boneset

American  

[bohn-set] / ˈboʊnˌsɛt /

noun

1. any composite plant of the genus Eupatorium, especially E. perfoliatum, of North America, having white flowers in a flat-topped cluster.

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boneset British  

/ ˈbəʊnˌsɛt /

noun

1. Also called: agueweed.   feverwort.   thoroughwort.  any of various North American plants of the genus Eupatorium , esp E. perfoliatum , which has flat clusters of small white flowers: family Asteraceae (composites)

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Etymology

Origin of boneset

1810–20, bone ( def. ) + set (v.), so named (by hyperbole) because supposed to have healing properties

Example Sentences

Nonetheless, a demand persists for senna, henna, pennyroyal, hops, boneset, camomile, sage, tansy, flaxseed, rhubarb, ginger root, fennel seed, aniseed, saffron, viburnum.

From Time Magazine Archive

“Broken, by God’s whiskers. Broken,” she moaned, feeling her ankle, and she set about telling Beetle how to pack the boneset herbs and wrap the rags about the limb.

From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman

Our grandmothers made boneset tea from its leaves when we were in danger of colds or malaria.

From Woodcraft or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good by Douglas, Alan

Therefore three times a day Carolyn May was dosed with boneset tea.

From Carolyn of the Corners by Endicott, Ruth Belmore

You may fancy all that followed; and we can only assure all who are doubtful, that, under judicious management, cases of this kind may be disposed of without wormwood or boneset.

From The May Flower, and Miscellaneous Writings by Stowe, Harriet Beecher