Blue Flag

• Overview
• Uses
• Side Effects
• Precautions
• Interactions
• Dosing

Blue flag is a plant. People use the underground stem (rhizome) of blue flag to make medicine.

Despite serious safety concerns, blue flag is used as a laxative and to relieve fluid retention and bloating. It is also used to treat swelling (inflammation) and skin conditions; and to prevent vomiting. Some people use it for liver problems and to increase bile production.

How does work?

There isn't enough information to know how blue flag works.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Constipation.
• Fluid retention.
• Increasing bile flow.
• Liver problems.
• Vomiting.
• Skin rashes.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of blue flag for these uses.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Blue flag is 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 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 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.

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Digoxin (Lanoxin)Interaction Rating: Major Do not take this combination.

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).

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Warfarin (Coumadin)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

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.

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Water pills (Diuretic drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

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.

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.