Evidence supporting the use of: Blue flag
For the health condition: Neuralgia and Neuritis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Blue Flag (Iris versicolor) has a long-standing history in North American herbalism and 19th-century eclectic medicine, where it was used for a variety of ailments including skin conditions, liver disorders, and as a "blood purifier." Its use for neuralgia (nerve pain) and neuritis (nerve inflammation) is primarily rooted in this traditional context. Historical texts, such as those by King’s American Dispensatory and other eclectic sources, describe Blue Flag as having mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and sometimes recommend it for neuralgic affections, especially those linked with hepatic or glandular disturbances. However, there is a lack of rigorous scientific studies or clinical trials validating these uses. Modern phytochemical research is limited and has not established mechanisms of action or efficacy for neuralgia or neuritis. Today, Blue Flag is seldom used for these indications in herbal practice, and authoritative herbal references emphasize its traditional rather than evidence-based application. Due to the absence of scientific validation and the potential toxicity of the plant (notably its iridin content), its historical use is not considered a strong recommendation for these conditions.
Other ingredients used for Neuralgia and Neuritis
7,8-DihydroxyflavoneAcetyl L-carnitine
Aconite
Actaea spicata
Agmatine
alpha-lipoic acid
Anemone
anise
arnica
asafoetida
atractylone
beta caryophyllene
betony
Black Hellebore
blue flag
cannabidiol
cardamom
Cnidium
cocarboxylase
Corydalis
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
dodeca-2E, 4E-dienoic acid isobutylamide
fang-feng
frankincense
Gelsemium
ginger
gotu kola
hericium mushroom
Indian pipe
lingzhi
lion's mane
omega-3 fatty acids
orchid
Osthole
paeoniflorin
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
polygala root
poppy
quail egg
reishi mushroom
Tetrahydropalmatine
Tumerone
turmeric
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin E
Wintergreen
Other health conditions supported by blue flag
BackacheCanker Sores
Edema
Epilepsy
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Kidney Infection
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Nervous Exhaustion
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Wounds and Sores
