Unicorn Root - Colic Root, White colicroot
Aletris farinosa

Family: Liliaceae

What it is like

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.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Grassy or sandy woodlands, in dry or moist peats, sands and gravels, especially on the seashore

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

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Bulb - cooked. Intensely bitter. A bitter-sweet soapy taste.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 3

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. Used for gynaecological disorders or 'female complaints' in the US including dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea and prolapsed vagina complaints . It also promotes the appetite and is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, rheumatism and jaundice. The root is bitter, diuretic, narcotic and tonic. Only use the dried rootstock, in large doses the fresh root is somewhat narcotic, emetic and cathartic. A decoction of the root is a bitter tonic and has been used for expelling flatulence and for various uterine disorders. It is used in the treatment of colic, though small doses, especially of the fresh root, can cause hypogastric colic. The root is harvested in late summer after flowering and dried for later use. The root contains diosgenin, which has both anti-inflammatory and oestrogenic properties. A tea of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colic, stomach disorders, dysentery and bloody dysentery.

Antiflatulent: Reduces flatulence, particularly gas from eating legumes. See also Carminative.

Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.

Appetite Stimulants: Increases appetite

Appetizer: Improves the appetite

Bitter: Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.

Narcotic: Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a damp sunny position in peat, leafmold and sand. Requires a sunny position. Plants are hardy to between -10 and -15°c.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Sow the seed thinly to allow the seedlings to be grown on for their first year without potting them up, but give a liquid feed from time to time to ensure that they do not become nutrient deficient. Prick the young plants out into individual pots the following spring and grow them on in the greenhouse for the next winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

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

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Aletris alba Michx. Aletris lucida Raf.