Re: Iris as food/orris root
- To: I*@Rt66.com
- Subject: Re: Iris as food/orris root
- From: "* A* B* <r*@jove.acs.unt.edu>
- Date: Thu, 25 Apr 1996 12:49:46 -0500 (CDT)
Carolyn wrote:
> Now, can I take my TB and dry the "root" and
> use it for my soon-to-be teething grandson?
> Must I try to find Iris florentina and use only that? Have any toxins
> been discovered in it? Warnings?
I guess it's time to jump in here and say that Iris plants, especially
the rhizome, contain a lot of oxalic acid. Not very many beasties of any
kind find iris a suitable food source, if for no other reason than the
oxalic acid
should make for a very bitter meal. The National Acadamy of Science
rates oxalic acid as a moderate toxin (LD 50 of 50 to 500 mg/kg). My
guess is that the oxalic acid is resonsible for the pain relief in
teething infants (along with the chewing) so any iris should do, BUT I'll
let the pharmasist make a recommendation for that grandson. Dave?
I read recently that I. florentina is probably not the major source of
orris root. I think it said I. pallida insted, but I'll have to check.
Also Re: Rotting LA Iris - Carolyn, is the rhizome still rooted? If so,
cut away the rotting part of the rhizome and treat the wound a good
rubbing with Ajax powder (easy) or liquid bleach 1:10 with water (messy)
and leave that part of the rhizome exposed to the air. If the rhizome
isn't rooted pull it up, do the same and then pot it for intensive care.
Rodney - in North Central Texas where VICTORIA is not falling and
neither are I DO, Celestial Snow, Well Endowed or Belvi Queen to name a
few, and thats just the TBs.
Rodney A. Barton
Assistant Safety Officer
Chemical Hygiene Officer
University of North Texas Health Science Center
3500 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817-735-2697
RBarton@jove.acs.unt.edu
