Clinical Experience with Aconitum—April 21, 1979

Clinical Experience with Aconitum—April 21, 1979

Zhang Jingyue said, "Aconitum is extremely potent and difficult to use alone. It must be paired with strongly sweet ingredients such as ginseng, Shu Di, and roasted licorice to temper its rigidity and enhance its strength, ensuring success in every application!" The "Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon" states, "Yang qi is like heaven and the sun; if it loses its place, lifespan will be shortened and vitality diminished." Thus, it is clear that yang qi is the driving force behind normal physiological functions and the fundamental factor in resisting disease. Therefore, the clinical application of Aconitum is indeed of great importance. Generally, it is believed that Aconitum is hot and tends to move upward, entering the body from the surface to the interior, affecting both qi and blood. Consequently, Aconitum is quite commonly used in clinical practice. Among ancient physicians, Zhang Zhongjing was the first to make extensive use of Aconitum, listing up to 20 g of Aconitum in his "Shanghan Lun," with 37 entries, and 11 prescriptions involving Aconitum in the "Jingui Yaolue," with 16 entries. Most often, Aconitum is used in its processed form, followed by the raw version. In addition, there are five prescriptions using Aconitum root, one using Aconitum stem, with famous formulas including Aconitum Tang, Aconitum Gui Zhi Tang, Gui Zhi Jia Aconitum Tang, Da Huang Aconitum Tang, Ma Huang Aconitum Xi Xin Tang, and Gan Jiang Aconitum Tang.