Radix Aconiti Vaginati
Aliases：Huoxue Lian (literally "Blood‑Activating Lotus"), Liangshui Zhazi (literally "Cool Water Residue"), Xuesan Qi (literally "Blood‑Dispersing Seven"), Long Huzi (literally "Dragon's Beard"), Tusha Lian (literally "Earth Sedge Lotus"), Yikou Xue (literally "One Mouthful of Blood"), Duer Qi (literally "Single Child Seven"), Sunjian Qi (literally "Bamboo Shoot Tip Seven" — used in Hubei), and Tusha Lian (literally "Earth Sedge Lotus" — used in Sichuan). All are alternative names for Mo Qi (the root of Sheathed Monkshood).
Mo Qi is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried root of Aconitum scaposum Franch. or its variety Aconitum scaposum Franch. var. vaginatum (Pritz.) Rapaics, plants belonging to the genus Aconitum of the family Ranunculaceae. It was first recorded in Guizhou Minjian Yaowu (Folk Medicines of Guizhou).
Efficacy & Actions
Activates blood and regulates menstruation, disperses stasis and relieves pain, and relieves cough and eliminates phlegm.
Indications
Irregular menstruation, traumatic injuries, fracture pain, rheumatic arthralgia, stomach pain, and unnamed toxic swellings. It is also used for cough and wheezing.
Ingredients
Scaconine. Scaconitine. N‑deacetylscaconitine.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g; or steep in wine for oral use. For topical application: appropriate amount, grind and rub on the affected area.
Contraindications
This herb is slightly toxic and should be used under the guidance of a physician. Use with caution during pregnancy. Aconitine alkaloids have certain cardiotoxicity; excessive or long-term use should be avoided.
Selected Formulas
For menstrual irregularities (empirical formula) Take 9g each of Huoxue Lian (a local herb) and Ganxue Wang (a local herb). Soak in wine and drink. For traumatic injuries (empirical formula) Take 15g each of Huoxue Lian, Jianxue Fei (a local herb), and Chishao (red peony root). Decoct with equal parts of water and wine, and drink. For rheumatoid arthritis (empirical formula) Take 3g of Liangshui Zhazi (Mo Qi, a local herb), 10g of Laoguancao (Geranium), 15g of Guolu Huang (Lysimachia), and 20g of Shenjincao (Lycopodium). Soak in wine and drink. For fracture with swelling and pain (empirical formula) Take 15g of Mo Qi (a local herb), soak in wine for internal use and external application. For hemoptysis due to pulmonary tuberculosis (empirical formula) Take 15g of Mo Qi and 12g of Hongci Teng (a local herb). Decoct in water and drink.
Medicinal Parts
It is the dried root of Aconitum scaposum Franch. or its variety Aconitum scaposum Franch. var. vaginatum (Pritz.) Rapaics, plants belonging to the family Ranunculaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
