False Unicorn Root

History and Uses:
False Unicorn Root is an herbaceous perennial found in low, moist ground in the eastern United States, which flowers in May and June. The stem grows from one to three feet high and is simple, smooth and angular. The leaves are alternate and spatulate below and lanceolate above, growing to eight inches in length, narrow at the base and formed into a whorl. The plant also produces numerous, small, greenish-white flowers in a dense, six-inch, terminal raceme, nodding like a plume. False Unicorn contains the constituent, chamaelirin, a fatty acid. The herb is considered an emetic, tonic, diuretic and vermifuge. False Unicorn Root is of greatest value in female disorders of the reproductive organs, and the indication for its use is a dragging sensation in the extreme lower abdomen. It is said to be useful in impotence, as a tonic in genitourinary weakness or irritability, for liver and kidney diseases, especially in diseases due to poor action of the liver and not to weakness of the heart or circulation. It is also thought to be a good remedy in albuminaria. False Unicorn Root has been useful in the treatment of loss of appetite and nausea, and is believed to be helpful for the expulsion of worms. False Unicorn Root has been compared to Korean (Panax) Ginseng in its overall effectiveness as an herbal remedy for numerous ailments.