Wolfsbane, Or Fighter, Pharmacy

Deadly poisonous! Guarded. Buttercups - Ranunculaceae. Parts used: young, this year's root tubers, as well as 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. 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 multi-flowered terminal raceme. Blooms from June to September.

It is found in mountainous regions throughout Central Europe, especially in wet high-altitude meadows where the soils are rich in nutrients. Often grows in continuous thickets. Already here it should be noted that this plant is highly poisonous and in no case should you use it yourself without the advice of a doctor.

Children should definitely be warned about this. Poisoning can occur even if the child carries the tuber in a wet hand for quite a long time. Aconite is one of the most poisonous European plants! Active ingredients: aconitine and other alkaloids.

Healing action and application. In pharmaceutical doses, aconite acts through the nervous system on the entire body. In first place is the pain-relieving effect for neuralgia, sciatica and gout. It should also be noted that aconite has a beneficial effect on high temperatures and colds (especially the runny nose and bronchitis). Doctors sometimes prescribe it internally in the form of a tincture, and externally in the form of liquid rubs or ointments to relieve pain. Self-treatment, with the exception of homeopathic remedies, is prohibited!

Use in homeopathy. The homeopathic remedy Aconitum is prepared from fresh flowering plants. It is often prescribed in D4 dilution for febrile conditions that occur during colds, as well as for influenza, neuralgia, sciatica and other pain syndromes. Even for some cardiac complaints, Aconite is prescribed. By taking Aconitum D4 (3-5 times a day, 5-10 drops) at the first signs of acute respiratory infections, when chills and sneezing just begin, you can prevent the development of influenza infection.

Use in folk medicine. In ancient times, aconite was known more as a poisonous plant than as a medicinal one. They lubricated 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. Homeopathy first became interested in it, and only then aconite began to be used in folk medicine. Colds, pain of various natures, rheumatism, gout, insomnia, inflammation of the digestive tract and respiratory tract - this is the main range of its use. They mainly used alcoholic tinctures of herbs or wine with the addition of aconite. I must, however, once again warn against independent use of this plant, one of the most poisonous in our flora.

Side effects. Fortunately, poisoning with aconite due to improper use as a medicinal plant is very rare. Children are also unlikely to be tempted by its fruits or other parts of the plant. However, you should be aware of the signs of poisoning. Very soon (after just a few minutes) a burning sensation appears in the mouth and itching throughout 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 go numb, breathing slows down and becomes shallow, and within 20 minutes death may occur as a result of collapse.

First aid measures must be taken immediately: go to the ambulance service or hospital immediately! Try to induce vomiting by giving him salt water to drink (1-2 tablespoons of table salt per glass of water) and irritating the throat