Aconitum heterophyllum (Ranunculaceae)

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Aconitum heterophyllum
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The Aconitum heterophyllum plant species is found in E. Asia - W. Himalayas. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family.

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Latin Name:  Aconitum heterophyllum
Family:  Ranunculaceae
Author:  Wallich.

Known Hazards:  The whole plant is highly toxic - simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people[1]. One report says that this plant does not contain the toxic alkaloid aconitine, and so is not poisonous[4]. It does, however, still contain an intensely bitter alkaloid[4].

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Usually found on humus-rich soils in the alpine and sualpine zones, and in forests, 2300 - 2900 metres[145, 243].

Medicinal Information: The dried root is analgesic, antiinflammatory, antiperiodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cholagogue, febrifuge and tonic[4, 240]. It is used in India in the treatment of dyspepsia, diarrhoea and coughs[240, 243]. It is also used in Tibetan medicine, where it is said to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency[241]. It is used to treat poisoning from scorpion or snake bites, the fevers of contagious diseases and inflammation of the intestines[241]. The root is best harvested in the autumn as soon as the plant dies down and is dried for later use[4]. This is a very poisonous plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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