Irisin | Indoor Herb Garden Kits and Herbal Remedies

Showy Iris – Herbs For Sore Eyes

May 19, 2010 |

Author peter

Iris pseudacorus (Iridaceae)

Herb Garden Plants – Iris.

Appearance
Iris is really a category of some two hundred and fifty-odd species of flowering plants with flamboyant blooms. Although Iris may not be generally seen as a ‘herb garden plant‘ it nevertheless fits both the definition and spirit of beneficial herbs.

It borrows its label from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide selection of blossom hues found among the numerous varieties. As well as being the scientific title,’ iris’ is also very widely used as a common label; for one thing, it refers to all Iris varieties, though a number of plants called thus fit in better with some other closely connected genera.

Throughout North America, the popular name for irises is ‘flags’. The true yellow flag bears compact, elegant, golden yellow flowers in summer, and it is a fairly widespread plant found in waterway borders and marshy terrain in Great Britain. Flowering stems and sword-like leaves reach a height of 60 to 150 cms (2 to 5 ft) and the plants can form extensive colonies. ln America this plant is known as a blue flag, the blossoms being violet azure and variegated with yellow, and the flower stems attaining 60 to 90 cms (2-3 ft) in height.

The particular name pseudacorus acknowledges its resemblance (when not in flower) to the sweet sedge or sweet flag, Acarus calamus. Nevertheless, the leaves as well as the root base of iris are typically odourless whilst sweet sedge is fragrant.

History
Two or three native European irises have been used in remedies, the best known, the yellow flag iris, is British and ended up being the type taken to America by the early settlers.

Universally known as fleur de luce, fleur de lys or fleur-de-lis, it was the heraldic logo associated with the kings of France and legends abound on that score.

Usage

lris has long been grown in America for its roots which are applied in order to treat bumps and also bruises, and as iridin or irisin with regard to its action on the liver and bowels.
The powdered root is an additive to snuff, and if chopped up may offer a cure for toothache.
Culpeper extolled its use, when distilled, as a treatment for weak and tired eyes and asserted that a salve made from the flowers was beneficial for managing ulcers or even syphilitic sores.
The flowers produce a very good yellow dye and the roots, along with the addition of an iron dye mordant, create a black dye.

Cultivation
Yellow flag can only be grown really successfully as a water plant. ln the ornamental herb garden it needs a marsh-like location where it can accompany watercress, water mints and sweet sedge. Settle the rhizomes straight into the borders of a muddy pool and, if needed, tie some rhizomes collectively in a string or wire basket which can be ballasted to avoid the clumps from sailing off.

The irises tend to be such a large family that growing conditions and garden soil needs vary substantially. Numerous types have adapted to regional conditions when transported afar. I remember visiting a long-deserted farmhouse where the only visible flowers were purple irises growing happily in hard dry soil.

For most typical irises though, position your rhizomes just below the surface of the ground with the roots well spread out below so the rhizome is within reach of the heat of the sun’s rays while the roots beneath tend to be in damp (not soggy) soil.

Work your dirt properly to a depth of 25 to 30 cm. In the event that your soil is heavy, incorporate sand so that wetness drains quickly. Irises will develop in the majority of garden soils.

Be certain to firm the earth snugly about every rhizome when planting. Follow the ordinary good gardening procedure of applying water and settling soil on newly set plants.