Information on False Unicorn Root

False unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum), sometimes called Blazing Star, Fairywand, Devil's Bit or Helonias Root, is a perennial herb that is native in the United States east of the Mississippi River. Florists value it for its feathery lavender spikes that grow taller than 2 feet. False unicorn grows in well-drained, low, moist areas. You harvest the root in the fall. This plant is not often cultivated.

Background

• Research into the uses of false unicorn root has been limited and according to Web MD there is insufficient evidence to support using it for ovarian cysts, menstrual and menopause problems, water retention, intestinal worms and bowel problems. Herbs 2000.com mentions the herb was listed in the U.S. National Formulary from 1916 to 1947 as a uterine tonic and diuretic, and that it "seems to have a normalizing effect on the female reproductive system."

Warnings and Side Effects

• Web MD reports the herb "seems to be safe for most adults," but people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have stomach or intestinal disorders should not take it. If you are taking lithium, talk to your health care provider before taking false unicorn root because of the interaction it has with lithium. Benefits from the use of false unicorn root may take months to appear.

Preparations

• Obtain some false unicorn root online or from a health food store. Clean the root and then chop it into fine pieces. For douching, simmer a small amount of the root in 3 cups of boiling water for 20 minutes and use it after the liquid has cooled and been strained. To take as a tea, put 1 to 2 teaspoons of the finely chopped root into a cup of water, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Drink this three times per day or according to the instructions provided with the product. If you buy false unicorn root as a tea, tincture or in capsule form, follow the instructions on the label before taking.

Female Reproductive Problems

• The herb contains hormone-like substances called saponins. Besides toning up the ovaries and uterus, these substances have been used to increase fertility in women, as reported by Herbs2000.com. Drugs.com, an online drug information source that also accepts advertising from drug companies, agrees false unicorn has traditionally been used for female reproductive problems but reports no studies support a particular dose. It also lists the herb as "no longer considered safe," under its "Contraindications" heading, and states the hormonal effect is unlikely because saponin would not "be hydrolyzed to a free sterol in vivo."

Other Use

• When you have bad breath as the result of colds, flu or a sore throat, try gargling with the false unicorn root preparation. Use every hour until bad breath has abated.