One type of plant found in the snowy mountains is the Aconitum gymnandrum, a medicinal herb belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. Although it has the effects of dispelling wind, eliminating dampness, and promoting blood circulation, it is important to note that the Aconitum gymnandrum is toxic. Therefore, caution must be exercised when using it. Let's now learn about the emergency methods for treating Aconitum gymnandrum poisoning.
【Symptoms of Aconitum gymnandrum poisoning】
Aconitum gymnandrum is highly toxic, and the toxic reactions occur within 0.5 to 3 hours after ingestion. The main symptoms include drowsiness, burning sensation in the mouth, and increased secretion in mild cases.
In severe cases, there may be numbness, weakness, chills, swelling, discomfort in the throat, nausea, vomiting, drooling, dizziness, palpitations, restlessness, abdominal pain, and urge to defecate.
In critical cases, there may be loss of consciousness, cold limbs, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, seizures, and coma. The electrocardiogram may show frequent premature contractions. Severe cases can result in death due to circulatory and respiratory failure.
There have been cases where death from poisoning occurred just 2 hours after ingestion, so the use of Aconitum gymnandrum should be approached with caution. According to general clinical experience, atropine, procainamide, and quinidine are considered to be effective antagonists. When used in a timely manner, positive results can be achieved.
In addition, folk remedies such as bamboo shoots, bamboo roots, bamboo, coriander, windproof, tea leaves, and licorice are also used as detoxifying agents. Any combination of 2-3 of these remedies, each weighing 5 grams, can be decocted in water and consumed. Alternatively, one can cook a porridge using either lard, brown sugar, or honey, and try it as needed.
【Emergency methods for poisoning】
(1) Induce vomiting.
(2) Perform gastric lavage using a 1:5000 solution of potassium permanganate.
(3) Administer 50 ml of 50% sodium sulfate for oral purgation.
(4) For severe vomiting and diarrhea, after gastric lavage, there is no need to administer purgatives. Instead, use 10g of magnesium oxide, 10g of tannic acid, and 20g of medicinal charcoal mixed with warm water to form a paste and consume orally. If there is still no bowel movement, a high enema with 2% saline solution can be used for purgation.
(5) Use high doses of atropine to counteract the stimulation of the vagus nerve. The specific dosage can be adjusted according to the severity of poisoning. For mild cases, administer via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, and for severe cases, administer via intravenous injection.
(6) Administer 5% or 10% glucose solution to promote the excretion of toxins.
【Taboos of using Aconitum gymnandrum】
⒈ Aconitum gymnandrum is highly toxic and must be processed and dosed strictly for internal use. It should not be consumed without proper processing.
⒉ Pregnant women, the elderly, children, as well as patients with heart disease and ulcer should avoid taking it.
⒊ During the medication period, avoid eating raw and cold food, legumes, beef, and mutton.
⒋ Tincture is prohibited for internal use.
⒌ The main symptoms of poisoning include strong stimulation of the vagus nerve, resulting in drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, arrhythmia, hypotension, shock, difficulty breathing, seizures, and coma. Death can occur due to circulatory and respiratory failure.
