Uses in Medicine

If used correctly, the potentially deadly poison made by Aconitum napellus can actually become a very helpful form of medicine.

Here are answers to some of the questions you may have:

 How common is A. napellus used in medicine?

 A. napellus is used relatively commonly throughout the world as an herbal treatment. Its use however decreases measurably in more developed areas who have the means and resources for different types of medications that are not quite so dangerous.

What is it used to treat?  

A. napellus is used to treat a very wide variety of symptoms including: fever, fright, eye injury, dental problems, surgery (fear), colds, cough/croup, earaches, headaches, and urinary problems.

Does it actually work?  

One scientific study called "The effects of Aconitum alkaloids on the central nervous system" conducted by Angela Ameri offers proof to the effectiveness of A. napellus in lowering blood pressure, suppressing epileptic activity, pain reduction. The study even went as far as to say that the aconite in A. napellus is able to make a stronger pain blocking response then even morphine by a ratio of about 1.5:1. To read more about this study click here.

How does it work?  

The pain relief mechanism of this plant works in essentially the same way as the poison does. The aconite attaches to the sodium channels of the neuron and opens them, causing the neuron to remain in an excited state, leaving it unable to send new messages.

How potent is it?

 The use of aconite as an herbal treatment is a very precise science. The range between a therapeutic and deadly dose is extremely close. For example, one man who was studied in the published paper "Severe Acute Poisoning with Homemade Aconitum napellus Capsules: Toxicokinetic and Clinical Data" took three rather than one of his normal pills with aconite extract that he was taking for sleeping troubles, and a few hours later he needed to be rushed to the hospital in critical condition. To read more about what happened to him click here.

How is it being modified for more pharmaceutical uses?

 The Aconitum extracts that can be found here in the United States, along with the other developed nations of the world tend to partially decompose the alkaline before putting it into the medication, making it necessary to take much higher doses to do real damage to yourself.

In general, if you are thinking about using A. napellus as a medical treatment please be careful to take the proper precaution. This plant can be very dangerous if used improperly. To learn more about the poison and what symptoms to look out for related to aconite overdose click here.

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