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Iris has many health benefits. The flower is incredibly beautiful and fragrant. Florence got its name from the abundance of blooming irises. Now this magnificent flower flaunts on 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 xiphoid leaves rise directly from the root, which is 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
Outwardly, the iris flower (pictured) looks unusual and resembles an orchid, but it is impossible to confuse them. Flowers have 3 petals, in the center there is a corolla of vertically arranged petals with edges curved inward.
Iris is often compared to a rainbow because of its multifaceted color.
In ancient Greece, this flower was named after the goddess Iris.
What does an iris flower smell like?
The smell of iris is as varied as its color. Depending on the variety and stage of flowering, it exudes various aromas: honey, caramel, vanilla, citrus, chocolate. The play of smells fascinated perfumers all over the world, for them it is the most perfect flower, many compositions have been created on its basis.
What are irises
Breeders have bred a huge number of irises - from miniature to tall large-flowered plants with various colors.
The most common types are white, purple, yellow and blue.
There are plants with a mixed gradient color, as well as combining several colors.
The species are subdivided into rhizome, bulbous and Dutch. They are also miniature, table, bearded, small and large-flowered. After examining 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 popular among the people:
- "Kasatik" - in Russia he was called so for the long flat leaves associated with the scythe;
- "Petushok" or "Pivnyk" - this is how the Ukrainians call the culture for the proud crest rising from the petals;
- "Perunica" - this name is popular in Croatia and Serbia, where the flower is named after the god of thunder and thunder - Perun.
How iris grows
The culture grows in flower beds, swamps, rocky slopes, rock gardens and rockeries.
An unpretentious plant can revive any landscape
Prefers well-lit areas with loose, rich soil. The ideal place is considered to be a hill. Grows on desert or steppe soils, along the banks of water bodies.
Wild specimens bloom in early spring; when flowering, they form a seed box with small seeds. On flower beds and in front gardens, flowering begins later (in May).
In which natural area does 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 temperate subtropical climate of the Northern Hemisphere is considered ideal natural conditions for them.
Does iris grow in the steppe
In the arid climate of the steppes, a dwarf iris grows, according to the description, it reaches a height of 15 cm, and the diameter of flowers does not exceed 3 cm.
The flower is drought tolerant, often found in limestone and sandy lands
Where does iris grow in Russia
For the first time, the flower was seen in the Mediterranean countries. The climate of northern latitudes is considered the most suitable for culture. Flowers are widespread on Lake Baikal, the Caucasus, come across in Turkey and Komi.
Irises grow practically 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, dwarf irises grow, according to the description, similar to a steppe dwarf flower, but the species that have appeared on the sunny slopes of the Black Sea are an especially magnificent sight.
The 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 root of the flower is considered the most valuable raw material for medicinal purposes. In pharmacies, it is available without a prescription.
Healing properties of iris root
The root of the culture in the pharmacy is found under the name "violet root"
The medicinal properties of iris root are used in official medicine. It is recommended as an analgesic, anticancer and sedative. A decoction of violet root treats pneumonia, bronchitis, sore throat, it is taken for pain in the stomach and with heat.
The remedy is prescribed to relieve labor pain. It has antifungal and antibacterial effects. It is good to use iris root during teething in babies. It relieves pain and irritation of the gums, preventing them from becoming infected.
In India, iris root is used as a diuretic, but in addition to its medicinal properties, it also has contraindications, therefore, before using it, you must carefully read the instructions and observe the dosage.
Iris application
Iris is used for various industrial purposes: in medicine, perfumery, cooking, cosmetology. On its basis, many perfumes and cosmetics have been created. The aromas of the flower also attract culinary experts who actively use it for their own purposes. It is also interesting for aromatherapy specialists, creators of air freshening products. Traditional medicine offers many recipes based on iris root.
In folk medicine
Preparations and decoctions based on the violet root help with many diseases and are actively recommended by traditional healers
In folk medicine, an infusion of iris root is popular, which is taken in 100-200 ml per day.
Preparation:
- The root of the plant must be thoroughly washed, peeled and chopped.
- Brew in a thermos at the rate of 2 tsp. for 300 ml of boiling water.
- Insist for 6 hours.
- Strain.
Seven terrible ailments that violet root will help to 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 exerting a strong load 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 dissolving them;
- infected abscesses and suppurations - an infusion of iris cleans the wound from purulent formations, stopping the decay process;
- bone tuberculosis - in complex treatment with special-purpose drugs, it kills the tuberculosis bacillus, significantly improving the patient's physical condition;
- diarrhea - heals quickly and effectively, destroying pathogens;
- poisoning - by binding toxic substances, it removes them from the body and helps to cope with the consequences.
It is forbidden to use preparations based on iris root for the following diseases and conditions:
- varicose veins;
- thrombosis;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- hypersensitivity to components;
- increased blood clotting rates.
In cosmetology
Cosmetics based on iris flowers are distinguished by antioxidant and regenerating properties
In cosmetology, essential oil from iris flowers is actively used. It effectively fights pigmentation, wrinkles and flaking. Cosmetologists call it rejuvenating, because the oil moisturizes aging skin, improving its regeneration, restores its previous elasticity, relieves irritation and inflammation.
Hair care products with iris flower extract strengthen the roots to prevent hair loss.
In the perfume industry
Perfumers appreciate iris for its multifaceted aroma, playing with undertones and shades. It can alternately change the mood, displaying the smell of powder, then the sweetness of vanilla, then the freshness of the morning dew.
Perfumery products based on the iris aroma are not classified as gentle and calm, but as bright, romantic and memorable.
In aromatherapy
Experts recommend that sensitive people inhale the esters of 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, relieve mental fatigue.
In cooking
Confectioners use powdered iris raw materials as a flavoring additive in cream, dessert, bakery and confectionery products.
To obtain the powder, the iris root is dried for a long time
The southern peoples make jam from its petals. It is added to alcoholic beverages as a flavoring agent. A small amount of toffee is found in some fish spices.
The meaning of irises
The meaning of the flower is ambiguous. Hippocrates named him after the goddess Iris, who descended from heaven only to convey the will of the gods to people. Since then, he has become associated with rosy events and good news.
Later in ancient Greece, the tradition arose to plant them on the graves of women. People believed that seeing bright flowers, Irida would definitely come for them and take the dead women to another world, which gave the iris a different meaning - a guide of souls.
For the Japanese, it is a male flower, it symbolizes courage and courage. In this country, they even celebrate the day of irises (boys' holiday). On the day of the holiday, young men and men take a bath with iris buds, and on the eve they decorate their homes with many bouquets of irises.
The French associate iris with greatness and power, while Christians associate it with sorrow, pain and sorrow. The flower acquired this meaning thanks to the 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, strikingly similar to an iris flower. Now it bears the name - Iris Nebula.
The plant is strikingly old. Back in the 17th century, the walls of the Taj Mahal were inlaid with a pattern of iris flowers, and the fresco of the Palace of Knossos (Crete), which is more than 4000 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 stretching to 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 are scientifically confirmed and recognized all over the world, and the aroma is attractive to absolutely everyone.
