Native Americans employed false unicorn root prior to European settlement. The Eclectic physicians used Helonias root as a tonic to strengthen the female reproductive organs, especially the uterus. A physician would prescribe Helonias for a woman complaining of irritability, general weakness, and lower abdominal or lumbar heaviness/ discomfort.³ The goal of treatment for the woman was balancing of her reproductive function, especially in conditions of laxity.^5,6 A pregnant woman might take it for vomiting or to prevent spontaneous abortion. Helonias may smooth the transition to menopause, treat leucorrhea, amenorrhea, or ovarian dysmenorrhea.^1,3,5 Herbalists today may combine Helonias root with chaste berry (Vitex agnus castus) and St. JohnÕs wort (Hypericum spp.) as a uterine tonic.^5,6

Eclectic physicians also used Helonias as a diuretic, to treat strangury (slow, painful, spasmodic urination), jaundice, atonic dyspepsia, and nephritis associated with depression.³ A Thomsonian practitioner, Dr. Sweet, put together a combination of herbs known as MotherÕs Cordial, using water and alcohol extractions. The preparation, which is still used today, contains 4 parts partridge berry (Mitchella repens), to one part each of false unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum), blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), and cramp bark (Viburnum opulus).³