Iris: medicinal properties and contraindications

Amazing plant, known more popularly as the "cockerel", has been widespread on our planet for more than 4 thousand years. This flower is the most recognizable among gardeners around the world, because the abundance of species diversity allows it to grow on all continents. In addition to its mesmerizing appearance, the plant hides countless medicinal properties and unique chemical elements that humans have been using in medicine for several thousand years.

Chemical Composition

The oil of the plant exudes the unique scent of violets. This is due to the content of the essential oil of toffee in the root of the flower. Its main part is ketone irone, and it is this that gives such a specific fragrance. The rhizomes collected in the spring will contain the most of this healing substance. The percentage will increase from 0.3 to 0.42.

In addition to ketoniron, there are notes of linalool and geraniol in the scent of iris oil. The composition of the unique essential oil is very rich and consists of 140 different components, including:

• methyl esters;
• Aldehydes - nonyl, acetic and m-decyl;
• phenol;
• ketone, which has a minty odor;
• furfural.

And, also acids: undecyl, oleic, lauric, benzoic, tridecyl, myristic.

In addition, a high content of starch (about 57%) and fatty oil (about 9%) is found in the roots of the plant. Also present are resinous and tannins, mucilage, organic acids, and the isoflavone glycoside iridin. The green leaves of iris contain amino acids and about 0.25% ascorbic acid.

What it looks like and where it grows

Iris is a perennial herbaceous plant, reaching a maximum height of 90 cm. Up to 14 flowers can grow on slightly curly, flattened stems. Evolution has turned the stem of the plant into a rhizome. This is easily seen by the apical point of root growth (like a standard stem). Moreover, no vegetative buds develop on the roots. The powerful rhizome reaches a diameter of 3 cm. Its cut begins to show a rich brown hue. The stems of the plant grow sideways due to the horizontal location of the root. The rhizome is constantly branching, weaving and crawling, and this becomes the main condition for the rapid development of new territories by the iris.

The rosette is made up of broad, sword-shaped leaves that are up to 2 m long and resemble the laminae of a calamus. The coloring of the leaves and stem comes in a variety of shades, ranging from rich green to bluish. Approaching midsummer, the plant begins its flowering phase. Bundles of flowers - usually 4-7 in a single spot - develop on tall, sturdy stems. The perianth parts have an ovate plate and are lowered to the bottom. They are colored pale yellow, the central part is marked with a fiery circle, and the veins are purple. The perianth parts inside have a linear structure and are much shorter in height than the column. The filaments on which the stamens are arranged have a light shade of cream tones. The life of the flower is only about 2-6 days.

After the flower dies off, the iris has a fruit. The fruit is a small box with three faces. The capsule is oblong and oval in shape, topped at the very top with a sharp proboscis. About 40 seeds are formed inside the boll. They are all large in size, have a characteristic sheen and many ribs, and their color varies from the lightest brown tones to the darkest. The fruit matures by mid-August. Iris, which can propagate both vegetatively and by seed (generatively), is undemanding in care, grows quickly enough and rapidly leaves offspring.

Undemanding Iris is widespread enough around the globe. Areas of its occurrence include almost all of Europe (except the most northern parts), Asia, South and North America and even partially African regions. Iris, which grows in natural conditions, prefers sufficiently moist meadow soils with a maximum variety of acidic substrates. The damp-loving plant can often be found on the banks of various bodies of water, as well as in river valleys.

Species

On our planet the unique plant is represented by more than 240 species. Features of each depend on the climate and conditions of the places where they grow. Sometimes the differences are too great, but even the most distant representatives of the medicinal flower have basic similarities in common.

