubles, general illness, general debility, and in a compounded spring tonic. Nanticoke used whole plant for chills and fevers. Penobscot used compound infusion for spitting up blood, as a tonic, and for gonorrhea. Rappahannock used dried leaves picked before flowers matured as a tonic. Seminole used as a gentle emetic and fever medicine. Shinnecock used for colds and fever.
Tierra in The Way of Herbs considers Boneset to have a cool energy and bitter flavor, with an effect on the liver and lungs. He considers it febrifuge, diaphoretic, expectorant, and laxative. He writes: “Boneset is a pure relaxant working on the muscular structures, stomach, gall ducts, bowels and uterus… Its main use is for fevers and flu.
Taken as a cold infusion it works as a soothing and relaxing agent to the stomach and liver, aiding the secretion of bile and providing a mild laxative effect. By aiding liver detoxification it helps clear the skin, relieve thirst and intermittent and bilious fevers.
As a warm infusion it serves as a reliable diaphoretic, providing a slow and gentle perspiration for the treatment of flu, colds and liver fever sometimes known as “breakbone fever” or dengue. It also relieves the aching pains of rheumatism.”
I often use Boneset as tincture, though I think it is ideal to take it as hot infusion for diaphoretic purposes. The tincture seems to suffice as an immune-boosting agent. I also use it for windy (disharmonious movement of chi) conditions and conditions indicating liver congestion. It is a common ingredient in my bitter formulas. I make the tincture with fresh herb and consider it very potent, and therefore use it carefully and in small doses.
In Chinese medicine the liver is considered to be the regulator of chi. It promotes the free and harmonious flow of energy around the body and “regulates” the energy so that it is balanced. Pathology relating to the liver often involves “wind”, which is so-named because it is characterized by movement. Spasm, shaking, twitching, symptoms that change, too much energy upward in the body (such as in the shoulders, neck, or head), and other symptoms of strange movement, imbalanced flow, or displaced energy are all symptoms of wind. An important herbal flavor for the liver is bitter (the flavor of Boneset). The bitter flavor is detoxing to the liver. Since strong bitters tend to be cold and dry (and therefore carry certain contraindications and considerations) boneset and others tend to damage yin (moisture).
It is also important to realize that liver cleansing in excess will bring on symptoms of wind. This dynamic is related to the theory behind homeopathy, as many herbs used in excess can cause the very symptoms that they treat. Dizziness, headaches, and the like are common symptoms of liver release. And in the same manor the bitter flavor that is so good for digestion can cause problems in excess. In general I believe that it is good to go gentle with strong herbs and that this is especially true with bitters. The strong taste is a warning to use lightly.
I suspect that I have greatly underused Boneset as a diaphoretic simple because I generally neglect to gather, dry, and store the herb. I wonder if we will find Boneset to be as widely useful and as effective as those of the past did if we begin to take the time to understand and use it.
Looking over the Native American uses has also made me more curious to explore the root as a medicine. I have been using the flowering herb, which seemed to be the preferred stage according to modern practice. As is recorded above from Native American Ethnobotany, Natives used various parts of the plants for various purposes and often focused on the root.
