Aconite
Popular as wolfs bane, aconitum has a long history. It was the concoction of wolfs bane in wine that Medea -- the enchantress mistress of warrior Jason—gave to poison Theseus (king of
Athens) in Greek mythology. And more recently, this herb is the key ingredient of the wolfs bane potion in Harry Potter series.
Widely seen in the mountainous regions across the Northern hemisphere, aconitum grows in more than 250 varieties. In India, the most popular species is Aconitum ferox. Also known as Indian aconite, it is abundantly seen at Sandakphu-- the highest point of Darjeeling hills. Aconite Spp. Aconitum chasmanthum, Aconitum heterophyllum are the other common species found in the hilly terrains of the subcontinent.
Popular as wolfs bane, aconitum has a long history. It was the concoction of wolfs bane in wine that Medea -- the enchantress mistress of warrior Jason—gave to poison Theseus (king of
Athens) in Greek mythology. And more recently, this herb is the key ingredient of the wolfs bane potion in Harry Potter series.Widely seen in the mountainous regions across the Northern hemisphere, aconitum grows in more than 250 varieties. In India, the most popular species is Aconitum ferox. Also known as Indian aconite, it is abundantly seen at Sandakphu-- the highest point of Darjeeling hills. Aconite Spp. Aconitum chasmanthum, Aconitum heterophyllum are the other common species found in the hilly terrains of the subcontinent.
A member of the family of flowering plants Ranunculaceae, these perennial herbs grow in moisture retentive but well draining soils on mountains. Their dark green leaves are arranged either spirally or alternately. Lower leaves have long petioles.
They have tall, erect stems and crowned by inflorescence of large blue, purple, yellow or pink zygomorphic flowers with numerous stamens.
Aconitums are distinguished by the arrangement of their sepals. They have one of the five petaloid sepals (the posterior one), called the galea, in the form of a cylindrical helmet; hence the English name monkshood. There are 2–10 petals, in the form of nectaries. The two upper petals are large. They are placed under the hood of the calyx and are supported on long stalks. They have a hollow spur at their apex, containing the nectar. The other petals are small and scale like or non forming. The 3–5 carpels are partially fused at the base.The fruit is a follicle.
Regionally, aconite is known in different local names such as Ativisha, Atis, Bachnag, Vatnabha, Bachang Bachnag, Kala Bachnag ,Dhudhia, Atis, Ativish etc. Its roots, pods and the plant itself is supposed to contain certain alkaloids with powerful anti-pyretic, antiperiodic, aphrodisiac effects.
Ayurvedic texts classify toxic plants different categories depending on the part of the plant that is toxic. Rhizomes of aconite is found to contain the toxic chemical called aconitine.
According to sage Charaka, "A potent poison also becomes the best drug on proper administration."
Ayurveda has a dedicated branch of knowledge --Vishagarvajrodhika tantra – to deal with the toxicities of naturally occurring medicinal plants and minerals.
They have tall, erect stems and crowned by inflorescence of large blue, purple, yellow or pink zygomorphic flowers with numerous stamens.
Aconitums are distinguished by the arrangement of their sepals. They have one of the five petaloid sepals (the posterior one), called the galea, in the form of a cylindrical helmet; hence the English name monkshood. There are 2–10 petals, in the form of nectaries. The two upper petals are large. They are placed under the hood of the calyx and are supported on long stalks. They have a hollow spur at their apex, containing the nectar. The other petals are small and scale like or non forming. The 3–5 carpels are partially fused at the base.The fruit is a follicle.
Regionally, aconite is known in different local names such as Ativisha, Atis, Bachnag, Vatnabha, Bachang Bachnag, Kala Bachnag ,Dhudhia, Atis, Ativish etc. Its roots, pods and the plant itself is supposed to contain certain alkaloids with powerful anti-pyretic, antiperiodic, aphrodisiac effects.
Ayurvedic texts classify toxic plants different categories depending on the part of the plant that is toxic. Rhizomes of aconite is found to contain the toxic chemical called aconitine.
According to sage Charaka, "A potent poison also becomes the best drug on proper administration."
Ayurveda has a dedicated branch of knowledge --Vishagarvajrodhika tantra – to deal with the toxicities of naturally occurring medicinal plants and minerals.
