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Soapwort - It's Good Clean Fun!

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SOAPWORT Saponaria officinalis

FOLK/COMMON NAMES: Bouncing Bet, Bruisewort, Crow Soap, Dog Cloves, Fuller's Herb, Latherwort, Old Maid's Pink, Soap Root, Sweet Betty, Wild Sweet William

PARTS USED: Historically, the root and leaf have been used; currently, only the root is used.

HISTORICAL REFERENCE

Soapwort is aptly named for the ability of the crushed root and stems to produce suds and lather when rubbed in water, a discovery quite clearly made several hundred years ago by cultures across Europe. The common appellation of 'Bouncing Bet' is derived from an old country term for washerwoman. Soapwort was a staple in textile making from the earliest days of the trade, used to wash the wool and yarns before processing and dyeing.

Even in the home, Soapwort was a mainstay in garden beds and was used in all aspects of cleaning, from linens and clothing to the house itself to the people within! The lather (and most likely, antibacterial qualities) made Soapwort a natural shampoo and bathing lotion as well.

Some references state that Soapwort was once used - by the Pennsylvania Dutch in particular - to create the frothy head on beer...I'm sure the suds were impressive, but I can't help but wonder what cut the soapy taste!

MEDICINAL USE

Cautions: While there are no known serious risks associated with Soapwort in small doses, it can cause irritation to the stomach and mucous membranes and even become mildly toxic at high intake levels. Most people have no trouble with Soapwort at customary usage levels, but it is STRONGLY urged that any internal use of Soapwort be under the supervision of a professional homeopathic practitioner.

M. Grieve in A Modern Herbal lists Soapwort as a common treatment for jaundice, itching, as a cure for venereal complaints and syphilis, as well as being "a valuable remedy for rheumatism", while the root was recommended for these as well as "liver affectations". While the use of Soapwort as in internal medicine today are not as widely recommended, studies show that Soapwort does have antibacterial qualities as well as expectorant properties, thus Soapwort is sometimes prescribed by Herbalists for treatment of Upper Respiratory Inflammation, Cough, Bronchitis and as a treatment - some would say cure - for Colds.

Externally, juice from the leaves or the root can be used to combat eczema, acne, and other persistent skin problems. (The leaf can cause irritation to those with sensitive skin; test a small area before applying to the entire affected area.)

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