Chuān Wū (川乌) — Sichuan aconite main root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Chuān Wū (川乌) — Aconitum carmichaelii — is known in English as Sichuan aconite main 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 Chuān 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 | Chuān Wū |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 川乌 |
| Latin name | Aconitum carmichaelii |
| English name | Sichuan aconite main root |
| Nature | Hot |
| Flavour | Acrid, bitter; toxic |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver, Kidney, Spleen |
| Category | Warm the interior |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Dispels Wind-Damp and Cold from the channels
- Warms the channels and relieves severe pain
Indications
- Severe Wind-Damp-Cold painful obstruction with fixed, intense joint pain
- Cold-type abdominal pain with cold limbs
4. Key formulas containing Chuān Wū
Chuān 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
Aconite root contains diester diterpenoid alkaloids including aconitine, which are cardiotoxic and neurotoxic. Correct processing (pao zhi) hydrolyses these to far less toxic forms; it is the processed derivative Fu Zi that is used in practice.
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 Chuān Wū is not used in practice, the question does not arise clinically.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Unprocessed Chuan Wu is highly toxic and is not used. Aconitine poisoning causes numbness, arrhythmia and can be fatal, and cases have followed self-medication and incorrect preparation. Its use is restricted in the UK.
Pattern contraindications
There is no pattern in which unprocessed aconite is appropriate in modern outpatient practice.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Chuān 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 Chuān Wū. Where the classical indication applies I use correctly processed Fu Zi in a properly balanced formula. This page is provided for reference and safety information only.
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.
