Aconite (Aconitum Napellus): Homeopathic Uses and Benefits

Educational information on traditional homeopathic use only. Not medical advice.

Aconite, or Aconitum napellus, is a homeopathic remedy made from monkshood (also called wolfsbane). In homeopathic tradition it is the remedy picture for complaints that arrive suddenly and intensely, such as the first hours of a chill after cold, dry wind, or a state of sudden fear, shock or panic. The raw plant is highly toxic; the homeopathic remedy is prepared by serial dilution.

Aconite quick facts

• Common name: monkshood, wolfsbane, aconite.
• Source: the whole flowering plant of Aconitum napellus, a blue-flowered mountain plant of Europe and Asia.
• Potencies you will see: 6C and 30C are the common home-kit strengths; Heel combinations list D2 to D200 ranges.
• Who uses it: home-kit users following homeopathic first-aid tradition, and practitioners.

Buy Weleda Aconite 30cAconitum Homaccord DropsGripp-Heel

What is Aconite used for in homeopathy?

The Aconite picture is sudden, violent and short-lived. Traditionally it is associated with:

• The very start of a cold or fever, especially after exposure to cold, dry wind: hot, dry skin, thirst and restlessness.
• Fear, shock or panic after a sudden fright, accident or bad news.
• Anxiety with restlessness and a sense that something dreadful is about to happen.
• Abrupt earache or sore throat that appears suddenly, often at night.
• Palpitations that go with acute anxiety.

Complaints are described as worse around midnight, in a warm room and after a shock, and better in the open air. Because the picture centres on the very beginning of an illness, homeopaths think of Aconite in the first day, before symptoms settle into a pattern. These are traditional descriptions, not claims that the remedy treats a disease.

Where does Aconite come from, and is it poisonous?

Monkshood is a striking blue-flowered plant of mountain meadows. In its raw form it is one of the most poisonous plants in Europe, which is why it must never be used as a herb. Homeopathy takes the plant through repeated dilution and succussion, so the finished remedy does not contain a material dose of the plant. It became one of Hahnemann's early polychrests, meaning a remedy with a wide range of traditional uses.

Aconite 30C vs 200C

• 6C and 30C: the strengths usually chosen for home use in short-term, sudden situations.
• 200C and above: usually selected with a practitioner who is considering the whole person.

The number shows how many times the remedy has been diluted, 1 part in 100 each time. We do not claim a higher number is stronger or more effective.

Dosage as traditionally used

• Weleda Aconite 30c (125 tablets): adults 2 tablets, children 1 tablet, sucked or chewed. Unless otherwise directed, take 1 dose every 2 hours for the first 6 doses, then 1 dose when required, reducing frequency as symptoms improve. Lactose and sucrose base; suitable for vegetarians.
• Aconitum Homaccord Drops: in general 10 drops directly on the tongue 3 times daily; in acute disorders initially 10 drops every 15 minutes. Contains alcohol (35 vol.-%).
• Gripp-Heel tablets: for over-12s in the acute phase 1 tablet every 15 minutes (maximum 8 per day); otherwise 1 tablet 3-5 times per day.

Products that contain Aconite

• Weleda Aconite 30c (125 Tablets): the single remedy.
• Aconitum Homaccord Drops: Aconitum with Eucalyptus and Ipecacuanha; listed for the initial stage of colds and flu symptoms.
• Gripp-Heel: Aconitum with Bryonia, Eupatorium, Phosphorus and Lachesis; traditionally used at the first signs of an illness.
• Bryaconeel Tablets: Aconitum napellus with Bryonia; listed for neuralgia and influenzal infections.
• Traumeel Tablets: includes Aconitum napellus D3 among 14 ingredients.
• Spascupreel: includes Aconitum napellus D6.

How does Aconite differ from Belladonna and Ferrum phos?

• Versus Belladonna: both are linked with sudden onset and fever. Aconite is dry, anxious and restless; Belladonna is the hot, flushed, throbbing picture.
• Versus Ferrum phosphoricum: Ferrum phos is the gentler, slower-onset early-fever remedy without Aconite's intense fear.
• Versus Gelsemium: Gelsemium is the heavy, drowsy flu picture; Aconite is abrupt and restless.

Who should avoid it, and when to see a doctor

• Never use the raw plant or a herbal monkshood preparation; it is dangerous.
• A high fever, difficulty breathing, severe earache, chest pain, or palpitations that persist need urgent medical care.
• Panic or anxiety that keeps returning needs a conversation with a doctor.
• Pregnant, breastfeeding, or giving it to babies? Ask your practitioner first.
• Check labels for lactose, sucrose and alcohol.

Frequently asked questions

What is Aconitum napellus used for in homeopathy?

Traditionally for sudden, intense complaints: the first hours of a chill or fever, and fright, shock or acute anxiety. It is not a treatment or cure for any disease.

Is Aconite poisonous?

The raw plant is. The homeopathic remedy is highly diluted, so the finished product does not contain a material dose, but you should use only a reputable manufacturer's product and follow the label.

What is Aconite 30C used for?

The 30C is the strength most often kept at home for the sudden-onset picture described above, according to homeopathic first-aid tradition.

Aconite 30C or 200C?

30C for home use is common; 200C is usually chosen with a practitioner. We do not claim either is better.

Can I give Aconite to a child?

The Weleda label gives a child dose of 1 tablet. Ask your practitioner or doctor first for babies and young children, and always see a doctor for a high temperature.

How is Aconite different from Aconitum Homaccord?

Aconitum Homaccord is a Heel combination containing Aconitum plus Eucalyptus and Ipecacuanha in drop form, while the Weleda tablet is Aconite alone.

Keep reading

• Aconite for Sudden Fright, Panic and First-Stage Cold Symptoms
• Belladonna: Homeopathic Uses
• Ferrum Phosphoricum: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
• Gelsemium: Homeopathic Uses
• Bryonia: Homeopathic Uses

Browse more

• Common Colds and Flu: Homeopathic Remedies
• Anxiety and Stress: Homeopathic Remedies
• Heel products

Homeopathic medicines are not a substitute for medical care.