More on Aconite

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When I was at Ron Teeguarden's site I saw this on Aconite - since he

has given a different view of Aconite than the one I gave then I

thought some would be interested in a less conservative viewpoint

than mine. My cautions are concerned mainly with those who should

not take hot substances - Yin defecient and or Yang excess. Since

many do not know if they are in these catagories I still feel that

the many powerful Yang buiding substances should be approached

cautiously and especially the super hot substances like Aconite. Be

sure to read the contraindications at the end of the piece on

Prepared Aconite.

I myself have seen good results using Aconite for limited periods in

carefully selected cases.

 

Part of a longer article on Prepared Aconite at www.dragonherbs.com -

 

Prepared Aconite is a powerful yang tonic used to rebuild kidney

yang when it has been depleted. Kidney yang deficiency is marked by

chilliness, cold limbs, and impotence, infertility, frequent

urination without pain and some types of arthritis and rheumatism.

It is extraordinarily effective at waking up the yang energy,

producing heat and warmth, and activating metabolism. It is also an

extremely potent Kidney and Bladder tonic, and is effective at

removing stagnant water due to coldness.

 

Herbalists in China are not afraid of this herb---they just use it

watchfully. I have noticed a definite fear of the herb, however, by

many American herbalists because the herb is considered to be very

hot. I have found this to be a highly over-rated problem. I have

used the herb thousands of times and have rarely regretted it. The

times I did regret it were only very minor regrets---the same as I

would have if I used too much Ginseng Root, for example. I have

never seen a serious overheating. If a person is cold, this is a

great and useful herb which I have found to be very safe. However,

practitioners who are not comfortable with the herb should use it

conservatively until they have a feel for how much to use under

various conditions. Aconite should not be used by the novice

herbalist since it can be misused. However, if a novice wants to use

Prepared Aconite, they should consult an expert.

 

 

Primary Combinations

Never use Prepared Aconite alone, unless it is provided at an

herbalists office by the herbalist. Combine with:

 

1. Rehmannia, Cinnamon bark and Cornus to tonify Kidney yang and the

sexual energy

2. Ginseng, Atractylodes, Astragalus and Licorice Root to build

Spleen qi

3. Ginseng, Cinnamon twig and various Heart tonics to strengthen the

heart.

4. Astragalus to build qi in those who are yang deficient and who

suffer from spontaneous sweating

 

 

Varieties and Grading

Aconite must be prepared in a very specific manner in order to

eliminate certain chemical agents that are toxic. Therefore, if you

buy Aconite from an herb shop, be certain that the herbalist

understands that you want only Prepared Aconite. Prepared Aconite is

a darkish, brown slice of the root. Unprepared Aconite tends to be

lighter in color or even greenish. If you are not certain which

Aconite you have purchased, don't use it. Virtually all tonic

formulations on the American market which include Aconite use

Prepared Aconite.

 

Contraindications

This herb should not be used by people who are deficient in Yin or

are excessive in Yang.

Precautionary Note: Prepared Aconite is a powerful herb which must

be used moderately and with care. It is one of the few commonly used

tonic herbs which may have some toxic qualities if used in too large

of quantities. Over-use of Prepared Aconite can result in

overheating of the body. Unprepared, raw Aconite is toxic. Do not

use it unless you are a master herbalist. Raw Aconite is put through

a special process which eliminates this toxicity. Therefore, if you

buy Aconite from an herb shop, be certain that the herbalist

understands that you want only Prepared Aconite. Prepared Aconite is

a darkish, brown slice of the root. Unprepared Aconite tends to be

lighter in color or even greenish. If you are not certain which

Aconite you have purchased, don't use it. Prepared Aconite is never

used alone --- it is always combined with other herbs and in

relatively small quantities. Ron Teeguarden's HerbGarden only uses

carefully Prepared Aconite in its tonic formulations.