Aconite is thought to be a calming and healing homeopathic remedy that’s often recommended for surgery support, injuries, colds and flu. You might take aconite remedies either orally or topically to help treat these conditions. Consult a health care professional before using any homeopathic remedies to discuss the possible dangers, drug interactions and proper dosage or use.
Description
Aconite is a plant that typically grows wild throughout parts of the United Kingdom, according to A Modern Herbal. Also called monkshood or friar’s cap, aconite’s leaves, roots, flower tops and stems are all used in medicinal preparations. There are many different species of aconite, but Aconitum napellus is the most common.
Benefits
Aconite is typically used as a homeopathic remedy for surgery support and injuries. Homeopaths may also recommend aconite for treating common colds and the flu, sometimes in combination with other homeopathic herbs, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Aconite is most often recommended for treating colds, particularly when the illness is brought on by stress or trauma and the symptoms include excessive thirst, chills, anxiety, agitation, dry but stuffy nose, scratchy throat, intense cough and chest tension. Aconite is sometimes recommended to relieve agitation and restlessness following surgery or anxiety and panic prior to surgery, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Combined with other herbs, aconite may also treat influenza and help you to recover from sports-related injuries like sprains. No widely accepted scientific evidence supports the use of aconite to treat or prevent any physical, emotional or psychological problem, however.
Application
Aconite or Aconitum napellus is taken either orally or used topically in homeopathic remedies. You might take aconite orally to relieve agitation and restlessness after surgery, ease anxiety prior to surgery or treat anxiety, panic and agitation after injury, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. To speed your recovery from sports-related injuries like sprains and strains, you might use topical applications of creams combining aconite, arnica, calendula, hamamelis, Bellis perennis, chamomile, echinacea, millefolium and several other herbs. A homeopathic dosage of aconite is sometimes taken internally to treat common colds, says the University of Michigan Health System. To treat influenza, you might take an oral liquid homeopathic treatment called L52, which combines aconite, arnica, eupatorium, gelsemium, China, belladonna, drosera, polygala and eucalyptus. Talk with your doctor and a licensed homeopath before taking aconite about the proper dosage and application.
Medical Research
A French double-blind study in 1990 involving children who recently had surgery found that taking aconite homeopathic treatment reduced agitation and restlessness substantially better than placebo, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Another double-blind study of people with ankle sprains found that applying an ointment containing aconite and 13 other herbs helped them to recover faster than those who used the placebo, according to a 1988 study conducted in Germany. Another German study in 1992 found similar results from using this ointment to treat sports injuries. A French study in 1985 found that taking the homeopathic treatment L52 had some benefits in treating the flu. Few other studies have been performed on aconite or homeopathic remedies containing aconite.
Warnings
Little scientific evidence is available to prove that aconite and other homeopathic remedies are safe and effective for treating any medical condition. Also, no safety studies have been performed on aconite. Aconite root contains highly toxic alkaloids that could cause serious health problems and even death, says A Modern Herbal. Like other herbal formulas, homeopathic remedies containing aconite could pose certain health risks, side effects and drug interactions. Talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking, health problems that you have and your allergies before taking aconite or other homeopathic herbs. You should also take aconite only under the supervision of a licensed homeopath or other knowledgeable health care professional.
