Eupatorium. - Synonyms. - Thoroughwort. Boneset. The leaves and flowering tops of Eupatorium perfoliatum Linne (nat. ord. Compositae).

Habitat

North America, west to Dakota; in low grounds.

Characters

Leaves opposite, united at the base, lanceolate, from 10 to 15 cm. long, tapering, crenately serrate, rugosely veined, rough above, downy and resinous dotted beneath; flower heads corymbed, numerous, with an oblong involucre of lance-linear scales, and with from ten to fifteen white florets, having a bristly pappus in a single row; odor weak and aromatic: taste astringent and bitter.

Composition

Its principal constituents are - (1) Eupatorin, a bitter glucoside. (2) Volatile Oil. (3) Resin.

Dose, 1/4 to 1 dr.; 1. to 4. gm.

Preparation

Extractum Eupatorii Fluidum. - Fluid Extract of Eupatorium. By maceration and percolation with diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. Dose, 1/4 to 1 fl. dr.; 1. to 4. c.c.

Action And Uses Of Thoroughwort

Thoroughwort is tonic, diaphoretic (in infusion), and mildly laxative. It is a domestic remedy for the commencement of a catarrh, influenza, or muscular rheumatism.