Evidence supporting the use of: Blue flag
For the body system: Lymphatics
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Blue Flag (Iris versicolor) has been traditionally used in North American herbal medicine, especially by Native American tribes and 19th-century Eclectic physicians, to support the lymphatic system. Historical records indicate that Blue Flag root was considered a "blood purifier" and was employed for conditions thought to involve sluggish lymphatic drainage or glandular issues, such as swollen lymph nodes, skin eruptions, and certain chronic conditions. The rationale was based on the doctrine of cleansing or detoxifying the body, rather than on an understanding of the lymphatic system as recognized today.
Despite its historical use, there is scant modern scientific research substantiating Blue Flag's effects on the lymphatic system. Most available data relate to its historical applications and general uses as a mild laxative or for skin conditions. No clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies confirm its effectiveness or mechanisms for lymphatic support. The presence of potentially toxic constituents (such as iridin) has also limited contemporary use. Therefore, while Blue Flag's use for the lymphatic system is well-documented in herbal tradition, there is little to no scientific validation for its efficacy in this regard.
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astragalus
bayberry
bee products
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bindweed
bittersweet
black-eyed Susan
blackberry
blue flag
boneset
Brassica
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bupleurum falcatum
burdock
Calendula
castor oil
cat's claw
Ceanothus integerrimus
chamomile
chaparral
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Citrus
citrus pectin
cleavers
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coriolus mushroom
coumarin
cowslip
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culvers Root
cypress
cytokines
dandelion
deerbrush
dyer’s woad root
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
elecampane
escin
figwort
fruit
fruit blend (proprietary)
Galium
ganoderma
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
gotu kola
green tea
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horse chestnut
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Indian sarsparilla
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licorice root
Ligustrum
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lobelia
Lomatium
maitake mushroom
marigold
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Monoterpenes
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Neem tree
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noni
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onion
oregon grape
parsley
pau d'arco
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Pokeweed
Polyporus
polysaccharides
punarnava
Queen's Delight
red clover
red root
reishi mushroom
rockweed
rosemary
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sarsaparilla
scrophularia root
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serratiopeptidase
sheep's sorrel
Spanish Needle
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Stillingia
Sulfated polysaccharide
Sweet Clover
Taraxacum
Tayuya
Tea
Terpenoids
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typhonium
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