American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

Aconite is a remedy of prime importance in the treatment of amenorrhea
when the suppression results from acute cold. It is conjoined with other
measures indicated, and is prompt and satisfactory. Cimicifuga enhances
its influence here, as well as Polygonum punctatum. When the secretion of
the skin and mucous membrane is restored by aconite, a full dose of
quinine will sometimes accomplish the desired result, when it would
accomplish nothing without this agent.
Aconite is so assuredly a specific in febrile conditions that its influence
in chronic diseases is almost entirely overlooked. It is in certain chronic
and non-febrile conditions a very reliable remedy because of its certain
action upon the nervous system. John King advised its use in treatment
of non-febrile spinal irritation in young women, and the writer has
followed his suggestions in this condition for years with superior results
in many cases.
Its direct influence upon the cerebro-spinal system is recognized by
homeopathists, Deschere says: “Aconite is useful in mental diseases and
hysteria when there is particular aversion to excitement; the patients
show an intolerance of music; they can bear no sounds.”
Aconite is an important remedy in the treatment of affections of the
heart. The symptoms indicating it in these cases are numerous and
important, and necessarily so, since aconite restrains the blood flow and
also exerts a special action on the heart and its nerves. There are
congestions of both heart and lungs, palpitation with anxiety, cardiac
oppression and even syncope. The palpitation is worse when walking,
lancinating stitches occur and prevent the patient from assuming an
erect posture or taking a deep inspiration. Attacks of intense pain at
times extend down the left arm from the heart and are associated with
numbness and tingling in the fingers.
The agent is advised by many in angina pectoris when there are strong
contractions or pure hypertrophy, but not in enfeebled heart or where
there is much valvular insufficiency.
In reflex vomiting without prostration or exhaustion aconite is useful.
This is especially true in some cases of the vomiting of pregnancy.
In neuralgia it is of use externally as well as internally. The aconitine, in
granules, is the best form for its internal administration in neuralgia.
Externally the tincture may be applied.
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 11