Iridaceae Alterative Blue flag

Iridaceae Alterative Blue flag
Family:Iridaceae Alterative; Antiinflammatory; Cathartic; Cholagogue; Diuretic; Emetic; Sialagogue; Stimulant.
Common name:Blue flag
Blue flag was one of the most popular medicinal plants amongst various native North American Indian tribes. In modern herbalism it is mainly employed to detoxify the body - it increases urination and bile production and has a mild laxative effect. Some caution should be exercised in its use however since there are reports that it is poisonous. The fresh root is quite acrid and when taken internally causes nausea vomiting colic and purging. The dried root is much less acrid. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women.The root is alterative anti-inflammatory cathartic cholagogue diaphoretic diuretic emetic and sialagogue. Taken internally as a tea the root has been used as a strong laxative or emetic that also acts strongly on the liver and promotes the excretion of excess body fluids. It is also stimulant for the circulatory and lymphatic system. Its detoxifying effect make it useful in the treatment of psoriasis acne herpes arthritis swollen glands pelvic inflammatory disease etc. Externally it is applied to skin diseases wounds and rheumatic joints. The roots are harvested in late summer and early autumn and are usually dried for later use.The roots were boiled in water and then mashed to make a poultice which was used to relieve the pain and swelling associated with sores and bruises.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 03:48 []