Still have questions?
Talk to one of Vitacost's friendly customer service representatives using Chat Live:
Botanical name: Chamaelirium luteum
© Martin Wall
False unicorn is native to Mississippi and continues to grow primarily in the southern part of the United States. The roots of false unicorn are most commonly used in herbal medicine.
False unicorn has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
| Science Ratings | Health Concerns |
|---|---|
 | Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) |
 Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit. | |
The medicinal use of false unicorn root is based in traditional Native American herbalism. It was recommended for many women’s health conditions, including dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and other irregularities of menstruation, as well as to prevent miscarriages.1 False unicorn was also used as a remedy for morning sickness.
Steroidal saponins are generally credited with providing false unicorn root’s activity.2 However, modern investigations have not confirmed this, and no research exists about the medical applications of this herb.
False unicorn root tincture, 1/2–1 teaspoon (2–5 ml) three times per day, is sometimes recommended .3 The dried root, 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (1–2 grams) three times per day, is also used.
No adverse effects have been reported with the use of false unicorn. Although false unicorn has been used historically for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and to prevent miscarriages, its actions as a possible uterine tonic make its use during pregnancy potentially unsafe.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with false unicorn.
1. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Middlesex, UK: Viking Arkana, 1991, 520–2.
2. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Middlesex, UK: Viking Arkana, 1991, 520–2.
3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 116.
Copyright © 2007 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of Healthnotes.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.
