The Efficacy, Effects, and Contraindications of Aconite

Functions and Effects of Aconite Root (Fuzi):

1. Restoring Yang and Rescuing from Collapse: Aconite root is extremely hot in nature and can restore Yang to treat critical conditions such as loss of Yang, collapse due to deficiency, cold limbs, and weak pulse.

2. Supplementing Fire and Assisting Yang: Aconite root can warm and tonify the Yang of the kidney, spleen, and heart, showing significant therapeutic effects on symptoms such as kidney Yang deficiency, spleen Yang insufficiency, and heart Yang weakness.

3. Dispersing Cold and Relieving Pain: Aconite root can warm the meridians and dispel cold, showing good efficacy in treating conditions such as pain due to cold-damp bi syndrome and cold-type abdominal pain from hernia.

4. Strengthening the Heart, Elevating Blood Pressure, and Dilating Blood Vessels: Aconite root has effects including strengthening the heart, increasing blood pressure, and dilating blood vessels, thus exerting certain therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases.

Contraindications of Aconite Root:

1. Contraindicated for Heat Syndromes and Yin Deficiency with Yang Hyperactivity: Aconite root is acrid, hot, dry, and potent, easily damaging Yin and stimulating fire. Therefore, it should not be used in cases of heat syndromes or Yin deficiency with Yang hyperactivity.

2. Use with Caution in Pregnant Women: Aconite root is toxic; pregnant women should avoid its use to prevent adverse effects on the fetus.

3. Prolonged Decoction Time Required: Aconite root should not be decocted for too short a time, to ensure complete destruction of its toxicity. It is generally recommended to decoct it for at least 30 minutes to one hour or longer.

4. Incompatibility with Other Herbs: Aconite root should not be used together with herbs such as Pinellia (Banxia), Trichosanthes (Gualou), and Fritillaria (Beimu), to avoid adverse reactions.