Dried leaves and the flowering tops of Boneset are used today as an emetic. Emetic responses are mediated by way of reflex arcs. These reflex arcs of the nervous system pass through the vomiting center which is located in the medulla oblongata of the brain.
Vomiting occurs when gastric tissues or the back of the throat are irritated.
This irritation sends signals through the nerves in the reflex arc to the vomiting center in the brain. The popularity of emesis has declined in the past century, but is still used today to rid the stomach of irritant and poisonous substances, and for aversion therapy. An example of aversion therapy would be treating alcoholism by subjecting the alcoholic to much vomiting, therefore deterring her from wanting to drink. Boneset leaves and flowers have also been considered a panacea, or a cure for all illnesses. A panacea contains many extracts that stimulate the midbrain, heart, vessels, metabolism, the central nervous system and other areas of the body.