'colicroot' originates from the English words 'colic' and 'root', where 'colic' referred to abdominal pain and 'root' indicated the plant's part used for medicinal purposes.

'colicroot' has been used in herbal medicine since the 18th century, maintaining its name and usage over time.

Initially, it was used to refer to the plant's root used for treating colic, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.