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"Boneset, Agueweed, Crosswort, Indian Sage, Thoroughwort, Throughwort"

Asteraceae Family - Greek, from the name of the King of Pontus, Eupator and perfoliatum from per (through) and folium (leaf) referring to the way the stem grows "through" the leaves.

A far-ranging species found along the edges of streams and marshes. Blooms from June into September. Can grow to five feet in favorable conditions with eight inch leaves. Flowers are white with a blue tinge and grow on heads with ten to forty flowers in each head.

Used extensively as a medicine. The leaves contain glucoside, used as a tonic or stimulant or in larger doses as an emetic. Native Americans used it as a tonic for dyspepsia and "general debility". It also served as a remedy for the flu and rheumatism. The common name "Boneset" refers to the fact that an ounce to a pint of boiling water was used to treat dengue or "breakbone fever". Used by Midwestern Native Americans as a tea to help break a fever and treat bronchitis, sore throats and colds. It is also reported to be a laxative or stimulant in smaller doses.