Boneset, << BOHN seht, >> is a flowering plant that grows wild in meadows and lowlands. It is found in the eastern two-thirds of the United States and Canada. Boneset is also called thoroughwort << THUR oh wurt >> . The boneset’s stem is from 2 to 5 feet (61 to 150 centimeters) high. The stem passes through the middle of two hairy leaves that are joined around it. The flowers, which vary from grayish-white to bluish-purple, bloom in the fall.
The dried leaves and the stalks of the plant are brewed to make a medicinal tea. This tea reduces fever and is used as a tonic and a laxative. It was named boneset because it relieved dengue, or breakbone fever. It is also called thoroughwort because the leaves are joined around the stem.
