Dried, sliced aconite (Aconitum carmichaelii) root, Chinese herb

Photograph of dried, sliced aconite (Aconitum carmichaelii) root. Like strychnine, aconite has also found its way into modern traditional Chinese veterinary herbal medicine preparations. Reports of deaths from arrhythmia and shock after ingestion of this toxic plant have not dissuaded some Chinese remedy manufacturers from selling veterinary formulae with aconite in undisclosed quantities. Veterinary personnel need to remain vigilant about the risks of Chinese herbs and to routinely inquire about the use of these and all other supplements.