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Iris promotes the clearance of congestion and toxins from the body

Iris

Iris versicolor Iridaceae

Iris assists with a number of detoxification processes in the body. Herbalists use iris to support the function of the liver and gallbladder, and detoxification through the lymphatic system.

Sustainability Status

Sustainability status

Not currently on risk lists but complete data may be missing on the status of the species. Read more about our sustainability guide.

Key benefits
  • Alternative tonic
  • Lymphatic stimulant
  • Skin conditions
  • Blood purification
  • Gallbladder and liver stimulant
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • How does it feel?

    The tincture of iris has a subtle, slightly sweet taste followed by earthy tones and bitterness.

  • What can I use it for?

    Iris flower (Iris versicolor)
    Iris flower (Iris versicolor)

    Iris has been used for thousands of years as medicine. Modern herbalists most commonly use iris for conditions of the lymphatic and integumentary systems as it possesses a number of effects in supporting the elimination of toxins and metabolic waste products from the body. 

    Used in high doses, iris can have an emetic effect (causes nausea and vomiting). In smaller doses, however, iris is considered useful for treating nausea. Due to iris’ narrow therapeutic window (range of dosage between effective and toxic), its use is best under the guidance of a medical herbalist  (1).

    Iris has mildly laxative effects due to its potent bitter compounds that stimulate the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder. This, combined with its ability to increase lymphatic detoxification makes it an excellent herb to include in a treatment approach to inflammatory skin conditions that are caused by congestion or toxicity in the body (2,3).

    Iris is especially active on the liver. It is used to treat poor digestion and constipation caused by low bile and liver dysfunction (1).

  • Into the heart of iris

    Iris plant (Iris versicolor)
    Iris plant (Iris versicolor)

    Culpepper considers iris as hot and dry in the second degree (4). It is energetically pungent, bitter and warming and is most appropriate to use where there is stagnation and atrophy in the mucosa, or where there is a depressed or underfunctioning tissue state in the digestive system, particularly where the liver, pancreas and lower bowel is concerned. Iris increases  secretions in these systems (3).

    Iris has a regulatory effect on the mucous membranes and can also be used in cases of dampness in the body — this is most specifically in relation to the lymphatic system. Iris can also regulate discharges and strengthen the mucous membranes  of the stomach. Encouraging flow of bodily fluids, including saliva, lymph, bile, and digestive secretions, iris benefits these organ systems by regulating fluid flow and acting as a tonic restorative(5).

    Iris is considered an alterative medicine. Alteratives are traditionally seen as detoxifiers that help to encourage healthy function of the eliminatory systems through the blood and lymph. Through improved elimination of toxins and metabolic waste, alteratives like iris are indicated for a wide range of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis (3,6). Joint diseases and other inflammatory conditions associated with toxicity and poor elimination would also be improved by increased clearance, so too would benefit from iris’ virtues (6). 

    Andrew Stableford writes in his book The handbook of energetic and constitutional herbal medicine that iris promotes personal expression and creativity (7). It also has a mildly nervine effect, which works directly on rising heat issues. This action indicates the application of iris for treating headaches and migraines (7,8).

    As a herb to address the more emotional presentations, iris is indicated where artistic expression and creativity are blocked within an individual. It may also be used for mood changes where excitement alternates with depression and apathy. Iris works on the autonomic nervous system and is thought to support an underfunctioning parasympathetic nervous system. Particularly where there is a pattern of hyperactivity followed by exhaustion, iris too can decrease excessive functioning of the sympathetic nervous system (3).

  • Traditional uses

    Iris flowerhead (Iris versicolor)
    Iris flowerhead (Iris versicolor)

    Iris was used and written about extensively by the early American eclectic physicians. The eclectics were a group of medical doctors practising in the late 1800s and early 1990s.

    Finley Ellingwood, an American doctor of eclectic medicine documented its uses in relation to conditions of the liver where symptoms such jaundice, light coloured stools (bilous) and low urine flow were presenting. It was said that all causes of chronic jaundice could be treated with iris.

    It was also recommended in cases of irritable and inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive system. Some of the traditional uses of iris for digestive conditions included nausea or vomiting with stomach pain, gastric pain after a fatty meal, diarrhoea with a burning sensation and lower abdominal pain (9).

