In Western herbalism aconite was largely used as a poison to kill enemies and hunt animals. It was not until the 18th century that its potential medicinal values began to be described and considered. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Tibetan Medicine, and Ayurvedic Medicine the herb has a long history of safe and effective usage for treating a wide variety of ailments from high blood pressure, asthma, cancer, arthritic pain, to anxiety and insomnia. A. napellus is commonly used to fight fevers associated with colds, pneumonia, and croup.