|
|
 | Gladwyn Other Names: Gladwin. Spurge Plant. Roast Beef Plant
Botanical Name: Iris foetidissima
Family: N.O. Iridaceae |
Description: |
The creeping rhizomes are thick, tufted and fibrous. The leaves are firm, deep green, sword-shaped, shorter, narrower and less rigid and of a darker green than those of the Yellow Flag, and are evergreen in winter. When bruised or crushed, they emit a strong odour, at a distance not unlike that of hot, roast beef, hence its country name of 'Roast Beef Plant.' On closer acquaintance, the scent becomes disagreeable, hence the more usual common name 'Stinking Gladwyn,' and the Latin specific name.
It flowers from June to August, but sparingly, and the corollas, of a dull, livid purple colour, rarely bluish or yellowish, are smaller than those of the other flags and not fragrant at night.
The flowers are followed by triangular seed-vessels, which, when ripe, open, disclosing beautiful orange-red coloured seeds. |
Habitat: |
| Stinking Gladwyn is found only locally in England, but is common in all the southwestern counties, growing in woods and shady places, on hedgebanks and sloping grounds. |
Cultivation: |
Stinking Gladwyn flourishes in moist and partially-shaded places, in ordinary garden soil. Seeds scattered in semiwild places soon make good plants and plants may also be increased by division of the rhizomes. The brilliant seeds in their gaping capsules make it an effective garden plant in autumn.
> |
Medicinal Usage: |
Antispasmodic, cathartic, anodyne. Iris foetidissima has been employed for the same medicinal purposes as the Yellow Flag and is equally violent in its action. A decoction of the roots acts as a strong purge. It has also been used as an emmenagogue and for cleansing eruptions. The dried root, in powder or as an infusion, is good in hysterical disorders, fainting, nervous complaints and to relieve pains and cramps.
Taken inwardly and applied outwardly to the affected part, it is an excellent remedy for scrofula.
The use of this Iris was well known to the Ancients and is referred to by Theophrastus, in the fourth century before Christ. |
Ancient Lore: |
GLADWIN IRIS FOETIDISSIMA
The root boiled in wine procures women's courses; and used as a pessary, works the same effect, but causes abortion to women with child.
This is one of the iris family, also known as the Stinking Iris; but it is smaller than the Common Iris. The flowers are a dead purplish ash-colour; the seeds are bright orange.
Where to find it: Woods and shady places, particularly near the sea.
Flowering time: Midsummer. Astrology: Under the dominion of Saturn.
Medicinal virtues: It is used by many country people to purge corrupt phlegm and choler, by drinking a decoction of the roots. The roots and leaves can also be sliced and added to ale for weak stomachs. The powder in wine helps those with cramp and convulsions, or with gout and sciatica, gives cast to the most griping pains of the body and the belly, and helps those that have the strangury. The juice of the root snuffed up the nose causes sneezing and draws corruption from the head.
Half a dram (89o mg) of the seed beaten to powder, and taken in wine, speedily relieves those troubled with a stoppage of the urine.
The root used with a little verdigris and honey and with the addition of Great Centaury root is effectual for wounds of the head and to help draw forth thorns and splinters. The root boiled in vinegar dissolves and consumes shillings and tumours when applied to them.
Modern uses: It is purgative, but also anti-spasmodic and will relieve stomach cramps. The former action is achieved by administering a decoction of the roots, the latter by infusing a quarter teaspoonful of the powdered root in a cupful of boiling water. The infusion also helps hysterical and nervous complaints. In action, Gladwin is similar to Yellow Flag root. However, it can he a violent remedy if not used correctly and is not suitable for domestic use. It should not be taken in pregnancy. |
|
|