Iridaceae
Blue Flag
Iris versicolor
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Eastern North America
Also known as: Blue Iris, Wild Iris, Poison Flag, Liver Lily
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Liver and gallbladder congestion, chronic skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis — alterative), lymphatic stagnation, migraine with biliary component, constipation. Eclectic American liver herb.
Herbal Actions
Cholagogue, lymphagogue, alterative, mild cathartic, anti-inflammatory
Active Constituents
Furfural, isophthalic acid, irisin (glycoside), tannins, volatile oil, salicylic acid, lauric acid
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | NOT recommended fresh — rhizome irritant. Small doses dried only. |
| Tincture | 0.5–2 ml (1:10, 45% ethanol) — LOW DOSE, 2–3x daily |
| Notes | LOW DOSE herb — larger amounts cause violent catharsis and vomiting. Fresh rhizome irritant to skin and mucous membranes. Best in combination formulas for liver and skin. Short-term use. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid in GI inflammation. Low dose essential — larger amounts emetic and purgative. Fresh root: avoid entirely.
Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, colic at higher doses. Fresh plant: skin irritation. Generally safe at LOW doses.