    Iris was indicated to detoxify and decongest atonic tissues. Dropsy (oedema from congestive heart failure) is a condition with atonic tissues, where iris would be indicated to encourage movement in the lymphatic system. Ellingwood also referred to iris as a potent antisyphilitic medicine where the lymph glands were inactive. By its effects on the lymphatic system, it was also indicated in the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, purulent and open ulcers and to help with a goitre from hyperthyroidism (9).

    Iris has long been considered as a blood purifier, this effect is understood as being in relation to its stimulating effect on lymphatic drainage rather than being directly related to the quality of the blood itself. Felter writes that iris is most appropriate for soft glandular enlargements whereas harder enlargements respond better to poke root (Phytolacca americana) (10).

    The King’s American Dispensatory mainly refers to its use for the digestive, lymphatic and nervous conditions. Iris stimulates the liver via the biliary duct and improves enzymatic activity via pancreatic and salivary secretions (11).

  • Traditional actions

    Herbal actions describe therapeutic changes that occur in the body in response to taking a herb. These actions are used to express how a herb physiologically influences cells, tissues, organs or systems. Clinical observations are traditionally what have defined these actions: an increase in urine output, diuretic; improved wound healing, vulnerary; or a reduction in fever, antipyretic. These descriptors too have become a means to group herbs by their effects on the body — herbs with a nervine action have become the nervines, herbs with a bitter action are the bitters. Recognising herbs as members of these groups provides a preliminary familiarity with their mechanisms from which to then develop an understanding of their affinities and nuance and discern their clinical significance.

  • Traditional energetic actions

    Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants, mushrooms, lichens, foods, and some minerals based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel, and work in the body. All traditional health systems use these principles to explain how the environment we live in and absorb, impacts our health. Find out more about traditional energetic actions in our article “An introduction to herbal energetics“.

  • What practitioners say

    Iris (Iris versicolor)
    Iris (Iris versicolor)

    Digestive system

    Iris can be used for conditions of the digestive system largely due to its positive effects on the liver. Its bitter qualities stimulate the liver and gallbladder, which encourage the liver’s metabolic and detoxifying activities. These effects are far reaching across multiple body systems, as the liver is involved in many important processes that affect how the entire body functions. The liver detoxifies the blood via portal circulation, which reduces toxins and metabolic waste products from systemic circulation (5,12). Iris is also sometimes used by herbalists for chronic hepatitis and other hepatic (liver) conditions (13).

    In small doses iris can be useful for nausea, in larger doses it was used traditionally as an emetic (to induce vomiting). It is mildly laxative which makes it useful for constipation — particularly where it is caused by poor liver and gallbladder function (12). One of its active constituents called iridin is thought to induce laxative action by causing irritation  to the mucous membranes (1).

    Iris stimulates bile production and, therefore, helps to enable many digestive functions including that in the lower bowel (12).

    Other indications for iris in the digestive system include duodenal catarrh with jaundice and light coloured stools; cholera infantum and morbus; diarrhoea and dysentery (in very small frequent doses). It works for both diarrhoea and constipation by restoring loss of tonicity to involuntary muscle structures in the gastrointestinal tract and through encouraging the flow of bile from the gallbladder (8).

    Iris is also said to have a stimulating effect on the pancreas and helps to improve the functionality of this important organ. It acts by stimulating the biliary, pancreatic and salivary secretions (1,8).

    Lymphatic system

    Iris is considered a useful herb for the lymphatic system. By supporting the movement of lymph, irisassists in immunological and detoxification processes. It is an effective herb for use where there are congested and atonic tissues throughout the body (9). In Ayurvedic medicine iris is sometimes used to assist with weight loss due to the combined action of its lymphatic and hepatic effects (12).

    Preist and Priest state in their book Herbal Medication: A Clinical and Dispensary Handbook that iris is a “positive alterative for chronic torpid conditions. It influences the glandular system, lymphatics, liver, gallbladder and intestinal glands. It is specific for hepatic congestion due to venous or lymphatic stasis” (13). The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recommends a combination of iris and poke root in the treatment of lymphadenitis (14). 

    Iris has a specific affinity to congestion in the throat and head as well as for congestion and carcinoma of the breasts (7). The latter and any such serious condition should only be addressed under the care of a qualified herbalist as part of an integrated approach to oncology.

    Iris is traditionally used for a wide range of conditions characterised by swelling that are indirectly connected to the lymphatic system. This includes ascites (fluid build up in the abdomen), anasarca (generalised swelling) hydrothorax (collection of fluid in the pleural cavity that contains the lungs), hydropericardium (fluid in the membrane that surrounds the heart) and dropsy (8).

