Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) has a long history of traditional use among Native American tribes and later in Western herbalism, particularly for treating fevers, influenza, and colds. One of its common applications was to induce sweating (diaphoresis) to help "break" a fever. In the context of sweat baths—herbal steam baths or saunas used to promote sweating and detoxification—boneset was sometimes included for its reputed ability to support the body's natural febrile response and encourage perspiration. The traditional rationale was that sweating could help expel toxins and pathogens from the body, and boneset, by promoting sweat, assisted in this process.

Scientific evidence for boneset's effectiveness in this context is limited. Some phytochemical studies have identified compounds in boneset that may have mild immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory effects, but there is little direct clinical research on its use specifically in sweat baths or as a diaphoretic. Most support for its use in sweat baths is therefore based on ethnobotanical records and historical medical texts rather than robust scientific trials. Nevertheless, boneset remains a respected herb in traditional Western and Native American herbalism for its role in managing fever and supporting the body's response to infection, particularly when combined with practices like sweat baths that aim to enhance the body's natural healing processes.

More about boneset
More about Sweat Baths (herbs for)

Other ingredients used for Sweat Baths (herbs for)

Other health conditions supported by boneset

Products containing boneset

Nature's Sunshine Seasonal Allergy (Formerly ALJ)
Nature's Sunshine ALJ®
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System