Different Color Iris: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

The colorful iris, which is almost only used as an ornamental plant in this country, was named Iris after the Greek goddess of the rainbow. The North American indigenous population has used it for many centuries as a remedy for various diseases. In Germany, it is used almost only homeopathically.

Occurrence and cultivation of the iris

The North American indigenous people have been using iris as a remedy for various diseases for many centuries. In Germany, it is used almost exclusively homeopathically. Variegated iris (Iris versicolor) is also called iridescent iris and belongs to the iris family (Iridaceae). It is represented by about 280 species. The perennial herbaceous plant can grow up to 80 centimeters tall and has a stem that is round in cross-section, erect and multi-branched, longer than the leaves. The foliage leaves, located at a low height above the ground, have a length of 35 to 60 centimeters. Each stem of this attractive plant has two to four large lavender, purple or blue-purple flowers with a white-edged greenish-yellow spot in the center. The flowers are each composed of three pendulous narrow and spatulate and three upright oval entire-edged petals, pointed and curved at the front. The medicinal plant has a roller or tuberous rootstock (rhizome). After flowering (June to August), the fertilized flowers form triangular rounded capsule fruits that harbor up to 20 D-shaped seeds in their three chambers. The tuber is dug up in the summer, dried, crushed and put in alcohol to make the mother tincture. Variegated iris is native to North America and is found only in the northern hemisphere, particularly the eastern states of the United States, in temperate climates. Since it loves moist humus-rich habitats, it grows on lake shores and in swamps. In Germany there are only isolated populations in the southeast. There they are also found on the shores of nutrient-rich lakes. In gardens it is usually planted as a decorative pond border. It is best planted between June and October in a sunny location so that it will bloom the following year. It is important that the soil is as neutral as possible and permeable to a depth of 20 centimeters.

Effect and application

Variegated iris contains the alkaloid iridine, triterpenes, isoflavonoids, essential oils, starch, mucilage, resin, tannin, isophthalic acid and other ingredients. It has a draining, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, liver and bile stimulating, constipating, acid neutralizing and vomiting promoting effect. It positively affects the activity of the liver, nervous system, pancreas and gastrointestinal mucosa. It alleviates the discomfort, mostly on the right side, which is characterized by burning, stabbing pain, sour and sharp excretions and bitter vomiting, and which is further aggravated by rest, heat and mental-spiritual exhaustion. Natural remedies from the Variegated Iris are used internally and externally. Medicinally, the whole dried and crushed root and the dried leaves are used. In order to prepare a Variegated Iris tea, the patient puts 1/2 teaspoon of crushed root with a tea glass of cold water and leaves it for eight hours. The cold tea has a stronger effect than hot tea from the medicinal plant and is also more digestible, as it no longer tastes bitter. Externally prepared as a compress with crushed leaves, the plant helps with ulcers, burns and bruises. For the preparation of homeopathic medicines (globules, mother tincture, teep), the whole root is also used. Teep contains ten percent of the plant and is prescribed as a tablet for migraine attacks. The most common potencies for the remedy are D6 to D12. As a dilution, it is also administered in D3 ampoules. Homeopathic iris preparations are also good for pregnancy-related nausea, nausea and excessive salivation because of their tolerability. Although Variegated Iris is mainly used as a mono-preparation, it is also found as an additive in cold remedies with Ivy, Iceland Moss and Licorice.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

Variegated iris has been used by Native North Americans for many centuries as a remedy for earaches, colds, edema and laxative. Since it acts primarily on the pancreas, it can be used to treat diseases of the liver, stomach and intestines particularly efficiently. It helps in diseases such as jaundice and disturbed liver function. Its dehydrating properties ensure that water retention is removed from the tissues (edema) and joints. Headaches originating from the right supraorbital zone in the brain and accompanied by nausea and vomiting are treated with the ancient natural remedy as effectively as gallstones, colicky gastrointestinal pain, cramping pain in the esophagus, bloating and heartburn. For example, against gastric colic homeopathy uses 1 time 3 globules Iris versicolor in C4 daily, gastrointestinal reflux is treated with 5 globules in C5 to be taken before each meal. Constipation, flatulence and watery diarrhea associated with burning pain can also be treated with homeopathic iris preparations. Neuralgia, especially trigeminal neuralgia, sciatica and sore throat, sinusitis, diabetes and menstrual disorders are also helped by this versatile natural remedy. It can even be used against the symptoms caused by malaria. If shingles (herpes zoster) occurs together with nausea, vomiting and heartburn, the patient can also be helped with a homeopathic Different Colored Iris application. Diabetes mellitus patients it is administered alternately with Acid. phosph. dil. in D3 3 times a day at 10 to 20 drops each. In sciatica it is given alternately with Gnaphalium, and in neuralgia with Colocynthis.