1. Yellow and Kempfer's. These varieties are "Japanese," growing near water and in constant need of shelter. Their leaves are strongly elongated and narrow, and the flowers are unusually shaped and sparsely colored.
2. Siberian. The only representative of irises that forms a dense, strong sod. Its stems and leaves are linear in shape, and its small flowers are unusually beautiful. It has many hybrids, of which Spuria is the most interesting. All hybrids have the unique property of being winter hardy. The flower is widespread across Eurasia: from northern Italy to the shores of Russia's Lake Baikal. In addition, rare habitats can be found in Turkey, the Komi Republic and the Caucasus.
3. Bristlewort. Differs from all other representatives by its bright purple flower coloration. But the leaves have a standard honeycomb shape. Among them are allocated low-growing plants, the height of which does not reach and 20 cm. Their flowers are large and bright. An example is the leafless iris.
4. Dwarf. Dwarf iris is unique in its drought tolerance, so it is considered a steppe plant. Its height is small and can reach a maximum of 10, rarely 15 cm. The flowers are bright yellow or purple, and the large leaves are always broad.
5. Germanic (bearded). This is the most popular type of iris, among which there are three varieties: low, medium and high. This division is based on the height of the stem on which the inflorescences are located. The maximum length of the stem can reach 80 cm, and the minimum - 20. The division is also based on the color of the flowers. Here there are single-colored, double-colored, fringed and many others.
6. Dutch. This flower likes an abundance of heat and hardly endures winter, so it requires shelter in cold seasons. It differs from the others in having special underground fruits instead of rhizomes. Each year under the ground, the plant forms several large bulbs, which store an abundance of useful substances. The thick stem on which the inflorescences develop can reach a maximum height of 90 cm. It bears narrow, hard leaves that are trough-shaped. The flowers come in monochrome or two colors.
7. Moorland. This representative of irises is the most gigantic specimen, because its height can reach 1 m. The variety is unique not only because of its size, but also because of its flowering period, which begins in May and ends in June, and the coloration of the flowers. The "cockerels" on the stems are always bright golden in color, which are diluted with veins of brown shades. The plant likes direct sunlight. However, another of its features is that despite its thermophilic nature it is still remarkably tolerant of winter colds. Swamp iris is widespread all over the world, but in nature it can be found only in river valleys or near water bodies.
8. Honeysuckle. The sword-shaped iris differs from its brethren in its late blooming period. The green leaves on the stem are always narrow and short. The flowers also have noticeable distinctive features: their inner part is very small, and the petals on top are huge in size. The stem is of standard size, about 80 cm. In general, the flower has a flattened, flat shape. Its distribution is limited to the Japanese islands, Korea, and China.

Collection and storage

In the first year of the plant's life, it should not be harvested. During this period, it is cared for and cultivated to the proper age. On the second year (or better on the third) after planting, the collection of irises begins. This should be done in the last month of summer or in the very beginning of autumn. To do this, dig out the rhizome carefully, then carefully clean the roots located on the sides, then rinse with water, and then cut lengthwise the fruits to dry in the sun or in special equipment. At the same time you should not forget about the constant stirring of the pieces.

Store the resulting raw material should be in a dark, dry, and most importantly - cool room. In advance, you need to determine the dried parts in glassware or in paper bags. Such conditions will help to store the roots of iris for up to several years. The root contains the most essential oil, but in spite of this, the flowers of the plant are also to be collected. After that, the healing oil is obtained from them by extraction.

Therapeutic properties of iris

All of the medicinal properties that iris possesses are due to the unique essential oil and many other chemical elements found in the root of the plant. Iris oil has wide applications in perfumery, cosmetology and medicine. The green leaves of the plant have been found to contain high levels of vitamin C. It is this vitamin that slows down the premature aging of biological cells and is a very strong antioxidant. In addition, the vitamin contained in the leaves noticeably improves the immunity of any body.

Phenolic substances contained in the root allow treating various inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, as well as the urinary system and gastrointestinal tract. Flavonoids in the chemical composition of the plant can strengthen the heart muscle and normalize blood pressure. This happens by increasing the strength of the vascular capillaries. Other iris chemicals can normalize the work of the female body during menopause, replenish missing sex hormones.

The use of iris in a variety of diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract and throat allow bitterness and essential oil, which are contained in the root and are a powerful antiseptic.

Widely used plant and in cosmetology, where it also has a therapeutic effect on the skin of the face and head. Cosmetic preparations containing iris have regenerative properties and are well suited for the care of sensitive skin.

In ophthalmology, parts of the herbaceous plant are also used. Its extract, contained in many eye drops, has a bactericidal effect, thereby helping to cure even serious eye diseases.

Iris in traditional medicine

Since ancient times, mankind has known the magical properties of this beautiful flower. Various parts of the plant, from the rhizomes to the seeds, are widely used in folk medicine. From iris are made various medicinal tinctures for external use, infusions and decoctions - for internal use. It is also often added to toothpaste and make herbal therapeutic lotions.

Infusion on the roots of iris used internally

The dried root of the plant should be grinded into a powder. Prepare 2 full glasses of hot water, where to immerse 1 teaspoon of healing powder. After that, after thoroughly mixing the solution, leave it for a couple of hours. Infused drug to use 3 to 4 times a day immediately before a meal, 100 ml.

