Evidence supporting the use of: Iris
For the health condition: Amenorrhea

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Iris (commonly referring to the rhizomes of Iris germanica or Iris versicolor, also known as orris root or blue flag) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Western herbalism. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, eclectic and physio-medical practitioners in North America sometimes used Iris species, especially Iris versicolor, to address menstrual disorders including amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation). It was thought to have a "stimulating" effect on the liver and endocrine system, thus indirectly promoting menstrual flow. However, the rationale for its use was largely based on humoral theory and empirical observation rather than controlled experiments or mechanistic understanding.

There is little to no scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Iris species for amenorrhea. Modern pharmacological studies on Iris have focused primarily on other potential activities such as anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects, but not on reproductive health or menstrual regulation. Furthermore, some Iris species contain toxic compounds (e.g., iridin), and their safety profile is questionable for internal use. No clinical trials or robust observational studies have validated the traditional claims. As such, while there is a historical precedent for using Iris in this context, contemporary herbalists and clinicians rarely recommend it for amenorrhea due to lack of evidence and concerns over safety.

More about Iris
More about Amenorrhea

Products containing Iris

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