The genus Aconitum worldwide is notorious for complex patterns of morphologic intergradation that blur the lines between taxa. Aconites from different regions may be morphologically distinct but connected by a series of intermediate races[]. There have been huge differences of opinion between botanists as to how to define a species in this genus, with the Flora of N. America recognizing around 100 species worlwide[], whilst the Flora of China recognizes 211 species in China alone and around 400 species worldwide[]. We are following the proposed treatment in the 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families', which is still under review, but currently (2016) recognizes about 320 distinct species (391 including hybrids and infraspecific forms) and over 1,000 synonyms[].

Common Name:

General Information

Aconitum ferox is a herbaceous perennial plant with an erect, unbranched stem that can grow 40 - 90cm tall. The stem grows from a biennial tuberous root that produces a new tuber each year, the old tuber dying after the plant flowers[].
Although it is very poisonous, the plant is harvested from the wild in large quantities for medicinal use - the root being commonly traded[].
The root of this plant is widely collected from the wild for medicinal use and is becoming much rarer in much of its range[]. It is becoming a source of conservation concern[].

Known Hazards

The whole plant contains the alkaloid pseudaconitine and is highly toxic - simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people[, , , ].
The aconites have been of interest since ancient times because they contain diterpene alkaloids that range from relatively nontoxic to deadly poisonous. In various parts of the world they have been used medicinally and as a source of poisons throughout history. The use of Aconitum alkaloids in modern Western medicine was largely discontinued by the late 1930's and early 1940's, though the roots are still widely used in traditional medicine, especially in Asia[, ].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - Himalayas (Nepal, northeast India).

Habitat

Shrubberies and forest clearings, at elevations from 2,100 - 3,600 metres from central Nepal to Bhutan[]. Shady places or on hillsides[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Thrives in most soils and in the light shade of trees[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil in sun or semi-shade[]. Prefers a calcareous soil.
Grows well in open woodlands[, ].
All Aconitum species are prohibited for export in India if the plants have been collected from the wild. Cultivated specimens can be exported from India[].
Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes[].
Closely related to Aconitum napellus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Aconitum ferox is a very poisonous plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Despite this, it is harvested in large quantities from the wild and is widely used in India and Nepal in the treatment of neuralgia, leprosy, fevers, cholera and rheumatism[, ]. When the roots are soaked in cow's urine, they become soft and lose their depressant action on the heart, becoming a stimulant instead[].
The dried root is alterative, anaesthetic, antiarthritic, deobstruent, diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative, stimulant[]. It is best harvested in the autumn as soon as the plant dies down.

The root is scarcely farinaceous, yellowish, taste rather indifferent, followed by a strong tingling sensation[].

The plant is used in homeopathy. Considered to be rather more violent in its actions than Aconitum napellus, it is more diuretic and less antipyretic. It has proved valuable inthe treatment of cardiac dyspnoea[].

A tea (prepared from the flowers and/or leaves) is used to enter a trance and to have visions[]. Five to ten minutes after drinking it, the feeling of flying is said to come upon the user. Aconite was often used as an ingredient in the psychoactive drugs prepared by the descendants of Hecate (the Greek goddess of sorcery and witchcraft) It was also used in European witchcraft ointments. Although Aconite does not seem to have genuine psychoactive properties, it can have marked physiological effects (such as reducing the rate of the heartbeat) and may thus have contributed to the overall effects of such ointments[].

Other Uses

The dried leaves are burned as incense[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer.
Division - best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn[, ]. Another report says that division is best carried out in the autumn or late winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year[].