Aconitum balfourii

Physical Characteristics

Aconitum balfourii is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas from Nepal to Tibet at an elevation of 2200 - 4000 metres.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antiinflammatory Antirheumatic Leprosy Vermifuge The tuber is used in Tibetan medicine where it is considered to have an acrid and sweet taste with a heating potency - it is also very poisonous[241, 243]. The root is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic and vermifuge[241]. It dries up serous fluids and is used in the treatment of all types of pain and inflammation from gout or arthritis, all disorders due to worms or micro-organisms, amnesia, loss of bodily heat, leprosy and paralysis[241].

Known Hazards

The whole plant is highly toxic - simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people[1].