botanical name(s): Iris versicolor
synonyms: blue flag, iris
part(s) used: dried root, rhizome
qualities:
affinities: liver, spleen, lymphatics
actions: cholagogue, alterative, laxative, lymphatic
dosage:
» tincture: 1 - 3 ml.
» powder: 0.3 - 1.3 g
therapy: skin diseases; hypothyroid goiter; enlarged soft glandular swellings, in small doses for gastrointestinal upset, enlarged spleen
AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2b, 2d
toxicity: 2
» irritation may occur due to acrid resin (Fuller and McClintock, p. 351; Muenscher, p. 9)
» may act as a severe gastrointestinal irritant; a mild overdose exerts a diuretic effect and acts as an annoying cholagogue, causing constipation and rectal atony; larger doses lead to accumulation in the lower gastrointestinal tract and can cause severe gastroenteritis resulting in death; signs and symptoms include nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea; with signs of hepatic and pancreatic inflammation; may also lead to severe prostration, convulsions, headaches, cerebral disturbances, and neuralgias of the face, head, and extremities (Duke, p. 252; Felter and Scudder, p. 435; Felter and Lloyd, p. 1079; Phillips, p. 273)
constituents: volatile oil, resin and alkaloids
drug interactions:
» Chronic or heavy use may induce toxicity of digitaloid glycosides by depleting serum potassium (Brinker)
footnotes
Brinker, Francis. 1997. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.
Felter, H. W., and Lloyd, J. U. 1983. King's American Dispensatory, Vols. I and II. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Felter, H.W. & Scudder, John K., 1922. The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Cincinnati, Ohio. Reprinted in 1985 by Eclectic Medical Publications, Portland, OR.
Fuller, T.C., and McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous Plants of California. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.
Muenscher, W.C. 1951. Poisonous Plants of the United States. New York: The MacMillan Company.
Phillips, C.D. 1879. Materia Medica and Therapeutics: Vegetable Kingdom. New York: William Wood and Company.