Boneset.
_Herba et flores._
[The boneset is a plant indigenous to the United States, and is to be
found in the neighbourhood of marshes and low situations. It is
intensely bitter and somewhat astringent. According to the analysis of
Dr. Andrew Anderson of New-York, it yields, 1. A free acid; 2. Tannin;
3. Extractive matter; 4. A gummy matter; 5. A resin; 6. Azote; 7. Lime,
probably the acetate of lime; 8. Gallic acid, probably modified; 9. A
resiniform matter, soluble in water and in alcohol, and which seems to
contain a bitter principle. It also appears from this analysis that the
free acid may be obtained from all parts of the plant—that tannin is
obtained in much the largest quantity from the leaves, and least from
the roots—that the extractive and gummy matter reside chiefly in the
roots—that the leaves and flowers also contain a larger proportion of
resin than the roots—and that azote exists in the flowers, leaves, and
roots. The principal properties of the boneset are those of a tonic and
diaphoretic. The diseases in which it has been prescribed with success
are intermitting and remitting fevers, typhoid peripneumony and catarrh.
It may be given in powder, infusion, or tincture. When given as a tonic,
the tincture is the preferable form. The dose of the powder is from 20
to 30 grains. When used as a sudorific, it is to be taken in infusion,
and in large quantities.]