The greatest value of unicorn root is its tonic influence on the female generative organs, proving to be of great use in treating cases of habitual miscarriages[4]. Used for gynaecological disorders or 'female complaints' in the US including dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea and prolapsed vagina complaints [301]. It also promotes the appetite and is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, rheumatism and jaundice[222]. The root is bitter, diuretic, narcotic and tonic[1, 21, 46, 213]. Only use the dried rootstock[21], in large doses the fresh root is somewhat narcotic, emetic and cathartic[4]. A decoction of the root is a bitter tonic and has been used for expelling flatulence and for various uterine disorders[207, 222]. It is used in the treatment of colic, though small doses, especially of the fresh root[4], can cause hypogastric colic[222]. The root is harvested in late summer after flowering and dried for later use[238]. The root contains diosgenin, which has both anti-inflammatory and oestrogenic properties[222]. A tea of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colic, stomach disorders, dysentery and bloody dysentery[213, 257].