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Preparation methods are the same as for Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata). The initially planted tuber is Wutou (Aconiti Radix), named because its shape resembles a crow's head. The tuber growing attached to Wutou is called Fuzi, just as a child attaches to its mother. The main tuber of Wutou resembles the mother tuber of a taro plant, while Fuzi resembles the lateral tubers; they are essentially from the same plant. There are also Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) and Baifu (Gastrodiae Rhizoma), so Heifu (Black Fuzi) and Chuanwu (Sichuan Wutou) are used to distinguish them.

Pungent, sweet, greatly warm, toxic. It eliminates various wind-induced wind-bi syndromes and pathogenic wind; it treats hemiplegia caused by wind. It dispels various cold pathogens, cold-dampness, and chilling cold; it hardens and resolves old accumulations of cold.

Its efficacy is similar to Fuzi, but its power to assist Yang is slightly weaker, while its power to dispel wind is stronger. The tip of Wutou induces vomiting of wind-phlegm; in treating epilepsy, its sharp nature is utilized, with no other hidden meaning.

It grows in the valleys of Jianwei and Guanghan. It is harvested in winter as Fuzi and in spring as Wutou. Modern Mianzhou corresponds to the ancient land of Guanghan. The area under Mianzhou's jurisdiction, Zhangming, produces particularly large quantities. Sowing occurs around November, with seedlings emerging in spring. The stem resembles wild mugwort but is glossy; the leaves resemble ground hemp but are denser. The flowers have purple petals and yellow stamens, with long, round bracts. The smaller initial tuber is called Wutou; those growing attached to the side of Wutou are called Fuzi; those growing attached on left and right sides in pairs are called Wu Hui (Aconiti Radix); those growing attached and elongated are called Tianxiong (Aconiti Radix); those growing attached and protruding upward are called Cizi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix). Fruit forms in late spring, hence "spring harvest yields Wutou." In winter, the fruit is fully formed, hence "winter harvest yields Fuzi." Essentially, Fuzi is the lateral tuber produced by Wutou.

For cold-bi pain in the waist and legs, grind raw Chuanwu into powder, mix with vinegar, and apply externally. (Verified Formula 1.)

For chronic swelling and pain of Hongxiangjiao (podagra/ankle swelling), grind raw Fuzi into powder, mix with ginger juice, and apply topically. (Formula 2.)

For chronic headache, mix powders of Chuanwu and Tian Nan Xing (Arisaematis Rhizoma) with scallion juice, and apply to the Taiyang acupoints. (Formula 3.)

For severe headache resembling an axe blow, burn powdered Chuanwu to produce smoke, inhale or take tea brewed with the residue. (Formula 4.)

For persistent tinnitus, burn raw Wutou to ash, mix equally with Shi Chang Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), wrap in cotton, and insert into the ear, changing daily. (Formula 5.)

For sudden deafness, use vinegar-processed Fuzi, sharpened into a point, and insert into the ear. (Formula 6.)

For frostbite cracks on hands and feet, grind Fuzi into powder and mix with flour for external application. (Formula 7.)

Fuzi Tang (Aconite Decoction): Fuzi, Fuling (Poria), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba).
Treats pain throughout the body and joints, cold hands and feet, and a deep, faint pulse. (Main Formula 1.)

Guizhi Jia Fuzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Aconite): Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Baishao, Zhi Cao (Honey-fried Licorice Root), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), Dazao (Jujube), Fuzi.
Treats leakage of sweat due to excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, stiffness and cramping of the four limbs, inability to flex and extend easily, and aversion to wind. (Formula 2.)

Fuzi Xie Xin Tang (Aconite Decoction for Draining the Epigastrium): Fuzi, Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix).
Decoct Fuzi separately; soak the three yellows (Dahuang, Huanglian, Huangqin) in water. Treats epigastric fullness/stuffiness, aversion to cold, and spontaneous sweating. (Formula 3.)

Guizhi Fuzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Aconite Decoction): Guizhi, Fuzi, Gancao (Licorice Root), Shengjiang, Dazao.
Treats joint pain, difficult urination, and absence of thirst. (Formula 4.)

Xiantao Wan (Peach Immortal Pill): Raw Wutou, Wulingzhi (Trogopterori Faeces), Weilingxian (Synephorosae Caulis).
Form pills the size of beans using wine. Take seven pills with wine each time. Avoid tea. Treats numbness and pain in hands and feet, paralysis with pain, or bi-syndrome pain in the waist and knees. (Formula 5.)

Jiang Fu Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction): Fuzi, Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma).
Treats collapse due to cold invasion, cold pain in the umbilical and abdominal regions, Huoluan (cholera-like syndrome) with muscle spasms. (Formula 6.)

Wutou Jian (Wutou Decoction): Wutou.
Decoct, remove dregs, add honey, and decoct again. Treats cold hernia pain around the umbilicus, cold hands and feet, spontaneous sweating, and a tight pulse. (Formula 7.)

Zaizao San (Reconstruction Powder): Wutou, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Taishen (Codonopsis Radix), Guizhi, Chuanduan (Dipsaci Radix), Wushe (Bungarus Parvus), Gancao, Maoyu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Songjie (Pinus Massoniana Node), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix).
Treats paralysis. (Formula 8.)

Xiao Huoluo Dan (Minor Channel-Unblocking Pill - Best for relaxing sinews): Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma), Baifuzi (Gastrodiae Rhizoma), Niuxi, Muguaizi (Strychni Semen), Qianghuo (each 5 qian), Wutou (1 qian), Dilong (dried earthworm), Ruxiang (Olibanum), Moyao (Myrrha) (each 1 qian), Zhusha (Cinnabar, 1 qian), Nanxing (Arisaematis Rhizoma, 5 qian).
Form pills the size of beans using wine. Treats weakness in both legs, inability of children to walk, and adult Wei syndrome (flaccidity syndrome). (Formula 9.)