Infusion on the roots of iris, for external use

Such an infusion is good for open wounds and sores. In such cases, you need to wash, rinse and make lotions on sore spots with healing water. The infusion is prepared as follows. Grind the dry rhizome to a powder. Then in 250 ml of water at room temperature, preferably cold, immerse 1 small spoonful of pre-cooked raw materials. After stirring the resulting infusion, leave it for 9 hours in a dark place. After which it will be ready for appropriate use.

Infusion for the treatment of acute epidemic hepatitis

For this purpose, it is necessary to boil water. Take about 10 seeds of exactly the thin-leafed plant and pour them with a glass of boiling water. After that, turn on the stove and put on the fire the prepared mixture of seeds and water. Reduce the fire to a minimum. Thus, boil the broth for about 6 minutes. Then take the medicine off the fire and let it infuse for at least 4 hours. After this time, be sure to filter the broth thoroughly. Only after that the medicine can be used internally. This should be done as follows. Fill a glass with about 40% of the broth. Exactly this amount should be consumed every 2 hours after a meal and preferably 2 to 3 times daily.

Infusion of iris seeds for epidemic hepatitis

Grind the seeds of thin-leaf iris into a powder. Then one-third of a small spoonful of iris powder pour a glass of ice water. Next, send the mixture to the fire, where it should be brought to a boil. As soon as the medicine comes to a boil, time it. After boiling, simmer the solution for exactly 10 more minutes. Allow the finished product to cool and infuse for one hour, only then can it be used as intended. Take the strained decoction half an hour before a meal. Each time you should drink one third of a glass. Do it in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening.

Recipe for a preventive infusion of iris forked

To prepare the following infusion, you need to take one stem of the forked iris. Dried stem first cut into small pieces, then grind to a powdery state. Next, place 4 grams of powder in a glass or any other container, most importantly of the same volume, and pour hot water. The resulting mixture should be boiled for 2-4 minutes. Then insist the broth for at least an hour and then filter well. Use the resulting prophylactic infusion no more than 4 times a day. Do it in the following way: each time you fill a glass half full, add there a tablespoon of honey, mix everything together thoroughly and use internally.

Alcoholic tincture on the roots of iris

To prepare an alcoholic tincture, it is important to use only the dug up roots of the plant. They must be thoroughly washed and then crushed with a meat grinder. The resulting pulp in a ratio of 1/1 mix with vodka or alcohol solution (not higher than 70 degrees). Fresh alcoholic tincture should be stored in the refrigerator or in a dark, cold place for at least 3 weeks. When the medicine is completely ready, you can use it in two ways.

1. It is necessary to take a gauze cloth and cut a piece from it to make a bandage. Then it should be thoroughly soaked in alcoholic tincture and wrap the legs in the place where there are spurs, while covering the top with cellophane film. Leave the painful place in this state for a whole night. In the morning, remove the bandage. And in the evening, before going to bed, carefully lubricate the sore spot with petroleum jelly and make sure to massage it. This treatment should be carried out for three weeks, alternating the healing bandage with massage every other day.
2. Taking an alcoholic tincture on the roots of iris is also useful for patients with tuberculosis or bronchitis. To do this, add 1 teaspoon of tincture to a glass of chamomile tincture before use. The resulting infusion should be used to gargle the throat, which should be done every 2 hours.

Water tincture on the roots of iris

Dried roots of the plant cut into small pieces, which then grind into a healing powder. Then send 2 tablespoons of the resulting powder to the thermos. Fill the thermos with boiled water and close. The mixture should infuse for a whole night. After that, filter it well. Now the preparation is ready for use. There are several ways to use the healing infusion of iris.

1. It is used with a strong cough. A patient should drink one-third of a glass of tincture in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening.
2. Someone who has dropsy or has multiple edemas will also be helped by a tincture of iris. People need to take 1 tablespoon of the preparation 3 times a day orally.
3. People who have a variety of tumors and mastitis, gauze bandages or cotton disks thoroughly soaked in the solution will help well. They should be applied to the place of the disease for at least 40 minutes.

Recipe of a laxative from the stems of iris

To prepare a universal laxative, you will need one small young stem of the plant. It should be well chopped into small pieces and add half a teaspoon of honey. Take the resulting pulp internally.

Recipe for poultices made of iris leaves

Poultices made of iris leaves are very good for removing calluses on the hands and feet. It is the leaves of the pale iris that are used for this purpose. The recipe is extremely simple. You only need to finely chop the leaves and scald them with boiling water. Then put pieces of the plant on the sore spot for at least 3 hours. It is important not to forget to repeat this procedure 2 more times.

