Monkshood
Aconite

This deadly poisonous herb is sacred to Hekate. She created it from the foam of the mouth of Cerberus, the three-headed dog who guarded the gates of the Underworld. This magick plant is a helpful for ritually investigating that realm. It can be incorporated in any baneful work. Top

In Flying Ointments

Back in the Middle Ages, this baneful herb was often on lists of ingredients of flying ointments. These ingredients might have been selected to balance out each other's poisonousness. At least one modern-day author has argued that because atropine, an alkaloid in belladonna, is an antidote to aconitine, the primary poisonous alkaloid in monkshood, that these ointments would not have been lethal. But we have no way of knowing whether the recipes that have come down to us are correct and whether they list all the herbs needed to detoxify the poisonous ones. After all, they were generally written down by people who not only did not practice witchcraft but got the information through hearsay at best. And given the usual low level of scholarship in herb lore (and in magick, for that matter), I sure wouldn't be willing to bet my life on it. Also, this particular monkshood root does not contain enough aconitine to counter-balance the atropine in belladonna. Top

In Herbalism

Considering its association with Hekate and with Saturn, usually conceived a cold force, it is interesting that in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), monkshood is thought to be the most yang (male/heat) of all the herbs. TCM utilizes many poisonous herbs but uses monkshood only in combination with other herbs like ginger and licorice that work together to decrease the toxicity. Monkshood is still an important remedy in homeopathy, where doses are so small that they are measured in terms of vibration rather than the actual presence of molecules. Top

Toxicity

Although this root has been prepared by being steamed with salt water to destroy much of the aconitine (which does not at all interfere with its magickal properties), if you work with this magick herb, make sure it is not in contact with your skin for too long, especially if you are pregnant or have any heart problems.  For instance, if you make an amulet of it, cover it with something so that it does not ever rest against the skin; if you use it for a ritual wash for objects, do not put your skin into the water, especially if you have a cut or scrape.  The symptoms of poisoning begin with tingling and numbness of tongue and mouth.  Do not ingest it under any circumstances. This powerful herb is not to be used by novices. Top

Uses In Witchcraft & Magic:

Honoring Hekate
Death Work
Flying Ointments
Baneful Works

Grow your own monkshood root

© 2024 Alchemy Works; No reproduction without permission

Top

Alchemy Works products are offered for use in spiritual, ritual, meditative, and magical practices, not for medicinal or cosmetic purposes. The information on this website is provided for its folkloric, historic, and magical value. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.