False Unicorn Root

Many herbs are known to help regulate women’s hormonal cycle. For this reason, these herbs are often classed as “female” herbs. One such herb is the false unicorn root.

False unicorn root, or Chamaelirium carolinianum, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is found in North America. The plant thrives in the fertile moist soil along the Mississippi River.

False unicorn root is a short plant, only reaching up to 100 centimeters high in full maturity. The stems are smooth and angular and the leaves alternate. The leaves of the false unicorn root are spatulate below and lanceolate above, about 20 cm by 2 cm, narrow at the base and formed into a whorl.

False unicorn roots have several greenish-white flowers that are tiny and clustered together in a dense terminal raceme. The bulbous rhizome terminates abruptly and at the bottom tip, fine wiry pale roots emerge.

The Name Game

False unicorn root is known by several names. It is synonymous with starwort, helonias, Helonias dioica, Helonias lutea, Chamaelirium carolinianum, Vertarum luteum, helionas root, blazing start root, and devil’s bit. False unicorn root is sometimes confused with Aletris farinose, which is the “true” unicorn root. Like false unicorn root, Aletris also contains steroidal saponins (diosgenin) and is said to have many oestrogenic properties.

False Unicorn Root: Its Uses

For many centuries, false unicorn roots have been used by countless women to provide remedy for menstrual and uterine problems. False unicorn roots contain compounds called steroidal saponins which are said to be extremely therapeutic. However, the influence of these substances in women’s hormonal activity and help regulate the menstrual cycle remains unclear.

False unicorn roots are often blended with teas and tinctures of so-called “female” herbs like wild yam and chasteberry. These are said to form powerful tonics that could improve and maintain the balance in the reproductive organs. The root of the false unicorn is often recommended by some herbalists to treat menopausal symptoms. Others recommend it for treatment of ovarian cysts. Women on “the pill” have also been reported to use false unicorn roots to normalize hormonal levels after using oral contraceptives.

In the early days, Native American women chewed false unicorn roots to prevent miscarriage. It was also used to treat discomforts in the digestive tract due to pregnancy, such as vomiting or early morning sickness. Its diuretic properties makes false unicorn roots a good way to promote urination and help rid the body of waste and even intestinal tract worms.

Dosage and Interactions

False unicorn root is often taken in tincture. The recommended dosage is ½ - 1 teaspoon (2-5 ml) three times per day. For powdered dried false unicorn root, ¼ - ½ teaspoon ( 1-2 grams) thrice a day is usually recommended.

There are no adverse side effects associated with the use of this herbal supplement. Although it has been used historically as a traditional healing remedy for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, the herb has properties that makes it uterine tonic. This means that it might be potentially unsafe to use it during pregnancy. There are no well-known drug interactions with false unicorn root.