Aconite Herb Information, Aconite benefit side effects

Scientific Name: Aconitum napellus

Medicinal Uses of Aconite Herb

In Chinese medicine ( Aconitum chinensis is the variety employed in Asia) the root undergoes a special process to detoxify it. The process involves soaking the roots whole in vinegar for one month, followed by a salt water soak for one month. The process is repeated several times. In this prepared form it is sold under the name 'Aconitum praeparata' or FU-ZI.

Aconite Herb along with two other varieties are used as stimulant, heart tonic, pain killer, narcotic, mild laxative, local anaesthetic . Also, for colds, chills, vomiting, rheumatoid arthritis, chest pain, stomacheache, loss of appetite and inflammation of the kidney.

The variety A. vulparia is employed as a narcotic.

As Aconite Herb is one of the most toxic of plants, it has been used traditionally in only the most minute of doses. It has been used by professionals to treat facial and trigeminal (fifth cranial nerve supplying face) neuralgia ; also, arthritic or gouty pain associated with neuralgia.

Other uses of Aconite Herb have been to regulate heartbeat, reduce nervous tension and to give temporary relief in Parkinson's disease.

To some degree Aconite Herb has been used in the past for scarlet fever, croup and thrush.

Other uses include sedative (depressant), for gastritis, heart palpitation, and spasm.

Aconite Herb slows the heart and decreases blood pressure, but the problem of therapeutic dose lying so close to toxic levels makes it an ill advised medicine except in the most professional and experienced hands. Since it does not affect the brain, the victim is alert as his body shuts down. It's a gruesome way to die.