IRIS. 



271 



Parts Used. The rhizome and rootlets. Official name : Iris United 

 States Pharmacopoeia. 



Constituents. Besides common vegetable principles iris contains an 

 acrid resin, upon which its medicinal activity depends. 



FIG. 158. Iris versicolor. 



-Extractum iridis extract of iris ; extractum iridis flui- 

 dum fluid extract of iris. United Stales Pharmacopoeia. A saturated 

 tincture made from the fresh rhizome is an excellent preparation. 



Medical Properties and Uses. Iris, in full closes, is an active emeto- 

 cathartic, operating with violence, and producing considerable prostration. 

 Its effects upon the liver appear to be analogous to those of podophyllum. 

 In sick headache dependent upon indigestion, small doses, frequently re- 

 peated, often act most happily. It has been largely used by eclectic prac- 



