True unicorn root. Star Grass. Aletris farinosa L. Dried rhizomes and roots.
Action. Estrogenic, due to diosgenin-derived steroid. Stomachic, anorexic, sedative, bitter tonic (fresh plant).
Uses: Relaxed conditions of the womb. Lack of vitality in teenage girls and menopausal women from blood loss or nutritional deficiency. Used in pregnancy when Raspberry leaf tea is not well tolerated. Sometimes advised for threatened miscarriage but Helonias (False Unicorn root) more effective. Loss of appetite, flatulence, dyspepsia, colic. Rheumatism (Appalachia Indians). Prolapse of the womb. Dysmenorrhoea.
Preparations: Yields very little of its properties to water.
Liquid Extract BHP (1983) 1:1 in 45 per cent alcohol; dose, 5-15 drops in water.
Powdered root: 0.3-0.6 grams.
Poultice for sore and painful breasts (A. Vogel).
Whites. A whitish or yellowish discharge from the vagina due to inflammation of the mucus membrane. Infection of the womb is a common cause, either by trichomonas or sexually transmitted disease. Often a symptom of general debility and toxic state.
Alternatives. General use: Aletris, Avens, Bayberry, Beth root, Bistort, Black Catechu, Cranesbill, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Helonias, Life root, Marigold, Mountain Grape, Myrrh, Nasturtium, Yarrow, Oak bark, Periwinkle (greater), White Pond Lily, Wild Indigo, Horsetail, Deadnettle, Ladies Mantle, Raspberry leaves.
Internal. Tea. Combination. Equal Parts: Ladies Mantle, Raspberry leaves. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup freely.
Tablets/capsules. Raspberry leaves, Helonias, Cranesbill, Echinacea. Goldenseal.
Formula. Echinacea 2; Goldenseal 1; Myrrh half. Doses – Liquid Extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: one to two 5ml teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.
BHP (1983) combination: Helonias and Beth root. Vaginal douche. 1oz Raspberry leaves to 1 pint boiling water. Allow to cool. Add: 5-10 drops Tincture Goldenseal. Inject warm. Alternative: 1oz Marigold flowers (or herb) to 1 pint boiling water. Allow to cool. Add: 5-10 drops Tincture Myrrh. Tampon may be immersed and inserted into the vagina, after douching. ... leucorrhoea
Phytoestrogens. Oestrogens are steroid sex hormones secreted mainly by the ovary, and in smaller amounts by the adrenals, testes and placenta. They control sexual development and regulate the menstrual cycle. In puberty they are responsible for pubic hair and secondary female sex characteristics.
Some herbs, having a similar effect, are known as oestrogenics, and which are given usually during days 1 to 14 of the menstrual cycle for oestrogen-deficiency disorders: night sweats, hot flushes, urinary and menopausal problems.
This group should not be given to patients taking oestrogens of orthodox pharmacy, or in the presence of growths on the female organs: fibroids, endometriosis, cancer, cysts. It has an important role in the metabolism of amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
More than 300 plants are known to possess oestrogenic activity including wholewheat and soya products.
Important oestrogenics: Aniseed, Beth root, Black Cohosh, Elder, Don quai, Evening Primrose, Fennel, Helonias (False Unicorn root), Hops, Liquorice, Sage, Sarsaparilla, True Unicorn root (Aletris). Any one, or more in combination, may be used for symptoms of the menopause or oestrogen deficiency.
The closer we enhance ovarian and uterine function to give true hormone replacement, the more effective is the science of phytotherapy.
See: OSTEOPOROSIS. ... oestrogens
Health Encyclopedia