Orris root is the root of Iris germanica and Iris pallida, and it is used in combination with other herbs in homeopathic dilutions and tea preparations. It contains many chemicals, but it is not clear how it might work in the body. Orris root is used for conditions such as bad breath, bronchitis, wound healing, and joint pain, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Historically, orris root was highly prized in the perfume industry, and it is still used extensively in potpourris, sachets, and pomanders. It is also an ingredient in many brands of gin, including Bombay Sapphire. Orris root powder had a use as the base in the making of nonpareils. Orris root contains oil of orris, fat, resin, starch, mucilage, bitter extractive, and a glucoside called iridin or irisin. When applied to the skin, there isnt enough reliable information to know if orris root that has been dried and peeled is safe to use, but it is possibly unsafe to use the fresh plant juice or root, as it can cause severe skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people.