Name: Aconite, or wrestler, pharmacy
Deadly poisonous! Protected.
Ranunculaceae – Ranunculaceae.
Parts used: young, this year’s root tubers, also the entire above-ground part during flowering.
Pharmacy name: aconite tubers – Aconiti tuber (formerly: Tubera Aconiti), aconite herb – Aconiti herba (formerly: Herba Aconiti).
Botanical description.A perennial plant with thick, succulent roots that form a new tuber every year, while last year’s one dies off. Erect stem up to 120 (sometimes 150) cm in height with deeply incised 5-7-lobed leaves. Dark blue helmet-shaped flowers on short pedicels are collected in a long, many-flowered terminal raceme. Blooms from June to September. It is found in the mountainous regions of all Central Europe, especially in wet alpine meadows, where soils are rich in nutrients. It often grows in dense thickets. Already here it should be noted that this plant is highly poisonous and in no case should it be used independently without the advice of a doctor. Children should be warned about this. Poisoning can occur even if the child has been carrying a tuber in a wet hand for quite some time.
Active ingredients: aconitine and other alkaloids.
Healing action and application. In pharmaceutical doses, aconite acts through the nervous system on the entire body as a whole. In the first place is the analgesic effect for neuralgia, sciatica and gout. It should also be noted the beneficial effect of aconite in high temperature and colds (especially in the common cold and bronchitis). Doctors sometimes prescribe it internally as a tincture, and externally as a liquid rub or ointment to relieve pain. Self-treatment, with the exception of homeopathic remedies, is prohibited!
Use in homeopathy. The homeopathic remedy Aconite is prepared from fresh flowering plants. It is often prescribed in a dilution of D4 for febrile conditions that occur during colds, as well as for influenza, neuralgia, sciatica and other pain syndromes. Even in some heart complaints, Aconite is prescribed. By taking Aconite D4 (3-5 times every day, 5-10 drops) at the first sign of a cold, when chills and sneezing are just starting, it is possible to prevent the development of an influenza infection.
Application in folk medicine. In ancient times, aconite was known more as a poisonous plant than a medicinal one. They smeared the tips of arrows and spears, as well as the blades of swords. Pliny reports only its use in the treatment of eye diseases. Medieval medicine remained at the same level. For the first time, homeopathy became interested in him, and only then they began to use aconite in traditional medicine. Colds, pains of a different nature, rheumatism, gout, insomnia, inflammation of the digestive tract and respiratory tract – this is the main range of its use. They mainly used alcohol tinctures of herbs or wine with the addition of aconite. I must, however, once again warn against the independent use of this plant, one of the most poisonous in our flora.
Side effects.Fortunately, aconite poisoning due to its misuse as a medicinal plant is very rare. Children are also unlikely to be tempted by its fruits or other parts of the plant. Nevertheless, one should be aware of the signs of poisoning by him. Very soon (after a few minutes) there is a burning sensation in the mouth and itching all over the body. At the same time, profuse sweating begins, accompanied by chills and a sharp feeling of cold. Further symptoms of poisoning will be nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Finally, the limbs become numb, breathing slows down and becomes shallow, and after 20 minutes death may occur due to collapse. First aid measures must be taken without delay: contact an ambulance or hospital immediately! Try to induce the victim to vomit giving him a drink of salt water (1-2 tablespoons of table salt per glass of water) and irritating the throat with a finger, pen or spoon handle. After cleansing the stomach, give activated charcoal to drink (shake 20-30 g in water). Never give anything to an unconscious person.