Witnessed by: Western
Blue flag (Iris versicolor), of the Iridaceae family. Wetland perennial with erect sword leaves and violet-blue flowers; native range: marshes and wet meadows of eastern North America. Globally recognized as wild iris, poison flag, liver lily in English. The part used is rhizome. Acrid and nauseous when fresh, becoming faintly aromatic on drying.
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.
BLUE FLAG
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- blue flag
- Scientific name
- Iris versicolor L.
- Family
- Iridaceae
Form
- Part used
- rhizome
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- acrid · pungent (nauseous)
Temperature
- Western
- warm, drying
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- liver · skin · blood
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- alterative, cholagogue, hepatic stimulant, lymphatic, mild cathartic, diuretic, sialagogue
Cautions
- Contraindications
- pregnancy; the fresh root is irritant
- Toxicity
- fresh rhizome emetic and purgative from irritant furanoids, causing nausea and vomiting
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