Botanical Name: Iris germanica var. florentina
 
Aromatic Description: Orris Essential Oil, also known as Iris Florentina Essential Oil, also known as Orris Root Oil, is a luxurious and rare extract derived from the aged rhizomes of Iris florentina, a flowering plant closely related to Iris germanica and Iris pallida. Revered in high-end natural perfumery, its scent is uniquely powdery, floral, and violet-like, with subtle woody and earthy undertones that make it a prized base note and natural fixative. The oil's complexity lies in its high content of irons—fragrant molecules that develop only after the rhizomes are carefully aged for three to five years.
 
Energetically, Orris oil symbolizes clarity, inner truth, and divine connection. It has long been associated with royalty and spiritual purity, helping individuals access deeper layers of the psyche and connect to their higher selves. It is particularly powerful when working with the Third Eye Chakra, which supports intuition and inner vision, and the Throat Chakra, which aids clear, soulful expression. This makes Orris a beautiful choice for meditation, dream work, and spiritual exploration, as it helps to release suppressed emotions and deepen one's introspective capacity.
 
Chemically, Orris oil is composed of irones (including alpha-irone, beta-irone, and iso-irone), along with fatty acids such as myristic, decanoic, and lauric acid, and trace sesquiterpenes. The irones are primarily responsible for the oil's fragrance and therapeutic qualities. Orris is known for its calming and grounding properties, making it an excellent choice for easing anxiety, nervous tension, and emotional stress. In skin care, it is used to soothe inflamed or sensitive skin and is often found in luxury creams for mature or dry complexions. Though its respiratory benefits are less common in modern aromatherapy, it was once used to support bronchial health.
 
Therapeutically, Iris Florentina offers gentle sedative effects that calm the nervous system and uplift the spirit. In emotional aromatherapy, it is known to help release suppressed grief and promote clarity of thought. Skincare is valued for its nourishing, toning, and anti-inflammatory properties, especially for dry, mature, or sensitive skin types. When used properly diluted, it can help soften fine lines and enhance skin vitality. This oil blends beautifully with other precious botanicals—florals like rose, jasmine, and neroli; earthy elements such as sandalwood, vetiver, and frankincense; and bright citrus oils like bergamot and blood orange—resulting in deeply harmonious and elegant formulations.
 
The oil is obtained through solvent extraction or steam distillation of aged orris root, typically producing a fragrant concrete or absolute,e often called "orris butter." Due to the long ageing process and low yield, it is among the most expensive essential oils, requiring only a trace amount for powerful aromatic and therapeutic effects. Whether used in artisanal perfumes, luxury facial oils, or grounding spiritual blends, Iris Florentina Essential Oil embodies a rare synthesis of beauty, emotion, and transformation. 
 
Extraction Method: from the roots of the orris plant by steam distillation