Iris

Perennials up to 1.5 m tall from the iris family (Iridaceae), which are mainly native to the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere (especially northern Italy). Iris pallida has three-part flowers that usually bloom from April to June. The narrow, sword-like leaves that give it its name are characteristic. They have rhizomes, tubers or bulbs as storage organs.

Iris pallida is the parent plant of Iridis rhizoma, also known as iris root, the officinal (DAB6) extract from the rhizomes.

The peeled, dried root (iris rhizome - Iridis rhizoma) is used phytopharmacologically.

Cosmetics and nutrition:

• Aromatic in various tea blends, toothpastes, tooth powder.
• Fragrance (Concrète): The essential oil, which is obtained by steam distillation from the peeled, washed, dried and powdered rhizomes of the plants, is used as a high-quality fragrance in perfumes and various other cosmetics.
• Iris pallida root extract (INCI) is the resin obtained by alcohol extraction from the peeled, washed, dried and powdered rhizomes of the plants. The extract is used in cosmetic formulations.

Homeopathy: Fresh, unpeeled rhizomes are used, for example, for migraines, stomach complaints and diseases of the pancreas.

1. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/schwertlilie.php
2. Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl tea drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practice. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 351-353