The source is from the root of Aconiti, family Ranunculaceae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in Sichuan, Yunnan, Shaanxi and Hunan provinces, etc., dug and collected in summer and autumn, dried in the sun, the crude or prepared one being used. Medicinal Properties Pungent and bitter in flavor, warm in nature, extremely toxic and attributive to the heart, spleen, liver and kidney meridians. Actions Expel wind and cold, and eliminate dampness to relieve pain. Application 1. It is used for Bi-syndrome of wind-cold-dampness type; for headache, general pain, swollen and painful joints with stiffness due to cold and dampness, it is usually combined with Mahuang (Herba Ephedrae ), Baishaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba ), and Huangqi (Radix Astragati), etc., such as Wutou Tang (Decoction); for apoplexy with numbness and muscular spasm, usually combined with Ruxiang (Olibanum), Moyao ( Myrrha ), etc., such as Xiao Huoluo Dan (Pill). 2. It is indicated for all kinds of pains. It is well effective in relieving pains and can be used for pains due to cold. It is boiled alone into thick decoction to which honey is added for oral use, that is, Da Wutou Jian (Decoction); for traumatic stasis and pain, usually combined with Moyao (Myrrha), Ruxiang (Olibanum), and Sanqi (Radix Notoginseng), etc., it can also serve as anesthesia to relieve pain. Usage and Dosage 1.5 - 3 g is used in decoction for oral use. If it is put in powder or the agent prepared with wine, the dosage should be decreased and if put in decoction, it should be decocted first for a half to one hour to decrease its toxicity. Just right amount is for external use. The prepared one is used orally and generally the crude one is used externally. Notes It is contraindicated in pregnant women and incompatible with Banxia ( Rhizoma Pinelliae ), Gualou ( Fructus Trichosanthis ) , Beimu ( Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii ), Baiji ( Rhizoma Bletillae ) and Bailian (Radix Ampelopsis). It is not taken for a long time. Explanation In addition, Caowu (Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii) is the root tuber of Aconiti, family Ranunculaceae, its action is like that of Chuanwu (Radix Aconiti) but its toxicity is stronger.
