They are distinguished by having one of the five blue or yellow coloured sepals (the posterior one) in the form of a helmet; hence the English name monkshood.
Aconitum Napellus, common monkshood, is a doubtful native of Britain, and is of therapeutic and toxicological importance.
Monkshood, sometimes called homeopathic vitamin C, is commonly used at the first sign of infection such as sore throat, ear ache or bladder infection.