True Unicorn
True Unicorn
Aletris farinosa
AKA: Colic root, Star grass, True unicorn root
Portrait: Perennial. Native to eastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. Commercially cultivated in Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Favors grassy or sandy woodlands in coastal regions. White, frosty-looking, bell-shaped flowers bloom from May to August.
Medicinal Element: Leaves, roots
Herbal Properties: Cathartic, emetic, tonic
Summary: True unicorn, infrequently used by today’s herbalists, is somewhat of an enigma in that its active chemical constituents are relatively unstable and completely dependent upon its freshness. It is a very bitter herb sometimes prescribed to alleviate intestinal gas and indigestion, to tone the stomach, and improve appetite. It may also be suggested for treating rheumatism, gout, and arthritis. True unicorn is most often used to relieve menstrual pain and normalize the menstrual cycle. Some women have taken this herb during specific points in pregnancy to prevent miscarriage. True unicorn is potentially toxic and may induce gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps when taken in excess. This herb should only be used under the supervision of a knowledgeable and experienced herbalist.
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