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Iris has many beneficial properties. The flower is incredibly beautiful and fragrant. Florence got its name from the abundance of blooming irises. Now this magnificent flower adorns her coat of arms.
What does an iris plant look like?
According to the description, irises are perennial plants. Their stems are erect, and long sword-shaped leaves rise directly from the root, which is located quite close to the surface of the earth. The tops of the shoots are crowned with a large, bright flower of a bizarre shape.
What does an iris flower look like?
Externally, the iris flower (pictured) looks unusual and resembles an orchid, but it is impossible to confuse them. The flowers have 3 petals; in the center there is a corolla of vertically arranged petals with edges curved inward.
Many people compare the iris to a rainbow because of its multifaceted color.
In Ancient Greece, this flower was named in honor of the goddess Iris.
What does the iris flower smell like?
The smell of iris is as varied as its color. Depending on the variety and stage of flowering, it exudes different aromas: honey, caramel, vanilla, citrus, chocolate. The play of smells has fascinated perfumers all over the world; for them it is the most perfect flower; many compositions have been created based on it.
What types of irises are there?
Breeders have bred a huge number of irises - from miniature to tall large-flowered plants with different colors.
The most common types are white, purple, yellow and blue.
There are plants with mixed gradient colors, as well as those combining several colors.
Species are divided into rhizomatous, bulbous and Dutch. They also come in miniature, table, bearded, small- and large-flowered. Having studied the photo and a brief description of the flowers, it is easy to choose the most suitable variety from a wide variety of irises.
What is another name for iris?
The flower has several additional names that are popular among the people:
- “Kasatik” - in Rus' it was called so for its long flat leaves associated with a scythe;
- “Cockerel” or “Pivnyk” - this is how Ukrainians call the culture for its proud crest rising from the petals;
- "Perunika" - this name is popular in Croatia and Serbia, where the flower is named after the god of thunder and thunder - Perun.
How does the iris grow?
The culture grows in flower beds, swamps, rocky slopes, rock gardens and rockeries.
An unpretentious plant that can enliven any landscape
Prefers well-lit areas with loose, rich soil. The ideal place is considered to be elevated. Grows on desert or steppe soils, along the banks of reservoirs.
Wild-growing specimens bloom in early spring, and upon flowering they form a seed capsule with small seeds. In flower beds and front gardens, flowering begins later (in May).
In which natural area does the iris grow?
Irises grow in almost all natural areas. They can be found in Europe, America, Russia, Asia, as well as in several regions of Africa, but the ideal natural conditions for them are considered to be the temperate subtropical climate of the Northern Hemisphere.
Does iris grow in the steppe?
In the arid climate of the steppes, the dwarf iris grows; according to the description, it reaches a height of 15 cm, and the diameter of the flowers does not exceed 3 cm.
The flower is drought-resistant, often found on limestone and sandy soils
Where does the iris grow in Russia?
The flower was first noticed in Mediterranean countries. The climate of northern latitudes is considered the most suitable for culture. Flowers are common in Lake Baikal, the Caucasus, and can be found in Turkey and Komi.
Irises grow almost throughout Russia. Most often found on forest edges and clearings, as well as in the gardens of amateur flower growers. In the mountains of the Crimean peninsula grow low-growing irises, similar in description to a steppe dwarf flower, but the species that appeared on the sunny slopes of the Black Sea are a particularly magnificent sight.
Benefits of iris
Flowers are not only beautiful, they are useful for humans.Their roots contain tannins, organic substances, ascorbic acid and essential oils. Due to their chemical composition, they are widely used in medicine - not only in folk recipes, but also in official practice. The most valuable raw material for medicinal purposes is the root of the flower. It is available in pharmacies without a prescription.
Medicinal properties of orris root
The root of the culture is found in the pharmacy under the name “orris root”
The medicinal properties of orris root are used in official medicine. It is recommended as an analgesic, antitumor and sedative. A decoction of orris root treats pneumonia, bronchitis, sore throat, and is taken for stomach pain and fever.
The drug is prescribed to relieve labor pain. It has antifungal and antibacterial effects. It is good to use orris root during teething in babies. It relieves pain and irritation of the gums, preventing them from becoming infected.
In India, orris root is used as a diuretic, but in addition to its medicinal properties, it also has contraindications, so before use you must carefully read the instructions and follow the dosage.
Application of iris
Iris is used for various industrial purposes: in medicine, perfumery, cooking, cosmetology. Many perfumes and cosmetics have been created based on it. The aromas of the flower also attract culinary specialists who actively use it for their own purposes. It is also of interest to aromatherapy specialists and creators of air freshening products. Traditional medicine offers many recipes based on orris root.
