Iris versicolour

Iris versicolour [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iris_versicolor_Quebec_2.jpg

Common name: 
Blue Flag
(Hoffman, 1983, 177). 

Latin binomial:
Iris versicolour 
(Hoffman, 1983, 177). 

Family: 
Iridaceae 
(Hoffman, 1983, 177). 

Parts used:
Rhizome 
(Hoffman, 1983, 177). 

Active constituents:

• Oleoresin
• Salicylic acid
• Alkaloid
• Tannnin 

(Hoffman, 1983, 177).   

 

Actions:

• Cholagogue
• Alterative
• Laxative
• Diuretic
• Anti-inflammatory 

(Hoffman, 1983, 177). 

 
Indications:

• Skin, liver gallbladder disorders
• Constipation
• Headache
• Digestive problems related to poor liver function
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Enlarged thyroid
• Enlarged spleen
• Enlarged ovaries
• Obesity 

(Bone, 2003, p. 109).  

 

Contraindications/Cautions:
None known (Bone, 2003, p. 109). 

Dosage:

• 3-6 ml of 1:2 liquid extract dose per day (Bone, 2003, p. 109).
• 20-40 ml of 1:2 liquid extract dose per week (Bone, 2003, p. 109).
• Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day (Hoffman, 1983, 177). 

Combinations: 
Combines well with Echinacea or burdock and yellow dock (Hoffman, 1983, 177).  

References: 

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.