American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

Webster has used aconite externally for pruritus, with excellent results.
Occasionally the condition returns but in most cases the cure has
remained permanent. Harrington confirms Webster's observations as does
Robinson, who believes that the influence is induced by a direct
anesthetic effect at first, with an influence upon the nerve endings,
which prevents a return of the condition. The remedy is diluted and
applied according to the discretion and knowledge of the physician.
Aconite is of common use in local pain, to relieve congestion, irritation
and distress. Perhaps the most immediate influence obtainable in acute
pain is to pour ten drops each of chloroform and aconite into the palm of
the hand and hold it over the seat of the pain for two or three minutes.
The effect is instantaneous and marvelous. It may be used in this manner
in acute stomach or bowel pains until the cause of the pain is removed by
other measures, or in acute pleurisy, and especially in angina pectoris.
The pain ends with the application, and measures can be adopted to
prevent its recurrence. Any local pain or neuralgia will yield, for a time
at least, and in some cases it will not return. Sciatica treated two or three
times per week with this simple formula will sometimes cease to return.
We have observed that aconite intensifies, modifies and otherwise
improves the action of several other agents with which it may be
combined or alternated. The characteristic effects of Cimicifuga racemosa
will occur in much less time with this remedy than when given alone.
The influence of belladonna upon all local congestions and in equalizing
general circulation is intensified in a characteristic manner when the
remedy is given with, or alternated with aconite. Given in proper doses
with veratrum the influence of both remedies is active. Their influence on
serous inflammation is most marked. In many cases either alone will not
produce the same results.
Given with gelsemium in nervous excitement, cerebral fullness, nervous
twitchings and fevers which result from irritation of the nerves and nerve
centers, the effects of both are heightened.
Given with asclepias tuberosa, with proper external means, hardly any
other agent will be needed in acute pleuritis.
Veterinarians find aconite immensely beneficial in the treatment of the
inflammatory diseases of anitnals; but objections arise in the treatment of
disease in horses, from the fact that horses are much more susceptible to
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 12