False unicorn's therapeutic uses
False unicorn, or Chamaelirium luteum, is an herb native to North America, particularly east of the Mississippi River. Its root is primarily used for medicinal purposes, with historical applications rooted in Native American and European medicinal practices. Traditionally, false unicorn has been believed to stimulate the uterus, aiding in menstrual health issues such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), and irregular menstrual cycles. In modern herbalism, practitioners suggest it may balance the female reproductive system, potentially aiding in conditions like infertility and premenstrual syndrome, though these claims lack substantial scientific backing.
Additionally, some herbalists reference diosgenin, a compound found in false unicorn, as a factor in its proposed hormonal effects; however, diosgenin does not possess inherent hormonal properties and cannot be converted into hormones by the human body. Other suggested uses include appetite stimulation and treatment of intestinal worms, but evidence supporting these claims is also limited. Importantly, the safety of false unicorn has not been thoroughly evaluated, particularly concerning its use during pregnancy, in young children, nursing mothers, or individuals with severe liver or kidney issues. As such, caution is advised when considering this herb for therapeutic purposes.
False unicorn's therapeutic uses
Definition: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
Principal proposed use: Dysmenorrhea
Other proposed uses: Infertility, morning sickness, pelvic inflammatory disease, premenstrual syndrome, prevention of miscarriage, appetite stimulant, intestinal worms, induce vomiting
Overview
The herb false unicorn is native to North America east of the Mississippi River. It is similar in appearance, but unrelated, to true unicorn, Aletris farinose. The root is the portion used medicinally. Native Americans and, subsequently, European physicians believed that false unicorn stimulates the uterus, promoting menstruation. It was used for dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), amenorrhea (absent menstruation), and irregular menstruation, and infections of the female genital tract.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dose of false unicorn is 1-2 grams three times daily or an equivalent amount in tincture form.
Therapeutic Uses
Some contemporary herbalists claim that false unicorn can help balance the female reproductive system, normalizing hormone levels and optimizing ovarian action. On this basis, they recommend it for preventing miscarriages and treating infertility, dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, and morning sickness. However, there is no meaningful evidence to support any of these uses.
Some herbalists support these proposed effects by referring to the presence of the hormone-like substance diosgenin in false unicorn. They claim either that diosgenin has hormonal properties or that the body can use it to create hormones. This concept, however, is based on a widespread misconception. It is true that diosgenin is used by industrial chemists as a raw material from which to economically synthesize sex hormones. This fact has been sufficient to lead to an association in people’s minds between diosgenin and hormones. However, diosgenin itself does not have any hormonal properties, and while chemists can convert diosgenin into female hormones, the body does not do so. Some believe false unicorn can be used as an appetite stimulant, to expel intestinal worms, and to induce vomiting, but clinical studies on these claims are lacking.
Safety Issues
False unicorn has not undergone any meaningful safety evaluation. Even though it is traditionally recommended for use during pregnancy, its reputation as a uterine stimulant would seem to suggest it should not be taken by pregnant women. Safety in young children, nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
“False Unicorn Uses, Benefits & Side Effects.” Drugs.com, 10 Aug. 2023, www.drugs.com/npc/false-unicorn.html. Accessed 16 Aug. 2023.
Newall, C. A., L. A. Anderson, and J. D. Phillipson. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996.