    Endocrine system

    Iris is often referenced as having some application for symptoms related to thyroid disorders such as goitre. It acts mainly by reducing swelling and congestion of the enlarged thyroid (7,8). Soft lymphatic enlargements are said to respond well to iris. To attain positive results in hyperthyroid goitre, iris should be used for several months (8).

    Skin

    Iris is used as a detoxifying medicine to help clear excess waste products and toxins from the body that can contribute to inflammatory skin conditions. Herbalists may use iris for eczema and psoriasis both internally as a tincture or decoction, and externally in the form of a cream (2,12).

    The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recommends a combination of iris, burdock and echinacea in the treatment of boils and other cutaneous eruptions (14).

    Musculoskeletal system

    Iris is valuable as part of a wider treatment protocol for rheumatic conditions and toxic sciatica. These effects are secondary to its ability to help remove toxic waste products from the body, which in turn helps to reduce toxic load that can result in chronic inflammatory conditions such as those affecting the joints (2).

  • Research

    There is currently a lack of scientific research and clinical trials on iris. It has also not been well explored scientifically to identify the full spectrum of its bioactive constituents nor their medicinal effects (12). 

    Animal studies are not condoned by Herbal Reality, however for the purpose of including research from which some understanding of therapeutic actions can be confirmed, some animal studies have been included referenced herein.

    There is, however, one in vivo study that includes iris in a formula of other herbs; nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus) and indian elm (Holoptelia integrifolia). The study does not allude to the specific preparation or dosage of the three-herb formula. However, the results indicate a potential mechanism of action for assisting in weight management. The findings showed that the formula increased metabolic rate and enhanced lipolysis of stored fat in obese rats. The proposed mechanism explained by the study authors was activation of noradrenaline (15).

  • Did you know?

    Many species of iris flowers were used to obtain the pigments ‘iris green’ and ‘iris blue’, which were used by medieval painters and manuscript writers. The roots of iris as used for medicine are referenced in historical texts as far back as the medieval times. It is described to have been blended with other herbs such as hyssop to treat skin conditions (16).

Additional information

  • Botanical description

    Iris is a perennial, aquatic plant that forms a clump of narrow, arching-to-erect, sword-shaped, blue— dark green leaves. Its leaves are approximately 24 inches long and 1 inch wide. Flowering stalks arise from the clump and grow up to 30 inches tall in late spring. Each stalk produces between 3– 5 bluish-violet coloured flowers with bold purple veining. The sepals have a central yellow area surrounded by  white. The flowers can grow up to 4 inches wide. Clumps spread by tough, creeping rhizomes at a moderate rate. The rhizome is poisonous (18).

  • Common names

    • Blue flag
    • Harlequin blue flag
    • Larger blue flag
    • Northern blue flag
    • Poison flag
  • Safety

    Iris is not recommended for use in breastfeeding (1,6,8). Some sources suggest that iris can be used for nausea in pregnancy in small doses although others state that it should be avoided in pregnancy (12). It is recommended to work alongside a qualified herbalist before using herbs during pregnancy.

    Fresh rhizome should not be taken internally as it will cause vomiting. Iris tinctures are made using the dried root (6,8).

    Iris can irritate the digestive system and cause vomiting in large doses indicating the plant has some toxicity. It is important to stay within the recommended dosage parameters for this herb (8).

  • Interactions

    Avoid in conjunction with digoxin as it can increase the adverse effects of cardiac glycosides (6,8,17).

  • Contraindications

    Iris should be avoided by those who have any gastrointestinal conditions that are accompanied by inflammation and irritation such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease (1,6,8).

  • Preparation

    • Tincture
    • Decoction
  • Dosage

    The recommended dosages below are in reference to dried root extractions. Fresh root extracts are more potent and should be used at lower doses.

    Tincture (1:5 in 45%): Take 3 ml in a little water up to three times a day. 

    Decoction: To make a decoction place 2 g of dried material into one cup of boiling water, simmer gently for between 15–20 minutes. This should be drunk hot three times a day (12).

  • Plant parts used

    Root (radix)

  • Constituents

    • Resin (up to 25%): Iridin
    • Tannins
    • Volatile oils: Furfural, irone, isophthalic
    • Salicylic acid
    • Gum
    • Triterpenoids (12)
    • Oleoresin
    • Isophthalic acid
    • Alkaloids (8)
    • Beta-sitosterols (1)
Iris illustration (Iris versicolor)
  • Habitat

    Iris is native to marshes, swamps, wet meadows, ditches and shorelines from Manitoba to Nova Scotia south to Virginia, Ohio, Illinois and Minnesota (18).

