Wolfsbane, monk's hood (Aconitum) delivers a lethal dose of poison. In the ancient world, poison plays a vital part, from death by elixir of life, conspiracies of the rich and ambitious to acts of honor. There are about 250 species of Aconitum, and most are poisonous.
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Also called leopard's bane or blue rocket, Aconitum grows in alpine meadows, preferring higher elevations with moist but well-drained soil. It's found almost exclusively in the Northern Hemisphere. The Greek term akòniton means "poisonous plant".
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In the first century BCE, the Chinese Empress Xu dies from Aconitum poisoning administered by her obstetrician, Chun Yuyang. The death of Empress Xu is a tragic byproduct of a complex conspiracy beginning before she is born.
Monkshood and other members of the genus Aconitum contain substantial amounts of the highly toxic aconitine and related alkaloids. While all parts of the plant contain toxins, poisons are especially concentrated in the thick tubers or roots.
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As little as 2 mg of aconite or 1 g of plant may cause death from respiratory paralysis or heart failure. Aconitine is a potent neurotoxin and cardiotoxin. A sudden rush of sodium to the heart and nerve channels can cause immediate symptoms and swift painful death.
Toxicity of the plant is known from early times. Ancient warriors dip their spears and arrowheads in Aconitum toxin for more death-dealing prowess on the battlefield. In natural medicine people use aconite for heart failure, asthma, hair loss and diarrhea.
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In homeopathy, it's used medicinally to treat fear, anxiety and restlessness; acute sudden fever; symptoms from exposure to hot and arid or cold and damp climates. It's also a remedy for tingling, numbness; flu or colds with congestion; and throbbing headaches.
The tubers of wolfsbane or monkshood are fleshy and swollen, resembling turnip. This characteristic is the basis for the species name “napellus”, as napus is Latin for turnip. The Greek name of the plant, lycoctonum, means wolf's bane.
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On arrows or in bait, it's used to kill wolves, bears and other predators. According to legend, werewolves become aware of their transformation by ingesting a potion of Aconitum. It's in the same plant family as the hellebores.
Symptoms of Aconitum poisoning include:
headache
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
numbness, tingling, burning in face, especially the mouth
abdominal pain and burning
weakness
difficulty breathing
sweating
dizziness
confusion
tingling and numbness in the limbs
low blood pressure
irregular heartbeat
convulsions
death
Causes of death are heart failure or respiratory collapse. Skin contact with plant toxins can cause mild allergic or toxicity symptoms such as a rash, nervous effects such as shaking, or feelings of illness.
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Poisoning is counter-acted by treatment of symptoms. The major physiological antidote is atropine, which is used to treat bradycardia. Charcoal treatment can help relieve stomach problems.
Monkshood is most often blue to deep purple. Yellow monkshood (Aconitium anthora) is also known as "healing wolfsbane". Yellow monkshood root contains high levels of volatile salt and essential oil. Foliage and stems carry diterpenoid alkaloids (terpenoid derivatives).
It's used in poultices against rheumatism and deep pain, but can irritate the skin. The name anthora or "against thora" comes from the plant's reputation as antidote to poisons of 'thora' or deadly toxic Doronicum pardalianches.
Taken internally, yellow monkshood Aconitium anthora has been used to treat weak pulse, vegetable poisons, feverish colds, pneumonia, croup and other respiratory ailments, heart conditions and cardiac arrest.
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In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, practitioners assert they've found methods to process monkshood so that it's safe to use. Medical uses of monkshood root include
Internally as a sedative
Internally to induce sweating and lower fever during illness
Internally to slow heart rate in cases of heart palpitations and heart swelling
Topically as a local anesthetic
In 183 BC, Carthaginian general Hannibal commits suicide with a potion of aconite and hemlock. According to legend he conceals the deadly potion in one of his rings, and takes it to escape capture by the Romans.
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In the Middle Ages, Aconitum is associated with black magic and lycanthropy. It's considered to repel demons, evil elf magic, witches, malevolent spirits and especially werewolves.
At the time it may be prescribed to people with hypertrichosis, also known as werewolf syndrome. Hypertrichosis is characterized by excessive hair growth on face and body, similar to the idea of a person turning into a werewolf.
The drug Dimethylhexylamine (DMHA) may be mislabeled "Aconitum kusnezoffi" or "aconite extract" and mistaken for Aconitum. DMHA is thought to have stimulant effects similar to decongestants such as ephedrine and others but is not considered safe.
Aconitum also has a place in the garden catalogue, as various hybrids are bred for their bold beauty including red and pink versions. Several hybrid species are listed In the UK and have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
In legend the plant comes from the saliva of Cerberus, the Greek 3-headed dog guarding the gates of Hades. One of the tasks of Heracles is to bring the canine to King Eurystheus. Where the saliva of the beast drools to the ground, toxic Aconitum blooms.
In Greek mythology, this is the twelfth and final Labor of Heracles for King Eurystheus. The Twelve Labors are performed by Heracles to atone for killing his family in a fit of madness.