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Herbs and plants

Iris rhizome — violet root for coughs and teething?

Sources: 6 · Article: 12 497 characters

Henryk Różański also describes its calming, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and diuretic effects, and its use for nervous, rheumatic and liver complaints.

  • The decoction can be drunk or used for washing, compresses and gargles; the rhizome is also used externally for skin inflammation.
  • Henryk Różański also mentions the use of iris preparations as supportive treatment for cancer.

What the authors write

Henryk Różański

Water extracts of the rhizomes are said to have expectorant, anti-inflammatory, calming, anti-anxiety and diuretic effects, and to soothe coughs.

„Water extracts of iris rhizomes undoubtedly have expectorant, softening, anti-inflammatory effects; inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi; stimulate breathing; increase urine output; soothe coughs; and relax smooth muscles. They relax skeletal muscles and have a calming and anti-anxiety effect.”Wodne wyciągi z kłączy kosaćca działają niewątpliwe wykrztuśnie, rozmiękczająco, przeciwzapalnie, hamują rozwój bakterii, wirusów, pierwotniaków i grzybów; pobudzają oddychanie, wzmagają diurezę, łagodzą kaszel, wpływają rozkurczowo na mięśnie gładkie; rozluźniają mięśnie szkieletowe i uspokajają; działają przeciwlękowo.
Kłącze kosaćca – Rhizoma Iridis w praktycznej fitoterapii.
Henryk Różański

The rhizome decoction is described as antimicrobial, cough-relieving, calming, antispasmodic, bile-stimulating and protective of the liver.

„The rhizome decoction has antimicrobial effects, stimulates menstruation, increases mucus secretion and the clearing of the respiratory tract lining, relieves coughs and pain, and has calming and antispasmodic effects on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. It also acts as a laxative and has anticancer effects (especially the alcoholic extract of the rhizomes). It stimulates detoxification processes and increases the secretion of bile and pancreatic juice. It protects the liver.”Odwar z kłączy działa przeciwdrobnoustrojowo, pobudzająco na miesiączkowanie, wzmagająco na wydzielanie śluzu i oczyszczanie nabłonka dróg oddechowych, przeciwkaszlowo, przeciwbólowo, uspokajająco, rozkurczowo na mięśnie gładkie przewodu pokarmowego, rozwalniająco i przeciwnowotworowo (szczególnie wyciąg alkoholowy z kłączy). Pobudza procesy odtruwania, wzmaga wydzielanie żółci i soku trzustkowego. Działa ochronnie na wątrobę.
Kłącze kosaćca – Rhizoma Iridis w praktycznej fitoterapii.
Henryk Różański

Yellow or German iris rhizome is listed as an ingredient in a mixture recommended for genitourinary infections.

„Prescription: Extract recommended for genitourinary infections. Yellow or German iris rhizome 25 g Herb of Herniaria 20 g Goldenrod herb 20 g Orthosiphon or boldo leaf 20 g Bearberry or blueberry leaf 25 g Nasturtium herb 20 g Mix and crush the herbs, then moisten with alcohol.”Rp. Wyciąg polecany przy infekcjach układu moczowo-płciowego. Kłącze kosaćca żółtego lub niemieckiego 25 g Ziele połonicznika 20 g Ziele nawłoci 20 g Liść ortosyfonu lub boldo 20 g Liść mącznicy lub borówki 25 g Ziele nasturcji 20 g Zioła wymieszać i rozdrobnić, zwilżyć spirytusem.
Kłącze kosaćca – Rhizoma Iridis w praktycznej fitoterapii.
Henryk Różański

The rhizome decoction can be drunk for catarrh of the respiratory tract and also used for washing, compresses and gargles.

„Decoction — Decoctum Iridis: Pour 1 cup of water over 5 g of crushed rhizomes; simmer for 20 minutes, set aside for 20 minutes, then strain. Add raspberry syrup and honey. For catarrh of the respiratory tract, drink 50–100 ml several times a day. For other conditions, drink 100 ml twice a day. It can also be used for washing, compresses and gargles.”Odwar – Decoctum Iridis: 5 g kłączy rozdrobnionych zalać 1 szklanką wody; gotować na małym ogniu 20 minut, odstawić na 20 minut, przecedzić. Dodać syrop malinowy, miód. Pić kilka razy dziennie po 50-100 ml w razie nieżytu układu oddechowego. W innych chorobach – 2 razy dziennie po 100 ml. Ponadto do obmywania, okładów, płukanek.
Kłącze kosaćca – Rhizoma Iridis w praktycznej fitoterapii.
Henryk Różański

The rhizome decoction and powdered rhizome are described as traditionally used for dropsy, vomiting during pregnancy, rheumatic diseases and liver disorders.

