Aconite is the common name for any of 100 or more
related species in the Aconitum genus. Two of the
species, Aconitum napellus and Aconitum carmichaeli
are used medicinally. The more popular remedy, Aconitum
napellus, is a plant that grows in mountainous regions
of Central Asia, Russia, Europe, and Great Britain.
This perennial plant from the Ranunculaceae family
grows to a height of 3 ft (1 m) and has dark green, glossy
leaves and dark blue flowers.
Other names for aconite are wolf’s bane, monkshood,
blue rocket, and friar’s cap. Wolf’s bane is a direct
translation of the Greek word Lycotonum. The Greeks
left the plant as poisonous bait for wolves or anointed arrows
with the juice of the herb in order to kill wolves.
The plant was nicknamed monkshood and friar’s cap because
of the shape of the flowers.
The plant in its fresh form is highly poisonous. The
poison comes from the toxic alkaloid aconitine. Aconitine
is found in the whole plant but is mainly concentrated
in the root. Symptoms of poisoning include tingling,
numbness of the tongue and mouth, nausea and vomiting,
labored breathing, a weak and irregular pulse, and
cold, clammy skin. Even the smallest amounts of aconitine
inside the mouth cause burning, tingling, and numbness.
As little as 2 mg of aconitine can cause death in as
little as 4 hours, which may be one reason why aconite is
often chosen by people attempting suicide by poison.
The Australian government has declared all species of
aconite “unfit for human consumption.”
General use
Western herbology
Herbalists have used aconite as a medicine for hundreds
of years. However, in ancient times the herb was
known more for its power to kill rather than heal; it was
often used in ancient Rome to commit murders.
The herb acts as a diuretic (a substance that promotes
urination) and diaphoretic (a substance that causes
sweating). Tinctures are taken internally to slow fevers,
pneumonia, laryngitis, and acute tonsillitis. Liniments
or ointments made from the herb are applied externally
to relieve the pain of neuralgia and rheumatism.
Traditional Chinese medicine
Aconitum carmichaeli is used in traditional Chinese
medicine. It is called Fu Zi (sometimes Fu Tzu) in
Mandarin; in other parts of China and in Hong Kong it is
known as chuan wou tou.. This herb is used to treat
rheumatism, bruises, arthritis, acute hypothermia, diarrhea,
and impotence. The herb is very hot and has a
sweet, spicy taste.
The main function of Fu Zi is to warm the interior. It
also works to restore collapsed yang, warm Kidney fire,
warm the Kidney and Spleen, drive out the cold, warm
the meridians, and relieve pain. Fu Zi is also used by traditional
Chinese herbalists in conditions marked by deficient
Kidney and Spleen yang or in conditions with early
morning diarrhea or lack of appetite.
Aconitum carmichaeli also contains the toxic alkaloid
aconitine. After cooking the herb, the alkaloid is
converted to aconine, which is not as toxic.
This herb is poisonous. When it is properly prepared
as recommended by a Chinese medicine practitioner,
there are rarely any adverse effects. Chinese pharmacies
do not sell raw, untreated aconite, as the plant should be
dried and then brewed for long periods of time. There
have been, however, cases of aconite poisoning reported
in Asian countries, including some that ended in the patient’s
death from heart arrhythmias. It appears that most
of these cases are due either to the herbalist’s prescribing
a larger dose of aconite than is needed, or to the patient’s
attempting to prepare the remedy at home.
Homeopathy
Homeopaths prescribe aconite for conditions that
come on suddenly as a result of grief, fear, anger, shock,
or exposure to cold, dry wind. It is also recommended for
people troubled by suicidal thoughts. The remedy is shortacting
and is indicated at the onset of acute conditions
such as croup, colds, cough, bronchitis, eye and ear infections,
headaches, and rheumatism. This remedy is one
of the best for measles, arthritis, and pneumonia when all
of the symptoms are present. Aconite is also useful at the
beginning of a fever, in early stages of inflammation, and
following shock caused by an injury or surgery.
Preparations
Aconite is available as a homeopathic remedy or in
dried bulk form, as an ointment or liniment, and as a
tincture. Pharmacies, health food stores, and Chinese
herbal stores carry the various preparations. They are
also available as prescribed by a herbalist, homeopathic
doctor, or Chinese medicine practitioner.
The whole plant is used in Western herbal medicine.
The leaves and flowers are cut when the flowers are in
blossom in June. The roots are collected after the stem
has died off, usually in August. The root is dried before
use while the leaves, stems, and flowers are used fresh.
The homeopathic preparation of aconite is created in
the following manner. The whole plant—but not the
root—is collected when the flowers are in full bloom and
pounded to a pulp. The juice from the pulp is pressed
and mixed with alcohol. The mixture is then strained and
diluted. The final homeopathic remedy is created after
the diluted mixture is repeatedly succussed (pounded
against a hard surface to break down and mix the substance).
The remedy is available at health-food and drug
stores in various potencies in the form of tinctures,
tablets, and pellets.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the aconite root is
generally used in small amounts in combination with
other herbs.
Precautions
If symptoms do not improve after the recommended
time period, consult your homeopath or other healthcare
practitioner.
Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Use Aconitum carmichaeli only under supervision
of a Chinese medical practitioner.
Aconite is poisonous and should not be consumed in
its raw state. Persons who gather wild plants to eat
should be very careful in identifying what they are gathering;
cases have been reported of aconite poisoning in
people who thought they were gathering “mountain
chicory.”
Women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or
who are breast-feeding should not use Aconitum carmichaeli.
Side effects
Symptoms of poisoning by the fresh aconite plant
include tingling, numbness of the tongue and mouth,
nausea, vomiting, labored breathing, a weak and irregular
pulse, and cold, clammy skin. In cases of severe poisoning,
aconite can produce extreme symptoms that include
severe pain, convulsions, paralysis, confusion,
seizures, and heart failure. The only established treatment
for aconite poisoning is supportive; that is, there is
no antidote.
Most liniments or lotions made with aconite for external
use contain a 1.3% concentration of the herb. Use
of these preparations must be limited to unbroken skin,
as aconite can be absorbed through the skin and cause
toxic symptoms. If a skin reaction occurs, use of the liniment
must be discontinued immediately.
Interactions
When taking any homeopathic remedy, do not use
peppermint products, coffee, or alcohol. These products
will make the remedy ineffective.
Aconitum carmichaeli should not be used in those
having a deficiency of yin, or coolness, or with signs of
heat such as fever, redness, and agitation.
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