PCOS test is based on the Rotterdam criteria for diagnosing PCOS.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
False Unicorn Root: A Rare Herb For Getting Pregnant
Sep 3, 2017Irregular & painful periods and the inability to get pregnant are some of the most common symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS.) Because it is a complex condition, some women don’t even realize they have been suffering from PCOS for years. A few irregular periods are normal and expected, after all. Many of us don’t know something isn’t right until we try to get pregnant.
If that’s been the case with you, false unicorn root may just be the right herb for you. It is an all-natural aid to help with menstrual regularity and also boost your fertility,
False Unicorn & Its Benefits For Fertility
False unicorn root is popularly known as a fertility herb. Herbalists and naturopaths have found it to be an effective for:
- As a health tonic for the reproductive organs
- Restoring hormonal balance
- Regulating menstrual cycle
- Easing menstrual pain
- Treating menstrual cramps
- Preventing vaginal dryness
- Preventing miscarriage
- Treating a prolapsed uterus
- Shrinking ovarian cysts
- Boosting fertility
- As a natural diuretic to keep bloating at bay
Scientists are still trying to study false unicorn in detail. An investigation of false unicorn root in 2011 led to the isolation of two new plant steroids from it. The investigation was done by The American Chemical Society and American Society of Pharmacognosy. Further research in 2012 led to the isolation of more plant steroids from false unicorn root. These studies suggest the use of false unicorn as an estrogen regulator. This property of the herb may contribute to menstrual cycle regulation. This would also explain why false unicorn root works well for all hormonal ailments in women.
How Does False Unicorn Work For PCOS?
A tonic made with false unicorn root interacts with the body’s estrogen receptor sites. It’s believed that this process increases estrogen levels in the body. This process aids the ovaries to produce a mature egg during ovulation.
PCOS comes with a failure to ovulate and menstruate in 50% of the patients. As a result, false unicorn root can be especially helpful for these patients. If you’re also trying to get pregnant, this herb can be a double blessing. Many PCOS patients turn to this herb to normalize hormones when they discontinue birth control pills.
What is False Unicorn Root?
False Unicorn Root is an herbaceous perennial. It is native to North America, but is also found in abundance in eastern Canada. This beautiful flowering herb is known by many other names. Fairywand, helionas dioica, devil’s bit and blazing star root are other common names for the same herb.
The roots and dried rhizome of False Unicorn have medicinal use. These were used as a Native American herbal remedy to normalize periods and boost fertility.
How To Use False Unicorn Root?
The herb combines well with Echinacea and Vitex Agnus Castus (chasteberry) to treat other symptoms of PCOS. These combinations alleviate PMS symptoms and treat chronic pelvic inflammation.
- The easiest way to use False Unicorn root is to brew a cup of healing tea with it. Add 1 teaspoon of the dried root into a cup of water. Allow it to come to a boil. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. Let the tea cool down before sipping on it. You may have a cup of this tea up to 3 times a day.
- You can also find pre-made false unicorn root tincture. If buying this, take 2- 4ml thrice daily.
- If you are buying dried false unicorn root powder, take 1-2gm thrice a day.
This potent herb should only be used after consulting with a naturopathic physician or skilled herbalist. Never combine false unicorn root with estrogen replacement drugs without discussing with your doctor. It can be toxic in large doses and adversely affect your cardiac health.
False Unicorn Root Is Rare and Precious
A word for the wise: Wild harvesting of False Unicorn Root has made the herb as an endangered one. As this herb gained fame for its abilities to regulate menstruation and prevent miscarriage, the natural crop started to suffer. Once the rhizome root (from which the herbal medicine is made) is harvested, it doesn’t grow back. Despite great effort, regrowth of the rhizome by cultivators across the U.S. has shown little to no success. For this reason, we urge you to use this medicinal herb responsibly. Also, you should only buy it from reliable sources. Always opt for ethically wildcrafted or grown organically sources.
This is also the reason you may find False Unicorn Root to be somewhat expensive. If you’re looking for other more affordable herbal options, we recommend Vitex Agnus Castus, Licorice and Dong Quai for PCOS.
Want To Explore More? Checkout Sepalika Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) Program
Maneera is a health and fitness enthusiast who is also a firm believer in the power of dietary supplements. A health buff, she likes to help others improve their overall well-being by achieving the right balance between nutrition, exercise and mindfulness.
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References:
The Truth about False Unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum): Total Synthesis of 23R,24S-Chiograsterol B Defines the Structure and Stereochemistry of the Major Saponins from this Medicinal Herb – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/chem.201100503/full
Structure and Absolute Configuration of Helosides A and B, New Saponins from Chamaelirium luteum – https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/np200100a
Structure and Bioactivity of Steroidal Saponins Isolated from the Roots of Chamaelirium luteum (False Unicorn) – https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/np300393y