Kings Dispensatory states the following about Boneset: “This is a very valuable medicinal agent. The cold infusion, or extract is tonic and aperient; the warm infusion diaphoretic and emetic. As a tonic, it is useful in remittent, intermittent, and typhoid fevers, dyspepsia, and general debility, and combined with bitartrate of potassium and camphor, the powdered leaves have been serviceable in some forms of cutaneous disease. In intermittent fever, a strong infusion, as hot as can be comfortably swallowed, is administered for the purpose of vomiting freely. This is also attended with profuse diaphoresis, and sooner or later by an evacuation of the bowels. During the intermission, the cold infusion or extract is given every hour as a tonic and antiperiodic. It is not well adapted to ordinary cases of ague which may be cured with quinine, but is more particularly useful in the irregular cases which that drug does not seem to reach. The chill and succeeding fever is slight, the skin dry, and not, as a rule, followed by perspiration; there are "pains in the bones, praecordial oppression, and great thirst. If, however, the case is one in which the fever lasts all day, a slight sweating may follow at night. Another indication in ague is vomiting, especially of much bile" (Locke). Eupatorium given as above, or sometimes in small doses, may relieve headache of intermittent character when the intermissions are irregular. In epidemic influenza the warm infusion is valuable as an emetic and diaphoretic, likewise in febrile diseases, catarrh, colds, with hoarseness and pleuritic pains, and wherever such effects are indicated. In influenza it relieves the pain in the limbs and back. Its popular name, "boneset," is derived from its well-known property of relieving the deepseated pains in the limbs which accompany this disorder, and colds and rheumatism. Often this pain is periosteal, and if neuralgic in character, or due to a febrile condition, eupatorium will relieve it. But it is not a remedy for periosteal pain due to inflammation or to organic changes in the periosteum. On the other hand, when given until the patient sweats, and then continued in 5-drop doses of specific eupatorium, it has relieved the severe nocturnal muscular and "bone pains" of syphilis. In pneumonia, if an emetic is indicated in the early stage, this agent is as efficient as any that may be used; but it is of greater value in the latter stage when given as a syrup. This is kindly received by the stomach, improves digestion, and allays the irritable cough. It is a remedy for the cough of the aged, that cough in which there is an abundance of secretion, but lack of power to expectorate. The cough of measles, common colds, of asthma, and hoarseness are also relieved by it. Unless given in excess it acts as a good tonic to the gastric functions, increasing the appetite and power of digestion. The stomach disorders of the inebriate are, in a measure corrected by the use of small, tonic doses of eupatorium. Although slightly stimulant, it is of service in most inflammatory states, administered according to the indications given below. The warm infusion may be administered to promote the operation of other emetics. Externally, used alone or in combination with hops or tansy, etc., a fomentation of the leaves applied to the bowels has, been useful in inflammation, spasms, and painful affections. Dose of the powder, from 10 to 20 grains; of the extract, from 2 to 4 grains; of the infusion, from 2 to 4 fluid ounces; of the syrup (1 pint of the decoction of 1 ounce of the herb sweetened with 2 pounds of white sugar), 1 to 4 drachms; specific eupatorium, 1 to 60 drops. As an emetic administer the warm infusion freely.” And the specific indications: “Pulse full and large, the current exhibiting little waves; skin full and hot with a tendency to become moist, even during the progress of fever, cough, embarrassed breathing, and pain in the chest; urine turbid and urination frequent; deep-seated aching pains in muscles and periosteum.”
About Mohegan uses, Gladys writes: “One of the most highly regarded herbs by most eastern Indian tribes. Infusions of leaves were administered in small doses for colds, fever, and general debility. In treating colds, the tea was drunk hot at night and cold in the morning.”
And about the Canadian Delaware: “This is considered to be a very powerful medicinal herb by my informants, and it should be used with great precaution, according to their belief. Tea made from the leaves is beneficial as a stomach medicine.” This footnote follows: “This plant so commonly used by both Indians and whites in those sections of eastern North America where it is indigenous, appears to be regarded as too powerful to be tampered with by the Six Nations Delaware informants. The Oklahoma Delaware, however, use the plant freely.”
In American Indian Medicine Vogel writes that Boneset was at one time a virtual panacea among both Indians and whites. The book is filled with references of the common and effective use of Boneset for fevers, stomach problems, and arthritis. There are also many quotes by white men of old who highly esteemed Boneset.
Densmore lists that Boneset was used as a charm by the Chippewa in How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts. In Native American Ethnobotany by Daniel Moerman “magical” uses of the Boneset are listed. It mentions that the Iroquois used Boneset for sorcery and for divination, that the Abnaki used it as a charm to attract deer for hunting,
In The Book of Herbal Wisdom Matthew Wood challenges the common belief that Boneset got its name from “breakbone fever” and was not used to set bones. Wood claims that he has met many folk medicine practitioners, especially Native Americans, who use Boneset to set bones.
Moerman lists that Boneset was use to mend bones by the Abnaki and that a cold, compound infusion of leaves were applied as a poultice to broken bones by the Iroquois. Brief mention compared to the rest of the long list of uses.