  • Sustainability

    In the IUCN Red list of threatened species iris is classed as Least Concern, due to its widespread population. Whilst the report also found iris to be possibly declining in parts of its range, it is not thought that any global population decline is likely to meet (or be close to meeting) the threshold for vulnerable or threatened status (19).

    Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

    The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

    The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). 

    Read our article on Herbal quality and safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

  • Quality control

    Herbal medicines are often very safe to take, however, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputed supplier. Sometimes herbs bought from disreputable sources are contaminated, adulterated or substituted with incorrect plant matter.

    Some important markers for quality to look for would be to look for certified organic labelling, ensuring that the correct scientific/botanical name is used and that suppliers can provide information about the source of ingredients used in the product.

    A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from. There is more space for contamination and adulteration when the supply chain is unknown.

  • How to grow

    Iris grows well in medium to wet soils in full sun to partial shade. The natural habitat of iris is in marshes, swaps and wet meadows so it can grow in 2–4 inches of shallow standing water (muddy or containers). 

    Iris can be propagated by division after the plant has flowered. Wear gloves when dividing the rhizomes as contact with skin can cause irritation. After autumn, the leaves may be trimmed back to about 1 inch above the crown. Iris will form colonies if grown in the correct conditions, returning each year in spring.

    For best results group iris in sunny areas of the garden in ponds or water features. Also may be grown in moist garden borders (18).

  • Recipe

    Iris root tincture

    Tinctures are an excellent way to extract and preserve the medicinal properties of herbs. They are made using an aqueous-ethanolic solvent or in the making of home tinctures- often just an alcoholic spirit (brandy or vodka) are commonly used.

    Ingredients

    • Dried iris root
    • 25–50% proof alcohol (e.g. vodka)
    • Mason jar
    • Mesh strainer or cheesecloth (muslin)
    • Amber glass bottle
    • Labels and permanent marker

    Method

    • Add the dried (chopped) iris root to the mason jar and cover with 250 ml of 50% alcohol.
    • The fluid content in the herbal material will dilute the alcohol by around half and so it’s important for preservation that the alcohol stays above 20% proof.
    • Label the jar with the date and ingredients.
    • Leave to macerate (infuse) in a cool and dark place away from sunlight for between 2–4 weeks, gently shaking/ turning daily for the first week.
    • Strain your tincture using the sterile mesh strainer or muslin cloth and place the liquid into your glass bottle.
    • Label your tincture with the date and ingredients. Example: iris versicolor root tincture, fresh, 10th November 20XX, 1:2.5@25% ABV
  • References

