Family Name: N.O. Ranunculaciae
Botanical Name(s): Aconitum napellus (LINN.)
Popular Name(s): Monkshood, Blue Rocket, Friar's Cap, Auld
Wife's Huid
Parts Used: The complete herb
Habitat: Aconite is native to western and central Europe.
Description: Aconite is an herbaceous perennial plant with
fleshy root which grows to a height of 1 m. Its leaves are round, 5-10
cm in diameter and are palmately divided into five to seven lobed
segments. The flowers are purple to bluish-purple in colour and are 1-2
cm in length. Aconite is extremely poisonous.
Uses: Aconite has anodyne, diuretic and diaphoretic properties.
Its tincture and liniment are used in general purposes. Its preparations
are used for outward application to the skin in neuralgia, lumbago and
rheumatism. It is extremely poisonous.
