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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.



ORRIS ROOT
(Iris germanica florentina)
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PROPAGATION: By division. Replant with half of rhizome above the surface of the soil. Has a tendency to rot if completely covered.
NEEDS: Full sun to partial shade and well-drained fertile soil.
HARVEST: There are several methods.
1. Dig rhizomes after blooming; peel and dry in the sun. Use a dust mask if pulverizing the dry root as it can be allergenic.
2. Dig the root and chop or shred while fresh; as drying occurs, the sweet fragrance develops, but takes 2 years.
3. Dig up older roots in fall; peel; shred or chop and then dry. Grate or grind fresh peeled root in food processor; spread on mesh a few days to dry (this avoids the dust). Fragrance of the root continues to develop upto 2 years. Also try other bearded iris roots.

USES

COSMETIC:
The dried powdered root is used in dry shampos, bath salts and talcum powder.

CRAFTS:
Used as a fixative in potpourri. Used in herb pillows.




©2001 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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