Re: How does one make orris root powder for use as a fixative?

In a message dated 96-08-28 11:38:56 EDT, you write:

>Help!  Clarence!  I have been searching for "orris root powder" all over 
>- and no one knows what it is - or where to get it.  Lo, along comes 
>Clarence - the answer man - who reveals that Iris - is orris root!  Now 
>then, please dear friend, tell me how to prepare the fixative from the 
>roots - as I have many of the old fashioned iris that I could sacrifice 
>for the fixative.

I hope you don't mind, Donna, but I decided to "cc" the list with my answer
to your question because it is one that I have been asked many times...and in
fact, I have written articles on in response to requests from various
journels and newsletters.

The historic and in my opinion the best orris root is made from I.
florentina.  When I first searched for this iris I had difficulty finding a
source.  Iris specialist nurseries did not list it, and I could not find it
in plant centers, etc.  Finally, after a couple of years of searching, an
"herb lady" told me she had found a nursery that had some plants and I rushed
over and bought to potted plants.  

I was lucky! The two irises really were I. florentina and not Iris albicans,
with which it frequently is confused. (An easy way to tell the difference is
that I. florentina has a blue cast to its white coloring, whereas I. albicans
does not).  

Now to your question.  Making orris root is a case where you can "have your
orris root and iris too."  Dig the irises and separate the rhizomes (save
even small pieces as they will grow).  Wash the rhizomes, and cut two thirds
of the rhizome off.  (You can replant the one third with the leaves and these
pieces will grow.)  With a sharp knife, cut off the roots of the pieces of
rhizomes you have cut off.  Peal them as you would carrots, and slice them as
thin as you can.  Dry them by spreading them out in the sun for a couple of
days.  Take your sliced iris rhizomes and put them into jars, and seal them
tightly.  I use the big jars with the metal fasteners on the lids.  Let them
set for two years, and three years is even better.

When you open the jar after two or three years, you will smell sweet violets.
 You now have the choice of using the slices in your popourri, or grinding
them up into a powder to use.  The powder is a more effective fixative.
 BUT...this is important...you need a really powerful grinder...do not use a
small grinder or a blender.  The orris root slices are like rocks and will
ruin your small grinders or blenders.  

I have never made essential oils so I cannot advise you on this subject.
However, I want to make a recommendation to those on this list who sell
irises.  You are missing the boat on a great money maker if you do not grow
and list Iris florentina.  This iris was by far the biggest money maker of
any iris I ever listed.  I had difficulty keeping stock, and often had orders
for hundreds of rhizomes.  I started out selling it for $4.00 and had to keep
raising the price, just so I wouldn't get too many orders.  And still I got
too many orders and had to return people's checks.  People who get into herbs
usually end up trying to find Iris florentina...and still have trouble
finding it. If I have a Swiss bank account, and I am admiting nothing, it is
because of I. florentina. Cheers, Clarence Mahan in VA
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