Blue Flag Root Profile
Also known as
Iris versicolor, Wild Iris, Flag Lily, Liver Lily, Snake Lily, Fleur-de-lis, Dragon Lily, Poison Flag, Dagger Flower, Dragon Flower, Water Flag, Water Iris and Larger Blue Flag.
Introduction
Blue flag is a perennial herb native to North America, and cultivated elsewhere in the world. It grows in shallow water, at the edge of ponds, marshes and swamps and is similar in appearance to other wild iris, and is sometimes mistaken for them. Blue flag root was a popular herbal treatment among Native American tribes, who used it to treat liver ailments and as a cathartic. Blue flag root is the source of iridin (irisin), a glycoside used as a purgative and liver stimulant.
Constituents
Iridin, also called iridin, volatile oils, salicylic and isophthalic acids, gum, resin, tannin and sterols
Parts Used
Dried Root (rhizome) or fresh root for poultices
Typical Preparations
In teas, extracts and rarely capsules. Used for poultices.
Summary
Once officially listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia, blue flag has been used medicinally for centuries to detoxify the body and treat sluggish liver action. Because of this traditional belief in its blood cleansing abilities, it was given the nick name “Liver-Lily”. Russian herbalists believed that it was good for chronic skin problems like acne, eczema, and even it could be used as a freckle remover. Taken internally as a tea, it is a strong laxative, diuretic and emetic. Dried root is milder than fresh root, and it's recommended that dried root be used for infusions and teas. Applied topically, it may reduce inflammation, relieve pain and inhibit infection in bruised, swollen or injured joints. Eclectic physicians of the 19th century used it as a non-specific immune enhancer.
Precautions
Blue flag root should not be used by pregnant or lactating women. Some people may have allergic skin reactions to blue flag root, and the fresh root may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It should not be taken by children.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
