(Monks Hood)
Once the art of homoeopathic treatme nt is fully understood, day-to-
day ailments can often be controlled at the outset and complications
can be avoided. In the early stages of all ailments, Aconite is at the top of the list. Its full name is Aconitum Napellus, though it is commonly called Aconite. Aconite is a poison which affects di fferent parts of the body. In the
traditional books on medicine, there is some mention of it among other poisons. However, the minutel y detailed account of Aconite is
based on proving of Aconite do ne by Dr. Hanneman and other
experienced Homoeopaths on themselves. In the process of proving, Aconite, or any other poison, is not used in
pure form. Instead, as Dr. Hanneman suggested, by example of Aconite, the poison is diluted to the extent that it virtually loses its harmful effect on the body. However, if given repeated ly to a healthy
person, it will overwhelm the body and pr oduce its injurious effects in
a mild form. These effects are temporary but noticeable enough for
the nature of the poison to be studied in minute detail. Through this proving technique, the characteristic features of the Aconite were
revealed. These are great fear, suddenness, and severity of illness.
The sickness comes on suddenly and the patient thinks that he will not
be able to survive. Aconite is usually considered to be the remedy of dry and cold weather because the diseases related to it are contracted in such weather, though not necessar ily so. In general, any sudden, severe
illness of any weather associated with intense fear of death should
be treated with Aconite. Aconite given along with Rhus Tox at the onset of a severe illness
becomes more widely effective. In my opinion, it is a substitute for
Aspirin and a very good one. In all such ailments in which there is
restlessness and fever with a feeling of something untoward in the
offing, Aconite 200 and Rhus Tox 200, two or three doses given in the
early stage of disease, offer almost immediate relief.
Once my security officer, (Ret ired Major Mahmood Ahmad),
accompanied us for cycling. It was pouring with rain and the weather was very cold, we were all soaking wet. The next morning, he was
caught up by high fever and severe body aches. He was given Aconite 200 combined with Rhus Tox 200 and Arnica 200 combined with
Bryonia 200 alternatively, every half hour. In a few hours, there was
no trace of the ailment left, and Major Mahmood Ahmad Sahib
healthily returned to his duty. However, after getting wet in the rain in cold weather, one should not rely only on Aconite and Rhus Tox,
but Arnica combined with Bryonia shoul d also be given alternatively.
I discovered this prescription, after long experience. It acts on the
diseases of the intestines, lungs, and in typhoid fever , as well as on
malaria and dysentery promptly. Many a time, the disease is not
completely controllable with this combination, and the analogous remedy will be required for complete recovery. In influenza, this combination formula may not work at all, unless given right at the
onset of symptoms. If treatment is delayed, then other indicated
remedies would be required. Diseases may be divided into two categories according to their duration. Regarding their durat ion, the diseases can be:
1. Acute
i.e. the ones which come on with sudden severity and
disappear just as fast.
2. Chronic i.e. the ones which gradually establish themselves in the
body over a long period. Some of th em stay for a relatively short
period such as typhoid, while others linger on for a long time, such
as tuberculosis, asthma and chronic enlargement of the glands sometimes leading to a transformation into cancer.
Aconite is the topmost remedy in acute diseases.
Kidney pain (renal colic) immediately responds to the administration
of two doses of Aconite 1000 an d Belladona 1000 repeated every
fifteen minutes, in most patients. However, if the colicky pain is relieved by heat, the above combina tion will not work as it works only
where heat aggravates. In such cases, one dose of Colocynth CM will offer immediate relief, or Mag Phos 6X dissolved in water and sipped,
will relieve this spasmodic pain. But Aconite and Belladona will
work well if the colicky pain is relieved by cold application.
Aconite will work immediately in sudden, severe dysentery if
associated with an element of fear. There is no match for Aconite in
acute dysentery of dry, hot weather . Aconite is useful in heart
disease also. My late father, a well -experienced homoeopath, used to
prescribe Aconite and Crataegus toge ther in Mother Tincture form.
The combination of these two works like a tonic for the heart muscle. Eight to ten drops of Crataegus Q and only one to two drops of
Aconite Q are mixed in water. Ac onite being a strong poison should
not be used in a larger quantit y. Large amounts could be dangerous.
Aconite is useful in a patient with a rapid heartbeat . Unusually rapid
heart and lack of sleep may be sec ondary to distension of the stomach
with gas or mental anxiety. Fear , bad news or apprehension for an
examination or some other worry ma y also cause palpitations of the
heart. Aconite 30 or 200 will promptly restore the heartbeat to normality and the mind will be set at peace.
Aconite is of great use in some mental illnesses too. When a sudden
calamity or depression causes mental shock, or there is an unreasonable sense of fear from ev erything, Aconite at the outset of
symptoms will benefit significantly. Once the disease has already established, other remedies should be given. In this respect, Sulphur
is the most salient. Sulphur carries on the action of Aconite on a long-term basis, while Aconite exhibits the same symptoms in the short term. Aconite is very usef ul in common diseases like bacterial food
poisoning after the ingestion of stale rotting food, resulting in sudden
severe diarrhoea or dysentery. B lood-mixed dysentery of the rainy
season associated with fear is well controlled by Aconite.
In some illnesses, the patient violently screams with fear , and feels
dizzy. For example, in case a dog suddenly jumps on somebody along the way and they feel terrified and dizzy. Aconite will promptly
benefit in this situation. Aconite and Belladona togeth er are very good in the sudden
inflammation of the eyes . They are complementary to each other,
and should be started right aw ay without waiting for further
symptoms. However, where the signs and symptoms evidently pertain
Aconitum Napellus 28 to either of the two, only that one should be used. It will work
precisely and for long time. Aconite is good in sudden severe earache due to exposure to cold.
Typically, every pain or ache of Acon ite is associated with a throbbing
sensation. The patient cannot tole rate noise or loud music.
Aconite is similar to Pulsatilla in that the feverishness and discomfort
is more evident on one si de of the face. One ch eek may be red and the
other pale. This is common in children. Early administration of Aconite will offer prompt cure. In case the delay has already
occurred, Pulsatilla, Lycopodium or Natrum Mur should be tried.
If due to cold, there is severe toothache or soreness in the throat,
Aconite would definitely be needed. If there is congestion of a part of
a body due to the increased blood flow and pressure, spontaneous
bleeding may start internally or externally. Whatever the reason of this sudden episode associated with sense of fear, Aconite should be
administrated without any reservation.
If due to a sudden mental s hock, there is a stoppage of urine , Aconite
should be given. The prompt use of Aconite in the case of bad news of somebody’s death or financial loss will save the person from delayed deleterious effects. Some doctors believe that Aconite is
more useful in women than in men. The internal diseases of the women and inflammation of the uterus can be controlled if Aconite
is given at the beginning of the dise ase. The Aconite illnesses subside
in open air, but get worse at night in a warm room or if there is dry,
cold air.
Adjuvants: Sulphur, Coffea, Arnica, Belladonna, Bryonia,
Phosphorus, Spongia
Antidotes: Nux Vomica and Sulphur
Potency: Mother Tincture or usually 30, 200, 1000 or CM,
depending upon the situation a nd the experience of the
homoeopath.
