Used as a decoction and tincture.

False Unicorn Root, also called Starwort and Helonias, is an ancient North American female remedy, adopted by the empirical herbalists. This herb contains estrogen precursors that seem to exert hormonal activity in women that helps regulate the menstrual cycle. It also seems to relieve menstrual pain and morning sickness and aid in the prevention of miscarriage.

Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'Emetic, tonic, diuretic, vermifuge. In large doses a cardiac poison.'

'Of the greatest value in female disorders of the reproductive organs. The indication for its use is a dragging sensation in the extreme lower abdomen. It is useful in impotence, as a tonic in genito-urinary weakness or irritability, for liver and kidney diseases. Especially in diseases due to poor action of the liver and not to weakness of the heart or circulation. It is a good remedy in albuminaria.'

King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'In doses of 10 or 15 grains of the powdered root, repeated 3 or 4 times a day, it has been found very beneficial in dyspepsia, loss of appetite, and for the removal of worms.'

'It is more especially applicable in indigestion, dyspepsia, and mal-assimilation, where the trouble is reflex from, or associated with wrongs of the female reproductive apparatus. Such digestive disturbances as depend upon uterine and ovarian irritation, or upon lack of uterine activity, in chlorotic anemia, are benefited by it, as well as the gastric complications of albuminuria.'

'In diseases of the reproductive organs of females, and especially of the uterus, it is one of our most valuable agents, acting as a uterine tonic, and gradually removing abnormal conditions, while at the same time it imparts tone and vigor to the reproductive organs. Hence, it is much used in leucorrhoea, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, and to remove the tendency to repeated and successive miscarriages.'

'A particular phase removed by it is the irritability and despondency that often attends uterine troubles. In painful menstruation it has been found especially adapted to those cases in which there is pelvic fullness, a sensation as if the womb and rectum were distended with blood, and the aching, bearing-down organs feel as if they would fall out of the body.'

'Its action here is very decided when the smaller doses are employed. It is considered useful by some for the relief of the vomiting of pregnancy. Helonias is a decided tonic to the urinary tract, and has exerted some benefit in diabetes insipidus.'

'Dose of the powder, from 20 to 10 grains; of the decoction, from 2 to 4 fluid ounces; of a saturated tincture, from 10 to 30 minims; of the hydro-alcoholic extract, from 2 to 4 or 5 grains; specific helonias, 1 to 20 drops.

American Materia Medica, 1919 (Ellingwood): 'Homeopathists believe helonias to be particularly suitable for female disorders, where there is feeble constitution, where the nervous system is weakened and the patient is easily fatigued. It is restorative, promotes nutrition, promotes secretion of healthy fluids. It is peculiarly tonic.[

'Where disorders of the stomach are present with uterine or kidney disease, it should exercise a direct action. It cures amenorrhea and menorrhagia which depend on uterine atony. Where malpositions occur from weakness—loss of tone—where there is dragging sensation constantly present in the lower abdomen, or at the menstrual epoch, it is directly indicated. For the case of the worn mother who watches over the care of her charge, as well as for the young girl budding into womanhood, carefully and properly selected, this remedy will certainly give satisfactory results.'

'It will cure amenorrhea, menorrhagia, some cases of leucorrhea, and the dragging down sensations in the lower abdomen, which results from simple displacements. It will also relieve erratic pains of stomach and gastric disorders which depend upon or accompany this condition.'

'Wherever there is a tendency to uterine displacements, it should be used. If these disorders are present with threatened abortion, the remedy should be combined with viburnum, and both be given in full doses to prevent that condition. It, however, works more perfectly in combination with aletris farinosa and cimicifuga in atonic conditions, while caulophyllum and viburnum act best where irritable conditions are present. The remedy will also control hemorrhages of a passive character.'

'In addition, it is a general tonic improving the character of all the organs in their functional operations, and especially improving the tone of the digestive apparatus. It is a liver remedy of rare value, in many cases accomplishing most satisfactory results when there is deficient or perverted action.'