Herb latin name: Aconitum palmatum


Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)



Medicinal use of Aconitum palmatum:

The root of this species is said to be non-toxic, though some caution should be applied to this statement. The root is antiperiodic and tonic. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism and diarrhoea.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial

Habitat of the herb:

Alpine regions between 3,000 and 5,000 metres.

Propagation of Aconitum palmatum:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division - best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn. Another report says that division is best carried out in the autumn or late winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year.

Cultivation of the herb:

Alpine regions between 3,000 and 5,000 metres.

Known hazards of Aconitum palmatum:

One report says that this species has a non-poisonous root, though this should be treated with caution. The following notes are based on the general toxicity of the genus. The whole plant is highly toxic - simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.