Warning Over Unlicensed Herbal Medicines

The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) is warning people who are dangers of taking unlicensed herbal medicines containing aconite. Aconite has recently been described in the media as 'herbal valium'. However, it is in fact an extremely poisonous plant that is toxic to the heart, also known as monkshood. Herbal products containing this ingredient could be lethal or induce serious illness if consumed. The MHRA has received two reports of suspected adverse reactions to aconite, one from which a patient suffered kidney problems and another where the person was hospitalised after suffering dizziness and paresthesia.