Evidence supporting the use of: Aconite
For the health condition: Pleurisy
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Aconite (Aconitum napellus), also known as monkshood or wolfsbane, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in systems such as Ayurveda and homeopathy. Historically, aconite has been used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions, including pleurisy—a painful inflammation of the membranes surrounding the lungs. Traditional herbalists believed that aconite could alleviate the fever, sharp chest pain, and restlessness associated with pleurisy, largely due to its purported effects as a febrifuge (fever reducer) and analgesic (pain reliever). In homeopathy, Aconitum napellus is often recommended for the early stages of inflammatory diseases, including pleurisy, especially when symptoms come on suddenly after exposure to cold wind or fright. However, there is little to no scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of aconite for pleurisy. Modern clinical studies are lacking, and the plant is known to be highly toxic, with a narrow therapeutic window. The use of aconite is discouraged in conventional medicine due to risks of severe poisoning, which can affect the heart and nervous system. Therefore, while its use for pleurisy is well-documented in traditional medicine, there is insufficient scientific validation, and significant safety concerns limit its modern use.
Other ingredients used for Pleurisy
turmericgarlic bulb
ginger
licorice root
marshmallow
spruce
slippery elm bark
mullein
eucalyptus
Aconite
Acetylsalicylic acid
Barleria
Ivy
Other health conditions supported by Aconite
AnginaAnxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bell's Palsy
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Colds (general)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diphtheria
Emotional Sensitivity
Epilepsy
Fever
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hemorrhoids
Hiccups
Hot Flashes
Inflammation
Injuries
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Pleurisy
Pneumonia
Shock