Cǎo Wū (草乌) — Wild aconite root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Cǎo Wū (草乌) — Aconitum kusnezoffii — is known in English as Wild aconite root. It belongs to the category of toxic herbs that dispel Wind-Damp and stop pain in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Cǎo Wū as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Cǎo Wū |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 草乌 |
| Latin name | Aconitum kusnezoffii |
| English name | Wild aconite root |
| Nature | Hot |
| Flavour | Acrid, bitter; toxic |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver, Spleen |
| Category | Warm the interior |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Dispels Wind-Damp and Cold
- Relieves severe, fixed pain
Indications
- Severe chronic Wind-Damp-Cold joint pain, historically and topically only
4. Key formulas containing Cǎo Wū
Cǎo Wū is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Wild aconite contains higher concentrations of the same diester alkaloids as Chuan Wu and is correspondingly more toxic. Serious and fatal poisonings are documented, usually from inadequate processing or self-medication.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
The drastic water-draining herbs Gan Sui, Yuan Hua and Da Ji are classically incompatible with Gan Cao under the Shi Ba Fan, and Ba Dou with Qian Niu Zi. Since Cǎo Wū is not used in practice, the question does not arise clinically.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Cao Wu is highly toxic and is not used internally. Its supply is restricted in the UK and it has no place in routine practice.
Pattern contraindications
There is no pattern in which wild aconite is appropriate in modern outpatient practice.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Cǎo Wū at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Availability at my clinic
I do not prescribe Cǎo Wū. This page exists for reference and safety information. Safer warming herbs achieve the same clinical aim.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
