Aconite is a poison which affects different parts of the
body. In the traditional books on medicine, there is some mention of it among other
poisons. However, the minutely detailed account of Aconite is based on proving
of Aconite done by Dr. Hanneman and other experienced Homoeopaths on
themselves.
In the process of proving, Aconite, or any other poison,
is not used in pure form. Instead, as Dr. Hanneman suggested, by example of Aconite,
the poison is diluted to the extent that it virtually loses its harmful effect
on the body. However, if given repeatedly to a healthy person, it will
overwhelm the body and produce its injurious effects in a mild form. These
effects are temporary but noticeable enough for the nature of the poison to be
studied in minute detail. Through this proving technique, the characteristic
features of the Aconite were revealed. These are great fear, suddenness, and
severity of illness. The sickness comes
on suddenly and the patient thinks that he will not be able to survive.
Aconite is usually considered to be the remedy of dry and
cold
weather because the diseases related to it are contracted in
such
weather, though not necessarily so. In general, any sudden, severe
illness of any weather associated with intense fear of death
should be treated with Aconite.
Aconite given along with Rhus Tox at the onset of a severe
illness becomes more widely effective. In my opinion, it is a substitute for Aspirin
and a very good one. In all such ailments in which there is restlessness and fever with
a feeling of something untoward in the offing, Aconite 200 and Rhus Tox 200,
two or three doses given in the early stage of disease, offer almost immediate
relief.
Once my security officer, (Retired Major Mahmood Ahmad), accompanied
us for cycling. It was pouring with rain and the weather was very cold, we were
all soaking wet. The next morning, he was caught up by high fever and severe
body aches. He was given Aconite 200 combined with Rhus Tox 200 and Arnica 200
combined with Bryonia 200 alternatively, every half hour. In a few hours, there
was no trace of the ailment left, and Major Mahmood Ahmad Sahib healthily
returned to his duty. However, after getting wet in the rain in cold weather,
one should not rely only on Aconite and Rhus Tox, but Arnica combined with
Bryonia should also be given alternatively.
I discovered this prescription, after long experience. It acts on the diseases
of the intestines, lungs, and in typhoid
fever, as well as on malaria
and dysentery promptly.
Many a time, the disease is not completely controllable with this combination,
and the analogous remedy will be required for complete recovery. In influenza,
this combination formula may not work at all, unless given right at the onset
of symptoms. If treatment is delayed, then other indicated remedies would be
required.
Diseases may be divided into two categories according to
their duration. Regarding their duration, the diseases can be:
1. Acute i.e. the ones
which come on with sudden severity and disappear just as fast.
2. Chronic i.e. the
ones which gradually establish themselves in the body over a long period. Some
of them stay for a relatively short period such as typhoid, while others linger
on for a long time, such as tuberculosis, asthma and chronic enlargement of the
glands
sometimes leading to a transformation into cancer. Aconite
is the topmost remedy in acute diseases.
Kidney
pain (renal colic) immediately responds to the administration of two
doses of Aconite 1000 and Belladona 1000 repeated every fifteen minutes, in
most patients. However, if the colicky pain is relieved by heat, the above
combination will not work as it works only where heat aggravates. In such
cases, one dose of Colocynth CM will offer immediate relief, or Mag Phos 6X
dissolved in water and sipped, will relieve this spasmodic pain. But Aconite
and Belladona will work well if the colicky pain is relieved by cold
application. Aconite will work immediately in sudden,
severe dysentery if associated with an element of fear. There is no
match for Aconite in acute dysentery of dry, hot weather.
The combination of
these two works like a tonic for the heart muscle. Eight to ten drops of Crataegus Q and only one to two drops of Aconite
Q are mixed in water. Aconite being a strong poison should not be used in a
larger quantity. Large amounts could be dangerous. Aconite is useful in a patient with a rapid heartbeat. Unusually rapid heart and
lack of sleep may be secondary to distension of the stomach with gas or mental
anxiety. Fear, bad news or apprehension for an examination or some other worry
may also cause palpitations of the heart. Aconite 30 or 200 will promptly
restore the heartbeat to normality and the mind will be set at peace.
Aconite is of great use in some mental illnesses too. When a sudden calamity
or depression causes mental shock, or there is an unreasonable sense of fear
from everything, Aconite at the outset of symptoms will benefit significantly.
Once the disease has already established, other remedies should be given. In
this respect, Sulphur is the most salient. Sulphur carries on the action of
Aconite on a longterm basis, while Aconite exhibits the same symptoms in the
short term
.
Aconite is very useful in common diseases like bacterial
food poisoning after the ingestion of stale rotting food, resulting in sudden severe diarrhoea or
dysentery. Blood-mixed
dysentery of the rainy season associated with fear is well
controlled by Aconite. In some
illnesses, the patient violently
screams with fear, and feels dizzy. For example, in case a dog
suddenly jumps on somebody along the way and they feel terrified and dizzy.
Aconite will promptly benefit in this situation.
Aconite and Belladona together are very good in the sudden inflammation
of the eyes. They are complementary to each other, and should be started right away without waiting for further
symptoms. However, where the signs and symptoms evidently pertain to either of
the two, only that one should be used. It will work precisely and for long time
Aconite is good in sudden
severe earache due to exposure to cold. Typically, every pain or ache of Aconite is associated with a
throbbing sensation. The patient cannot tolerate noise or loud music. Aconite is similar to Pulsatilla in that the
feverishness and
discomfort is more evident on one side of the face. One cheek may be red and
the other pale. This is common in children. Early administration of Aconite
will offer prompt cure. In case the delay has already occurred, Pulsatilla,
Lycopodium or Natrum Mur should be tried.
If due to cold, there is severe
toothache or soreness in the throat, Aconite would definitely be
needed. If there is congestion of a part of a body due to the increased blood
flow and pressure, spontaneous bleeding may start internally or externally.
Whatever the reason of this sudden episode associated with sense of fear,
Aconite should be administrated without any reservation.
If due to a sudden mental shock, there is a stoppage of urine, Aconite should be
given. The prompt use of Aconite in the case of bad news of somebody’s death or
financial loss will save the person from delayed deleterious effects. Some
doctors believe that Aconite is more useful in women than in men. The internal
diseases of the women and inflammation
of the uterus can be controlled if Aconite is given at the beginning
of the disease. The Aconite illnesses subside in open air, but get worse at
night in a warm room or if there is dry, cold air.
Adjuvants:
Sulphur, Coffea, Arnica, Belladonna, Bryonia,
Phosphorus, Spongia
Antidotes:
Nux Vomica and Sulphur
Potency: Mother
Tincture or usually 30, 200, 1000 or CM,
depending upon the situation and the experience of the
homoeopath