Aconitum Gymnandrum, a Medicinal Herb from Snowy Mountains, originates from Yunnan and is the tuber of the Ranunculaceae plant Aconitum Gymnandrum. It is used for the treatment of joint and bone pain caused by wind, cold, and dampness. However, it is highly toxic and can cause poisoning or even death if taken mistakenly or in excessive amounts. Today, I will introduce Aconitum Gymnandrum to you all!
Understanding Aconitum Gymnandrum Correctly
The tuber of Aconitum Gymnandrum is nearly cylindrical, measuring 8 cm in length and 1.5 cm in width. The stem is erect, stout, and can reach up to 180 cm in height. The upper part of the stem and inflorescence are densely covered with curved short hairs, and it does not branch or only branches slightly.
The leaves are heart-shaped, somewhat pentagonal, reaching a length and width of 15 cm. They are deeply divided into three lobes, with the central lobe being diamond-shaped and the base being narrow-wedge-shaped. From the middle upward, the lobes become feather-like and linear-lanceolate. The lateral lobes are obliquely fan-shaped and unequally divided into two lobes near the base. Both sides of the leaves are hairless or sparsely covered with short hairs along the veins. The lowermost leaf stalk is as long as the leaf blade, while the others are shorter than the leaf blade. The raceme is up to 60 cm long, with numerous flowers, forming a conical inflorescence with branched racemes. The lower bracts are leaf-like, while the other bracts are lanceolate or diamond-shaped. The pedicels are 1-10 cm long. The small bracts on the pedicels are larger and leaf-like on the lower pedicels, and smaller and linear on the upper pedicels. The petals are sparsely covered with short hairs, with a length of about 8 mm. The lip is about 3.5 mm long, slightly concave at the tip, and about 2 mm away from the spur, which is curved backward. The stamens are hairless, and the filaments are entire. The carpels are 3-4, hairless or sparsely covered with white short hairs. It blooms from July to August.
Common Effects of Aconitum Gymnandrum
It has the effects of dispelling wind, eliminating dampness, resolving stasis, and treating injuries.
It is commonly used for joint and bone pain caused by wind, cold, and dampness, as well as blood stasis pain caused by bruises and injuries, and bites from insects or snakes.
①For bruises, rheumatism, and toothache
Take 0.25 points of Aconitum Gymnandrum (about the size of a rice grain) orally.
②For bruises, snake bites, and insect bites
Soak 5 qian (about 15 grams) of Aconitum Gymnandrum in one jin (about 500 grams) of liquor for ten days, and then apply externally (strictly prohibited for internal use).
Symptoms of Aconitum Gymnandrum Poisoning
There will be strong neurological excitement, accompanied by drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, arrhythmia, decreased blood pressure, shock, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and coma. Death can occur due to circulatory and respiratory failure.
Precautions for Using Aconitum Gymnandrum
1. Aconitum Gymnandrum is highly toxic. It must be processed and the dosage must be strictly controlled before internal use. It should not be taken internally without processing.
2. Pregnant women, the elderly, children, and patients with heart disease or ulcer should avoid taking it.
3. Avoid eating raw and cold food, beans, beef, and mutton while taking the medicine.
4. The alcohol preparation is prohibited for internal use.
