Wolfsbane

[Sarah]

A poisonous plant (Aconitum Lycoctonum), a kind of monkshood;also, by extension, any plant or species of the genus Aconitum. SeeAconite.

[Sarah]

The common name for the 250 plants of the [genus] [aconitum], also known as [aconite], [monkshood], the [Devil's helmet], or (disturbingly) wifesbane. A highly [poisonous] flowering plant closely related to [buttercup]s, the toxins can easily soak through the skin. Wolfsbane kills quickly (within six hours of consumption) and the symptoms are almost immediate: [vomit]ing and diarrhea, followed by a sensation of burning, tingling, and numbness in the mouth and face, and of burning in the abdomen. In severe poisonings, pronounced motor weakness occurs and cutaneous sensations of tingling and numbness spread to the limbs. Heart, lung, and organ failure soon follows.
Wolfsbane has been ascribed with supernatural powers in the mythology relating to the [werewolf] and similar creatures, either to repel them, relating to wolfsbane's use in poisoning wolves and other animals, or in some way induce their transformation, as wolfsbane was often an important ingredient in witches' magic ointments. In folklore, wolfsbane was also said to make a person into a werewolf if it is worn, smelled, or eaten. They are also said to kill werewolves if they wear, smell, or eat aconite.

[Sarah]

A flowering plant found in damp areas of the foothills of mountainous regions in Europe and Asia. It is a member of the buttercup family.
The roots of this plant are a powerful neurotoxin. A piece of the root half the size of a grain of rice can kill an adult human within five seconds. The military has adapted this neurotoxin in gaseous form for chemical warfare.
In Roman times it was used by the lady Lydia to poison anyone who posed a threat to her son Tiberius becoming Emperor. She even used it to kill her own husband.
Diluted, the roots can be used topically as a local anesthetic and numbing agent. It is an active ingredient in many over the counter nerve pain homeopathic remedies.

[Sarah]

Wolfbane, or wolfsbane, is a poisonous perennial herb with broad rounded leaves. Its has yellowish flowers and grows eastern Europe and Asia. In legend a talisman made of Wolfsbane can word off Vampires, and other evil spirits.