Aconite is a plant in the Aconitum genus that grows in rocky areas in the Northern Hemisphere. Despite containing poisonous chemicals, it's used as medicine.
Aconite root contains chemicals that might improve circulation and decrease pain, but it also contains chemicals that can seriously harm the heart, muscles, and nerves.
People use aconite for heart failure, asthma, hair loss, diarrhea, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. It is also unsafe.
Don't confuse aconite with Dimethylhexylamine (DMHA), which is sometimes incorrectly called "Aconitum kusnezoffi" or "aconite extract." These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using aconite for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Aconite is unsafe. All species of the plant and products containing it are dangerous. Aconite contains a strong, fast-acting poison that causes severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, breathing problems, heart problems, and death.
When applied to the skin: Aconite is unsafe. Some people use aconite in a cream or lotion, but this is dangerous. The poisons in aconite can be absorbed through the skin, causing severe side effects.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Aconite is unsafe. Do not take aconite by mouth or apply it to your skin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It can cause serious side effects, including death.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Aconite might slow blood clotting. Taking aconite along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Stimulant Drugs
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Stimulant drugs speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system they can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Aconite might also speed up the nervous system. Taking aconite along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Aconite might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Herbs and supplements with stimulant properties: Aconite might have stimulant effects. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the chance of side effects, including rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure. Examples of supplements with this effect include 1,3-DMAA, bitter orange, caffeine-containing products, DMHA, and ephedra.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of aconite might be. Aconite might also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before using.
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