Aconite is one of 250 species of flowering, perennial plants that includes the common buttercup. If you are a fan of popular literature, you may recognize this herb as wolfsbane, indicating its use as a cure for lycanthropy in werewolf movies. Aconite is also responsible for numerous fictional deaths in many classic murder mysteries. Since the plant is highly toxic, aconite and pregnancy do not mix. However, in homeopathic form, aconite is traditionally used to calm fear during labor. To be safe, do not use this herb in any form if you are pregnant without the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner experienced in its use.
Historical Use
Aconite has a long history of use in several traditional systems of healing, including Ayurveda, Japanese Kampo and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The most common medicinal application of aconite preparations is the management of pain associated with rheumatism, arthritis, gout, neuralgia, sciatica, migraine and cancer. In homeopathy, aconite is used to dispel fear, anxiety and trauma-related stress.
Chemical Composition
According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," the pharmacological effects of aconite are due to several alkaloid compounds present in the root, namely aconitin, hypaconitin and mesaconitin.
Pharmacology
Aconitin and hypaconitin initially produce a stimulating effect. However, paralysis soon follows in motor nerve endings in muscles and the central nervous system. In short, these agents are neurotoxins. In heart muscle, aconitin increases membrane permeability, which causes an imbalance of sodium ions and makes the heart beat faster.
Toxicity
Aconite can first appear to be therapeutic as an inotropic agent to stimulate the contraction of heart muscle. However, even small doses of aconite have resulted in a rapid heart rate, leading to ventricular tachycardia, arrhythmia and cardiac arrest. According to the American Cancer Society, this herb should be avoided during pregnancy due to these risks. In fact, even handling the raw plant material can result in toxicity, since you can absorb aconite compounds through your skin.
Homeopathic Applications
Traditionally, aconite is given to ease panic attacks and anxiety related to a difficult pregnancy or traumatic labor. Homeopathic solutions are highly diluted concentrations of the original material. Typically, homeopathic preparations of aconite are given in dosages on the millesimal scale. For example, a potency of 1M indicates a dilution of 1 part in 1,000.
Summary
According to a Natural Standard monograph published by Wellness.com, the efficacy and safety of aconite at any dose has not been established. In addition, clinical studies indicate that even therapeutic dosages of aconite during pregnancy may produce toxicity, although the safety of homeopathic dosages is not clear. The American Herbal Products Association has given aconite a class rating of 3, meaning that it should only be administered by an experienced, qualified practitioner.
References
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines"; Thomas Fleming, Chief Editor, et al.; 2000
- American Cancer Society: Aconite
- Wellness.com: Aconite
