BLUE FLAG
Iris versicolor
COMMON NAMES: Iris, flag lily, liver lily, water flag, snake lily, flower de-luce.
FEATURES: This lily-like flower is recognized by most of us for beauty alone. About eight hundred
species belonging to more than fifty genera have been described from temperate and tropical climates,
mostly from South Africa and tropical America.
The common wild iris or flag (Iris pseudacorus) is also found in the eastern United States and is
common in Europe. Several wild species are found in the United States. They are characterized by two
rows of leaves, the outer of which fit over and protect the inner. The flowers are various shades of blue
and purplish-blue, with yellowish markings at the base of the sepals, flowering from May through July. In
some areas the iris is cultivated for ornamental purposes and perfume, and some species have been used
as food in countries where they are native.
Beauty is not the only quality possessed by the iris. The underlying tissue of the root and rhizome
provides corrective influence on the human tissue. The root and rhizome should be sliced transversely,
dried and placed in a covered dark container in a dark place. This will preserve the oleoresin, which is
called irisin, its active principle.
MEDICINAL PARTS: Root, rhizome.
SOLVENTS: Water, alcohol.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Alterative, cathartic, sialagogue, vermifuge, diuretic, resolvent.
USES: From the booklet Early Uses of California Plants, by Edward K. Balls: “It is said that long ago
the Yokia squaws of Mendocino Country wrapped their babies in the soft green leaves of I. douglasiana
while on the hot dry hillsides collecting Manzanita berries. This wrapping retarded perspiration and
saved the babies from extreme thirst.”
Blue flag has a special influence on the lymphatic glands, and active, pure lymphatic circulation is
necessary to longevity. Recognized for endrocrine physiological active fluid in thyroid imbalance,
scrofula, and is regarded by some practitioners as one of the most effective herbal medicines in treatment
of secondary syphilis.
Traditionally a valuable substance in treatment of all diseases of the blood and chronic hepatic, kidney,