Aconite root: the queen of poisons

Aconite root is highly poisonous herb and it also called as wolf’s bane, monkshood, women's bane, devil's helmet and blue rocket in various parts of the world. The written documents citing use of aconite root is found in the traditional Chinese medicine. Earlier aconite root was used for hunting. Today, the highly poisonous herb has been put to good use in the medical arena. Aconite root, which is called as queen of poisons, is a neurotoxin that can induce instant respiratory paralysis and heart attack.    

When the early physicians tried their hands on aconite root, they believed that it had divine properties that can cure several ailments. Ancient Chinese used fumes from burning aconite to  detoxicate the body. The modern pharmaceutical industries have proved that the Chinese were right in their belief. Extracts from aconite root are today used for similar purposes in the medical field for example drugs manufactured from aconite root are used to relieve body pain, diuretic and diaphoretic purposes.

Although early physicians were unable to find a suitable antidote for the poison, they were successful in taping the benevolence of the ancient herb in a major way. Today, researchers have successfully developed antidotes for the poison. They have also made good use of the herb in developing ointments and injections that can relieve neural pain, Back ache due to arthritis, and rheumatic disorders.