According to legend, the enraged dog foamed at the mouth, spewing its venom on the plants and giving them poisonous properties. The root is reputed to be anaesthetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and sometimes used as a stimulant and vasodilator. When used externally, it causes a tingling sensation.
Contact dermatitis is also possible.
Toxic dosages may lead to numbness of the extremities, tongue and lips and may also induce vomiting or coma. There hath beene little heretofore set down concerning the virtues of the Aconite, but much might be saide of the hurts that have come thereby.