Aconite

Scientific Name(S): Aconitum napellus L. A. columbianum also is described in cases of aconite toxicity. Family: Ranunculaceae

Common Name(S): Aconite, monkshood, friar's cap, helmet flower, soldier's cap, wolfsbane

Aconite or monkshood is a sedative, analgesic herb that lowers fever and influences the heart and the central nervous system.

Botany: These erect perennial plants grow to a height of 2 to 6 feet. In general, they resemble delphiniums. The characteristic helmet-shaped blue flowers grow in a raceme at the top of the stalk in summer or fall. Occasionally, the flowers may be white, pink or peach. The seed pods dry and contain numerous tiny seeds. More than 100 species of Aconitum are distributed throughout the temperate zones of the United States and Canada. These plants also are found throughout many parts of Asia, Africa, Europe and Russia.

History: Aconite is well known because it is extremely toxic. The tuberous root has been used in traditional medicine although all parts of the plant are considered to be toxic. While the extracts of the plant are used rarely in medicine today in the United States, they continue to find use in liniments as rubifacients for external application. Extracts are used in homeopathic medicine as hypotensives, to decrease fever and to treat neuralgias. Extracts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine as cardiac depressants and topically to treat neuralgias. In traditional Asian medicine, extracts of the roots are typically mixed with other ingredients (ie, licorice, ginger) for ailments ranging from sciatica to nephritis. Extracts have been used as arrow poisons.

Uses of Aconite

• Aconite extracts have been used externally and homeopathically in Europe and Asia, but rarely in the United States. Research suggests a variety of possible applications.
• Used to treat sciatica, rheumatism and arthritis.

Naturopaths use aconite to treat

• shock (usually after surgery or childbirth)
• measles
• cough
• mumps
• croup
• toothache
• chills

Side Effects of Aconite

Aconite is highly toxic, at times even through percutaneous absorption.

Typical Dosage
The usual dose of Aconite tincture is 100 milligrams, with a maximum daily dose of 600 milligrams. Never exceed the dose recommended by a doctor. Any increase could prove fatal.

Summary: Aconite is recognized as a highly toxic plant. Its extracts find little use in medicine in the United States today, but continue to be used in traditional medicine throughout Europe and Asia. Severe toxicity, including death from cardiac arrhythmia, may ensue following ingestion of as little as one teaspoonful of the root.