Thoroughwort is a great cold remedy

Thoroughwort, Eupatorium perfoliatum, is also known as Boneset. I’ve no idea how it came by this name, as it doesn’t seem to have any use in the treatment of either rheumatic pain or to aid the healing of broken bones. A close relative, gravel root, is sometimes called purple boneset.

Thoroughwort is a hardy perennial, native to North America, and can grow to a height of 5 feet (150 cm), although if you follow the practice of harvesting whole plants when the flowers are in bud, it may need to be treated as an annual.

Anybody who is suffering from any problems involving the liver should not use thoroughwort.

Its most popular use is as a remedy for colds and other feverish illnesses and is also useful for coughs, for all of which you should make a standard infusion made from leaves and flowers, allowing 2-3 teaspoonfuls of fresh chopped herb or 1-2 teaspoonfuls of dried to a cup of boiling water. Leave to stand for at least 10 minutes, then strain and drink while it is hot, if possible. It can be sweetened with a little honey, if preferred. In large amounts it is laxative and emetic (in other words it can cause vomiting), so don’t overdo it.

Like all herbal remedies, thoroughwort should be grown organically to avoid its active constituents being adulterated by foreign chemicals. To find out more about growing organic thoroughwort, visit the Gardenzone.

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