Colic root

Aletris farinosa

Colic root - a perennial herb. Its single stalk grows 1 - 3 feet high from the center of a rosette of pale green, lily like leaves 2 - 7 inches long. Tiny white urn-shaped flowers (May-August), 1/4 - 1/2 inch long, form a spike along the upper part of the leafless stalk. The fruits are leathery egg-shaped capsules containing many seeds. The "root" is actually a rhizome, or underground stem.

Colic root enjoys a degree of medicinal celebrity to the present day. Colic root was listed as a therapeutic herb in the U.S. Pharmacopeia in the 19th century and in the National Formulary until 1947, when the herb lost medicinal standing for lack of conclusive scientific data regarding its usefulness. Current research suggests, however, that colic root may offer some relief for intestinal muscle spasms, the cause of some colic.

The Indians in North America were the first to experiment with colic root, which is native to the eastern United States. For stomachaches, colic, dysentery, and menstrual disorders they took a bitter-tasting tea made from the plant's roots or leaves. The settlers of Appalachia adopted these uses, adding a few of their own. They applied a poultice of the leaves for the relief of aching backs and sore breasts. Sometimes they used a potent drink of dried and powdered colic root mixed with whiskey or brandy, which surely reduced the pain by one means or the other.

Other names

• Ague Grass
• Ague Root
• Aletris
• Aloeroot
• Crow Com
• Star Grass
• True Unicorn Root

Parts used

Rhizome, root, leaves.

Uses

Colic root should not be confused with false unicorn root. Colic root is an excellent remedy for sluggish digestion, which may give rise to dyspepsia, flatulence and debility. Its bitter nature will stimulate the digestive process and so it often relieves anorexia (appetite loss). Another name for colic root is true unicorn root which shows its value in the treatment of digestive colic. As all these conditions often have a nervous involvement, this herb has been called a nervine. However, its benefit in anxiety is based on an easing of the physical aspects rather than on a direct relaxation of the nerves. Colic root is reported to be of value in threatened miscarriage, but false unicorn root is preferable here.

Habitat & cultivation

Native to eastern North America, colic root grows mainly in swamps and wet, sandy woodland, especially near the seashore. Colic root is harvested commercially in Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Constituents

Colic root contains steroidal saponins based on diosgenin, as well as a bitter principle; volatile oil, and a resin.

How much to take

Decoction: put 1/2 - 1 tea-spoonful of the root in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 - 15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 1 - 2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Collection & harvesting

The underground parts of colic root are unearthed at the end of flowering in August, washed and cut into pieces and then dried.

Back To Top