Common Name: |
Aloe Root |
Other Names: |
Ague Root, Blazing Star, Colic Root, Star Grass, Starwort, True Unicorn Root, Unicorn Root |
Botanical Name: |
Aletris farinosa |
Genus: |
Aletris |
Family: |
Melanthiaceae |
Native Location: |
SE USA to Mexico |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained peaty or sandy soil in sun. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring |
Harvest: |
Rhizomes are lifted in late summer after flowering and dried for use in elixirs, liquid extracts and powders. |
Height: |
30-90cm (1-3ft) |
Width: |
15cm (6in) |
Hardiness: |
Z5-9 |
Parts Used: |
Rhizomes, Root, Leaves |
Chemical Constituents: |
Diosgenin
Resin
Saponins
Volatile Oils
|
Properties: |
A bittersweet, soapy-tasting, tonic herb that relieves spasms, especially in the digestive and female pelvic organs. |
Known Effects: |
Reduces smooth-muscle spasms
Miscellaneous Information:
Serves as a base substance to produce synthetic progesterone (a female hormone).
|
Possible Additional Effects: |
May treat painful menstruation
May decrease chances of miscarriage
May soothe sore breasts
May relieve flatulence
May relieve arthritis
|
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for flatulent colic, nervous dyspepsia, anorexia, womb prolapse, and menstrual problems. Rhizomes are always used dried; if fresh they can cause diarrhea, colic, and dizziness. To treat rheumatism, relieve menstrual complaints, and treat infertility. |
Typical Dose: |
A typical dose of aletris may range from 0.3 to 0.6gm of powdered root taken three times daily. |
Possible Side Effects: |
Aletris's side effects include colic and vertigo. |
Warnings and Precautions: |
Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future
Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis
Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herbs for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs
Pregnancy:
Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor
Breastfeeding:
Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor
Infants and Children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
Others:
None are expected if you are beyond childhood, under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it only for a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dose.
Storage:
Store in cool, dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
Store safely out of reach of children.
Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.
Safe Dosage:
Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
|
Drug Interactions: |
Taking aletris with these drugs may interfere with the action of the drug. |
Aluminum Hydroxide, (AlternaGel, Alu-Cap) |
Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Carbonate, (Gaviscon Extra Strength, Gaviscon Liquid) |
Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide, (Maalox, Rulox) |
Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, and Simethicone, (Maalox, Mylanta Liquid) |
Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Trisilicate, (Gaviscon Tablet) |
Calcium Carbonate, (Rolaids Extra Strength, Tums) |
Calcium Carbonate and Magnesium Hydroxide, (Mylanta Gelcaps, Rolaids Extra Strength) |
Cimetidine, (Nu-Cimet, Tagamet) |
Esomeprazole, (Nexium) |
Famotidine, (Apo-Famotidine, Pepcid) |
Famotidine, Calcium Carbonate, and Magnesium Hydroxide, (Pepsid Complete) |
Lansoprazole, (Prevacid) |
Magaldrate and Simethicone, (Riopan Plus, Riopan Plus Double Strength) |
Magnesium Hydroxide, (Dulcolax Milk of Magnesia, Phillips' Milk of Magnesia) |
Magnesium Oxide, (Mag-Ox 400, Uro-mag) |
Magnesium Sulfate, (Epsom Salts) |
Nizatidine, (Axid, PMS-Nizatidine) |
Omeprazale, (Losec, Prilosec) |
Pantoprazole, (Pantoloc, Protonix) |
Rabeprazole, (Aciphex, Pariet) |
Ranitidine, (Alti-Ranitidine, Zantac) |
Sodium Bicarbonate, (Brioschi, Neut) |
Sucralfate, (Carafate, Sulcrate) |
|
Disease Interactions: |
- May worsen inflammatory or infectious gastrointestinal ailments by irritating the gastrointestinal tract.
- This herb may have estrogen-like effects and should not be used by women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive conditions.
|
Toxicity: |
Rated slightly dangerous particularly in children, persons over 55 and those who take larger than appropriate quantities for extended periods of time. |
Adverse Reactions, Side Effects, or Overdose Symptoms: |
Signs and Symptoms |
What to Do |
|
Diarrhea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
Lethargy |
Discontinue. Call doctor when convenient. |
Vomiting |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
|
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 110 The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 by Barry Fox,PhD pp 29-30 Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 455-456 |