Aconite Poison

(Indian Aconite)
Sanskrit: वत्सनाभ • Botanical: Aconitum ferox Wall. (Aconitum chasmanthum)

Vatsanabha (Indian Aconite) is described as the foremost Visha (poison) used therapeutically. The root tuber of Aconitum ferox/chasmanthum is extremely toxic — containing aconitine and related alkaloids. After proper Shodhana (purification through Gomutra/cow's urine processing or Swedana/steaming), it becomes a powerful medicine. Purified Vatsanabha is used in malaria-type intermittent fevers, Sannipata Jwara (complex fevers), Vata disorders, colic pain, and indigestion. The text describes that India has about 24 species of Aconitum. A. ferox, A. deinorrhizum, A. balfourii, A. laciniatum, and A. spicatum are found in various Himalayan regions. The lethal dose is very small — death can occur from even small amounts of unpurified root. Purification reduces toxicity by converting alkaloids to less toxic forms. Dose: 1/8 to 1/4 Ratti. The detailed purification involves soaking in cow's urine for 7 days and then steaming. Verses: 156-165.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Aconitine, pseudoaconitine, indaconitine (C34H47O10N), bikhaconitine — highly toxic alkaloids
Also Known As
English: Indian Aconite, Monkshood, Wolfsbane
Sanskrit: वत्सनाभ, विष, अमृत, शृंगीविष, महौषधि, गरविष
Hindi: बछनाग, मीठा विष

What is Aconite Poison (Vatsanabha / Visha / वत्सनाभ)?

Vatsanabha (Indian Aconite) is described as the foremost Visha (poison) used therapeutically. The root tuber of Aconitum ferox/chasmanthum is extremely toxic — containing aconitine and related alkaloids. After proper Shodhana (purification through Gomutra/cow's urine processing or Swedana/steaming), it becomes a powerful medicine. Purified Vatsanabha is used in malaria-type intermittent fevers, Sannipata Jwara (complex fevers), Vata disorders, colic pain, and indigestion. The text describes that India has about 24 species of Aconitum. A. ferox, A. deinorrhizum, A. balfourii, A. laciniatum, and A. spicatum are found in various Himalayan regions. The lethal dose is very small — death can occur from even small amounts of unpurified root. Purification reduces toxicity by converting alkaloids to less toxic forms. Dose: 1/8 to 1/4 Ratti. The detailed purification involves soaking in cow's urine for 7 days and then steaming. Verses: 156-165.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Jvaraghna (antipyretic)
  • Vatahara (pacifies Vata)
  • Deepana (appetizer)
  • Shulahara (anti-colic)
  • Sannipata Jvarahara (cures complex fevers)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.