Boneset — FarmPal
Powerful flu remedy named for its use treating "break-bone fever" (dengue). Stimulates immune response and reduces fever.
Medicinal Properties
Parts Used
Traditional Uses
- •Influenza and severe colds
- •Fever with body aches
- •Upper respiratory infections
- •Malaria (historically)
- •Dengue fever (historically)
Preparations
Steep 1-2 tsp dried herb in 8 oz boiling water for 15 minutes. Drink hot for sweating effect.
Dosage: 1/2 cup every 30 minutes during acute flu. Very bitter.
Fill jar 1/2 with dried herb, cover with vodka. Shake daily 4-6 weeks.
Dosage: 15-30 drops every 2 hours during acute illness
Steep herb in cold water overnight. Cold preparation acts as immune tonic rather than diaphoretic.
Dosage: 1/4 cup 3 times daily as immune tonic
Harvesting Guide
Timing: Harvest when in full bloom, typically mid to late summer.
Method: Cut upper portion of plant. The distinctive perfoliate leaves (stem grows through leaf) help identification.
Drying: Hang bundles upside down. Dry quickly at 100°F to preserve potency.
⚠️ Cautions
- •Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids use only short-term (1-2 weeks)
- •Large doses cause vomiting (historically used as emetic)
- •Not for long-term use
- •Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- •Not for children without practitioner guidance