I've never heard of making orange/clove pomanders with orris root. My first thought would be to try a local health food store. I also did some on-line searching... it looks fairly easy to find on-line if you want the powder, but I didn't notice anyone selling the whole root.

Thanks for your reply. Haven't made pomanders in years, but as I remember the orris root is used as the preservative.

Pink

Major tip for doing this: before inserting the whole cloves in a decorative pattern, first use an awl to poke a tiny starter hole. I found that just inserting the cloves into the orange made for very sore fingers after a while! Love the fragrance!!!

Yes, very sore fingers from poking them in. I got it at an herb place years ago but I think I saw it at Whole Foods. It's considered an herb ,I believe. I needed it for something else also but I've forgotten, .potpourri?? maybe!

Thanks for advising to punch holes first. I had planned that especially for the children. It is the orris root powder I need - sorry I wasn't clear on that point.

somewhere in my foggy brain, I recall using golf tees to poke those holes....did it with my 4 sons yrs ago : )

dishcindee

I make them every year without the orris root. They might be better with, but are pretty fragrant without it!

musicteacher, where do you find the orris root powder? We're in a brand new area and don't know precisely where to look. Thanks for any help.