Sichuan Aconite

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 glossy, dark green, deeply cut leaves, to 15cm (6in) across. Dense panicles of large, deep purple-blue, hooded flowers appear in late summer and early autumn.

Common Name:	Sichuan Aconite
Other Names:	Azure Monkshood
Botanical Name:	Aconitum carmichaelii syn. A. fischeri
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:	C and W China
Height:	1.5-1.8cm (5-6ft)
Width:	30-40cm (12-16in)
Varieties:	Arendsii syn. Arends Description:Larger than the species, and flowers later Kelmscott Description: Has lavender-blue flowers in autumn Height: 1.2m (4ft) Width: 30cm (12in)
Hardiness:	Z3-7
Parts Used:	Roots
Properties:	A sedative, painkilling herb that stimulates the heart and kidneys, and has diuretic and anti-rheumatic effects.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally as a restorative following shock and trauma, for yang energy weakness, and in chronic osteo-arthritis. Dosage is critical, excess causing numbness of lips, tongue, and extremities, vomiting, breathing difficulties, lowering of pulse rate and blood pressure, coma, and death. Not given to pregnant women or patients with severe debilitation. Externally for rheumatism and arthritis, headache, and as a local anesthetic.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 96.