Aconite, known as Fu Zi (Aconitum carmichaelii), is a functional medicinal herb often referred to as Cao Wu (草乌), Wu Yao (乌药), Yan Wu Tou (盐乌头), Ge Er Hua (鹅儿花), Tie Hua (铁花), and Wu Du (五毒). Aconite primarily grows in warm, humid, and sunny environments, thriving in deep, fertile, loose, well-drained soils rich in humus. It is commonly found in mountainous grass slopes or shrublands. In China, it is cultivated in regions such as Sichuan, Shaanxi, Anhui, Shandong, Henan, and Hubei, with the best harvesting time from late June to early August. Aconite is also known as the “first remedy to revive yang and rescue from reversal” due to its significant medicinal value. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to tonify yang and disperse cold, providing benefits for individuals with yang deficiency and cold dampness. Let’s explore the efficacy and preparation methods of Aconite!
01
The Efficacy of Aconite
1. Tonifies Yang Qi
For individuals with kidney yang deficiency and a fear of cold, Aconite can be taken to improve their condition. Due to its spicy and warming properties, Aconite can circulate through the body’s meridians, particularly benefiting kidney yang, enhancing fire and assisting yang, and dispelling wind-cold-damp pathogens.
2. Improves Blood Circulation
Aconite has beneficial effects on blood pressure and blood vessels, capable of dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow. Its impact on blood pressure can vary according to individual constitution.
3. Dispels Cold and Alleviates Pain
Individuals suffering from arthritis or generalized joint pain often have a strong aversion to cold. The warming properties of Aconite can eliminate cold dampness, providing excellent relief for those with rheumatic pain. Aconite can be combined with Gui Zhi (桂枝) for enhanced effects.
4. Anti-arrhythmic Effects
Aconite can enhance myocardial contractility, accelerate heart rate, increase cardiac output, and elevate myocardial oxygen consumption, demonstrating significant anti-bradycardic effects.
5. Inhibits Inflammation
Drinking Aconite decoction has a notable inhibitory effect on acute inflammatory models. For symptoms such as spleen yang deficiency, abdominal cold pain, and loose stools, Aconite can be combined with Dang Shen (党参), Bai Zhu (白术), Gan Jiang (干姜), and Zhi Gan Cao (炙甘草) for better results.
02
Preparation Methods for Aconite
Aconite is a toxic herb, and patients must ensure that the water is boiling before adding Aconite for decoction.
When preparing raw Aconite, bring the water in the pot to a boil over high heat, then switch to low heat and time the decoction:
For 3 grams of raw Aconite, decoct with the remaining herbs for thirty minutes;
For 6 grams of raw Aconite, first decoct for forty minutes, then add the remaining herbs and decoct for an additional 15-30 minutes;
For 10 grams of raw Aconite, first decoct for sixty minutes, then add the remaining herbs and decoct for an additional 15-30 minutes;
For 15 grams of raw Aconite, first decoct for ninety minutes, then add the remaining herbs and decoct for an additional 15-30 minutes;
For 20 grams of raw Aconite, first decoct for one hundred to one hundred twenty minutes, then add the remaining herbs and decoct for an additional 15-30 minutes;
For 30 grams of raw Aconite, first decoct for one hundred fifty minutes, then add the remaining herbs and decoct for an additional 15-30 minutes;
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