Herb
Boneset
A traditional North American fever-and-flu herb, taken as a short tea during acute illness — for brief, occasional use only.
🌱 What it is
Boneset is a native North American wildflower with distinctive leaves that appear to be pierced by its stem. Early American settlers and herbalists brewed its dried leaves into a bitter tea during feverish illness, taken for just a few days at a time rather than as an ongoing remedy.
✨ How it may help
- Traditionally used to support the body during a feverish illness
- Traditionally used to support comfort during a seasonal cold or flu
- Traditionally used to support brief, occasional recovery from acute illness
🥄 How to use it
Taken as a tea for a few days during a feverish illness, prepared from properly dried leaves and used in moderation — not used continuously or long-term.
⚖️ Caution
Contains trace pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can affect the liver with prolonged or repeated use — appropriate only for brief, occasional use during an acute illness, not ongoing use. Large or fresh-plant doses can be toxic, so only properly prepared, moderate amounts should be used. Large amounts can also cause nausea and vomiting. Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children, and with any liver condition.
🍃 A note from nature
A pierced-through leaf shape that once helped settlers recognize a helpful plant is a small sign of a world designed to be readable, if we take the time to look closely.