Aconitum napellus is a shade-loving ornamental plant with dark purple-blue flowers and glossy, dark green leaves. The plant is nicknamed "monkshood" because of the hoodlike shape of its flowers. Other common names for aconitum are aconite and wolfsbane. All parts of the Aconitum napellus plant contain the chemical aconitine, a deadly poison. Although the fresh plant is highly poisonous, processing can make it safe and useful for therapeutic purposes.
Use in Western Herbal Medicine
Aconitum's chemical activity affects the circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems. The plant was once a remedy for fevers, colds and flu, and nervous disorders. It was a major ingredient in ointments for pain relief. The dried root also served as a local anesthetic. Unfortunately, untreated aconite can be absorbed through cuts and abrasions or even directly through intact skin, with potentially fatal results.This has caused it to fall out of use in Western herbal remedies.
Detoxification
Aconitum napellus is still used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. A detoxification process is used to neutralize the plant's poison, and there are rarely any dangerous side effects connected with its use. Homeopathic preparations of Aconitum napellus are also safe. These preparations are extremely diluted extracts, and they contain no traces of poison. They are used for painful nervous disorders and for the initial stages of fevers and inflammations.
In the Garden
The striking flowers of Aconitum napellus can still be found in some gardens, but great caution is required. Fatalities have occurred by merely touching or tasting the plant. Aconitum should be kept away from children and only handled with gloves. Its roots have occasionally been mistaken for horseradish and it should not be grown near food or other herbs.
Poisoning
The initial symptoms of aconite poisoning are nausea and diarrhea. Other possible effects include stomach pains, numbness of the tongue and mouth, decreased heart rate, labored breathing and cold, clammy skin. In cases of aconite poisoning, call 911 or your local poison control center immediately. Vomiting should be induced followed by decontamination with activated charcoal if available.
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