'Aconitum anthora', variously known as 'Anthora', 'Yellow Monkshood', or 'Healing Wolfsbane', is a yellow flowering plant species of the genus ''
Aconitum'' in the family
Ranunculaceae.
It's native range is widespread, but mainly in European mountains, such as the
Alps and the
Carpathians, and the northern parts of Asia. Like all Aconitum species, it has great variability, due to isolation and
hybridisation. Because of this polymorphism, ''Aconitum anthora'' is included in the ''Aconitum vulparia''-group. It flowers from July to September.
Historically, its
root, which is
tuberous, was reputed to be a good
antidote, and counter-poision to poisons from 'thora'
[1] or ''
Aconitum pardalianches'', whence its naming ''anthora'' or "against thora". This plant is extremely toxic to livestock and humans. Even small doses can be deadly.
The root contains a large amount of
volatile salt and
essential oil, while the foliage and stems contain diterpenoid alkaloids. It has been used externally against
rheumatism and deep pain, but it can irritate the skin. Internally, it has been used for weak
pulse, vegetable poisons (shoot),
feverish
colds,
pneumonia,
croup, heart conditions, and
cardiac arrest.
It is considered a threatened plant in the Czech Republic.
Synonyms
★ ''Aconitum pseudanthora'' Blocki ex Pacz.
★ ''Aconitum eulophum'' Rchb.
★ ''Aconitum jacquinii'' Rchb.
★ ''Aconitum nemorosum'' M.Bieb.
References
1. http://www.bookofherbs.com/g/Greater_Thora_ruggs.htm
★
Aconitum anthora
★