Evidence supporting the use of: False Unicorn
For the health condition: Cramps (menstrual)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
False Unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly within North American indigenous and eclectic medical practices of the 19th and early 20th centuries. It has often been recommended for various "female complaints," a term historically encompassing a range of gynecological issues such as menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and symptoms related to menopause. The root of the plant was used in decoctions or tinctures, either alone or in combination with other herbs, to address menstrual cramps and promote reproductive health. The rationale was largely empirical, based on anecdotal reports and tradition rather than controlled studies or clear mechanistic understanding.
Despite its traditional use, there is a lack of modern scientific evidence to validate the effectiveness of False Unicorn for treating menstrual cramps. No high-quality clinical trials or pharmacological studies have been published that specifically examine its efficacy or safety for this purpose. The plant contains steroidal saponins, which have been speculated to exert hormone-modulating effects, but this remains unproven in humans. As a result, the support for using False Unicorn to treat menstrual cramps is primarily traditional, with a very limited evidence base, justifying a low evidence score.
Other ingredients used for Cramps (menstrual)
black currantcalcium
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
ginger
green tea
licorice root
magnesium
motherwort
parsley
peppermint oil
pomegranate
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
anise
queen of the meadow
Angelica
Alchemilla
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Blue Cohosh
Bethroot
black salt
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cowslip
Celosia
False Unicorn Root
Pennyroyal
Other health conditions supported by False Unicorn
Afterbirth PainAmenorrhea
Cramps (menstrual)
Infertility
Labor and Delivery
Menstrual Irregularity
Ovarian Pain
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Urination (burning or painful)