Monkshood (Aconitum napellus)

Aconitum napellus or monkshood is a plant that is widely known because it is extremely poisonous. It was utilized to make arrow poison for hunting and battle. However, Aconitum species have also been used since ancient times as remedies.

The prepared roots of Aconitum are an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicines. For over 2000 years, they have been applied to treat many conditions, such as pain, fever, rheumatism and inflammations. Certain aconite plants are also used as ingredients in Indian herbal medicine.

Due to the toxicity of the herb, Aconitum napellus is nowadays mainly used in homoeopathic remedies. These are highly diluted and contain only an extremely small amount of the active but toxic compounds.

The hardy plant is native to Europe. For its pretty blue flowers, monkshood was brought to North America as a garden ornamental. It is crucial to ensure that children and pets have no access to any parts of the plant.

Origin and types

The Aconitum genus is a large genus with over 250 species. The herbaceous perennials belong to the Ranuculaceae or buttercup family.

Most of the species contain highly toxic compounds. Ingestion of any plant parts can be life threatening to both humans and animals. Gardeners should wear gloves as the poison can also be absorbed through the skin.

Aconitum napellus is known under many different names. They include monkshood, aconite, wolfsbane, common or garden aconite, blue rocket and others.

In the northern hemisphere, it can be found as a wildflower on well-drained soils of mountain meadows. While monkshood can tolerate some shade, the plant can become more prone to powdery mildew in too much shade.

Monkshood is grown as ornamental but also as medicinal plant. A. napellus is mostly used in homeopathy to treat acute conditions, such as inflammation and fever.

Aconitum carmichaelii or Carmichael's monkshood has purple flowers. This species is native to eastern Russia and East Asia. It was utilized to poison arrows but also in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Aconitum hemsleyanum is also known as climbing monkshood or red wine monkshood. This climbing species is native to China. It was also used medicinally and as an arrow poison. 

What does the plant look like?

Aconitum napellus can grow up to around 120 cm or 4 feet tall. Its hairless stem carries lobed leaves. 

Its showy flowers are deep blue to purple and have a characteristic upper hood. They appear in elongated clusters along the stem and bloom from mid to late summer.

All parts of the plant contain toxins but especially the aconite roots. Therefore, do not plant monkshood near a vegetable garden.

Where does the name come from?

Common names of Aconite are monkshood or friar cap, hinting at the shape of the flowers. They resemble the hood worn by medieval monks. Wolfsbane is another common name. It refers to the practice of killing wolves with the help of the poisonous plant extract.

The genus name Aconitum is believed to come from the Greek word akoniton, meaning javelin or dart. It probably refers to the use of the plant as an arrow poison. Napellus is thought to derive from Latin ‘napus’, meaning little turnip and refers to the root shape. 

In order to reduce toxicity and avoid aconitine poisoning, the plant parts must be processed before use. For TCM products, Health Canada requires very low and defined amounts of the active but toxic substances.

Health Canada also regulates the use of Aconitum plants in homeopathic remedies. For A. napellus or monk’s hood, the minimum dilution is 3X to ensure that the aconite effects are safe.

Medicinal Properties of Aconitum napellus

The plant’s active alkaloids have shown a range of activities. These include:
- anti-inflammatory
- pain relieving (analgesic)
- immunomodulating and
- anti-cancer effects.

How or what is it used for?

The traditional use of the herb included a wide range of ailments. Today, monkshood is mostly used as an ingredient in homeopathic products for pain, fever and inflammation. The resulting remedy is safe for human use but still potent enough.

Cautions and drug interactions

All parts of the plant are extremely toxic and should neither be eaten nor be touched without wearing gloves. About 1 gram of the raw herb can be lethal for humans.

Consult a doctor before using remedies that contain monkshood in children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Remember to speak with your health care practitioner before adding a new health or natural product to your routine. 

Pascoe products that contain Aconitum napellus / monkshood: