As we move into
October, we will begin to notice certain things. A hint of Fall on the breeze (if you’re lucky
enough to not be living in Florida anyways), a certain amount of pumpkin in
just about everything, and a distinct “chill” in the air that does not come
from the dropping temperature. Halloween
is approaching and with it comes the thinning of the veil between our world and
the next. We see a greater abundance of
witches and their familiars, of specters, vampires, and the even the ever
elusive werewolf. This is my favorite
time of year, and one that I usually relish.
But if you want to be safe from the bite of the werewolf this year, here’s
the herb for you.
Wolfsbane (Aconitum lycoctonum) gets its name from a historical
use of the plant. It was once used to
kill wolves by either coating arrows when hunting for wolves or to poison meat
left out by farmers who had a wolf problem.
Wolfsbane is toxic to more than just wolves and is often mixed up with
Monkshood, which is a very close relative and equally toxic. In extremely small doses, this plant does
have a few medicinal benefits for humans, but it’s most well-known benefit
comes from its use in folklore.
Wolfsbane is well
known to both ward off werewolves, and as an antidote to their bite (providing
you take it quickly enough). However, be
careful not to touch it for long periods of time, or to accidentally ingest it
(such as touching the plant then sticking your fingers in your mouth) as it is
extremely toxic and the toxins can be absorbed via prolonged contact. If you want to completely avoid the bite of
the werewolf, you should also take care to avoid dark woods at night and stay
home on full moons.
Resources:
Academic
Rebellion: https://academicrebellion.wordpress.com/2013/02/03/medicinal-uses-of-wolfsbane-aconite/
A Modern
Herbal: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/aconi007.html
La
Persuasion: http://lapersuasion.blogspot.com/2009/10/beware-wolfsbane.html
Varla
Ventura: https://varlaventura.net/category/werewolves-2/
Werewolves: http://www.werewolves.com/destruction-wolfsbane/
Witchipedia:
http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:wolfsbane
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