„In traditional Native American medicine, it was used to treat dropsy. It was also used to prevent vomiting in pregnant women and for rheumatic diseases (of the joints) and liver disorders. The preparations used were a decoction of crushed rhizome and powdered rhizome.”W tradycyjnej medycynie Indian w leczeniu puchliny wodnej. Ponadto jako środek zapobiegający wymiotom u ciężarnych kobiet, w chorobach reumatycznych (stawów) i schorzeniach wątroby. Stosowany był odwar z rozdrobnionego kłącza oraz sproszkowane kłącze.
Kłącze kosaćca – Rhizoma Iridis w praktycznej fitoterapii.
Henryk Różański

The rhizome decoction is used externally for skin inflammation, while powdered rhizome can be used to make powders that support healing.

„It can also be used in compresses, for washing the skin and for gargling in cases of inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes. It sometimes produces good results in treating atopic dermatitis (compresses, washing). Powdered rhizome is suitable for making skin powders (25–30%; also add zinc oxide 5%, magnesium oxide 0.5%, starch 10%, chalk — calcium carbonate 15–25%, powdered plantain leaf 10–25%, comfrey root 10–20%) that speed healing and help resolve skin inflammation.”Ponadto do okładów, przemywania skóry, płukanek przy stanach zapalnych skóry i błon śluzowych. Daje niekiedy dobre wyniki w leczeniu atopowego zapalenia skóry (okłady, przemywanie). Sproszkowane kłącze nadaje się do wyrobu zasypek na skórę (25-30%, dodać też tlenek cynku 5%, tlenek magnezu 0,5%, skrobię 10%, kredę – węglan wapnia 15-25%, sproszkowany liść babki 10-25%, korzeń żywokostu 10-20%) przyspieszających gojenie u ustępowanie stanów zapalnych skóry.
Kłącze kosaćca – Rhizoma Iridis w praktycznej fitoterapii.
Henryk Różański

The rhizome decoction is described as brightening, softening, nourishing and moisturizing the skin, and as anti-acne and anti-inflammatory.

„Iris rhizome decoction brightens the complexion and softens, nourishes and moisturizes the skin. It also has anti-acne and anti-inflammatory effects and inhibits bacterial growth. Iris rhizome extracts can be used to make toners, cosmetic milks and creams (15–20%), while brewed powdered rhizome can be used as a cosmetic mask.”Odwar z kłączy kosaćca działa rozjaśniająco na cerę, zmiękczająco, odżywczo, nawilżająco, przeciwtrądzikowo i przeciwzapalnie. Hamuje rozwój bakterii. Ekstrakty z kłączy kosaćca mogą być stosowane do wyrobu toników, mleczek kosmetycznych, kremów (15-20%), a zaparzone sproszkowane kłącza jako maseczka kosmetyczna.
Kłącze kosaćca – Rhizoma Iridis w praktycznej fitoterapii.
Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański says that some herbal practitioners recommend iris preparations as support in cancer treatment.

„New studies show that iris rhizome extracts are cytotoxic to cancer cells, which is why some herbal practitioners recommend iris preparations as supportive treatment for cancer. Water extracts of iris rhizomes undoubtedly have expectorant, softening, anti-inflammatory effects; inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi; stimulate breathing; increase urine output; soothe coughs; and relax smooth muscles. They relax skeletal muscles and have a calming and anti-anxiety effect.”Nowe badania dowodzą, że wyciągi z kłączy kosaćców działają cytotoksycznie wobec komórek nowotworowych, stąd niektórzy fitoterapeuci zalecają preparaty z kosaćca w leczeniu wspomagającym nowotwory. Wodne wyciągi z kłączy kosaćca działają niewątpliwe wykrztuśnie, rozmiękczająco, przeciwzapalnie, hamują rozwój bakterii, wirusów, pierwotniaków i grzybów; pobudzają oddychanie, wzmagają diurezę, łagodzą kaszel, wpływają rozkurczowo na mięśnie gładkie; rozluźniają mięśnie szkieletowe i uspokajają; działają przeciwlękowo.
Kłącze kosaćca – Rhizoma Iridis w praktycznej fitoterapii.

Research from PubMed · Europe PMC

We selected 5 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.

Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 11.

In traditional herbal medicine, iris rhizome is used mainly for respiratory diseases.

Aim of the study: Belamcandae chinensis rhizoma is the rhizome of Iris domestica (syn. Belamcanda chinensis).

