BLUE FLAG, FLAG LILY or WATER FLAG

(Irish versicolor; IRIDACEAE)

Parts used:  Dried rhizome and roots

Therapeutic action:

Positive alterative, cathartic, diuretic, stimulant, cholagogue, emetic, antisyphilitic, resolvent, sialagogue, anthelmintic (vermifuge), hepatic, purgative (fresh).

Blue flag is a powerful hepatic (liver) stimulant, claimed to be a therapeutic equal to mandrake root (Podophyllum peltatum) and less irritating.  It clears the bile-ducts of catarrhal obstructions and restores the normal flow of bile.  It is beneficial to the secretive glands of the intestines, stimulates the flow of saliva, and is healing to the lymphatic system.  It is mild and effective, especially in chronic and torpid conditions.  Blue flag is most effective for cleansing impurities from the blood and for correcting the conditions giving rise to skin diseases.  It is a resolvent of inflammations and lesions.

Medicinal uses:

Rheumatism, dropsy, cancer, impurity of blood, constipation (Costiveness), malarial jaundice, bilious remittent fever, chronic liver troubles, duodenal troubles, catarrh, skin diseases, syphilis, scrofula, venereal affections.

Preparation:

Decoction, fluid extract, powder, solid extract, tincture.  The fresh root is somewhat acrid and purgative but the dried form retains its healing virtues, without the negative characteristics.