YELLOW IRIS

ROOT:

Yellow iris is used for treating affections such as dandruff, wounds, being an excellent diuretic & tonic.
Iris is also used for ascites, asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism & being a good capillary tonic.

Iris root can be drunk with honey, vinegar or wine for coughs, colds, indigestion & sciatica.
It is useful as a poultice for tumors & ulcers, broken bones & headache.
The fresh root is astringent, cathartic, emetic, emmenagogue & odontalgic.
A slice of the root held against an aching tooth is said to bring immediate relief.
Poultices can be applied for any type of swelling, burns & sores.
Iris root can be used to counter convulsions, stomach upset, bites & acne & even as a restorative snuff.
Iris root is recommended for the pancreas & thyroid, digestive problem & headache.

Eastern medicine recommends this herb for treatment of jaundice or sore throat.

PRECAUTIONS:

When dried the root loses its acridity & then only acts as an astringent.
It can cause violent vomiting & diarrhoea.
Iris powder causes irritation of the mucous membrane followed by nausea.
The symptoms of yellow iris poisoning also include, but are not limited to, gastroenteritis, stomach pain, nausea, muscle spasms & even paralysis in severe cases.
The juices of the plant's rhizomes, which are tube like stems, cause skin irritation upon direct contact.

RECIPES:

Yellow iris decoction:

Boil 2 tsp of rhizome powder in a cup of water.
Keep macerating for 2 hours.
Boil again on a gently for 10-15 minutes.
Strain & use for local washings.

Iris wine:

Add to a 1 l of white wine
1 g of cinnamon,
2 g of iris root,
8 g of ginger &
125 g of sugar.
Leave for 24 hours & strain.
Add 50 ml of milk & 6 freshly pounded almonds.
Mix well & kept for a month.
Take 1 glass per day.

BEAUTY:

For treating acne, iris flower compresses are used 2-3 times a day for 15 minutes.

The powder of Iris root can be used as a dry shampoo.

Flowers of the Yellow Iris produce a lovely yellow dye, while the root
produces a grey or black dye.

MAGIC:

The Iris, one of the loveliest flowers, has been used for purification since Roman times. The fresh flowers are placed in the area to be cleansed.
The three points of its flower symbolize faith, wisdom & valour & so can be used to induce these qualities.

French & Irish traditions use the plant as an apotropaic - bunches hung on doors, during special feasts - were believed to ward off evil.

Iris may be used in ritual of death & dying to bring peace to the beloved. Associated with the rainbow, it represents a belief in a happy reincarnation. It is a symbol of the eternal quality of the soul or spirit.
The strong association with the goddesses has led to the custom of planting beds of this flower upon graves of women or as memorials in their honor.

The oil may be worn (or the powdered root burned) to promote the inner qualities which enhance loving relationships.
Add a piece of the root to amulets for protection in both worlds, that of the spirit & of the physical.
Iris is also recommended for baby blessing rituals, as it represents hope & promise.