Aconitum napellus, also known as aconite and wolfsbane, is an herb with important roles in traditional Chinese and ayurvedic medicine. Practitioners use aconite only in very small doses because of its toxicity, which can cause heart failure. Aconite homeopathic remedies from reputable sources contain very diluted levels of this herb and are not toxic, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The UMMC recommends aconite only as supplemental therapy to conventional medical treatment, and cautions that an experienced homeopath is best suited to determine any appropriate homeopathic treatment for each individual.
Remedy for the Gout Patient
A homeopathic aconite remedy may be useful for symptoms associated with gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis that develops when uric acid accumulates in the body, causing crystals to form in joints. Gout usually affects men over age 40, but it can occur at any age and also affects some women. Gout typically causes extreme pain in a single joint, usually the base of the big toe. A gout attack tends to come on rapidly and lasts for several days. Homeopathic aconite is indicated for swollen and painful joints, and for conditions involving a sudden onset of burning pain, as noted by the UMMC.
Remedy for the Pertussis Patient
Homeopathic aconite is a possible complementary therapy for pertussis, commonly called whooping cough. This highly contagious bacterial infection affects the respiratory tract and causes violent coughing. Although most children in the United States are vaccinated for this disease, pertussis can be life-threatening to anyone who catches it, especially babies and very young children. A professional homeopath may recommend aconite as a supplemental treatment for the patient with pertussis symptoms, but the UMMC warns that the underlying bacterial infection must be treated with conventional medicine. A homeopathic aconite remedy is most beneficial for a pertussis patient with a dry cough that wakes him up, is thirsty and restless, and has worse symptoms when exposed to cold air or when lying on his side.
Remedy for the Patient with a Heart Condition
Professional homeopaths may recommend aconite for certain heart problems, although the UMMC warns that these serious conditions can be life-threatening if not treated with conventional medicine. Conventional treatment may include medication, hospitalization and surgery. Pericarditis involves inflammation and swelling of the pericardium, a sac that surrounds the heart, while endocarditis is an inflammation of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. Homeopathic aconite may be helpful, since the remedy is indicated for conditions involving sudden sharp pain and restlessness, anxiety and fear of death.
