Aconitum Napellus (monkshood)

This fascinating single is best known for its ability to relieve colds at the first phase and minimize the emotional and physical responses to shock or stress.

     When fear and anxiety threaten to induce a panicky state following an accident or trauma, a dose of Aconite can steady the nerves and help you assess the situation. Whenever anger, shocking news, fear, night frights, exams or even getting stuck in an elevator or lost in a crowd, causes nerves to become panicky, Aconite calms the nerves and minimizes the latent physical and mental effects. Though generally a remedy for the first 24 - 48 hours, Aconite has helped complaints that develop long after a stressful situation. When do you choose Aconite or Arnica first after an accident? Arnica is stunned but says something like, “no, I’m fine, don’t touch me,” while Aconite is fearful, restless and more apt to say, “help me, I’m scared.”

     Easing colds in their initial phase is Aconite's best known application. When shocked by cold wind or trauma, our bodies become more susceptible to colds. As soon as noses run or inflammations flare up, it is the best time to take Aconite. If given with the first sneeze, sniffle, dry throat, dry barking cough, ear pain, fever or other sign that a cold is on its way, Aconite will often cut it short. Its cold symptoms may include a thirst for cold drinks, chills, a flushed face (sometimes just one cheek is red) and the fear that it is bound to get worse. 

    Overall keynotes which identify a use for Aconite include: Sudden, intense responses; Fear and axiousness; Tingling and/or burning sensations; Flushed face that becomes pale on standing; Hypersensitivity to pain..

     Aconite's other applications include: Sudden bursting, burning headaches; Eye inflammation when the whites are reddish; Acute fevers that feel hot inside and chilly outside and may alternate cold and hot at night; Sleeplessness from nightmares or anxious dreams; Mothers and babies frightened by childbirth; Restless teething in children with hot red cheeks; Sudden ear pain or irritation.

Aconite's ability to stabilize our reactions to mental, emotional and physical stresses, has made it a vital component in many combination remedies and a member of almost every household and professional homeopathic kit.