One of the medicinal plants in the Ranunculaceae family is the rhizome of Aconitum gymnandrum, also known as Snow Mountain Monkshood. It is mainly found in Tibet and other regions. Snow Mountain Monkshood is toxic, so it must be processed before consumption. Let's learn about the efficacy, functions, and processing methods of Snow Mountain Monkshood below.
【Efficacy and Functions of Snow Mountain Monkshood】
In traditional Chinese medicine, Snow Mountain Monkshood is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is used to treat conditions such as rheumatism, swelling, pain from falls or blows, and toothache.
1. Various pain conditions: Snow Mountain Monkshood disperses cold and promotes blood circulation, has a strong analgesic effect, and is a good medicine for treating various types of pain.
2. Abscesses, swellings, and venomous snake bites: Snow Mountain Monkshood can be used as a counter poison, promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. It can be soaked in alcohol and applied externally to treat abscesses, swellings, venomous bites, bee stings, etc.
【Processing Methods of Snow Mountain Monkshood】
1. Soak Snow Mountain Monkshood in cold water, changing the water 2-3 times a day, until there is no numbing sensation when tasted. Remove and cook it with licorice and black beans in a decoction until the center is no longer white. Then, dry it in the sun.
2. Soak Snow Mountain Monkshood in water for 7 days, changing the water twice a day. Slice it after the center becomes soft and translucent, then steam it in a steamer for 2-3 hours. Remove and dry it. Alternatively, mix it with hot lard until thoroughly cooked, or wrap it in wet paper, place it near a charcoal fire to cook, remove the paper, soak it in child's urine for a day and night, then remove, rinse, and dry it.
3. Snow Mountain Monkshood is highly toxic and should be processed before internal use. The dosage should be strictly controlled.
【Precautions for using Snow Mountain Monkshood】
1. Snow Mountain Monkshood is highly toxic and should be processed before internal use. The dosage should be strictly controlled.
2. Pregnant women, the elderly, children, and patients with heart disease or ulcer should avoid using it.
3. Avoid consuming raw and cold food, legumes, beef, and mutton during medication.
4. Do not take it in the form of alcohol.
5. Symptoms of poisoning include intense stimulation of the vagus nerve, excessive salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, arrhythmia, hypotension, shock, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and coma. It can lead to death due to circulatory and respiratory failure.
