Aconitum napellus

BOTANICAL NAME/FAMILY

·         Aconitum napellus

OTHER NAMES

·         monkshood

PLANT PARTS USED

·        root and leaf

CHEMICAL COMPONENTS

·         Aconitine, Benzaconine, Tropane alkaloids: benzoylaconine.  Gum, sugar

MAIN ACTIONS                       

·        Sensory and motor depressant

·        Sedative

·        antipyretic

Indications

·        Small frequent pulse

·        Fever or chills

·        Early fever

·        Heart dilations, poor vessel tone: ionotropic effect

·        Neuralgia

·        Arthritic or gout pains

DOSAGE RANGE

• 1-8 drops beginning with 1 drop QD

ADVERSE REACTIONS

·        10 drops can be toxic

·        Fatal: 5mL tincture, 1g plant, or 2mg aconitine

·        Overdose symptoms: numb mouth, throat, hands.  Dizzy. Restlessness.  Loss of speech control. H/A. pinkpint pupils.  Arrhythmia.  Chest pains.  Ventricular fib. Sweating and hypothermia.  Anxiety.  Diarrhea.  Convulsion.

PREGNANCY USE

• Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation