17 Nov Blue flag: a very versatile herbal medicine

In traditional herbal medicine, blue flag is best known for providing symptomatic relief of minor skin conditions including spots, acne and eczema.

However, this multi-purpose herb has historically been used to help with a wide range of other health issues too.

Blue flag (or iris versicolor to give it its proper name) is a striking flowering plant found all over the world. Known among gardeners as purple iris, you’ll find it in many British gardens.

It grows up to a meter tall and has beautiful violet-blue sword-shaped flowers streaked with yellow, green and white. But blue flag’s health-giving properties largely lie below its pretty flowers, in its rhizome or underground stem.

Blue flag – a herbal medicine for acne and eczema

Partnered with burdock root, blue flag is one of two active ingredients in HRI Clear Complexion, one of our best-selling licensed herbal medicines which targets skin conditions from within.

Known in traditional medicine as a natural anti-inflammatory, blue flag is not something you should ingest in its raw state as it’s associated with a number of uncomfortable side effects such as nausea and irritation.

In tablet form however, it is completely safe – although you should always ensure that you choose herbal medicines with the Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) logo to be sure that they have been tested and approved by the national medicines regulator, the MHRA.

Herbal medicine for cuts, burns and bruises

In a time before modern medicine when hygiene was primitive, humans had to be resourceful, using what nature provided to keep themselves healthy. Native Americans are said to have used blue flag extensively.

Most commonly, the rhizome was pounded into a pulp and applied as a poultice to treat cuts, burns, bruises and even snake bites. The herb is also associated with reducing inflammation and preventing infection in traditional medicine.

Blue flag and constipation

It’s estimated that around 1 in every 7 adults in the UK are suffering from the uncomfortable symptoms of constipation at any one time.

Medical herbalists use blue flag for its laxative properties to help soften and expel the stool.

Blue flag and overall immunity

Your immune system protects you from bacteria and viruses which cause illnesses such as colds and flu. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and staying active are all key to maintaining a strong immune system.

Blue flag is used in traditional medicine as a natural immune enhancer, helping your body to fight off invading germs which could compromise your health.

Blue flag to remove toxins

Blue flag stimulates the liver to produce bile, the substance which breaks down fats and helps to remove toxins, and is popular in herbal medicine as a way to help detoxify the body, eliminating harmful toxins found in foods.

Even healthy foods like oily fish can contain natural toxins like mercury and, of course, alcohol is a significant source of toxins.

A multipurpose herbal medicine

Whilst best known as a natural skincare remedy, blue flag is loaded with nutrients and, like many herbal medicine ingredients, has health benefits beyond its traditional primary use as a treatment for acne and eczema.

If you’re suffering from mild acne or eczema, why not give blue flag a try? A daily dose of HRI Clear Complexion could help you say goodbye to problem skin – and improve your overall health as an added bonus.

Like all our herbal medicines, HRI Clear Complexion with blue flag and burdock root is licensed under the Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) scheme. This is the  regulatory approval process for herbal remedies in the UK and EU and means that:

The product has been through years of technical investment and testing in order to gain approval from the government regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to ensure the highest quality and safety available.

Products are of pharmaceutical quality and manufactured to European Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines.

If you’re choosing herbal medicines, make sure you look for the THR logo on the pack and always read the label.

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