Unicorn Root Aletris farinosa


Aletris farinosa
Curtis's Botanical Magazine v. 34 (1811)
  • Common Names
  • Unicorn Root - Colic Root , Star grass, ague-root, true unicorns root, devils bit
  • Botanical Name
  • Aletris farinosa
  • Family
  • LILIACEAE
Share

Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Unicorn Root - Colic Root

remedyHow to Use| Side Effects | Plant & Garden|

How to Use: Unicorn Root


The bitter tasting roots are known best as a female tonic, and a useful uterine sedative that used in cases of chronic miscarriage (do not self prescribe, see a licensed practitioner for this condition).

Preparation Methods & Dosage :The useful properties are better extracted by alcohol rather than in tea. Small doses of 5 to 10 drops of tincture are prescribed in Potter's Cyclopaedia.


Unicorn Root Side Effects: Overuse can cause nausea

^ Top^

Plant Description


  • Plant Class: Perennial
  • Etymology: From the Latin farinosa meaning mealy
  • Flowers: Tall flower stalk with insignificant flowers are a good necar source for butterflys
  • Parts used: Rhizome
  • Leaves:Flat rosette
  • Flowering Season: May to August
  • Distribution/habitat: Native to the southern US. Found in sandy and grassy open woods from Florida to Texas north to Maine and Wisconsin

How to Grow Unicorn Root

Plant prefers sun and moist, sandy, acidic soils.


History and Traditions & Folklore

It was used as a component in Lydia Pinkham's original Vegetable Compound.
References:
books citedWorks Cited
  1. Nelson Coon. "Using Plants for Healing", (1963),pg. 52 Rodale