Health & Well-Being A-Z

False Unicorn

drawing of False Unicorn
Description

False unicorn is an herb. The underground stem (rhizome) and root are used to make medicine.


Women use false unicorn for treating ovarian cysts, menstrual problems, menopausal symptoms, vomiting from pregnancy, and infertility. Some women take it to normalize hormones after discontinuing birth control pills.


False unicorn is also used to treat digestive problems and to relieve water retention by increasing urine flow. Some people also use it to rid the intestines of worms.

Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Insufficient evidence
  • Ovarian cysts.
  • Menstrual problems.
  • Symptoms of menopause.
  • Vomiting associated with pregnancy.
  • Infertility.
  • Digestive problems.
  • Water retention.
  • Intestinal worms.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of false unicorn for these uses.

Is it Safe?

Action

False unicorn might contain chemicals that stimulate the uterus and kill intestinal worms. It might also increase the production of urine.

Safety

There is not enough information to know if false unicorn is safe when used as a medicine. Large doses can cause nausea and vomiting.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's UNSAFE to use false unicorn if you are pregnant. It might cause uterine contractions and threaten the pregnancy.

Not enough is known about the safety of using false unicorn during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Stomach or intestinal disorders (gastrointestinal disorders): False unicorn can irritate the stomach and intestines. Don't use it if you have any problems with your stomach or intestines.

Drug interactions

Lithium

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

False unicorn might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking false unicorn might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. False unicorn might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking false unicorn along with some medications that are changed by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking false unicorn, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), clozapine (Clozaril), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), donepezil (Aricept), fentanyl (Duragesic), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), olanzapine (Zyprexa), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), trazodone (Desyrel), and others.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. False unicorn might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking false unicorn along with some medications that are changed by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking false unicorn talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

The appropriate dose of false unicorn depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for false unicorn. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Other names

Alétris, Blazing Star, Chamaelire Doré, Chamaelirium luteum, Chamaelirium carolinianum, Fairywand, Fausse Licorne, Helonias, Helonias dioica, Helonias lutea, Plante Étoilée, Starwort, Unicornio Falso, Veratrum luteum.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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