Unicorn Root - Colic Root, White colicroot

Aletris farinosa

Physical Characteristics

Aletris farinosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - Southern Maine to Florida, west to Texas and Wisconsin.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Bulb - cooked[105, 161, 177]. Intensely bitter[2]. A bitter-sweet soapy taste[238].

Medicinal Uses

Antiflatulent Antiinflammatory Appetite Stimulants Appetizer Bitter Diuretic Dysentery Narcotic Tonic The greatest value of unicorn root is its tonic influence on the female generative organs, proving to be of great use in treating cases of habitual miscarriages[4]. Used for gynaecological disorders or 'female complaints' in the US including dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea and prolapsed vagina complaints [301]. It also promotes the appetite and is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, rheumatism and jaundice[222]. The root is bitter, diuretic, narcotic and tonic[1, 21, 46, 213]. Only use the dried rootstock[21], in large doses the fresh root is somewhat narcotic, emetic and cathartic[4]. A decoction of the root is a bitter tonic and has been used for expelling flatulence and for various uterine disorders[207, 222]. It is used in the treatment of colic, though small doses, especially of the fresh root[4], can cause hypogastric colic[222]. The root is harvested in late summer after flowering and dried for later use[238]. The root contains diosgenin, which has both anti-inflammatory and oestrogenic properties[222]. A tea of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colic, stomach disorders, dysentery and bloody dysentery[213, 257].

Known Hazards

The fresh root is mildly poisonous[21] causing abdominal discomfort (hypogastric). May lead to colic, diarrhoea and vomiting. As used to treat amenorrhoea avoid during pregnancy [301].