According to Moerman the Cherokee used Boneset as a pugative, diaphoretic, sudorific, disinfectant, diuretic, tonic, stimulant, emetic, and febrifuge. It was used for fever, ague, colds, flu, sore throats, irregular menses, rheumatism (topically), rattlesnake bites, and for the biliary system. The Delaware used roots and occasionally leaves for chills and fever. The Ontario Delaware considered leaves a powerful stomach medicine. The Iroquois used an infusion of roots for stomach pain and pain on the left side; they used a poultice of the plants for headaches; compound decoction of roots for colds; infusion of leaves for the onset of a cold; infusion of roots as a wash and poultice for syphilitic chancres; for fevers; for stomach pains; for piles; compound decoction of roots for kidneys; compound decoction of flowers and leaves as laxative; for typhoid; decoction of roots for stricture caused by menstruating girls; decoction of smashed roots for liquor habit; and for pneumonia and pleurisy. Koasati used a decoction of the leaves as an emetic and a decoction of the roots for urinary troubles. The Menominee used the whole plant for fevers. Meskawaki used leaf and flower infusion for worms and the root for snakebite. The Micmac used Boneset for kidney troubles and for spitting blood and gonorrhea. The Mohegan used it for colds and fever, stomach troubles, general illness, general debility, and in a compounded spring tonic. Nanticoke used whole plant for chills and fevers. Penobscot used compound infusion for spitting up blood, as a tonic, and for gonorrhea. Rappahannock used dried leaves picked before flowers matured as a tonic. Seminole used as a gentle emetic and fever medicine. Shinnecock used for colds and fever.
Tierra in The Way of Herbs considers Boneset to have a cool energy and bitter flavor, with an effect on the liver and lungs. He considers it febrifuge, diaphoretic, expectorant, and laxative. He writes: “Boneset is a pure relaxant working on the muscular structures, stomach, gall ducts, bowels and uterus… Its main use is for fevers and flu.
Taken as a cold infusion it works as a soothing and relaxing agent to the stomach and liver, aiding the secretion of bile and providing a mild laxative effect. By aiding liver detoxification it helps clear the skin, relieve thirst and intermittent and bilious fevers.
As a warm infusion it serves as a reliable diaphoretic, providing a slow and gentle perspiration for the treatment of flu, colds and liver fever sometimes known as “breakbone fever” or dengue. It also relieves the aching pains of rheumatism.”
I often use Boneset as tincture, though I think it is ideal to take it as hot infusion for diaphoretic purposes. The tincture seems to suffice as an immune-boosting agent. I also use it for windy (disharmonious movement of chi) conditions and conditions indicating liver congestion. It is a common ingredient in my bitter formulas. I make the tincture with fresh herb and consider it very potent, and therefore use it carefully and in small doses.
In Chinese medicine the liver is considered to be the regulator of chi. It promotes the free and harmonious flow of energy around the body and “regulates” the energy so that it is balanced. Pathology relating to the liver often involves “wind”, which is so-named because it is characterized by movement. Spasm, shaking, twitching, symptoms that change, too much energy upward in the body (such as in the shoulders, neck, or head), and other symptoms of strange movement, imbalanced flow, or displaced energy are all symptoms of wind. An important herbal flavor for the liver is bitter (the flavor of Boneset). The bitter flavor is detoxing to the liver. Since strong bitters tend to be cold and dry (and therefore carry certain contraindications and considerations) boneset and others tend to damage yin (moisture).
It is also important to realize that liver cleansing in excess will bring on symptoms of wind. This dynamic is related to the theory behind homeopathy, as many herbs used in excess can cause the very symptoms that they treat. Dizziness, headaches, and the like are common symptoms of liver release. And in the same manor the bitter flavor that is so good for digestion can cause problems in excess. In general I believe that it is good to go gentle with strong herbs and that this is especially true with bitters. The strong taste is a warning to use lightly.
I suspect that I have greatly underused Boneset as a diaphoretic simple because I generally neglect to gather, dry, and store the herb. I wonder if we will find Boneset to be as widely useful and as effective as those of the past did if we begin to take the time to understand and use it.
Looking over the Native American uses has also made me more curious to explore the root as a medicine. I have been using the flowering herb, which seemed to be the preferred stage according to modern practice. As is recorded above from Native American Ethnobotany, Natives used various parts of the plants for various purposes and often focused on the root.
