Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
An Irish Materia Medica (Author: Tadhg Ó Cuinn)
subsection 158
158. Iris: i.e. the stinking iris; there are three names for it, i.e., iris, it has a purple flower; irios, it has a white flower; gladiolas, it has a yellow flower; this herb is hot and dry in the second degree.
p.562
Its roots should be gathered at the end of spring, and it will retain its efficacy for two years; it has the laxative and diuretic virtues, and it opens the oppilation of the liver, spleen, kidneys, and bladder. It serves well against troubles of the respiratory organs, and against pain in the stomach caused by windiness. If powder of the herb be put in wounds, it will stop the development of proud flesh, and it will clean them. If an eye-wash be made of rose water and powder of the stinking iris, it will clear away a web or pearl from the eye. If the same herb be boiled in wine, this drink will be of benefit against gonorrhoea; it has the ability to purge the choleric humour; if powder of this herb be put in weeping wounds, it will help with ulceration; it is beneficial against sciatica and podagra.