Orris
Other Names : Blue Flag, Daggers, Flag, Flaggon, Flag Lily, Fliggers, Florentine Iris, Gladyne, Iris, Iris d’Allemagne, Iris de Florence, Iris florentina, Iris germanica, Iris des Jardins, Iris junonia, Iris pallida, Jacob's Sword, Lirio Azul, Liver Lily, Myrtle Flower, Poison Flag, Rhizoma iridis, Segg, Sheggs, Snake Lily, Water Flag, White Dragon Flower, Wild Iris, Yellow Flag, Yellow Iris.
Orris is a plant. The root is used to make medicine. Orris root is generally used in combination with other herbs and can be found in homeopathic dilutions and tea preparations. Historically, orris root was highly prized in the perfume industry. The root develops a pleasant violet-like scent when it dries. This scent continues to improve in storage, reaching its peak in about three years. Orris root was widely used in face powders and other cosmetics until people noticed it was causing allergic reactions. Orris root powder is still used extensively in potpourris, sachets, and pomanders. It even prolongs the scent of the other oils.
See also : Blue Flag (Iris veriscolor).
Special Precautions of Orris
- See Precautions Blue Flag (Iris veriscolor)
- Orris seems to be safe for most people when taken by mouth. There are no known side effects if the root is carefully peeled and dried. However, the fresh plant juice or root can cause severe irritation of the mouth, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea.
- There isn’t enough information to know if orris might be safe when applied directly to the skin. However, the fresh plant juice or root can cause severe skin irritation.
Health Benefits and uses of Orris are
Orris contains many chemicals, including some that may loosen lung congestion and make it easier to cough up.
- Orris root is used for “blood-purifying,” “gland-stimulating,” increasing kidney activity, stimulating appetite and digestion, and increasing bile flow. It is also used for headache, toothache, muscle and joint pain, migraine, constipation, bloating, diabetes, and skin diseases.
- Some people use orris root to treat bronchitis, colds, cancer, back pain caused by the sciatic nerve (sciatica), and swelling (inflammation) of the spleen. It is also used to cause vomiting, empty the bowels, and promote calmness.
- Orris root is sometimes applied directly to the affected area for bad breath, nasal polyps, teething, tumors, scars, muscle and joint pain, burns, and cuts.
- Dried Root : antidiarrhoeal, emulcent, expectorant
- Fresh Root : diuretic, cathartic, emetic
