False Unicorn Root

History:

False Unicorn Root is an herbaceous, tuberous, summer-flowering plant that is native to the eastern United States, where it is found in low, moist ground. The hardy perennial grows to a height of three feet and a width of fifteen inches with a basal rosette of smooth, spoon-shaped leaves, an erect stem of eight-inch, lance-shaped leaves and topped by a dense raceme of tiny, greenish-white, star-shaped flowers. The plant thrives in damp woods and bogs in rich, moist, well-drained humus soil in partial shade, and the roots are harvested from the wild in autumn, dried, and used in herbal medicine. Its botanical genus Chamaelirium, is derived from two Greek words, chamai, meaning "slow growing," and leirion, meaning "lily," and the plant's botanical specific, luteum, means "yellow," referring to the fact that the flowers yellow with age. There is only one species in this genus, and it is closely related to Helonias, giving the herb one of its common names (Helonias Root). Another common name, Devil's Bit, refers to the herb's early Native American use as a "cure-all" that angered a bad spirit, who bit off a piece of the root to prevent its use. False Unicorn Root is so-called to distinguish it from true Unicorn Root (Aletris farinosa), a plant with different therapeutic applications. False Unicorn Root was first used by Native North Americans to prevent miscarriage, expel worms and to treat liver and kidney ailments, and it soon found favor with the settlers, who used it in a like manner. By the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the herb had become an important domestic remedy for depression, infertility and the "derangements of women," as well as a cough remedy when chewed. False Unicorn Root was officially listed in the United States National Formulary from 1916 through 1947, and is still regarded by present day herbalists as invaluable for gynecological problems. Some of the constituents included in False Unicorn Root are saponins and chamaelirin, a fatty acid.

False Unicorn Root appears to have its greatest value in female disorders of the reproductive organs and had been used for centuries by Native Americans and, later, by the early settlers to ease a multitude of women's complaints. Recent pharmacology has indicated that the saponins in the herb have "adaptongenic" effects on the ovaries, which can support the body's own efforts to strengthen them and increase their resistance to stress. The herb is said to work with the body's natural properties to stimulate ovarian hormones and may be helpful in cases of early menopause after hysterectomy or to restart the system after years of contraception (giving some credence to its historic use as a fertility aid). In addition, it is also said to assist the body's efforts to relieve vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and temporary depression (also echoing its past use in herbal medicine), as well as other symptoms related to menopause.

Further supporting women's health, False Unicorn Root is said to work with the body to relieve many "female problems," including menstrual difficulties (irregular periods, PMS and mood swings), fibroids, infertility, vaginal discharge, prolapsed uterus, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and threatened miscarriage (although this application is no longer recommended without consulting a physician).

False Unicorn Root is believed to act as an herbal tonic for the genitourinary organs by supporting and exerting a gentle strengthening effect on them. The herb's chamaelirin is considered a natural potent antiseptic that helps to support the body's own capacity to relieve urinary tract infection and irritability, with a nourishing effect that can be helpful for genitourinary weakness. Its botanical diuretic properties also work with the body's resources to promote urine flow, further supporting the urinary tract and may also validate the herb's longtime, historical use as a kidney tonic.

As an herbal vermifuge and parasiticide, False Unicorn Root has been used to destroy and expel worms (including tapeworms) from the intestinal tract.

There are reports that False Unicorn Root has also been used to help male impotence and prostate problems.

As a botanical digestive, False Unicorn Root is said to work with the body's own resources to ease dyspepsia, nausea, colic, loss of appetite and morning sickness (but again, pregnant women are advised to use this herb only under the care of a physician).

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, one (1) time each day with water at an early to midday mealtime.

Contraindications:
Although this herb has been used to diminish miscarriage, pregnant women should not use False Unicorn Root Herbal Supplement without first consulting a physician. Overuse (many times the recommended dosage) causes vomiting, and it is wise to consult with a health care provider before using this herb for specific applications.

Capsule Information:
Our False Unicorn Root supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs."

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.