MEDICINAL USES AND CHEMICAL INFORMATION:

Boneset contains emetine, which is a white crystalline bitter alkaloid that causes emetic responses (vomiting). Dried leaves and the flowering tops of Boneset are used today as an emetic. Emetic responses are mediated by way of reflex arcs. These reflex arcs of the nervous system pass through the vomiting center which is located in the medulla oblongata of the brain. Vomiting occurs when gastric tissues or the back of the throat are irritated. This irritation sends signals through the nerves in the reflex arc to the vomiting center in the brain.

The popularity of emesis has declined in the past century, but is still used today to rid the stomach of irritant and poisonous substances, and for aversion therapy. An example of aversion therapy would be treating alcoholism by subjecting the alcoholic to much vomiting, therefore deterring her from wanting to drink.

Boneset leaves and flowers have also been considered a panacea, or a cure for all illnesses. A panacea contains many extracts that stimulate the midbrain, heart, vessels, metabolism, the central nervous system and other areas of the body. Because these extracts have the capacity to stimulate so many different areas of the body, Boneset is used for many everyday cures.

Among the chemicals in Boneset are many glycosides, which are molecules that contain sugar in which the hydroxyl group attached to the first carbon is substituted by another group like an alcohol. Boneset contains the glycosides panaxin, panax acid, panaquilin, and sapogenin. Panaxin stimulates the midbrain, heart, and vessels. Panax acid stimulates the heart and general metabolism. Panaquilin stimulates internal secretions and sapogenin are volatile oils that stimulate the central nervous system.

If taken in large doses Boneset will act as a laxative, and could also cause damage to the liver. Studies have shown that it may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, nitrogenous substances that are often bitter. The chemical effects of the particular alkaloids in Boneset are not certain.

NATIVE AMERICAN USES:

Native Americans used a leaf tea from Boneset to induce sweating in fevers, flu, colds, malaria, rheumatism, muscular pains, spasms, pneumonia, and everything else -- hence, as a panacea. A leaf poultice was also used on tumors.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:

Boneset can be one to four feet tall. The leaves are perfoliate, meaning that the stem appears to be inserted through the leaf pairs, and wrinkled. The flowers are white to pale purple in flat clusters.