_IRIS_01.png "IRIS")
| | | INCI: | Perfume | | Note type: | ROOTY, EARTHY, MUSKY |
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IRISPerfume
Iris is a perennial plant that grows to a height of one and a half metres, and is originally from the eastern Mediterranean.
It has sword-shaped leaves, a fleshy rhizome and delicate, intensely scented blue flowers.
Most iris is now found in Italy, where it grows spontaneously.
EXTRACTION
OLFACTIVE AFFINITIES
The natural oil of iris is an absolute which is obtained by steam distillation of the peeled, dried and powdered rhizome. It solidifies at ambient temperature, becoming a cream-coloured paste with a rich, woody, floral (reminiscent of violet) fragrance with a fruity undertone. Dissolved in essential oils, it combines marvellously with those of Bergamot, Citron, Clary sage, Copaiba, Cypress, Elemi, Labdanum, Rose, Sandalwood and Vetiver.
PROPERTIES
(according to
popular herbalist tradition)
Iris rhizome was widely used in perfumes in Greek and Roman times.
Many ancient pharmacopeias - beginning with the manual of Pedanius Dioscorides of Cilicia - prescribed the root (prepared in various ways) as a remedy for ailments such as cough, bronchitis and headaches, and also as a tonic drink.
The natural absolute is rare and extremely costly, and is a rather intractable substance to all but "initiates".
Our iris oil is an exceptionally lingering fine fragrance with a charming woody-floral note. Its scent is strongly reminiscent of the fragrance released by the authentic absolute; and like the absolute it has remarkable fixative properties.
It's used as a fragrance component in the composition of floral notes for high-end perfumes, and as a fixative in aromatic formulas for luxury cosmetics.
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