The Flagship Remedy Of Chinese Medicine: Reflections On The Toxicity And Safety Of Aconite

The aconite family of herbs has a reputation for being a deadly toxin in the West, but the Chinese materia medica has attributed great importance to these herbs for more than 2,000 years. Aconite’s very specific terroir (required growing location), method of cultivation and traditional processing procedures have a profound effect on neutralising the toxic aspects of the herb while preserving its medicinal properties. While aconite’s toxic properties are well documented in both Eastern and Western herbal traditions, properly prepared aconite, in the hands of trained practitioners, is a safe and highly effective herb.