Aconite (Aconitum napellus)

Aconite (Monkshood) is a perennial herb growing up to about 5 ft (1.5 m). It has dark green, deeply lobed leaves and violet or blue flowers on long, upright spikes, resembling delphiniums.

It contains terpenoid alkaloids, principally aconitine. In Ayurvedic medicine, Aconite has been used for neuralgia, asthma, and heart weakness (in extremely minute, carefully prepared doses), and it is also employed in homeopathy for analgesic and sedative purposes.

Aconite is highly toxic in all but the smallest doses and is subject to legal restrictions in some regions. It is rarely given internally and should only be used with professional supervision. It is more often applied externally (on unbroken skin) to relieve certain types of pain.

It grows mainly in southern and central Europe, preferring damp, shady locations, and is also cultivated as a garden plant. The root is traditionally dug up in autumn.