Aconitum Napellus - Blue Eiseno

Aconitum Napellus, generally known as a blue iron hat, belongs to the Hahnenfuß family family (ranunculaceae). This plant is known for its attractive, blue flowers and its extremely poisonous properties. In this text we will examine the botanical features, the toxicological properties and the historical use of aconitum napellus.

Botanical characteristics

Aconitum Napellus is a herbaceous plant that can reach growth heights of 60 to 120 centimeters. The plant has deeply cut leaves and striking, blue-violet, held-like flowers that are arranged in upright grapes. These flowers are characteristic of the genus Aconitum and contribute to the attraction of pollares such as bees and bumblebees.

Toxicological properties

The blue iron hat is one of the most poisonous plants in nature. It contains a group of alkaloids, including aconite, who are extremely toxic for humans and animals. Even small amounts of these alkaloids can cause serious poisoning symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, paralysis of the cardiovascular system and in severe cases death caused by breathing paralysis. It is extremely important to emphasize that all parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers and roots, are poisonous.

Historical use

Although the blue iron hat is dangerous due to its toxicity, it was used in history in traditional medicine and even poison in warfare. In folk medicine, it was occasionally used to treat pain and rheumatism, but always with extreme caution and in a strongly diluted form. In the past, poison arrows with Aconitum Napellus have also been prepared.

Frequent questions

What do you take aconitum napellus for?

Aconitum Napellus (Eisenhut) is used in homeopathy in a very diluted form to treat acute pain, fever and inflammation. Due to its extreme toxicity, the plant is hardly used in modern medicine. Even the smallest quantities can be fatal when taking it directly, which is why extreme caution is required.

What does Eisenhut do in the body?

Eisenhut (aconitum napellus) contains the highly toxic alkaloid aconitin that influences the nervous system by disturbing the function of sodium channels in the cells. This leads to symptoms such as tingling, deafness, cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory paralysis. It can be fatal in higher doses because it completely blocks the heart and breathing.

How quickly kills Eisenhut?

Eisenhut (aconitum napellus) can be fatal within 30 minutes to a few hours after the recording, depending on the dose and the individual state of health. The poison aconitin causes severe cardiac arrhythmias and breathing paralysis, which can quickly lead to death. Fast medical help is therefore crucial.

Is dried Eisenhut still toxic?

Yes, dried iron hat remains poisonous, since the deadly alkaloid aconitin is not destroyed by drying. Even in a dried form, consumption or contact with the plant can cause dangerous poisoning. Therefore, caution is required in dealing with all parts of the plant, regardless of your condition.