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. 



Preparations. — Extractum iridis — extract of iris ; extractum iridis flui- 

 dum — fluid extract of iris. — United States Pharmacopoeia. A saturated 

 tiiiiture made from the fresh rhizome is an excellent preparation. 



Iledical Properties and Uses. — Iris, in full doses, 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- 



