Aconite
OTHER NAME(S): aconite, aconite root, aconitum napellus root, monkshood, wolfsbane
Overview
Aconite is a plant called Aconitum napellus. It is also known as monkshood or wolfsbane. Aconite is found in some homeopathic products. Although these products are commonly used to relieve pain or help with a cold or for other reasons, their benefits are not well defined. Homeopathic aconite products may be well tolerated, because the amount of aconite is very diluted. However, pure aconite can be toxic when taken by mouth or applied to your skin. Before using aconite, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is aconite used for?
Homeopathic aconite (Aconitum napellus) is commonly used for various reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using aconite include the following.
- Colds
- Pain, including nerve pain
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
Note: The FDA has not reviewed aconite for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does aconite work (mechanism of action)?
Aconite is a plant called Aconitum napellus, and it is also known as monkshood or wolfsbane. It is a flowering plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Products that contain aconite are made from the roots and other parts of the plant. Aconite contains chemicals that interfere with the electrical signals (sodium channels) your nerves and heart use to function. Normally, sodium channels in your cells open and close to control these signals. Aconite forces those channels to stay open, causing your nerves and heart to fire uncontrollably.
Most aconite products are homeopathic, meaning they are very dilute and contain only very small amounts of aconite. Sometimes, these amounts are so small that there may not be any aconite in the product at all. The very small amounts of aconite found in homeopathic products are unlikely to cause serious side effects. However, some homeopathic products have been found to contain enough aconite to cause serious health problems and even death. Use caution with all aconite products.
How should I store aconite?
You should store aconite according to the product label. Most herbal products should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of aconite?
It is unsafe to take or use pure aconite. Homeopathic aconite products seem to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of aconite that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of aconite?
While less common, the most serious side effects of aconite are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Aconite may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using aconite and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Nerve Problems.Nerves are the fibers that carry sensations from your body to the brain. Damage to these nerves, sometimes called neurotoxicity, can happen in people who are using aconite. Stop using aconite and call your health care provider if you have numbness, tingling, or burning of the face, mouth area, arms, or legs or weakness, especially in your arms or legs.
Heart Rhythm Changes. Aconite may cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting. In rare cases, this may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest). Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who already have heart disease or who take other medicines that affect the heart. Get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of heart rhythm changes.
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded or fainting
- Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding, or skipping heartbeat
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Aconite may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
Precautions
Who should not use aconite?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use aconite.
- Aconite
- Monkshood
- Wolfsbane
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific aconite products they stock.
What should I know about aconite before using it?
Pure aconite contains toxic chemicals that can cause serious health problems or even death. Do not eat any part of the aconite plant or use products that contain pure aconite.
Most aconite products are homeopathic, meaning they contain only very small amounts of aconite. These small amounts are unlikely to be poisonous or cause serious side effects. But some homeopathic products have been found to contain larger amounts than listed on the label. These large amounts can cause serious side effects. The FDA has not tested aconite products to confirm that they contain the ingredients or amounts stated on their labels. Learn more about the risks of homeopathic products here.
Homeopathic aconite is available in many forms, including as an oral liquid and oral dissolvable pellets. It is also available as a liquid that can be applied to the skin. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep aconite out of the reach of children.
Herbal products, such as aconite, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific aconite product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way it was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
The FDA has not tested aconite products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using aconite?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if aconite is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Heart problems, including abnormal heart rhythms
- Nerve problems, including peripheral neuropathy
Other Medicines and Supplements.Aconite may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using aconite, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how homeopathic aconite could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. But pure aconite can be toxic. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if homeopathic aconite passes into breast milk. But pure aconite can be toxic. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does aconite interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between aconite and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect homeopathic aconite. However, alcohol seems to increase the absorption of aconite and, therefore, may increase aconite levels, side effects, or toxic effects. It is best to avoid alcohol if you are using aconite.
Does aconite interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using aconite.
- Quinidine, which is a medicine used to treat malaria or control your heart rate or rhythm
- Lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic
- Flecainide, mexiletine, procainamide, or propafenone, which are medicines used for an abnormal heartbeat or rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Carbamazepine, lamotrigine (Lamictal), or phenytoin, which are medicines used for seizures
- A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
- An antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is a medicine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with aconite. Always check with your health care provider.
The interactions between aconite and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with aconite is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using aconite with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much aconite?
If you or someone else has used too much aconite, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Aconite is available in homeopathic products. Pure aconite should be avoided. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use aconite safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Aconite (Energique, Inc) Drug Facts Label, June 2023.
- Aconitum napellus (Historical Remedies) Drug Facts Label, October 2025.
- Chinese Medicine: “The toxicology and detoxification of Aconitum: traditional and modern views.”
- Journal of Intensive Care Medicine: “A narrative review of aconite poisoning and management.”
- Medsafe: “Report on Appropriate Classification for Aconite (Aconitum napellus).”
- Medscape: “Aconite (Herb/Suppl).”
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Homeopathy: What You Need to Know.”
- ScienceDirect: “Aconite.”
- StatPearls: “Sodium Channel Blocker Toxicity.”