FALSE UNICORN ROOT

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Description

A herbaceous perennial found in low moist ground east of the Mississippi and

flowering in May and June. Stem 1 to 3 feet high, simple, smooth, angular;

leaves alternate, spatulate below, lanceolate above, radical leaves, 8

inches long, 1/2 inch wide, narrow at base and formed into a whorl; flowers

numerous, small, greenish white, bractless, dioecious, in a dense, terminal

raceme, nodding like a plume, 6 inches long, petals of such flowers narrow,

stamens longer than the petals, filaments tapering; anthers terminal, two

lobed; petals of female flowers linear; stamens short; ovary ovate,

triangular, furrowed; stigmas three-capsule, oblong, three-furrowed, opening

at summit; fruit many, compressed, acute; rhizome bulbous, terminating

abruptly, 1 inch long; odour faint; taste bitter. Solvents: alcohol, water.

Medicinal Action and Uses

Emetic, tonic, diuretic, vermifuge. In large doses a cardiac poison. Of the

greatest value in female disorders of the reproductive organs. The

indication for its use is a dragging sensation in the extreme lower abdomen.

It is useful in impotence, as a tonic in genito-urinary 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 a good remedy in albuminaria.

Preparations

Fluid extract, 5 to 30 drops. Helonin, 2 to 4 grains. Specific helonias, 1

to 20 drops. Mix with orange juice, or other juices.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Diverticulitis, diverticulosis, duodenal ulcer, esophageal reflux,

gastrointestinal disease, GI hypersensitivity, hormone replacement therapy,

lactation, oral contraceptives, pregnancy, spastic colitis, stomach ulcer,

ulcerative colitis.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are

possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if

hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation

of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may

potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium

therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia;

may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia. Use of

this herb may interfere with and/or reduce the effectiveness of oral

contraceptives and sex hormones

SIDE EFFECTS

(Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects) GI irritation. Excessive

use may cause irritation of the digestive system, characterized by chronic

abdominal cramps, nausea, colic, hematochezia, watery diarrhea, gastritis,

mouth and throat blisters.

Prevention of Miscarriage

Tea: Decoction: put l-2 teaspoonfuls of the root in a cup of water, bring to

boiling and simmer gently for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three

times a day. For threatened miscarriage it may be drunk copiously. Tincture:

take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Hart