Aconite Health Article

Preparations

Aconite is available as a homeopathic remedy or in dried bulk form, as an ointment or liniment, and as a tincture. Pharmacies, health food stores, and Chinese herbal stores carry the various preparations. They are also available as prescribed by a herbalist, homeopathic doctor, or Chinese medicine practitioner.

The whole plant is used in Western herbal medicine. The leaves and flowers are cut when the flowers are in blossom in June. The roots are collected after the stem has died off, usually in August. The root is dried before use while the leaves, stems, and flowers are used fresh.

The homeopathic preparation of aconite is created in the following manner. The whole plant—but not the root—is collected when the flowers are in full bloom and pounded to a pulp. The juice from the pulp is pressed and mixed with alcohol. The mixture is then strained and diluted. The final homeopathic remedy is created after the diluted mixture is repeatedly succussed (pounded against a hard surface to break down and mix the substance). The remedy is available at health-food and drug stores in various potencies in the form of tinctures, tablets, and pellets.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the aconite root is generally used in small amounts in combination with other herbs.

Precautions

If symptoms do not improve after the recommended time period, consult your homeopath or other healthcare practitioner.

Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Use Aconitum carmichaeli only under supervision of a Chinese medical practitioner.

Aconite is poisonous and should not be consumed in its raw state. Persons who gather wild plants to eat should be very careful in identifying what they are gathering; cases have been reported of aconite poisoning in people who thought they were gathering "mountain chicory."

Women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or who are breast-feeding should not use Aconitum carmichaeli.

Side effects

Symptoms of poisoning by the fresh aconite plant include tingling, numbness of the tongue and mouth, nausea, vomiting, labored breathing, a weak and irregular pulse, and cold, clammy skin. In cases of severe poisoning, aconite can produce extreme symptoms that include severe pain, convulsions, paralysis, confusion, seizures, and heart failure. The only established treatment for aconite poisoning is supportive; that is, there is no antidote.

Most liniments or lotions made with aconite for external use contain a 1.3% concentration of the herb. Use of these preparations must be limited to unbroken skin, as aconite can be absorbed through the skin and cause toxic symptoms. If a skin reaction occurs, use of the liniment must be discontinued immediately.

Interactions

When taking any homeopathic remedy, do not use peppermint products, coffee, or alcohol. These products will make the remedy ineffective.

Aconitum carmichaeli should not be used in those having a deficiency of yin, or coolness, or with signs of heat such as fever, redness, and agitation.

BOOKS

Cummings, Stephen, M.D., and Dana Ullman. Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines. New York: Putnam, 1997.

Kent, James Tyler. Lectures on Materia Medica. Delhi, India: B. Jain Publishers, 1996.

Reid, Daniel. Chinese Herbal Medicine. Boston, MA: Shambhala, 1996.

PERIODICALS

Chan, T. Y. "Incidence of Herb-Induced Aconitine Poisoning in Hong Kong: Impact of Publicity Measures to Promote Awareness Among the Herbalists and the Public." Drug Safety 25 (2002): 823-828.

Elliott, S. P. "A Case of Fatal Poisoning with the Aconite Plant: Quantitative Analysis in Biological Fluid." Science and Justice 42 (April-June 2002): 111-115.

Gaibazzi, N., G. P. Gelmini, G. Montresor, et al. "Case Study of Accidental Aconite Poisoning." [in Italian] Italian Heart Journal 3 (August 2002): 874-877.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Clinical Toxicology. 777 East Park Drive, P. O. Box 8820, Harrisburg, PA 17105. (717) 558-7750. <http://www.clintox.org>.

National Center for Homeopathy. 801 N. Fairfax St., Suite 306, Alexandria, VA 22314. (703) 548-7790.

Jennifer Wurges

Rebecca J. Frey, PhD