    1. Iris (Iris versicolor) — Monograph. Accessed 5th, August, 2024. Accessed at: The Sunlight Experiment. https://thesunlightexperiment.com/herb/iris
    2. Hoffmann, D. 2003 Medical herbalism : the science and practice of herbal medicine. Healing Arts Press.
    3. Wood M. The Earthwise Herbal : A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants: Volume 2. Berkeley, Calif. North Atlantic Books; 2009.
    4. Culpeper. 1995. Culpeper’s Complete Herbal. Great Britain: Wordsworth Editions Ltd.
    5. Blue Flag (Iris versicolor). Restorative Medicine. https://restorativemedicine.org/library/monographs/blue-flag/
    6. Bone K, Mills S. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine. 2nd ed. Edinburgh Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier; 2013. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/think/detail.action?docID=1723553
    7. Andrew S. Handbook of Constitutional and Energetic Herbal Medicine. Aeon Books; 2020.
    8. University SC. Iris versicolor – Southern Cross University. www.scu.edu.au. https://www.scu.edu.au/analytical-research-laboratory—arl/medicinal-plant-garden/medicinal-plant-monographs/iris-versicolor.
    9. Ellingwood F. 1919. American Materia Medica Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy. Cincinnati Ohio: Eclectic Medical Publications.
    10. Felter HW. 1922. The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Cincinnati Ohio: Eclectic Medical Publications.
    11. Chevallier A. 2001. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. St Leonards NSW: Dorling Kindersley.
    12. Fisher C. Materia Medica of Western Herbs. Aeon Books; 2018.
    13. Priest AW, Priest LR. Herbal Medication : A Clinical and Dispensary Handbook. The C.W. Daniel Company Ltd; 2000.
    14. British Herbal Medicine Association. Scientific Committee. A Guide to Traditional Herbal Medicines : A Sourcebook of Accepted Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants within Europe. British Herbal Medicine Association; 2003.
    15. Bambhole VD;Kamalakar PL. Reduction of diet-induced obesity in rats with a herbal formulation. Ancient science of life. 2020;13(1-2). Accessed August 7, 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22556633/
    16. Khatib S, Faraloni C, Bouissane L. Exploring the Use of Iris Species: Antioxidant Properties, Phytochemistry, Medicinal and Industrial Applications. Antioxidants. 2022;11(3):526. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11030526
    17. Therapeutic Research Centre. Natural Medicines Database. Iris versicolor. Naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Published 2024. Accessed August 30, 2024. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food
    18. Iris versicolor – Plant Finder. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281141#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20marginal%20aquatic
    19. Maiz-Tome L. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Iris versicolor. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Published June 30, 2015. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/64315086/67729756
Aromatic
An ‘aromatic’ remedy, high in volatile essential oils, was most often associated with calming and sometimes ‘warming’ the digestion. Most kitchen spices and herbs have this quality: they were used both as flavouring and to ease the digestion of sometimes challenging pre-industrial foods. Many aromatics are classed as ‘carminatives’ and are used to reduce colic, bloating and agitated digestion. They also often feature in respiratory remedies for colds, chest and other airway infections. They are also classic calming inhalants and massage oils, and are the basis of aromatherapy for their mental benefits.
Astringent
The astringent taste you get with many plants (the most familiar is black tea after being stewed too long, or some red wines) is produced by complex polyphenols such as tannins. Tannins are used in concentrated form (eg from oak bark) to make leather from animal skins. The process of ‘tanning’ involves the coagulation of relatively fluid proteins in living tissues into tight clotted fibres (similar to the process of boiling an egg). Tannins in effect turn exposed surfaces on the body into leather. In the case of the lining of mouth and upper digestive tract this is only temporary as new mucosa are replenished, but in the meantime can calm inflamed or irritated surfaces. In the case of open wounds tannins can be a life-saver – when strong (as in the bark of broadleaved trees) they can seal a damaged surface. One group of tannins, the reddish-brown ‘condensed tannins’ are procyanidins, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.
Bitter
Bitters are a very complex group of phytochemicals that stimulate the bitter receptors in the mouth. They were some of the most valuable remedies in ancient medicine. They were experienced as stimulating appetite and switching on a wide range of key digestive functions, including increasing bile clearance from the liver (as bile is a key factor in bowel health this can be translated into improving bowel functions and the microbiome). Many of these reputations are being supported by new research on the role of bitter receptors in the mouth and elsewhere round the body. Bitters were also seen as ‘cooling’ reducing the intensity of some fevers and inflammatory diseases.
Cooling
Traditional ‘cold’ or cooling’ remedies often contain bitter phytonutrients such a iridoids (gentian), sesiquterpenes (chamomile), anthraquinones (rhubarb root), mucilages (marshmallow), some alkaloids and flavonoids. They tend to influence the digestive system, liver and kidneys. Cooling herbs do just that; they diffuse, drain and clear heat from areas of inflammation, redness and irritation. Sweet, bitter and astringent herbs tend to be cooling.
Hot
Traditional ‘hot’ or ‘heating’ remedies, often containing spice ingredients like capsaicin, the gingerols (ginger), piperine (black or long pepper), curcumin (turmeric) or the sulfurous isothiocyanates from mustard, horseradich or wasabi, generate warmth when taken. In modern times this might translate as thermogenic and circulatory stimulant effects. There is evidence of improved tissue blood flow with such remedies: this would lead to a reduction in build-up of metabolites and tissue damage. Heating remedies were used to counter the impact of cold, reducing any symptoms made worse in the cold. .