Kings Dispensatory states the following about Boneset: “This is a very valuable medicinal agent. The cold infusion, or extract is tonic and aperient; the warm infusion diaphoretic and emetic. As a tonic, it is useful in remittent, intermittent, and typhoid fevers, dyspepsia, and general debility, and combined with bitartrate of potassium and camphor, the powdered leaves have been serviceable in some forms of cutaneous disease. In intermittent fever, a strong infusion, as hot as can be comfortably swallowed, is administered for the purpose of vomiting freely. This is also attended with profuse diaphoresis, and sooner or later by an evacuation of the bowels. During the intermission, the cold infusion or extract is given every hour as a tonic and antiperiodic. It is not well adapted to ordinary cases of ague which may be cured with quinine, but is more particularly useful in the irregular cases which that drug does not seem to reach. The chill and succeeding fever is slight, the skin dry, and not, as a rule, followed by perspiration; there are "pains in the bones, praecordial oppression, and great thirst. If, however, the case is one in which the fever lasts all day, a slight sweating may follow at night. Another indication in ague is vomiting, especially of much bile" (Locke). Eupatorium given as above, or sometimes in small doses, may relieve headache of intermittent character when the intermissions are irregular. In epidemic influenza the warm infusion is valuable as an emetic and diaphoretic, likewise in febrile diseases, catarrh, colds, with hoarseness and pleuritic pains, and wherever such effects are indicated. In influenza it relieves the pain in the limbs and back. Its popular name, "boneset," is derived from its well-known property of relieving the deepseated pains in the limbs which accompany this disorder, and colds and rheumatism. Often this pain is periosteal, and if neuralgic in character, or due to a febrile condition, eupatorium will relieve it. But it is not a remedy for periosteal pain due to inflammation or to organic changes in the periosteum. On the other hand, when given until the patient sweats, and then continued in 5-drop doses of specific eupatorium, it has relieved the severe nocturnal muscular and "bone pains" of syphilis. In pneumonia, if an emetic is indicated in the early stage, this agent is as efficient as any that may be used; but it is of greater value in the latter stage when given as a syrup. This is kindly received by the stomach, improves digestion, and allays the irritable cough. It is a remedy for the cough of the aged, that cough in which there is an abundance of secretion, but lack of power to expectorate. The cough of measles, common colds, of asthma, and hoarseness are also relieved by it. Unless given in excess it acts as a good tonic to the gastric functions, increasing the appetite and power of digestion. The stomach disorders of the inebriate are, in a measure corrected by the use of small, tonic doses of eupatorium. Although slightly stimulant, it is of service in most inflammatory states, administered according to the indications given below. The warm infusion may be administered to promote the operation of other emetics. Externally, used alone or in combination with hops or tansy, etc., a fomentation of the leaves applied to the bowels has, been useful in inflammation, spasms, and painful affections. Dose of the powder, from 10 to 20 grains; of the extract, from 2 to 4 grains; of the infusion, from 2 to 4 fluid ounces; of the syrup (1 pint of the decoction of 1 ounce of the herb sweetened with 2 pounds of white sugar), 1 to 4 drachms; specific eupatorium, 1 to 60 drops. As an emetic administer the warm infusion freely.” And the specific indications: “Pulse full and large, the current exhibiting little waves; skin full and hot with a tendency to become moist, even during the progress of fever, cough, embarrassed breathing, and pain in the chest; urine turbid and urination frequent; deep-seated aching pains in muscles and periosteum.”
Some tips regarding the successful use of herbs:
Herbs are infinitely more effective if other aspects of your life are in alignment.
This means that you can use milder herbs or smaller (safer) dosages of stronger herbs if you combine with diet changes, fasting, lifestyle changes, exercise, mental adjustments, and prayer.
Getting to intimately know the herbs and your body allows you to intuitively choose the right herbs, efficiently manage the dosage, and intuitively manage the protocol.
This means that you can use milder herbs or smaller (safer) dosages of stronger herbs if you combine with diet changes, fasting, lifestyle changes, exercise, mental adjustments, and prayer.
Getting to intimately know the herbs and your body allows you to intuitively choose the right herbs, efficiently manage the dosage, and intuitively manage the protocol.
Jewelweed
This is a top herb to get to know, for it is miraculously effective for Poison Ivy if used in the right way. It is said that Jewelweed and Poison Ivy always grow together, which is almost true. These two plants are commonly used as an example of the Creator putting the cure close at hand.
The juicy stem seems to have been created just for the job, as it is generally easy to crush and rub the juice into an area that came into contact with the oil of Poison Ivy. It must be used fresh- the store-bought preparations are no good.
Photo by Lauren Berg.
The juicy stem seems to have been created just for the job, as it is generally easy to crush and rub the juice into an area that came into contact with the oil of Poison Ivy. It must be used fresh- the store-bought preparations are no good.
Photo by Lauren Berg.
