Aconitum, also known as monkshood or wolfsbane, is a genus of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family with over 250 species that are mostly found in mountainous regions of the northern hemisphere. Don’t be deceived by these dainty little flowers: many species are extremely toxic and have been used as poisons since ancient times, often figuring in Greek mythology and legends about werewolves. Some cultures used arrows laced with this poison for hunting and warfare. However, monkshood is used in very small doses in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.