Aconite

Aconitum napellus

Key Symptoms

Complaints triggered by shock or exposure to cold winds, panic attacks and fear of death, acute infections of sudden onset

Historically, the deadly juices derived from this plant were used as an arrow poison, hence the name aconite, from the Greek acon, or "dart." Until the homeopathic remedy was proved by Hahnemann in 1805, aconite was used only externally in medicine. Aconite became a popular alternative to the contemporary practice of blood-letting for the treatment of acute fevers and inflammations.

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Remedy Profile

Homeopaths consider using Aconite for people who are excitable, generally healthy, and strong but develop illness rapidly and exhibit a marked sinking of strength. Physical and mental symptoms are like a great storm, arising suddenly but also subsiding quickly. Patterns of behavior are characterized by intense fear, anxiety, and restlessness, with susceptibility to extreme phobias, panic attacks, and a fear of death.

Physical symptoms often develop as a result of shock, fear, or exposure to cold, dry winds or, occasionally, intensely hot weather. Acute infections, such as colds and coughs, can be treated with the remedy, particularly at their onset. Aconite may also be prescribed for anxiety states, and for mothers and infants during or immediately after childbirth.

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Acute respiratory infections

Symptoms: Cold or influenza symptoms that set in fiercely and rapidly, especially after exposure to cold, dry winds. There may be catarrh or phlegm and a sore throat, possibly a fever that makes the skin hot and dry. Croup and other acute chest infections may give rise to breathlessness, burning heat in the chest, and a hoarse, dry, barking cough. Sleep is frequently restless and agitated; at such times, the face may be hot, flushed, and swollen, although upon rising it may become very pale. Severe headaches may develop, accompanied by raging thirst, often for cold drinks. The mouth may taste bitter, so that everything except water tastes bad. The skin is hypersensitive, causing a marked aversion to being touched.

Symptoms better: For warmth; for lying down; for fresh air.

Symptoms worse: For heat; for stuffy rooms; for lying on the affected area; for walking; at night; for music.

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Eye & ear infections

Symptoms: Inflamed eyes with aching, burning pain, typically due to injury or conjunctivitis. The eyes may be oversensitive to light. Ear infections develop rapidly, causing intense pain, bright red ears, and hypersensitivity to noise. Symptoms may be accompanied by a high fever and restless, fearful agitation.

Symptoms better: For quiet.

Symptoms worse: For light; for noise.

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Fear, shock & anxiety

Symptoms: Acute fear and anxiety accompanied by great restlessness and shocked, staring eyes with dilated pupils. Symptoms may be due to shock after witnessing a violent or frightening event, or may be triggered by phobias, such as a fear of flying, of heights, or of enclosed spaces. The fear or anxiety may trigger recurrent panic attacks, with palpitations, numbness, and tingling in the body. They may accompanied by a fear of death and a fear of people, with a strong desire to avoid company.

Symptoms better: For open air; for rest.

Symptoms worse: For stuffy rooms; for crowds; at night.

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Problems in labor

Symptoms: Strong fear of impending death experienced by a mother during labor. There may be urine retention in either the mother or baby, or in both the mother and baby, immediately after the birth of the child, especially if the mother experienced fear during labor.

Symptoms better: For open air; for rest.

Symptoms worse: For feeling overheated;
for feeling chilled; for violent emotions.

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