Boneset
Evidence: MixedUseful mainly for no well-supported modern use.
Quick decision guide
May help most
no well-supported modern use
Common dosing range
not established for evidence-based use
When to expect effects
Unknown
Watch out for
May contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; avoid prolonged or high-dose use
What is it
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) is a North American flowering herb traditionally used by Indigenous peoples and in folk medicine for fevers, colds, and influenza-like illness. Its aerial parts contain sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, and it also contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in some preparations. Modern controlled human evidence is essentially absent.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Evidence | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cold and influenza-like symptoms | Mixed Evidence | Not demonstrated in controlled human trials | none established | Unknown |
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
cold and influenza-like symptoms
Mechanism onlyBoneset has a long traditional reputation for treating fevers and colds, and laboratory studies show immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory activity from its constituents. There are no robust controlled human trials demonstrating benefit for cold or flu, so its use rests on tradition and preclinical data only.
Bottom line: Traditional fever/cold remedy with no credible human trial support.
How to take it
- Typical dose
- not established for evidence-based use
- Timing
- not established
- With food
- not established
- How long to try
- avoid prolonged use due to alkaloid concerns
What to track
- any signs of GI upset or nausea
- any signs of liver issues with prolonged use
Safety
Common side effects
nausea, vomiting (especially at high doses)
Serious risks
- potential liver toxicity from pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Who should avoid it
- pregnant or breastfeeding people
- people with liver disease
- children
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Avoid; pyrrolizidine alkaloid content makes it unsafe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Interactions
additive liver risk from pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Choosing a product
Look for
- verified botanical identity (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
- preferably tested as free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids
- clear plant part and preparation
Be skeptical of
- flu or fever cure claims
- immune-boosting guarantees
- 'bone-healing' claims implied by the name
References by claim
cold and influenza-like symptoms
- Gassinger et al., 1981 — PubMed (1981) link
Track Boneset with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.