dried aconite root; monkshood
Refers to the processed root of the aconite plant, used in traditional Chinese medicine (Kampo). The plant itself is highly toxic; the dried root is used in small, carefully prepared doses.
In Kampo medicine, dried aconite root is sometimes used for sensitivity to cold and pain.
烏頭はトリカブトの根を乾燥させた生薬です。
烏頭 is a crude drug made by drying the root of the aconite plant.
Standard kanji spelling for the medicinal aconite root.
The kanji 烏 (crow) and 頭 (head) together literally mean 'crow's head,' possibly from the shape of the root. The reading うず is a kun'yomi reading specific to this medicinal term.