Uses & Effectiveness

Overview

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.

Did you know that vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is the only vitamin that contains a mineral element (cobalt)? It is essential for the production of red blood cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Side Effects

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.

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.

Special Precautionsand Warnings

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. 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.

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.