One type of Chinese herbal medicine with high medicinal value is the Snow Mountain Aconite. However, it is also highly toxic, with excessive intake of its main component, aconitine, being extremely poisonous. Therefore, it is important to understand its processing method.
【Processing Method】
Snow Mountain Aconite is highly effective for treating bruises, swelling, rheumatic redness, and various internal and external pain. However, due to its high toxicity, it must be processed before use.
1. Soak the Snow Mountain Aconite in cold water, changing the water 2-3 times a day, until there is no tingling sensation when tasted. Remove it and cook it with licorice and black beans until the center is free of white core. Then, take it out and dry it.
2. Soak it in clear water for 7 days, changing the water twice a day. Slice it after the center becomes soft and translucent. Steam it in a steamer for 2-3 hours, then take it out and dry it.
Mix it thoroughly with hot lard or wrap it in wet paper, place it next to a charcoal fire and heat it until it is thoroughly cooked. Remove the paper, soak it in cold water for a day and night, take it out, rinse it clean, and dry it.
【Medicinal Value】
1. Treatment for Pain
Snow Mountain Aconite has a dispersing and warming nature, and is particularly effective in relieving various types of pain by dispelling wind and dampness, activating blood circulation, and alleviating pain.
It is commonly used for rheumatic pain, neuralgia, toothache, bruises, postoperative pain, and cancer pain. It can be taken as a powder, used externally as a liquor rub, or made into an injection.
2. Treatment for Insect and Snake Bites
Snow Mountain Aconite can counteract toxic substances with its own poison, promote blood circulation, and alleviate pain. It can be used externally as a liquor rub to treat boils, abscesses, insect bites, snake bites, and bee stings, among others.
【Precautions】
Snow Mountain Aconite is highly toxic, and the toxic reactions occur within 0.5 to 3 hours after taking the medicine.
Main symptoms include mild drowsiness, burning sensation in the mouth, increased secretion;
Severe symptoms include numbness, weakness, coldness, swelling, discomfort in the throat, nausea, vomiting, drooling, dizziness, palpitations, restlessness, abdominal pain with a feeling of bowel movement;
In severe cases, there may be fainting, cold limbs, irregular heart rhythm, decreased blood pressure, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and coma, as indicated by frequent premature ventricular contractions in the electrocardiogram.
Serious cases can lead to circulatory and respiratory failure and death.