ELECAMPANE
The specimen pictured was planted on my family farm. It is included here, however, because it can also be found in the wild. Though it is not all that common in gardens or in the wild, this is one of my favorite herbs. In fact, the reason it is planted is because I did not want to wipe out wild patches. Herbs like this I protect in the wild even though they are not native because they are so useful and are not invasive.
This herb is an ideal herb garden choice. Like Echinacea, it is perennial, beautiful, and useful. Further, you can harvest the medicinal root and then re-plant the "root buds".
Elecampane is primarily employed as an expectorant, with a warming aromatic quality and a pretty potent antimicrobial nature. It can also be used for digestive disorders and otherwise. With a slightly sweet flavor, Elecampane functions as a tonic in addition to stimulating, pungent herb.
I prefer using the fresh root (another reason to have it growing in your landscape) or the tincture of fresh root over the dried root. Potency is lost with drying and time. Further, the dried root requires more time in the pot to prepare that decreases the potency even more. This is the case with many herbs- they are best used fresh or tinctured fresh. (Of course, this is not always the case; and sometimes it is quite the opposite, such as with Blue Cohosh, which requires drying even if you desire to tincture it eventually.)
Notice that the yellow flower combined with the aromatic, slightly sweet flavor and the stocky quality of the taproot indicate an affinity with the TCM spleen. The flavor along with the large fuzzy leaves indicate an affinity with the lungs.
This herb is an ideal herb garden choice. Like Echinacea, it is perennial, beautiful, and useful. Further, you can harvest the medicinal root and then re-plant the "root buds".
Elecampane is primarily employed as an expectorant, with a warming aromatic quality and a pretty potent antimicrobial nature. It can also be used for digestive disorders and otherwise. With a slightly sweet flavor, Elecampane functions as a tonic in addition to stimulating, pungent herb.
I prefer using the fresh root (another reason to have it growing in your landscape) or the tincture of fresh root over the dried root. Potency is lost with drying and time. Further, the dried root requires more time in the pot to prepare that decreases the potency even more. This is the case with many herbs- they are best used fresh or tinctured fresh. (Of course, this is not always the case; and sometimes it is quite the opposite, such as with Blue Cohosh, which requires drying even if you desire to tincture it eventually.)
Notice that the yellow flower combined with the aromatic, slightly sweet flavor and the stocky quality of the taproot indicate an affinity with the TCM spleen. The flavor along with the large fuzzy leaves indicate an affinity with the lungs.
The History of American Ginseng A historical outline of one of the world's most famous herbs.
1704 – Ginseng sent to Paris by Michael Sarrasin for study.
1711 – Jesuit Father Jartoux goes to China. By 1713 word from Jartoux reaches London about Ginseng, including his prediction that it could be found in Canada.
1717 – Father Joseph Francis Lafitau, a missionary among the Iroquois, finds Ginseng after reading Jartoux’s description.
1720 – Canadian company formed to ship Ginseng to China.
1754 – Chinese received shipments of Ginseng that was harvested out of season, improperly dried, and adulterated with other roots. American colonists already had received news of the Ginseng trade and had begun to harvest it.
1759 – As Canadian-Chinese trade dwindled, Peter Kalm, a Swedish botanist, predicted that Ginseng would be extirpated through overhervesting.
1798 – Andre Michaux, a French botanist, noted that Ginseng was being overharvested.
1862 – The Ginseng trade reaches its most “productive” year, with 622,761 pounds reaching China.
1886 – George Stanton starts farm that simulates wild growing conditions. Ginseng was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1842 – 1882.
1704 – Ginseng sent to Paris by Michael Sarrasin for study.
1711 – Jesuit Father Jartoux goes to China. By 1713 word from Jartoux reaches London about Ginseng, including his prediction that it could be found in Canada.
1717 – Father Joseph Francis Lafitau, a missionary among the Iroquois, finds Ginseng after reading Jartoux’s description.
1720 – Canadian company formed to ship Ginseng to China.
1754 – Chinese received shipments of Ginseng that was harvested out of season, improperly dried, and adulterated with other roots. American colonists already had received news of the Ginseng trade and had begun to harvest it.
1759 – As Canadian-Chinese trade dwindled, Peter Kalm, a Swedish botanist, predicted that Ginseng would be extirpated through overhervesting.
1798 – Andre Michaux, a French botanist, noted that Ginseng was being overharvested.
1862 – The Ginseng trade reaches its most “productive” year, with 622,761 pounds reaching China.
1886 – George Stanton starts farm that simulates wild growing conditions. Ginseng was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1842 – 1882.