Common Boneset (Eupatorium cannabinum)

Common Boneset (Eupatorium cannabinum) is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and flowers have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and native american herbal medicine.

Common Boneset (Eupatorium cannabinum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Common Boneset (Eupatorium cannabinum) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Common Boneset
Scientific Name	Eupatorium cannabinum
Plant Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Eupatorium
Species	cannabinum
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Flowers
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Native American Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Eupatorium cannabinum
Common Name: Common Boneset
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Hemp, White Boneset, Indian Hemp
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Eupatorium

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with serrate margins, upper surface glabrous and dark green, lower surface pale green with prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescence consists of a dense spike of small actinomorphic flowers with white to pale blue petals, five in number, arranged in a whorled pattern along a slender, branching axis.
Stems: Erect, unbranched, hairy, with opposite leaves and a distinctive ribbed structure.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Native American Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Herbal Bath

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: In herbal texts, considered a mild diuretic, for elimination-focused applications.
Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a warming anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a calming bitter, for digestion-related formulations.
Carminative: Historically regarded as a soothing carminative, in relation to gastrointestinal comfort.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Coumarin: Naturally occurring lactone compounds distributed across various plant tissues.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Terpenoid: Naturally occurring metabolites widely distributed in leaves, flowers, and roots.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Reports outlining specific general precautions for this herb are limited.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: The use of this herb has been linked to reported toxic effects.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in moderate fertility soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.