Mucilaginous
Mucilages are complex carbohydrate based plant constituents with a slimy or ‘unctuous’ feel especially when chewed or macerated in water. Their effect is due simply to their physical coating exposed surfaces. From prehistory they were most often used as wound remedies for their soothing and healing effects on damaged tissues. Nowadays they are used more for these effects on the digestive lining, from the throat to the stomach, where they can relieve irritation and inflammation such as pharyngitis and gastritis. Some of the prominent mucilaginous remedies like slippery elm, aloe vera and the seaweeds can be used as physical buffers to reduce the harm and pain caused by reflux of excess stomach acid. Mucilages are also widely used to reduce dry coughing. Here the effect seems to be by reflex through embryonic nerve connections: reduced signals from the upper digestive wall appear to translate as reduced activity of airway muscles and increased activity of airway mucus cells. Some seed mucilages, such as in psyllium seed, flaxseed (linseed) or guar bean survive digestion to provide bulking laxative effects in the bowel. These can also reduce rate of absorption of sugar and cholesterol. .
Pungent
The pungent flavour refers to the powerful taste of hot spices including mustard (Brassica spp.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), horseradish (Amoracia rusticana), chilli (Capsicum spp.), and garlic (Allium sativum). These herbs act to enliven and invigorate the senses, and they often also have heating qualities. Unlike other tastes, the effect is not linked to a specific receptor on the tongue and instead acts through direct irritation of tissues and nerve endings. Energetically, pungent herbs are known to disperse energy (qi) throughout the body. Pharmacologically, pungent herbs dry excess moisture and mucus, as well as stimulate digestion and metabolism.
Resinous
Resins are most familiar as tacky discharges from pine trees (and as the substance in amber, and rosin for violin bows). They were most valued however as the basis of ancient commodities like frankincense and myrrh (two of the three gifts of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus) and getting access to their source was one benefit to Solomon for marrying the Queen of Sheba (now Ethiopia). Resins were the original antiseptic remedies, ground and applied as powders or pastes to wounds or inflamed tissues, and were also used for mummification. With alcohol distillation it was found that they could be dissolved in 90% alcohol and in this form they remain a most powerful mouthwash and gargle, for infected sore throats and gum disease. They never attracted much early research interest because they permanently coat expensive glassware! For use in the mouth, gums and throat hey are best combined with concentrated licorice extracts to keep the resins in suspension and add extra soothing properties. It appears that they work both as local antiseptics and by stimulating white blood cell activity under the mucosal surface. They feel extremely effective!
Salty
The salty flavour is immediately distinctive. A grain dropped onto the tongue is instantly moistening and a sprinkle on food enkindles digestion. This easily recognisable flavour has its receptors right at the front of the tongue. The salty flavor creates moisture and heat, a sinking and heavy effect which is very grounding for the nervous system and encourages stability. People who are solid and reliable become known as ‘the salt of the earth'.
Sharpness
The sharp taste of some fruits, and almost all unripe fruits, as well as vinegar and fermented foods, is produced by weak acids (the taste is generated by H+ ions from acids stimulating the sour taste buds). Sour taste buds are hard-wired to generate immediate reflex responses elsewhere in the body. Anyone who likes the refreshing taste of lemon or other citrus in the morning will know that one reflex effect is increased saliva production. Other effects are subjective rather than confirmed by research but there is a consistent view that they include increased digestive activity and contraction of the gallbladder.
Sour
The sour taste occurs because of the stimulation of hydrogen ions which trigger the sour taste receptors on the tongue. The more acidic a substance, the more hydrogen ions will be released. The sour taste comes from acidic substances including citrus, fermented foods, tannins, and vinegars. Sour foods and herbs absorb excess moisture, whilst also increasing the production of saliva. Energetically, sour substances tonify the lungs, playing a role in disease prevention. Excessive use, however, can result in malabsorption of nutrients. Examples of sour herbs include, rosehips (Rosa canina), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).
Sweet
In the days when most people never tasted sugar, ‘sweetness’ was associated with the taste of basic foods: that of cooked vegetables, cereals and meat. In other words sweet was the quality of nourishment, and ‘tonic’ remedies. Describing a remedy as sweet generally led to that remedy being used in convalescence or recovery from illness. Interestingly, the plant constituents most often found in classic tonics like licorice, ginseng are plant steroids including saponins, which also have a sweet taste.
Umami
The umami taste was originally discovered in 1985 in Japan and is directly translated from the Japanese as a ‘pleasant savoury taste’. It is referred to as the ‘fifth taste’ and is a salty, rich, and meaty flavour. The umami flavour is produced by amino acids (glutamic acid and aspartic acid) found in many food and plant sources including tomatoes, mushrooms, seaweeds and soy-based foods. Umami foods can improve nutritional absorption and digestion as there are also umami receptors in the gut as well as the mouth. Examples of umami herbs include green tea (Camellia sinensis), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), nettle (Urtica dioica), cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), shitake (Lentinula edodes) and bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus).

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