Blue Flag Tincture

Iris versicolor

Common name: Blue flag

Family: Iridaceae

Part used: Rhizome

Habitat: Perennial rhizomatous plant with sword shaped leaves and 30-60cm tall stem. The flowers are large iris shaped and a rich blue colour. Blue flag is native to moist, swampy areas or on the margins of waterways in North America but cultivated widely. 

Constituents: Resin (up to 25%), tannins, volatile oil, triterpenoids and others

Actions: 

• cholagogue
• hepatic
• alterative
• laxative
• diuretic
• anti-inflammatory
• anti-emetic (small doses)
• emetic (large doses)

Traditional and current uses:

Blue Flag consists of the dried rhizome of Iris versicolor. It is primarily used in the treatment of skin diseases, and is thought to work in this area due to its effect on detoxification pathways in the liver. Herbalists often use it as part of a wider treatment for eczema and psoriasis. It’s primary actions are:

Kings American Dispensatory (1898) lists specific indications and usage for Blue Flag:

The specific indications for iris may be stated as fullness of thyroid gland; enlarged spleen; chronic hepatic complaints, with sharp, cutting pain, aggravated by motion; nausea and vomiting of sour liquids, or regurgitation of food, especially after eating rich pastry or fats; watery, burning bowel discharges; enlarged lymphatics, soft and yielding; rough, greasy conditions of the skin; disorders of sebaceous follicles; abnormal dermal pigmentation; menstrual wrongs, with thyroid fullness; unilateral facial neuralgia; muscular atrophy and other wastings of the tissues; bad blood.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Urban Fringe Dispensary disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.