More Information:
Other Common Names
Aconite, Prepared
Page Number In
Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs
198
Pharmaceutical
Latin
Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata
Pinyin
Fu Zi, shu
Treasures
Yang Jing and Qi
Treasure Rating
***
Atmospheric Energy
Hot (very)
Taste
Acrid (very) and Sweet
Organ Meridian
Systems
Kidney, Spleen, Heart
Part Used and Form
Lateral roots, specially prepared
Primary Functions
To supplement fire of the vital gate to strengthen
yang. Aconite warms the interior of the body and dispels cold.
Qualities
Prepared Aconite is a powerful herb which must
be used moderately and with care. It is one of the few commonly used tonic
herbs which may have toxic qualities if used in too large of quantities.
Unprepared, raw Aconite is toxic. It is put through a special process to
eliminate this toxicity. However, over-use of Prepared Aconite can result
in overheating of the body. It is never used alone---it is always combined
with other herbs.
Prepared Aconite is a powerful yang tonic used to rebuild kidney yang
when it has been depleted. Kidney yang deficiency is marked by chilliness,
cold limbs, and impotence, infertility, frequent urination without pain
and some types of arthritis and rheumatism. It is extraordinarily effective
at waking up the yang energy, producing heat and warmth, and activating
metabolism. It is also an extremely potent Kidney and Bladder tonic, and
is effective at removing stagnant water due to coldness.
Herbalists in China are not afraid of this herb---they just use it watchfully.
I have noticed a definite fear of the herb, however, by many American herbalists
because the herb is considered to be very hot. I have found this to be a highly
over-rated problem. I have used the herb thousands of times and have rarely
regretted it. The times I did regret it were only very minor regrets---the
same as I would have if I used too much Ginseng Root, for example. I have
never seen a serious overheating. If a person is cold, this is a great and
useful herb which I have found to be very safe. However, practitioners who
are not comfortable with the herb should use it conservatively until they
have a feel for how much to use under various conditions. Aconite should not
be used by the novice herbalist since it can be misused. However, if a novice
wants to use Prepared Aconite, they should consult an expert.
Primary Combinations
Never use Prepared Aconite alone, unless it is
provided at an herbalists office by the herbalist. Combine with:
1. Rehmannia, Cinnamon bark and Cornus to tonify Kidney yang and the sexual
energy
2. Ginseng, Atractylodes, Astragalus and Licorice Root to build Spleen
qi
3. Ginseng, Cinnamon twig and various Heart tonics to strengthen the heart.
4. Astragalus to build qi in those who are yang deficient and who suffer
from spontaneous sweating
Varieties and Grading
Aconite must be prepared in a very specific manner
in order to eliminate certain chemical agents that are toxic. Therefore,
if you buy Aconite from an herb shop, be certain that the herbalist understands
that you want only Prepared Aconite. Prepared Aconite is a darkish, brown
slice of the root. Unprepared Aconite tends to be lighter in color or even
greenish. If you are not certain which Aconite you have purchased, don't use
it. Virtually all tonic formulations on the American market which include
Aconite use Prepared Aconite.
Contraindications
This herb should not be used by people who are
deficient in Yin or are excessive in Yang.
Precautionary Note: Prepared Aconite is a powerful herb which must be
used moderately and with care. It is one of the few commonly used tonic
herbs which may have some toxic qualities if used in too large of quantities.
Over-use of Prepared Aconite can result in overheating of the body. Unprepared,
raw Aconite is toxic. Do not use it unless you are a master herbalist.
Raw Aconite is put through a special process which eliminates this toxicity.
Therefore, if you buy Aconite from an herb shop, be certain that the herbalist
understands that you want only Prepared Aconite. Prepared Aconite is a
darkish, brown slice of the root. Unprepared Aconite tends to be lighter
in color or even greenish. If you are not certain which Aconite you have
purchased, don’t use it. Prepared Aconite is never used alone --- it is
always combined with other herbs and in relatively small quantities. Ron
Teeguarden’s HerbGarden only uses carefully Prepared Aconite in its tonic
formulations.
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