by Tamara Mctee—Chartered Herbalist
Spring is on her way and flowers are peeping through the ground as Mother Earth awakens. This month I have chosen to focus on the herb Blue Flag, whose Latin name is Iris versicolor. It’s also sometimes known as fleur-de-lis or liver lily.
Blue flag is a North American perennial that grows well in wet lands and peaty soil. The root and root stock are the good parts, medicinally; the flowers are purely ornamental and not for human consumption. The leaves of an Iris can also be bruised and used externally on burns and sores. When processing Iris root, make sure to dry it very well: this root should never be used fresh. Blue Flag should be avoided during pregnancy.
Iris is uniquely relaxing and stimulating, letting your body relax while it does healing work. This herb clears blood impurities and influences the glandular system: the lymphatics, the liver, the gall ducts, and the intestinal glands. Blue Flag stimulates the flow of saliva and bile. She gets things moving when, for example, there is constipation associated with liver problems and biliousness. Iris is useful in treating a migrane, especially one caused by stomach disorder. Venereal diseases like syphilis and herpes can be treated with this versatile herb, which is also helpful in cases of chronic vomiting, heart burn, sinus problems, enlarged thyroid gland, uterine fibroids and chronic hepatitis.
To prepare Iris versicolor root, make a decoction by putting one teaspoon of the dry herb into one cup of water. Bring to a boil, allow to simmer ten to fifteen minutes, and drink three times a day. If taking a tincture, 3-10 milliliters three times a day can be helpful.
Apparently iris aids the skin by working through the liver, the body’s main detoxifying organ–hence the nickname liver lily. Use Blue Flag for skin eruptions such as eczema, spots and blemishes. For chronic eczema and psoriasis, iris can be combined with Oregon Grape root along with a treatment containing essential fatty acids, plus plenty of water! This herb combines well with echinacea, burdock, yellow dock and red clover.
Blue Flag is said to be anti-carcinogenic. Here is a recipe for a cancer liniment, created by one Dr. Fox:
2 ounces..................Blue Flag
1ounce.....................Red Clover flowers
1 ounce....................Blood root
Mix and saturate a cloth, apply twice daily.
Another member of the Iris family is Iris florentina, the white iris. The sweet smelling orris root comes from this flower. Powdered orris root can be added to soaps, scrubs, creams, flower water, incense, and sachets. Medicinally, orris root can be used for water-retention, bronchitis, sore throat and colic.
The earliest known medicinal use of the iris occurred during the reign of Egyptian Pharoh Thutmosis I. A stylized iris appears on the brows of Egyptian sphinx statues and on the walls of an Egyptian temple. Iris is the Greek word for rainbow, also known as the swift footed goddess of the rainbow who was the messenger between mortals and gods, using the rainbow as her path between heaven and earth.
I dedicate this article to my brand new baby girl, Iris Joy McIntee, who was born at home the day before the Chinese new year began. What a wonderful way to begin a new year! Happy spring to everybody…and enjoy the fresh air and flowers.
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