Dear Sara,
There’s a lot about wolfsbane in werewolf lore. Does this plant really exist and if it does, does it have any effect on humans?
Respectfully,
Ted F.
Dear Ted,
Wolfsbane, otherwise known as aconitum or aconite, is a real flowering plant. It has many other names, including monkshood, devil’s helmet and women’s bane. The genus encompasses over 250 species. The plants have dark green leaves and may have white, yellow, pink, blue or purple flowers. Some species of aconite yield poison, which historically has been used in Asia for both hunting and warfare. Large doses of aconite as a poison can cause death within hours. Handling the leaves bare-handed can also cause a toxic effect, as the plant’s toxins will be absorbed through bare skin. In small does, it can also be used medicinally for detoxification purposes, though in the mid-twentieth century, it was largely replaced by more reliable drugs. As far as the herb’s legendary connection to werewolves, it’s unclear exactly who first put it forth.
It’s In The Bag,
Sara Bellum, Editor-at-Large Buzzy Mag
