Herbal Pharmacy – Blue flag iris

By Jeremy Johnson, PharmD, PhD on

Blue flag has been used by Native Americans for hundreds of years. In fact, the US Pharmacopoeia has it listed as having many medicinal properties.

Latin name

Iris Versicolor

Part of the plant used

Rhizome (roots)

Phytochemicals present in the plant

alkaloid, salicylic acid, acids, volatile oil, polysaccharides, phytosterols, tannin, resin and gum

Other names for this plant include

flag lily, water flag, iris, liver lily, snake lily, poison flag

MEDICINAL USES

Promote secretion – If secretion is blocked or limited blue flag can help promote secretion. Examples would include the gastrointestinal tract, lymph. For example, if the lymp glands are swollen this can help promote fluid secretions for relief.

Liver stimulation – If the liver is sluggish bile acid production can be increased to help relieve blocked bile ducts and establish normal function. This tends to be done in a gentle way

Clear skin eruptions – A natural benefit of promoting a healthy liver is that the skin will be cleared through the cleansing of blood.

Endocrine system – The phytochemicals in blue flag can help normalize mood, thyroid and hot flashes.

Contraindications – This should only be used for a short period of time. Do not use for long periods of time.

Herbal Pharmacy Recipes

Decoction – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cup. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes covered. Use one time daily as neeed

Tincture – 3 to 15 drops taken 1 to 2 times daily as needed.

Harvesting

This is best to harvest in the fall.

Author
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Jeremy Johnson, PharmD, PhD

Dr. Johnson is a tenured associate Professor and licensed Pharmacist.

His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.

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