Medicine made of iris for toothache

To prepare this remedy, you need to take 40 g of dried roots of water iris. Grind the raw material qualitatively and put it in a suitable container. Pour on top of the powder with a glass of red wine. You have to mix everything thoroughly and close the bottle. After this, put the mixture for a whole week in a dry, dark place like a closet. At the same time, it is important not to forget to shake the mixture daily in the crock. When the period expires, carefully filter the solution with ordinary gauze, which is folded in several layers. Pass the liquid through it into another clean container. Often use the ready-made medicine should not be used. Nor should it be used for prophylactic purposes. Use is allowed only if the person has a toothache. In this case, the patient should take about 20 ml of infusion every 3 hours.

Recipe for Germanic Iris toothpaste

At the very beginning, it is necessary to mix well 4 g of cellulose and 40 ml of glycerin. Then, from the dry roots of iris, make a powder by grinding the pre-crushed pieces into dust. To make a paste you will need 20 g of powder. Mix it with 20 drops of essential oil. Now combine the resulting mixture into one and thoroughly knead all the ingredients. Gently stirring the mixture, slowly pour 70 ml of boiled water into it. After that, if desired, 200 ml of preservative and 0.4 ml of lactic acid can be added to the paste. Stir everything well again, and the paste will be ready. Thanks to the components included in the toothpaste, it will have a slight abrasiveness.

Decoction for heavy periods

To prepare a healing drink, you will need 50 g of pre-crushed to powder iris root. Pour them with a glass of cold, purified water. Then send the solution to a water bath for 15 minutes, after which it will be ready for thorough filtration. Next, supplement the decoction to the original volume by adding boiled water. Divide the contents of the glass into three equal parts. In the morning, at lunch and in the evening, consume internally one part at a time in slow, measured sips. Such prophylactic treatment will help to avoid profuse discharge of blood from the body.

Iris seed powder

To prepare a healing powder, it is necessary to use the seeds of Germanic iris. Take the seeds out of the box, pour them into a porcelain mortar and thoroughly grind to a powder. Then sprinkle it on bleeding, open wounds.

Recipe for water procedures with iris

In a drawn hot water bath, add about 10 drops of essential oil of iris. It is important not to forget to add 30 drops of emulsifier. Taking such a bath helps the body to relax and has a regenerating effect on the skin.

Types of healing compositions

Healing herbaceous plant is used in a variety of forms, compositions and mixtures. The preparation of a therapeutic preparation of iris depends on the disease that needs to be eliminated. Such a wide range of uses of the plant depends on its unique chemical composition, which includes many useful elements.

Infusion

Infusion on various parts of iris is possible to use both internally and externally. External application is possible in the form of using lotions and washing wounds and sores into which infection may have entered. The infusion is taken internally for cancer, gastric and thyroid diseases.

Tincture

Tinctures of iris come in alcohol or water. They are used to treat a variety of respiratory diseases and organs, for acute bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma. The tincture also has a very good styptic effect.

Decoction

Healing decoction of iris helps with a variety of diseases. Most often it is used for toothaches. For this purpose, the healing decoction is rinsed in the mouth. Decoction saves from dandruff on the head, cancer, various tumors.

Tea

The most common use of iris tea is shown to those who have diseases of the chest cavity or mastopathy. In such a case, the tea has a therapeutic effect.

Oil

Butterscotch oil provides notable help for serious gastrointestinal and liver diseases, stomach ulcers, colic, gastritis and even gallstones.

Cooking applications

The beautiful aroma of violets that the roots of the herbaceous iris exude has made this wonderful plant one of the ingredients of various dishes. Most often dried and ground into a powder, the roots of iris are used in the manufacture of various confectionery products. The root is also used to make flour and starch for baking. But beyond this, the range of uses of the plant in cooking is very wide. The powder is part of many spices for fish and meat, it is a unique spice that can emphasize the amazing taste. The flower extract is often used as a flavoring agent, adding it to any drink, ice cream, candied fruits, jams and jams. Butterscotch is also widely used in liquor production.

Despite such a wide range of culinary uses for toffee, it is most often used in exclusive restaurants. After all, the plant is extremely specific and requires special treatment, which is owned by chefs.

Contraindications for use

The main factor for which you should refuse to use various therapeutic preparations that include any variety of iris will be individual intolerance. However, in addition to this, you should also refrain from those who have high blood clotting. And also iris can cause harm to young children, pregnant women and women who are in the lactation period.

Photo of iris