Aconite is used primarily in Europe and Asia. Because of its extreme toxicity, many trained herbalists in the United States do not use this product. The root is the plant part used in traditional medicine. In Asia, aconite has multiple uses and is usually mixed with other herbs. Circa 1500 BC, aconite was used to make poisonous arrows. In homeopathic and Oriental medicine, aconite extract is used as a hypotensive and analgesic and to relieve cancer pain. It is also used to decrease fever and to treat arthritis, bruises, fractures, sciatica, and rheumatism. Aconite is extremely heating and therefore is used to treat cold extremities and poor digestion. Aconite is a counterirritant.