Results: The most active isoflavones are tectoridin, tectorigenin and irigenin. The available literature indicates that Belamcandae chinensis rhizoma can prevent excessive oxidation of biomolecules through various antioxidant mechanisms: reducing transition metal ions, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and scavenging free radicals. Other biological activities demonstrated by a number of in vitro studies include antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and hypoglycemic effects. In conclusion, knowledge about Belamcandae chinensis rhizoma has grown rapidly in recent years, but significant gaps remain in our understanding of its bioactivity, therapeutic value and the roles played by its many phytochemicals.

Belamcandae chinensis rhizome--a review of phytochemistry and bioactivity. · Fitoterapia 2015
Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Wroclaw Medical University
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

Iris rhizomes have been described in traditional medicine as being used for infections and inflammation, and as astringent, laxative and diuretic agents.

Aim of the study: Dried Iris rhizomes have been used in Chinese and European traditional medicine to treat various diseases, such as bacterial infections, cancer and inflammation, and as astringent, laxative and diuretic agents.

Results: The promising anti-influenza effects of apigenin (13: almost 100% inhibition at 50 µM), kaempferol (14: 92%) and quercetin (15: 48%) were further confirmed by a neuraminidase inhibition assay. Irisolidone (1: almost 100% inhibition at 50 µM), kikkalidone (5: 93%) and kaempferol (14: 83%) showed promising in vitro activity against enterovirus D68. The identified compounds were plotted using ChemGPS-NP to relate the observed activity of the isolated phenolic compounds to an in-house database of anti-influenza and anti-enterovirus agents. Our results indicate that the hydroethanolic Iris aphylla extract and Iris phenolics have potential for development as treatments for seasonal influenza and enterovirus infections.

Anti-viral and Anti-inflammatory Isoflavonoids from Ukrainian Iris aphylla Rhizomes: Structure-Activity Relationship Coupled with ChemGPS-NP Analysis. · Planta Med 2023
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Kaohsiung Medical University
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studylaboratory study (on cells)

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

Flavonoids from iris rhizome showed anti-inflammatory effects in a laboratory study.

Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of flavonoids isolated from Iris spuria L.

Results: Four flavonoids (1–4) were isolated for the first time from the rhizomes of Iris spuria L. (Hocka Hoona). They were identified as 5,7,2'-trihydroxy-6-methoxyflavanone (1), tectorigenin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), tectorigenin 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), and tectorigenin 4'-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranoside] (4). The selective inducible NO synthase inhibitor aminoguanidine was used as a positive control. Production of nitric oxide (NO) was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the isolated compounds, along with isoflavonoids (5–9) previously isolated from Iris spuria L. (Calizona). At a concentration of 60 μg/ml, all tested compounds showed a significant inhibitory effect compared with the LPS-treated medium. Molecular modeling experiments supported the biological data obtained. Our results show that flavonoids isolated from I. spuria L. (Hocka Hoona) and I. spuria L. (Calizona) appear to have potential anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of iNOS.

The inhibition of inducible nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated rat macrophages and in silico studies by flavonoids from Iris spuria L. rhizomes. · J Ethnopharmacol 2021
Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Meijo University
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyanimal study

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

Iris rhizome extracts reduced gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep, particularly the ethanol extract.

Aim of the study: The objective of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of Iris hookeriana Linn. rhizome against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep.

Results: Thus, ethanol extracts showed greater anthelmintic activity under both in vitro and in vivo conditions; this could be due to the presence of alcohol-soluble active ingredients in I. hookeriana. The present study suggests that I. hookeriana rhizome has significant anthelmintic activity against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep and has the potential to help control gastrointestinal nematode parasites in small ruminants.

Evaluation of anthelmintic activity of Iris hookeriana against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. · J Helminthol 2008
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyanimal study

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A gel containing iris rhizome extract reduced swelling in an inflammation model, suggesting potential for topical use.

Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a soft gel dosage form based on an ethanol extract and essential oil from the rhizomes of Iris scariosa L., and to evaluate its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The plant material was extracted using ultrasound-assisted extraction with ethanol at varying concentrations.

Results: The developed gels were transparent and homogeneous, and had stable pH values within the physiological range for skin, as well as pseudoplastic flow behavior. Significant antioxidant activity was observed in both the extract and the gel in reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation models. In a formalin-induced inflammation model, the gel significantly reduced paw edema. These findings demonstrate the potential of the Iris scariosa-based gel as a promising phytopharmaceutical formulation for topical application.

Development, Physicochemical Characterization, and Biological Activity of a Gel Based on Iris scariosa L. Extract. · Molecules 2026
Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · NJSC Karaganda Medical University
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyanimal study

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

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