Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume 14: Plants and Trees, Part 4

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Aconite Root Original: Fu Zi (附子), the lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii.

Crow’s Head Original: Wu Tou (烏頭), the parent root of the aconite plant., Heavenly Hero Original: Tian Xiong (天雄), a long, slender root that has failed to produce "children" or lateral roots., Aconite Root, and Side-Growth Original: Ce Zi (側子), small lateral roots that grow off the main lateral roots. all originate from the soil of Shu Original: Shu Tu (蜀土), referring to modern-day Sichuan Province, famous for producing high-quality aconite.. However, these four varieties are actually all derived from a single species of plant.

The sprouts of this plant grow to a height of about three to four feet. The stem is four-angled, and the leaves resemble those of mugwort. The flowers are a purplish-blue color and grow in spikes. The fruit is small and black, resembling a mulberry.

According to the Classic of Materia Medica Original: Ben Jing (本經), referring to the Shennong Ben Cao Jing, the foundation of Chinese herbalism., those roots harvested in the winter are called Fuzi (Aconite Root), while those harvested in the spring are called Wutou (Crow’s Head). However, the Guangya An ancient Chinese dictionary compiled by Zhang Yi during the Cao Wei period. states that Xidu Original: 奚毒, an archaic name for Aconite. is another name for Fuzi. It further clarifies the stages of growth:

• At one year old, it is called Cezi.
• At two years old, it is called Wuhui Original: 烏喙, meaning "Crow’s Beak," due to the root's hooked shape..
• At three years old, it is called Fuzi.
• At four years old, it is called Wutou.
• At five years old, it is called Tianxiong.

When planted for a single year, all five of these forms may be present. Its flavor is pungent, its nature is extremely hot, and it is highly toxic. It is used to treat "Yin poisoning" Original: Yin Du (陰毒), a severe condition where internal cold has collapsed the body's vitality. and "Cold Damage" Original: Shang Han (傷寒), a category of external febrile diseases caused by cold pathogens., as well as numbness and pain caused by cold, wind, and dampness. It also treats "Great Wind" Original: Da Feng (大風), a term often referring to leprosy or severe neurological conditions. and acute spasms or contractions of the muscles and bones.