Irises are very popular for their beautiful colors and sweet scent. During the ancient times, Romans and Greeks use dried Iris or Orris (Iris pallida) rhizomes to make perfumes because they smell like violets. Others compare the roots scent to freshy-washed clothes. Apart from the rhizome’s wonderful scent, the plant is very popular because it symbolizes power. The plant is believed to have originate from Morocco. Today many countries cultivate the plant for its essential oil, medicinal uses, sweet smell and aesthetic value.
The Orris Essential Oil is extracted from the rhizome of the Iris plant through steam or carbon distillation. It has a pale yellowish tint, and it is very popular for its distinct floral scent. The rhizome has been studied for years to identify its chemical components and if it could be used to treat disease.
According to current research studies, some parts of the world drink boiled concoctions of the Orris rhizome to treat halitosis and congestion of the lungs. There are also other cultures that use the rhizome to enhance the function of the excretory system and to purify the blood from toxins and other unnecessary chemicals.
Orris Essential Oil Benefits
Apart from boiling the plant, others use steam distillation to extract the rhizome’s essential oil. According to research, the oil can be used to relieve muscle pain. Furthermore, this plant oil can also be used to moisturize dry patches of the skin and the scalp. The oil kills excess bacteria on the scalp or skin to regulate the pH and induce oil production to minimize flaking.
Aside from improving the condition of your scalp, skin and painful muscles, the roots of Iris offer other health benefits:
- Acts as a mild diuretic
- Prevents inflammation of the urinary tract
- Regulates the production of hormones
- Helps prevent arthritis, rheumatism and sinus infections
- Treats anxiety, annoyance, depression, mental fatigue, and stress
- Improves the mood
- Treats liver diseases plus skin problems
- Treats edema and bronchitis
Chemical analysis shows that the Orris Essential Oil contains portions of ß-amyrin ß-sitosterol, Irone, Ionone, Irigenin, Iridin, Isoflavones, Irilone Menthyl myristate, and Triterpenes. These different substances contribute to the amazing medicinal properties of the oi.
Orris Essential Oil Uses
As claimed by some medical experts and traditional medicine practitioners and believers, the oil exhibits anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antifungal, antiseptic, astringent, emollient, cholagogue and emetic properties. Below is a summary of the medicinal uses of the Orris Essential Oil.
- Orris Essential Oil for Preventing or Relieving Arthritis. Arthritis is a very common condition among aging men and women, but can also occur among young individuals. The main symptom of this condition is pain or swelling along the joints. The symptom can be mild to severe, depending on a number of factors. Some experience arthritis for a brief period, while others suffer the pain for a longer time. The Orris Essential Oil can help you avoid or relieve Arthritis thanks to its anti-inflammatory property.
- Orris Essential Oil as a Cholagogue. A cholagogue is a substance that induces the production of bile, an important digestive substance used to breakdown fat molecules. This medicinal property allows you to use the oil to avoid developing a fatty liver.
- Orris Essential Oil for Treating Bronchitis and Pulmonary Edema. Fluid build-up in the lungs is described as Pulmonary Edema. This condition can cause severe breathing difficulty. Bronchitis on one hand is medically described as a condition where the bronchial tubes are inflamed, resulting to the thickening of mucus lining. The Iris root essential oil can be used to treat both Pulmonary Edema and Bronchitis. You can use the Iris plant oil to help manage these two respiratory diseases. The diuretic property of the oil helps get rid of the fluids inside the lungs, while the emetic property helps remove the mucus buildup in the respiratory tract for patients with bronchitis.
- Orris Essential Oil as a Mild and Natural Diuretic. As a mild diuretic, the Orris Essential Oil can help you treat several conditions such as high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney problems, and heart failure. Diuretics are used to get rid of excess fluid in the body by increasing the frequency and the amount of fluid expelled through urination. Just be mindful of using the oil as a diuretic to avoid dehydration.
Orris Essential Oil Side Effects
If you have a sensitive stomach, you should not try to ingest or inhale the oil. It can also cause severe allergic reactions if you are sensitive to the oils’ chemical components, so do not attempt to use it as a topical treatment or a massage oil. Always do a simple patch test to check if your body rejects the oil.
Medical experts also strongly advise against using the oil on breastfeeding or pregnant women. Take note to use the product in moderation and never use it in high concentrations.
How to Use Orris Essential Oil
Take one part of the Orris Essential Oil and mix it with three to four parts of any carrier oil such as almond oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, hazelnut oil and grapeseed oil. Combine the oils and let the mixture stand for a few days before you can use it as a massage oil, aromatherapy inhalant or a topical treatment. You may also infuse other essences for added health benefits.
How to Make Orris Essential Oil
Orris Essential Oil often uses steam or hydro distillation because it is a more affordable option compared to the carbon distillation method. If you have a steam distillation equipment, you can try to make a batch of Iris rhizome oil on your own. Get a large Orris rhizome and cut it into smaller pieces. You can crush the sliced pieces to extract more oil.
Orris Essential Oil Recipe
Feel free to blend the Orris Essential Oil with other essences extracted from jasmine, ylang-ylang, lavender, Melissa, orange blossom, carnation, sandalwood, marjoram and bergamot.
Ingredients:
- 1 to 4 mL of Orris Essential Oil
- 1 to 4 mL of other Essential Oils (Pick at least three)
- 12 to 15 mL of carrier oil
Procedure:
- In a bowl, you must combine all of the oil products.
- Mix the oils thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture in your desired container.
- Use the mixture in moderation.
Where to Buy Orris Essential Oil
Check your local supermarket, grocery, department store or drugstore if they have a bottle of Orris Essential Oil. If they do not offer this kind of product, you can go to eBay, Amazon or any other shopping site to buy one. Sun’s Eyes, Moon Magick, Ovivio Hills, The Aromatherapy Shop and Lotus House are among the brands that sell Orris Essential Oil.
More Information on Orris Essential Oil
- There are some body perfumes and lotions that contain Orris Essences.
- The oil from the Orris rhizome can also be used as a flavoring additive for carbonated drinks, candies and gelatin.
- Pregnant women should avoid using this oil.
Orris Essential Oil FAQS
Can I Ingest the Oil?
There are some brands that can be ingested. You must read the product label before attempting to mix the oil with your beverages.
Can children use the Orris Essential Oil?
Due to sensitivity issues, it is strongly discouraged to use the Orris Essential Oil on children.
