The most important thing to note is that some plants related to boneset contain substances that can possibly harm the liver in large doses, so small doses are recommended and the plant’s use is not recommended in women who are pregnant. Furthermore, anyone allergic to ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and daisies could possibly be allergic to boneset. An easy way to help with the liver issue is to thoroughly dry the flowers and/or leaves first and simply use them to make a medicinal tea. This is most easily achieved by cutting whole parts from the main stem and hanging them on a string or wire in a dark/dry place, then crumbling them and putting them in some kind of container. Be mindful of dosage, however, because overdosing can cause tremors, weakness, and constipation.
Boneset has many medicinal uses. It obtained the name boneset because it was commonly used to treat dengue fever, or break-bone fever, which caused the muscles to be so painful that one felt as if their bones were going to break. The most common use of boneset is to induce sweating, which reduces fever, cools the body, and speeds the elimination of some toxins from the body. Because of this primary effect, boneset is also useful in treating the flu, bronchitis, inflammation, fluid retention, pneumonia, and joint pain, acting as a stimulant to the immune system. In common use, boneset has also been used as a wound herb by bruising/crushing it and putting in on wounds as a poultice, though it can also be made into an ointment by cooking it into lard. Some of the substances present in boneset suggest that the plant could have anti-cancer and antibacterial properties as well.
So, remember to try and use one wild food every day! If you have any questions or comments or ideas for wild food articles or recipes, please email [email protected].