What is orris root?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

September 23, 2002

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"The Floure de-luce of Florence, whose roots in shops and generally every where are called Ireos, or Orice (whereof sweet waters, sweet powders, and such like are made) is altogether like unto the common Floure de-luce, saving that the flowers of the Ireos is of a white colour, and the roots exceeding sweet of smell...." (John Gerard, The Herbal, 1633 ed.)

Gerard recommended, "The juyce of these...doth...mightily and vehemently draw forth choler (liver dysfunction)...and is a singular good purgation for them that have the Dropsie (edema probably
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caused by cardiovascular disease). The same are good for them that have evil spleens...are troubled with cramps...and for such as are bit with Serpents."

Two species, Iris X germanica Linnaeus, and its variety florentina (L.) Dykes, and Iris pallida Lamarck, have been the principal sources of orris root since ancient times.

Pliny the Elder (Natural History, Book XIII, pre-79 CE) mentioned the ingredients of 'Royal' perfume, one of which was "the iris in Illyria" (coastal areas east of the Adriatic). Pliny felt "Perfumes are the most pointless of all luxuries....Their highest recommendation is that, as a woman goes by, their use may attract even those who are otherwise occupied. They cost more than 400 denarii for a pound. So much is paid for someone else's pleasure, since the wearer does not smell the perfume."

Orris root contains irone, the fragrance of violets. The fragrance is ephemeral; the molecule is known to overwhelm the sense of smell, then fade, only to overwhelm again. Orris root develops its fragrance as it ages. Mrs. Grieve (A Modern Herbal, 1931) states, "Fresh roots have an earthy smell, the characteristic violet odour is gradually developed during the drying process and does not attain its maximum for at least two years, and even intensifies after that time."

Henriette's Herbal has a photo of Iris x germanica L.. To view Iris X germanica, click on the link:

http://www.henriettesherbal.com/plants/iris-x-germanica

GardenWeb's HortiPlex Plant Database has a photo of Iris X germanica var. florentina. To view Iris X germanica var. florentina, click on the link:

http://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1021031.html

Botanical.com "The Modern Herbal" has a drawing of Iris pallida Lam.To view Iris pallida and to learn more about iries, click on the link:

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/i/irises08.html

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