Iris

Blue Flag

Blue flag. The rhizoma and roots of Iris versicolor Linné (Nat. Ord. Iridaceae).

Extractum Iridis

Extract of iris. Dose, gr. j—gr. v. Extractum Iridis Fluidum.—Fluid extract of iris. Dose, τηv — 3j.

Under the name iridin, there is to be found in the shops a "resi-noid," having more or less of the properties of the crude drug. The dose of this preparation is from one to five grains.

Actions and Uses

Iris versicolor has a bitter, nauseous, and rather acrid taste. It is apt to cause severe nausea. The fresh root has actively purgative and diuretic qualities, but these are impaired by age. The fluid extract and the "iridin" are laxative, and are supposed to have cholagogue powers.

The oleo-resin is prescribed in hepatic and intestinal disorders, and in dropsy. There is much evidence tending to show that this remedy is really serviceable when the stools are clay-colored, and the skin jaundiced, in consequence of duodenal catarrh and obstruction of the biliary ducts. It is said that malarial jaundice may be cured by this drug, and that in bilious remittent fever and in chronic malarial poisoning it exerts a favorable influence.