Helonias Dioica

False unicorn root, a North American woodland plant, traditionally used in homoeopathy for tired, backachy women with a dragging feeling in the pelvis.

Helonias dioica, now named Chamaelirium luteum, is false unicorn root, a perennial of moist woods in eastern North America. It forms a rosette of leaves from which rises a slender spike of tiny white flowers, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The root is the part used, and wild stocks are under pressure from collection.

Homoeopaths traditionally use it for women worn out by overwork or illness, with a dragging, heavy feeling in the lower back and pelvis, aching that eases when the mind is kept busy, and heavy periods. It is also associated with low mood and with weakness around the menopause.

• Dragging pelvic weakness
• Backache and tiredness
• Heavy periods
• Low mood
• Menopausal weakness