Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum. Was official in the eighth U. S. P. Not now official in any country.

Largely employed as a domestic remedy, and known in some parts of the country as Thoroughwort. Its activity depends upon a bitter extractive and it, like the bitter aromatics generally, is much enhanced in action by the hot water in which its infusion is made.

Therapeutics

Whether it is due to the eupa-torium or the hot water, or both, the hot infusion in fairly large doses is active, producing copious diaphoresis; and the fact remains that in catarrhal colds, and in subacute malarial fevers, this diaphoresis is productive of much good. As an adjuvant to other remedies, eupatorium is well worth while. Smaller doses of the cold infusion serve as a gastric tonic. Purgative and emetic properties follow heavy dosage, which actions may be better obtained from other drugs. The fl., in 10- to 20-minim doses, in hot water, serves very well in the place of the infusion.

Queen of the Meadow, E. purpureum, is an allied species probably more actively diuretic. The fl. is used in doses of 10 to 30 minims, principally in vesical irritation. The infusion is also employed.