In folk medicine
Preparations and decoctions based on orris root help with many diseases and are actively recommended by traditional healers
In folk medicine, an infusion of orris root is popular, which is taken 100-200 ml per day.
Preparation:
- The root of the plant must be thoroughly washed, peeled and crushed.
- Brew in a thermos at the rate of 2 tsp. for 300 ml of boiling water.
- Leave for 6 hours.
- Strain.
Seven terrible ailments that orris root can help you cope with:
- cystitis – the diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect of iris helps to get rid of the problem forever;
- edema – removes excess fluid from the body without putting a strong burden on the kidneys;
- cancer ulcers - the immunostimulating components of the plant inhibit the development of the disease and the process of reproduction of aggressive cells, gradually resolving them;
- infected abscesses and suppuration - an infusion of iris cleanses the wound of purulent formations, stopping the process of decay;
- bone tuberculosis - in complex treatment with special-purpose drugs, it kills the tuberculosis bacillus, significantly improving the patient’s physical condition;
- diarrhea – cures quickly and effectively, destroying pathogens;
- poisoning – by binding toxic substances, it removes them from the body and helps cope with the consequences.
It is prohibited to use preparations based on orris root for the following diseases and conditions:
- varicose veins;
- thrombosis;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- hypersensitivity to components;
- increased blood clotting rates.
In cosmetology
Cosmetic products based on iris flowers have antioxidant and regenerating properties.
Essential oil from iris flowers is actively used in cosmetology. It effectively fights pigmentation, wrinkles and flaking. Cosmetologists call it rejuvenating because the oil moisturizes aging skin, improves its regeneration, restores its former elasticity, and relieves irritation and inflammation.
Hair care products with iris flower extract strengthen the roots, preventing hair loss.
In the perfume industry
Perfumers value iris for its multifaceted aroma, playing with undertones and shades. It can alternately change the mood, displaying the smell of powder, the sweetness of vanilla, or the freshness of morning dew.
Perfume products based on iris aroma are not considered gentle and calm, but bright, romantic and memorable.
In aromatherapy
Experts recommend that sensitive people inhale esters from iris flowers more often. They have a beneficial effect on the psyche, relieve stress and improve mood, as well as improve sleep, optimize brain activity, and relieve moral fatigue.
In cooking
Confectioners use powdered iris raw materials as a flavoring additive in cream, dessert, bakery and confectionery products.
To obtain powder, orris root is dried for a long time.
Southern peoples make jam from its petals. It is added as a flavoring to alcoholic drinks. A small amount of iris is included in some fish spices.
The meaning of irises
The meaning of the flower is ambiguous.Hippocrates named it after the goddess Iris, who descended from the sky only to convey to people the will of the gods. Since then, he has become associated with rosy events and good news.
Later, in Ancient Greece, a tradition arose of planting them on the graves of women. People believed that after seeing bright flowers, Iris would definitely come for them and lead dead women to another world, which gave the iris another meaning - a guide of souls.
For the Japanese, this is a masculine flower; it symbolizes courage and bravery. This country even celebrates Iris Day (boys' holiday). On the day of the holiday, young men and women take a bath with iris buds, and the day before they decorate their homes with many bouquets of irises.
The French associate the iris with greatness and power, and Christians with sadness, pain and sorrow. The flower acquired this meaning thanks to images of the Virgin Mary, in which iris is often present. The theme was the reason for its cultivation in monasteries and temples.
Interesting facts and legends about irises
The flower is associated not only with the name of Iris, but also with outer space. Astronomers have discovered Andromeda in the constellation Cepheus, which bears a striking resemblance to an iris flower. Now it is called the Iris Nebula.
The plant is amazingly ancient. Back in the 17th century, the walls of the Taj Mahal were inlaid with a pattern of iris flowers, and the fresco of the Knossos Palace (Crete), which is more than 4,000 years old, depicts a priest surrounded by irises.
The flower is listed in the Red Book of many regions of the country: Saratov and Kurgan regions, Perm Territory, Dagestan, Bashkiria, North Ossetia, the Chechen Republic and Moscow.
Some varieties of irises are capable of reaching human height. They are used in landscape design to decorate artificial and natural reservoirs.
Conclusion
Iris is a flower with an interesting history. The beneficial properties of the culture have been scientifically confirmed and recognized throughout the world, and the aroma is attractive to absolutely everyone.
