False Unicorn Root (blazing star root, chamaelirium luteum, devil's bit, helonias, starwort, veratrum luteum)

Suggested dosing of Blazing star root, chamaelirium luteum (false unicorn root)

Dried rhizome & roots: 1-2 g decocted in a cup of water PO TId

Liquid Extract (1:1 in 45% alcohol) 1-2 mL TId

Tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol): 2-5 mL TId

Capsules: comes in different strengths, follow mfr's instructions

 

Suggested uses of Blazing star root, chamaelirium luteum (false unicorn root)

Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, threatened miscarriage due to uterine atony, vomiting in pregnancy, intestinal worms

 

Blazing star root, chamaelirium luteum (false unicorn root) adverse (side) effects

None reported

 

Warnings

Contraindications

May be advisable to avoid in pregnancy & breastfeeding or used only under physician's supervision

 

Cautions

Sometimes confused with Aletris farinosa, or true unicorn root

High doses may cause nausea & vomiting

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: not known, consult physician

Lactation: not known, consult physician

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Blazing star root, chamaelirium luteum (false unicorn root)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

 

Mechanism of action

Contains steroidal saponins, incl chaemelirin

Efficacy: unconfirmed