Uses

In potentized form Monkshood acts on almost the entire organism via the nervous system. Its main effect is alleviation of pain in neuralgia, sciatica and gout. It also lowers fever and helps relieve and prevent colds (particularly head colds and bronchial catarrh). In homeopathy Monkshood is also used for certain heart conditions. It was used only hesitantly as a household remedy, no doubt because of its extreme toxicity. Pliny only reported its use for eye conditions. It was not until after the Middle Ages that it also came to be used for the treatment of insomnia and inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract.

It must be repeated that Monkshood should never be prepared in concentrated form for self-medication. It is extremely toxic and ingestion of even small doses can be fatal! Only in the hands of a doctor is it a highly potent and useful drug.

Symptoms of poisoning
Only a few minutes after ingestion of parts of the plant there is a burning sensation in the mouth and tingling over the whole body. This is accompanied by sweating, followed by shivering and an intense feeling of cold. In addition there is nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and marked salivation. Finally the limbs become numb, breathing becomes shallow and slow. Collapse and death can occur after only 20 minutes!

If poisoning is suspected, a doctor or hospital should be contacted immediately. Professional advice can be obtained free of charge from one of the various poison control centers which can be contacted 24 hours a day. A list of poison control centers in Germany is available on the internet at Giftinformationszentrale der Uni Mainz.