Iris ensata

1. Introduction and Habitat
Iris ensata is a flowering herb that produces blossoms in many colors such as yellow, blue, white, and other shades. Because its flowers often appear in multiple colors like a rainbow, it is called Andar Dhanush Pashti.
This plant grows in Iran, Arabia, and the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of about 400–1000 feet. It is commonly found in the Kashmir region. Some people have incorrectly referred to it as Beikh Banafsha or Phoo Khar Mol, but these are different plants.

2. Botanical Description
Leaves: The leaves are twisted, flat, knotty, and thickly striped, and they have a violet-like fragrance.
Stem: A stem emerges from the root, and the leaves grow in bunches from its base.
Flowers: Each flower has three petals and appears in various colors.
Root: The root resembles a small sword and contains white pulp.

3. Chemical Properties
The root of this herb contains:
Volatile oil
Starch
Resin

4. Pharmacological Actions
The herb has several medicinal actions, including:
Soothing
Emollient
Expectorant
Astringent (mild)
Diuretic
Anti-toxin

5. Medicinal Uses
This herb is used in many phlegmatic and nervous disorders, including:
Colds and flu
Cough and asthma
Chest pain and pneumonia
Dryness of the bronchi
It helps remove thick secretions from the chest and clear mucus from the lungs.
Other uses include:
Acts as a diuretic, promoting urination and menstruation
Helpful in istiqqa (dropsy) and jaundice
Strengthens the liver
When finely ground and applied like surma, it benefits the eyes
Being astringent, it helps remove body stains, blackheads, and moles
Its ointment is used to:
Clean harmful wounds
Promote the formation of new flesh
Dissolve swollen glands in the neck

6. Other Therapeutic Applications
Used as snuff for colds, migraines, neuralgia, and blocked nose
The smoke from the scalp preparation is believed to help against snake and scorpion venom
Helps remove deafness and bad breath

7. Main Benefit
Removes foul mucus from the lungs

8. Dosage
Oral dose: 3–5 tablets

9. Formulations and Preparations
This herb is used in several traditional preparations, including:
Ersa Ointment
Khanazir Ointment
Musab
Triaq al-Tin