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Perhaps you heard something about a wrestler-grass, a blue buttercup or a wolf root? Do you know that aconite is called the "mother of poisons", "the main of herbs" and the "great medicine"?
This wonderful plant deserves special attention due not only to its decorative features, but also to its many beneficial properties.
About aconite
Aconite (Acónítum) - perennial herb belonging to the family of buttercups. It is popularly known as a wrestler or wolf root. Widely distributed in the temperate climatic zone of Asia, Europe and North America.
The stem of the plant is straight and long, the flowers are blue or purple, less often white.
Aconite is considered the most poisonous European plant. However, it is highly regarded for its healing properties and decorative appearance.
Photo gallery
Types of aconite
At the moment, about 300 species are known. Some species, for example, the new review, are listed in the Red Book, as they are threatened with extinction. Here are some varieties of plants:
- Wolf Aconite (Aconitum lycoctonum) - we love gardeners for their unpretentiousness, has those very rare yellowish-whitish flowers, grows in Russia in the wild
- variegated (Acontum variegatum) - is in the forests of Europe and in Turkey
- deceiving (Aconitum curvirostre) - grows in meadows and rocks of Siberia and Mongolia
- Baikal (Aconitum baikalense) - grows in Siberia and in Mongolia
- eastern (Aconitum orientale) - often found in the Caucasus
- bearded (Aconitum barbatrum) - also has yellow flowers, distributed in the south of Siberia
- Dzungarian (Aconitum soongaricium) - grows mainly in Kazakhstan
How to plant aconite
In fact, there is nothing difficult in planting a wolf root. However, remember that this is a poisonous plant and you need to follow some precautions:
- do not plant aconite in places where children may be
- use gloves when handling plants
- wash your hands with soap after planting
The planting process itself has certain rules, among which it is worth noting the following:
- it is better to plant flowers in the fall
- it is an unpretentious plant resistant to frost
- grows well in the shade, so in partial shade
- does not tolerate heat and direct sunlight
- any soil is suitable, but sandy and crushed stone are undesirable
- does not tolerate stagnant water in the soil
How to care for a plant
The basic rules are simple:
- regularly weed the area around the landings
- loosen the soil
- moderate watering
In addition, the flower will benefit from mineral and organic fertilizers (even at small doses). The only problem: the plant is quite vulnerable to pests (aphids, flower beetles, ticks, slugs) and is susceptible to viral diseases (ring mosaic, greening of flowers, spotting).
Wolf Root - Poisonous Plant
Breeding methods
The wrestler propagates in four ways:
- using seeds
- cuttings
- dividing the bush
- daughter tubers
It must be remembered that for copying it is necessary to use young specimens, separating them from the tuber in early spring. Seeds are best planted in the fall in the same year that they were harvested. You need to divide the plant either in spring or in early autumn, replanting new bushes to a new place every four years.
Usage in Landscaping Design
Aconite is a very beautiful plant with bright flowers and bizarre leaves. Remains decorative throughout the year thanks to carved leaves. Often used in composing various compositions.
For example, perfect for:
- single or group landing
- decorations and landscaping of a gazebo or veranda (climbing views, for example, aconite climbing)
- bouquets
- mixborders
- lawns
- slave
Compatibility with other plants
The wrestler is combined with many plants. His best flower partners are:
- astilbe
- delphinium
- aquilegia
- pion
- day-lily
- iris
- rudbeckia
The benefits of wolf root
Despite its toxicity, aconite has a huge number of useful properties. The structure of the plant includes various alkaloids, which makes it so dangerous and useful at the same time.
Aconite allows you to cope with a whole list of ailments:
- pain with neuralgia, gout
- heat
- runny nose, bronchitis
- malignant tumors (skin, lung, thyroid cancer)
- hematomas
- rheumatism
- insomnia
- gastrointestinal inflammation
- cough
- tachycardia
- angina pectoris
And this is not a complete list. Previously, aconite was taken as a tincture, mixed with wine. Now in pharmacies tincture is on sale. It is released without a doctor’s prescription, but is considered poison, so consult a doctor before use.
Aconite has the following actions:
- antipyretic
- anti-inflammatory
- pain medication
Contraindications
Tincture is contraindicated in only a few cases:
- pregnancy
- lactation period;
- children's age (up to 5 years)
- hypotension
Caution - Poison!
Do not forget that aconite, and especially Dzungarian, is an extremely poisonous plant!
Dzhungarsky aconite is considered the most poisonous of all types. The poison of this plant is able to penetrate the skin with short contact.
And 4-5 g of wolf root is a lethal dose for humans.
Tincture of a wrestler is also very dangerous if used incorrectly. If a person is poisoned with aconite, the following symptoms appear:
- severe burning in the mouth
- itching throughout the body
- heavy perspiration
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- limbs go numb
- breathing slows down
If these signs appear, you must urgently seek help from a doctor, as if untimely assistance is given, death can occur within 20 minutes.
The healing properties of aconite
You see that aconite is not in vain called the "king of grass." It is invaluable in treating many diseases. You will not lose by planting it in your summer cottage. However, do not forget about the dangers of this plant. As much as it can help us, it can also hurt us. Follow safety measures, and you certainly will not regret that you planted such an indispensable assistant in the fight against ailments and just a beautiful plant.
