Aconitum Napellus

The winter-hardy monkshood or aconite (Aconite napellus L.) , a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), is one of the most notorious poisonous plants of Europe. It thrives in the Northern temperate zone as well as the Himalayas and grows in groups on shady banks, by the side of ditches, in meadows or in high Alps. Between 20" and 40" tall, the plant has a tuberous root, every year a new tuber grows and the old one dies off in the autumn. If the new plant is harvested during flowering it usually has tubers. The tall deep blue or violet flowers emerge in all their splendour between June and August, and are said to look like a helmet or hood. The botanical name comes from the Greek "akontion", meaning arrow, because barbarians used to put monkshood poison on their arrows. The name could also come from "akone", meaning rocky, however referring to the plants habitat. The word "napellus" means "turnip", a reference to the shape of the roots. Monks hood has been mentioned in herbals and plant lists since the 10th century. In the past it was often used as an antidote to snake bites. The poison is mainly in the root, although the other plant parts are poisonous too. External application as an an analgesic ointment to treat neuralgia and rheumatism is extremely risky and is not to be recommended. Aconitum is prescribed as a homeopathic remedy for facial neuralgia, anxiety and panic attacks, influenza, fever, heavy colds and neuralgia. In a herb garden the plant must be kept out of the reach of children and away from edible plants.

The following A. Vogel remedies contain monkshood :

Aconitum D4, D10
Influaforce, homeopathic influenza drops and tablets