If you are looking for a way to treat a female reproductive disorder by taking a natural approach, consider a Native American remedy called helonias, interestingly called ‘false unicorn root.’ In American and British herbal medicine, helonias has been used to treat menstrual cycle problems and ovarian cysts. It is also quite beneficial for those looks to fight menopausal symptoms. In this article, you will learn a bit more about the herb.
Reaching heights of three feet, helonias is a perennial that showcases long green leaves and green-white flowers. The reason why the plant has received so many fantasy-like references (such as ‘fairywands’ and ‘false unicorn horn’) is because of the shape of the flowers, which grow to resemble such nicknames. When searching for helonias in North America, one of the best places to look is in the Mississippi River region, where the ground is moist and well-drained. Harvested from the wild, the plant is rarely cultivated. The flowers bloom in the early part of the summer and the rot is dug up in the fall.
Although the therapeutic benefits of the plant are known in many circles, there is a lack of research regarding its use in the world of medicine. Western herbalists note that helonias work wonders for menstrual and uterine issues. This is due in part because the plant contains steroidal saponins, which can cause stimulation in the uterus.
Uses for False Unicorn Root
Traditionally, false unicorn root was used primarily to treat ailments that concerned women. There is evidence to show that people in Arkansas used the herb to treat wounds and ulcers. From 1916 to 1947, the root was also listed in the US National Formulary as a uterine tonic and diuretic. Some people also used the herb to ease the symptoms of digestive problems. Today, helonias was seen as a prime remedy for people looking to ease the discomfort of uterine conditions. Herbalists of today may prescribe helonias for a woman that suffers an irregular or absent menstrual cycle.
Other ways that false unicorn root is used to treat medical concerns, include decreasing estrogen and progesterone levels , easing digestive woes, treating infections of the uterus, eliminating ovarian cysts, and treating endometriosis.
Preparing False Unicorn Root
The root is the part of the plant that supplies herbalists with substances that act in the same manner as steroids. In the past, Native American women chewed on the root as a way to prevent a miscarriage from taking place. Ways to prepare helonias includes:
· Tablets: Tablets that oftentimes contain other medicinal herbs can be used to treat menopausal symptoms.
· Decoction: If you chop the root to create a decoction, you can treat menopausal symptoms by taking ½ cup for two times per day.
· Tincture: When looking for a long-term treatment for uterine issues, make a tincture to use as a tonic that is taken three times per day. The suggested dose is 10 drops.