Boneset is a great addition to your medicinal herb garden. It is often used for treating the symptoms of influenza, reducing fever, and is helpful for all sorts of aches and pains.
Also called Indian Sage, boneset is native to eastern and central North America. This herb is actually a perennial daisy that grows 2 to 4 feet tall. The long white flower heads bloom from June to September.
The entire above-ground plant is useful. The leaves, stem, and flowers can all be dried and used medicinally. Use it in both teas and tinctures. The name “boneset” was given because the tea was often used to “break bone fever.” The smell of dried boneset is rather mild, but the taste is quite bitter.
The best time to sow boneset is late summer to early fall. Grow in part shade to full sun.