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.

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

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.