At the end of the 19th century Monk’s Hood was used as a sedative.
It is now classed as a deadly poison. Monk’s Hood and the dangers of poisoning Also known as Wolf’s bane or blue rocket, monk’s hood is a plant extensively cultivated in England, and is found growing in almost every garden. All parts of the plant, root, leaves, flowers, etc.-contain a very deadly poison call Aconite. The first symptom of poisoning by Monk’s Hood is a feeling of warmth in the stomach, with tingling of the lips, mouth and throat. This, tingling, spreads over the body and the fingertips become numbed. There is usually deafness and loss of vision, the legs and arms become paralyzed, and the respirations are shallow and feeble. There may be convulsions, but the mind, as a rule remains clear, the patient fully realizing his dangerous condition. Death occurs usually after a sudden movement, such as sitting up. The treatment consists in inducing vomiting i.e. Mustard and water and giving stimulents, keeping the patient warm, and forbidding any movement of any kind. Artificial respiration may be necessary and hypodermic injections of atropine and digitalis are given if obtainable.