Monkshood

This genus consists of about 100 species of tuberous perennials that are found throughout northern temperate regions, in woods, thickets, rich grassland, and near water. Monkshoods make handsome border plants, with attractive spring foliage and delphinium-like flowers. The characteristic hooded shape of the flowers allows pollination only by bees. According to Greek myth, A. napellus was created by Hecate, goddess of the underworld, from the foaming mouths of Cerebus, the three-headed dog that guards the gates of Hell. All aconitums contain the alkaloid aconitine, which is one of the most toxic plant compounds known. Aconitum ferox is regarded as the most deadly, followed by A. napellus, which is one of the most poisonous species in the European flora. Monkshoods were used in making arrow poisons, and a number of species are used medicinally in various parts of the world, having therapeutic effects when used correctly by trained practitioners. Aconitum carmichaelii was first mentioned in Chinese medical literature c.CE200. It has two names in Chinese medicine: wu tu refers to the fresh root and fu zi to the root cooked with salt and sugar. The cooking process makes it safer for internal use. Research has found it to be effective in congestive heart failure.

Tuberous perennial with upright stems and mid-green leaves, to 15cm (6in) across, deeply divided into 5-7 lobes, and further toothed and lobed. Racemes of deep blue, hooded flowers appear in late summer.

Common Name:	Monkshood
Other Names:	Aconite, wolfsbane
Botanical Name:	Aconitum napellus
Genus:	Aconitum
Family:	Ranunculaceae
Cultivation:	Deep, moisture-retentive soil in shade. Plants will also thrive in a sunny position if the soil is suffiently damp throughout the growing season; they do not flower well in dry conditions. Remove dead flower heads to encourage a second crop of flowers. Aconitums should be sited out of the reach of small children and animals, since even very small amounts can cause poisoning. Taller species need staking.
Propagation:	By division when dormant; by seed sown in spring.
Harvest:	Plants are lifted in autumn and young, thick roots are removed before replanting. Roots are processed professionally for use in decoctions, liniments and tinctures.
Warning:	All parts of aconitums are highly toxic if eaten and may cause systemic poisoning if handled. Gloves should always be worn when handling, to avoid absorption of toxins through the skin. For use by qualified practitioners only. Medicinal use is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.
Native Region:	N and C Europe
Height:	1.2-1.5cm (4-5ft)
Width:	38cm (15in)
Varieties:	Albidum Description:Has gray white flowers. Subsp vulgare Carneum Description: Has delicate flesh-pink flowers and needs cool, rich, moist soil.
Hardiness:	Z5-8
Parts Used:	Roots
Properties:	A sedative, painkilling herb that acts on the heart and central nervous system, and also lowers fever.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for facial neuralgia and to relieve the pain of arthritis and gout. Externally for sciatica and arthritis, Used in homeopathy for shock (especially after surgery or childbirth), chickenpox, measles, mumps, croup, toothache and teething, and complaints caused, or made worse, by getting chilled. Excessive external use, or application to broken skin, may lead to systemic poisoning by absorption through the skin.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp. 100-101.