Witnessed by: TCM
Blackberry lily (Iris domestica), of the Iridaceae family. Iris-like perennial with fans of sword leaves and spotted flowers; native range: hillsides and open ground across China and East Asia. Globally recognized as she gan (射干) in Chinese, and belamcanda rhizome, leopard flower in English. The part used is rhizome. Knobby yellow-brown rhizome, hard and fibrous, intensely bitter and cold on the tongue.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
BLACKBERRY LILY
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- blackberry lily
- Scientific name
- Iris domestica (L.) Goldblatt & Mabb.
- Family
- Iridaceae
Form
- Part used
- rhizome
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter
Temperature
- TCM
- cold
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- clears heat, relieves toxicity, dissolves phlegm, benefits the throat
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in pregnancy and in Spleen deficiency with loose stool
- Toxicity
- large doses may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
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