Blazing star, Chamaelirium luteum, devil’s bit, drooping starwort, fairy-wand, helonias root, rattlesnake
False unicorn root, which is derived from Chamaelirium luteum, contains the steroid saponin mixture chamaelirin. Other components that have been isolated from the root extract are oleic, linoleic, and stearic acids. Chamaelirin is believed to be responsible for the oxytocic, diuretic, and anthelmintic effects of the herb. The herb was first used by practitioners in the Eclectic medical movement of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Its chief use was for treating amenorrhea and morning sickness. Although the root probably has no effect on uterine tissue, it may exert its effect by increasing human chorionic gonadotropin release. False unicorn root is available as dried root or rhizome, liquid extract, and tincture.
Reported uses
False unicorn is used to treat dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and morning sickness. It’s also used as an appetite stimulant, anthelmintic, diuretic, emetic, and insecticide, and as a uterine tonic taken during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage.
Administration
- Tea: by mouth three times a day
- Liquid extract (45% alcohol): 1 to 2 ml(20 to 40 gtt) by mouth three times a day
- Tincture (45% alcohol): 2 to 5 ml (112 to 1 tsp) by mouth three times a day.
Hazards
Adverse reactions associated with false unicorn root include gastric upset and vomiting. When administered with estrogen and progesterone, false unicorn root may alter the action of hormones that affect the uterus.
The safety of false unicorn in pregnancy can’t be guaranteed.
Clinical considerations
- Many tinctures contain between 25% and 45% alcohol and shouldn’t be used by alcoholic patients, those with liver disease, or those taking a drug such as disulfiram, metronidazole, a barbiturate, a benzodiazepine, or a cephalosporin.
- High doses may cause stomach upset and vomiting.
- Advise patient not to use false unicorn root without consulting her health care provider, especially if she’s pregnant or breast-feeding.
- Warn patient not to delay seeking appropriate medical evaluation because doing so may delay diagnosis of a potentially serious medical condition.
- Instruct patient to stop taking this herb and to contact a health care provider immediately if he experiences difficulty breathing, hives, itchy or swollen skin, or a rash.
- Tell patient to remind pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a conventional treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
The concepts behind the use of false unicorn root and the claims made regarding its effects haven’t yet been validated scientifically.





