Herb of the Day for June 14th is Aconite

Herb of the Day

Aconite
    

  (Aconitum Napellus)
Detoxified Root




The therapeutic dose is so close to the toxic level that it should never be used internally and external application should never be done over broken skin. Because of its extremely potent effects on the central nervous system, Aconite has also been prepared as a liniment or ointment for the treatment for neuralgia, sciatica, rheumatism, arthritis, and other pain conditions. Even in the form of a liniment for topical application, Aconite can be extremely toxic.

Even then absorption through the skin can be fatal. The roots and leaves are the most toxic parts of the plants. In Chinese medicine (Aconitum chinensis is the variety employed in Asia) the root undergoes a special process to detoxify it. The process involves soaking the roots whole in vinegar for one month, followed by a salt water soak for one month. This process is repeated several times. After preparation it is used as a stimulant, heart tonic, pain killer, narcotic, mild laxative, local anesthetic.

Magickal uses: Make an infusion with the leaves or root to banish prior energy from magickal blades and to infuse it with protection. Use for protection against negative energies. Burn Aconite in order to invoke Hecate. In days of old hunters would dip their arrow tips into Aconite in order to kill wolves.

Properties: anodyne, anti-diabetic, anti-periodic, anti-phlogistic, antipyretic, diaphoretic, diuretic. Contains volatile oil with a high level of thujone, sesquiterpene lactones, acetylenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids and lignans; such as diayangambin and epiyangambin.

Growth: Aconite is a perennial native to the rich moist meadowlands of Europe. It is a member of the Buttercup family. It prefers to grow in shaded areas. The plant can be erect or trailing, with deeply cut leaves and, in late summer and fall, hooded showy flowers of blue, yellow, purple, or white. The flowers are usually dark blue on spikes.

All parts of this plant are extremely poisonous.
Source:
Author: Crick