English Name: Monks hood, Aconite
Hindi Name: MeethaVisha, Bachhnaag
Sanskrit Name: Vatsnabha, Amrita, Vajranaga
Latin Name: Aconitum ferox Pennell
A deciduous perennial that grows to 1.0 meters (3.3 feet) high by 0.5 meters (1.65 feet) wide and prefers many types of soil with a pH ranging from acid to alkaline and partial to full sun with moderate moisture. This plant has hermaphrodite flowers and is hardy to zone 6 and is pollinated by bees. Habitat: E. Asia - Himalayas. Shrubberies and forest clearings, 2100 - 3600 meters from C. Nepal to Bhutan. This plant might do well located along a dappled edge or in a woodland garden.
Application
It is a very famous medication in Ayurveda for fever and all inflammatory conditions. It has a diuretic action, causes bradycardia and reduces sweating. On local application in the form of a paste made out of root powder it reduces swelling and pain and is thus used frequently in Arthritis.
Chemical composition
Monks hood contains an aconitine like toxin called Pseudo Aconitine. Other alkaloids include aconitine, Picro aconitine, Benzylo aconitine and Homonopelin.
Effect on dosha
Pacifies Tridoshas.
