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True Unicorn Root Herb - Uses And Side Effects

True Unicorn Root ( Aletris farinosa ) is a low-growing, spreading perennial herb, with tuberous cylindrical, somewhat horizontal root, having many fibers from its lower surface. No stem, leaves lanceolate, acute, ribbed, sessile, or slightly sheathing at base, smooth and flat, pale colored, thin and coriaceous. Flower-stem simple with remote scales, 1 to 3 feet high, topped with a spiked raceme of short-stalked, white, bell-shaped oblong flowers blooming May to August; the outer surface of these has a mealy frosted appearance.

Native Americans once used true unicorn root (Aletris farinosa) to stimulate digestion and induce menstruation. A member of the lily family (Liliaceae), this perennial herb is native to the eastern United States. Active components come from the roots and rhizomes (underground stems).

The bitter principle in the root has not yet been determined. Its best solvent is alcohol. It contains a large percentage of bitter extractive, colouring matter and resin, and a quantity of starch.

Common doses of True Unicorn Root

True unicorn root comes as a liquid or tea. Experts disagree on what dose to take.

Uses of True Unicorn Root herb

Specifically, true unicorn root may help to :-

• Diarrhea
• Fluid retention
• Intestinal gas
• Menstrual problems
• Rheumatism
• Sharp intestinal pains
• Snakebite
• To induce vomiting
• To prevent habitual miscarriage
• To promote sleep
• To relieve spasms or convulsions

Side effects of True Unicorn Root

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of true unicorn root:

• difficulty keeping your balance
• stupor

Large doses can cause:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting

Are there any interactions?

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don't use true unicorn root while using alcohol or other drugs that slow the nervous system, such as:

• barbiturates
• cold and allergy drugs
• muscle relaxants
• narcotic pain relievers
• sedatives
• seizure drugs
• tranquilizers.

Important points to remember

• Don't use true unicorn root if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Avoid this herb ify.ou have stomach or intestinal disorders.
• Don't drive or perform other dangerous activities until you know how true unicorn root affects you.
• Don't confuse true unicorn root with false unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum), which differs in chemical composition and purported uses. (See page 191, "False unicorn root.")

What the research shows

Researchers know little about the chemical components of true unicorn root. However, small doses have caused side effects. All in all, no medical evidence supports using this herb.

Other names for True Unicorn Root

Other names for true unicorn root include ague grass, ague root, aloe root, colic root crow com, devil's-bit, star grass, unicorn root, and whitetube stargrass.

Products containing true unicorn root are sold as Aletris-Heel and True Unicorn Root.