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Wild plants often become objects of close study by biologists and doctors. Monkshood is a herbaceous plant for open ground, which is known throughout the northern hemisphere due to the poison it contains in its leaves, which is dangerous to humans. With the right approach, its special chemical composition can also be used for medicinal purposes.
Description of the species
“Wrestler” received his generic name from the Greek word meaning “arrow”. In ancient times, hunters rubbed the sap of the plant on the tips of spears and arrows before clashes with wolves and bears. The poisonous properties of the aconite plant have been known since ancient times. According to legend, these flowers grew at the site of the death of Cerberus.
Aconite whitemouth is a widespread plant in the mountainous regions of Siberia and Altai
The white-mouthed wrestler belongs to the Buttercup class. The stem of the plant reaches a height of 2 m. Wide leaves up to 40 cm in size stretch up to 15 cm in length. The inflorescence of aconite is a multi-flowered raceme. The plant is distinguished by the special appearance of its buds. The end of the flower has a white edge with bright lilac buds.
Where and how does it grow
The white-mouthed wrestler is distributed throughout the mountainous territory of Western Siberia, Altai and Western Sayan Mountains. To the south, the habitat of aconite extends all the way to Mongolia and Central Asia. The perennial prefers alpine meadows and woodlands at an altitude of 1500-2500 m above sea level.
A distinctive feature of the entire species is the death of the upper part of the plant in winter. The root system experiences unfavorable times, after which it completely restores the green part.
Composition and value
For many centuries, aconite whitemouth has been known not only for its poisonous capabilities. Researchers long ago determined the chemical composition of the perennial and came to an unambiguous decision - it can be used as a source of useful substances for the human body. Among the most important compounds are:
- saponins;
- coumarins;
- tannins;
- flavonoids.
The most important components of aconite whitemouth are alkaloids. This group of substances is considered to be naturally occurring poisons that have a neurotoxic effect. During the period of active fruiting, the percentage of alkaloids in stems, leaves and flowers can reach from 1 to 4%.
Beneficial features
The rich chemical composition of whitemouth, when used rationally, allows it to have a very beneficial effect on the human body. The roots and leaves are used as an analgesic and antispasmodic. In small doses, the active substances of aconite effectively fight infections and inflammation.
Aconite whitemouth has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
One of the most important properties of the perennial is its antiarrhythmic effect on the body. Natural flavonoids restore the functioning of the vascular system. With prolonged therapy, normalization of cardiac muscle function is observed.
Application in traditional and folk medicine
The beneficial properties of white-mouthed aconite have been used by our ancestors for many generations. Traditionally, it was used only by the wisest healers, since even a small miscalculation in dosage could cause serious health problems. The main areas of application in folk medicine are:
- diseases of the spine and joints;
- skin infections;
- ulcers;
- syphilis;
- abscess;
- rheumatism;
- nervous system disorder.
Aconite whitemouth is included in the register of medicinal plants of Russia, but it is not currently used in official pharmacology. This is caused by a high content of compounds that are toxic to the body. But there are a number of studies aimed at studying the possibility of using the plant to combat cancer. Aconite contains substances that can completely stop the growth of certain types of cells.
Restrictions and contraindications
Even in the hands of experienced healers, whitemouth can become quite a dangerous remedy. Despite the noticeable anti-inflammatory effect, during therapy, patients often experience all the signs of poisoning.
White-mouthed wrestler is very poisonous even in small doses
Even a short stay near a flowering plant can cause serious poisoning.The most pronounced effect on the human body is produced by the essential oils released by the perennial in extreme heat. While drying the prepared raw materials, it is not recommended to stay in this room for more than 1.5-2 hours.
Collection and procurement of raw materials
A feature of white-mouthed aconite is the almost identical concentration of useful substances in all parts of the plant. To get the maximum effect from using a folk remedy, the collection should be carried out separately. Leaves and side shoots of aconite are obtained before flowering. The roots are collected in the autumn before the first snow falls.
There is a special method used to collect the roots. When digging up, the root system of aconite white-mouthed is disassembled into several parts. The perennial root that is too old is thrown away. Young and thin ones are returned to the soil to preserve the plantings for harvesting next year. The remaining parts of the aconite root system are used to prepare medicines.
The collection of raw materials is carried out wearing gloves, a mask and safety glasses. It is completely forbidden to touch aconite with bare hands. A mask and glasses protect the eyes and respiratory tract from harmful essential oils released by the plant. It is also recommended to wear personal protective equipment when in the place where plant materials are stored and dried.
All parts of aconite are used for medicinal purposes - leaves, flowers and roots.
After collecting aconite, the raw materials are thoroughly washed in running water, then dried in the sun. The duration of such plant drying is from 3 to 5 days.For small parts of aconite, you can use special boxes lined with a layer of gauze. The finished material is crushed, placed in jars, hermetically sealed and stored in a dark place.
Symptoms of poisoning
Signs of damage to aconite aconite essential oils are in many ways similar to ordinary symptoms of intoxication. Active alkaloids cause the patient to vomit, fever and deterioration of stool. But Belostov poisoning has distinctive features. The most important of them is the lack of air when trying to inhale.
First aid
Despite the thoroughly studied chemical composition and scientifically tested effects of the poison on the human body, an effective antidote has not yet been created. The only positive aspect when affected by aconite is the rather slow effect due to the low concentration of alkaloids.
If you notice the first symptoms of poisoning, you must call an ambulance as quickly as possible. If the poison has penetrated through the digestive tract, it is recommended to perform a gastric lavage with saline solution followed by taking an absorbent - activated carbon. Most often, the poison of white-mouthed aconite enters the lungs, after which it passes into the blood. Only droppers can restore health and completely remove harmful compounds from the body.
Use in everyday life
The most popular way to use aconite whitemouth is as a tincture against cancer. Experienced healers grind 10 g of dried root and mix it with 0.5 liters of vodka. Homemade distillate or alcohol diluted to drinking strength can also serve as an alcoholic base.
Aconite whitemouth is used to treat oncology
Infusion is carried out for two weeks in a dark place.The contents are shaken periodically. The finished drink from aconite white-mouthed is filtered through gauze folded in several layers. The treatment algorithm is as follows:
- on the first day, drink 1 drop of the drug;
- every day the dosage of medicine from aconite is increased from 1 drop up to 40;
- the dosage is reduced by one drop per day until the infusion is completely abandoned;
- after a 3-4 week break, the treatment is repeated.
Another popular way to use aconite is to prepare a decoction for ulcers and skin lesions. For it you will need to take 20 g of dried aconite flowers and pour one glass of boiling water over them. The mixture is poured into a small saucepan, which is placed in a water bath for 20 minutes over low heat.
The resulting solution of aconite white-mouthed is filtered through gauze and cooled. The most popular method of application is washing open wounds. The procedure is carried out 2-3 times during the day. 10 minutes after applying aconite, it is necessary to completely rinse the wound with water. For serious ulcers and erysipelas, compresses and lotions are applied. In this case, it is important to take precautions - the maximum exposure time should not be more than 2 hours.
Conclusion
Whitemouth aconite is a herbaceous plant for open ground; planting and cultivation should be treated with extreme caution. Even small doses of the poison contained in it can cause serious harm to the human body. But in skillful hands, a perennial can become a real panacea for many ailments, including the treatment of cancerous tumors.
