Monkshood NNNN

Aconitum columbianum, delphinifolium

MEDICINAL USES:

Monkshood, usually known as Aconite in the world of herbal medicine, was once widely used in western medicine and is still used today in Chinese medicine. There are many different varieties of Aconite in the world, with many different toxicity and potency level. In addition, with the Chinese herbs, there are different methods of gathering and preparation. Generally speaking, Aconite slows the heart, decreases blood pressure and reduces inflammation.

Michael Moore uses a fresh herb tincture of A. columbianum, but avoids the root, considering it too powerful and too toxic. In this form, it can be used topically for nerve-derived pain or internally in dosages of 3-6 drops (up to 12) in cases of acute feverish inflammation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: As little as 5 ml of the root tincture (of a different species to ours) have been known to cause death. Symptoms of poisoning include numbness of the tongue and mouth, nausea and vomiting, laboured breathing, irregular pulse. Twenty minims (0.13 ml) of tincture of Digitalis can be used as an antidote. Other stimulants may also be used

NNNN = Highly Toxic