Chamaelirium luteum/
Helonius dioica
| False unicorn Chamaelirium luteum/ Helonius dioica |
False unicorn - Chamaelirium luteum/Helonius dioica (in the Liliaceae or Lily family)
Parts used: Rhizome.
Taste/smell: Slightly acrid, bitter.
Dosage: Decoction: 1 teaspoon of herb per cup of water, or 1:4 dry strength liquid extract: 30-60 drops 1-4 times per day.
Mental picture and specific indications: Heaviness and congestion in the pelvis with the sensation that the pelvic organs are falling out. The patient feels lumbar pain, pain down the thighs and the back of the legs, restlessness and general weakness. The patient often has a history of hemorrhoids, varicose veins of the legs and labial varicosities.
Use: (a) Diuretic, (b) Reproductive tonic for both sexes, (c) Cerebrospinal trophorestorative.
False unicorn is indicated in atonic conditions such as uterine or bladder atony or prolapse, vaginal laxity and passive hemorrhage and menorrhagia. It is also used with dysmenorrhea due to atony, and habitual miscarriages due to incompetent cervix. The root contains 0.0013% diosgenin. This root is often confused on the market with Aletris farinosa. Chamaelirium has fleshy roots with fibers coming out of them, while Aletris roots are small thread-like fibers.