BLUE FLAG

OTHER NAME(S):

Clajeux, Iris, Iris caroliniana, Iris versicolor, Iris Versicolore, Iris virginica, Lirio Azul, Lis Bleu, Orris Root, Sweet Flag, Water Flag.

Overview

Overview Information

Blue flag is a plant. People use the underground stem (rhizome) of blue flag to make medicine.

People use blue flag for conditions such as bloating, swelling (inflammation), fluid retention, liver problems, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using blue flag can also be unsafe.

How does it work?

There isn't enough information to know how blue flag works.

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of blue flag for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Blue flag is LIKELY UNSAFE. It can cause nausea and vomiting, and the fresh root can irritate the mouth, throat, digestive tract, and skin. Blue flag can also cause headache and swollen, watery eyes.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Blue flag is LIKELY UNSAFE for anyone to use, but it is especially unsafe for people with any of the following conditions:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Blue flag is LIKELY UNSAFE. Don't use it if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Stomach or intestinal problems such as infections, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease: Blue flag can irritate the stomach and intestines and should not be used by anyone with any of these conditions.

Interactions

Interactions?

Major Interaction

Do not take this combination

!

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with BLUE FLAG

    Blue flag is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin).

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

!

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with BLUE FLAG

    Blue flag can work as a laxative. In some people blue flag can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin do not to take excessive amounts of blue flag.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with BLUE FLAG

    Blue flag is a laxative. Some laxatives can decrease potassium in the body. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium in the body. Taking blue flag along with "water pills" might decrease potassium in the body too much.
    Some "water pills" that can decrease potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.

Dosing

Dosing

The appropriate dose of blue flag depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for blue flag. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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View References

REFERENCES:

  • Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  • McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  • Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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