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 800 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( I. pseudacorus) is also found in the eastern United States and 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 alone is not the only quality possessed by the Iris. The underlying tissue of the root and rhizome hold unbelievable corrective influence on the human tissue. The root and rhizome should be sliced transversely, dried and placed in a dark vessel well covered and in a dark place. It will then preserve the oleo resin which is called Iridin, its active principle. Parts Used: The root and 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 the necessity of active, pure lymphatic circulation is spontaneous to longevity. Recognized for endrocrine physiological active fluid in the thyroid imbalance, scrofula, and is regarded by some practitioners as one of the most miraculous Herbal Medicines in secondary Syphylis.
Traditionally a valuable substance in all diseases of the blood, chronic hepatic, kidney and spleen affections. Has been known to relieve all symptoms of chronic hip disease. It should be combined with Mandrake( Podophyllum peltatum), Poke( Phytolacca decandra), Black cohosh( Cimicifuga racemosa), Ginseng( Panax quinquefolium), Sarsparilla, Yellow dock( Rumex crispus), etc. If it causes salivation do not be apprehensive as it is distinguished from mercurial salivation by absence of stench, sponginess of the gums and loosening of the teeth.
In“ Nature’ s Healing Agents”, Dr. Clymer says it’ s one of the very few remedies that has any influence in correcting milk-coloured, clay-coloured stools in adults. Dose: Tincture alone, 10 – 25 drops in water three times a day. 1 teaspoonful of the powdered root to 1 pint of boiling water, drink cold, 2 or 3 tablespoonfuls six times a day. Iridin, 1 grain.
BLUE FLAG Iris versicolor, L.( Naukova Dumka, Kiev, 1964)