sitheanan:

aconitum napellus // wolfsbane, monkshood, devil’s helmet, etc.

native and endemic to europe, but cultivated in gardens worldwide, every part of aconitum napellus is poisonous. symptoms of aconite poisoning include paresthesia, numbness, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, palpitations, and convulsions. in ancient greek myth, aconite grew wherever cerberus’ spittle had touched the ground; its association with wolves is also due to the ancient greeks, who poisoned arrows with aconitine and used them to kill and ward off wolves from their livestock. wolfsbane has become an intrinsic part of modern werewolf mythology, but remember: it is poisonous to literally everyone, not just werewolves. the hospital mortality rate of those poisoned by aconite is ~5.5%, but severe poisoning, when untreated, can result in death between 30 minutes and 6 hours.

aconitum napellus prefers damp soil and shade. the root is unearthed in autumn and looks similar to horseradish; there are several cases of inexperienced foragers picking up the wrong root and facing deadly consequences. it can grow up to 5 feet, and has very attractive, vivid blue or purple flowers.

although aconite is poisonous, it is sometimes used medicinally, as a liniment or a tincture to relieve pain, promote sweating, or induce vomiting or diarrhea. aconite may also be used as a heart stimulant.

This reminds me of Ginger Snaps. Goddess Heckate, how I love those movies!