Blue flag

Therapy. External. Specific Medicine Iris has been painted upon goitre with good results, though it is effectual in but few instances, and the type is not as yet well defined. It is also advised as an efficient local treatment for psoriasis, chronic itching eczema, various types of tinea, prurigo, and crusta lactea.

Therapy. The oleo-resin has been very successfully employed in hepatic jaundice, arising intestinal disorders, and the consequent dropsy. Chronic jaundice, arising from duodenal catarrh and obstruction of the biliary ducts, should be treated with Iris.

Properties and Uses. This root is relaxing and stimulating, the stimulating property predominating. It acts upon the whole series of secernent organs, exciting the glandular system, and arousing the secretion of saliva, bile, urine, etc.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. Active irritant qualities are ascribed to orris-root, abdominal pain and emeto-catharsis being among its effects. These properties are dissipated upon drying the rhizome, when it becomes merely a gastric stimulant. The salivary flow and renal secretion are augmented by it while sneezing and increased pituitary secretion results from its use as a sternutatory. About the only use now made of orris-root is as an ingredient of breath perfumes and dentifrices, it not only giving a pleasant flavor, but acting beneficially on the gums. It was formerly used as a diuretic, expectorant, and remedy for chronic diarrhoea. From 5 to 15 grains constitutes a dose of the powdered root.