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MepicinaL VaLuE or Kupatrortum PERFOLIATUM. 
By A. J. BIGNEY. 
EHupatorium perfoliatum, commonly known as thoroughwort, or boneset, 
is a well-known plant, yet its real medicinal value is not as well known 
as it should be. This plant varies from two to four feet in height, blos- 
soming in August and September, and is abundant in flat and swampy 
lands. It seldom grows in hilly sections. Nature seems to have made 
provision for the curing of the diseases prevalent in certain regions. In 
swampy countries chills, malarial, intermittent, typhoid and other fevers 
are common. Since boneset occurs in these localities and is particularly 
valuable for curing such diseases it seems to substantiate the above state- 
ment. 
The blossoms, small branches and leaves are the parts generally used. 
It has four medicinal properties—an emetic, a tonic, a light laxative and 
a diaphoretic. As a diaphoretic it should be taken hot just before retiring. 
This is specially helpful for colds and fevers. For restoring the powers 
of the stomach it is better to take boneset cold. 
For the diseases already mentioned boneset has been known and used 
as a home remedy for a long time. In the so-called la grippe it has not 
been used very extensively so far as I can learn. Some prominent physi- 
cians say it is almost a specific for it. 
My experience in its use dates from the first appearance of la grippe 
in this community, about 1889. As soon as the symptoms begin a teacupful 
of the infusion of the boneset is taken just before retiring. This produces 
some perspiration, strengthens the nerves, regulates the digestive organs, 
thus giving the body an opportunity to increase the building up of the sys- 
tem, and in this way the resisting power is sufficient to overcome the dis- 
ease. Occasionally the next day some of the cold infusion may be taken, 
always before meals, for, after eating, the emetic power may predominate. 
The next night the hot solution should be taken. Usually this kind of 
treatment will cure the disease without going to bed at all. This treat- 
ment should be taken early in the development of the disease in order to 
get the best results. 
