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Aconite (Aconitum napellus), also called monkshood or wolfsbane, is a striking European mountain plant with deep blue-violet hooded flowers. It is also one of the most dangerously toxic plants encountered in historical herbalism.
Identification
Monkshood is a perennial with deeply divided leaves and tall flowering spikes. The hood-shaped upper sepal gives the flower its characteristic helmet-like appearance.
Why It Is Dangerous
The plant contains highly potent diterpenoid alkaloids, including aconitine-type compounds, that can disrupt sodium-channel function in nerves and the heart. All major plant parts can be toxic, and serious poisoning can occur after ingestion or improper processing.
Historical Use
Aconite appears in European and Asian medical history, but historical medicinal use relied on specialized preparation traditions and narrow margins between intended effect and poisoning. It also has a long history as an arrow poison and animal poison.
Poisoning Signs
Reported poisoning can include burning or tingling sensations, nausea, weakness, dizziness, dangerous heart-rhythm disturbances, low blood pressure, and potentially fatal cardiac complications. Suspected ingestion is a medical emergency.
Safety
This is not an herb for home dosing, tincturing, tea, or experimental preparation. Handling fresh roots or plant juices should be cautious, and children and animals should be kept away from the plant.
Folklore
Names such as wolfsbane and monkshood reflect centuries of European folklore involving protection, poison, witchcraft, warriors, and supernatural danger.
Educational and historical information only. Do not self-administer aconite.