The soap bark tree is an evergreen plant found in two different species in warm to temperate areas of South America. The saponin-containing bark is traditionally used as a soap substitute in the Andes. In folk medicine, extracts of the soap bark tree are used both internally and externally.
Occurrence and cultivation of the soap bark tree.
The soap bark tree, also known by the botanical name Quillaja, is native to South America, particularly Chile, Peru and Bolivia. It has two subspecies and belongs to the butterfly flower plant order. The evergreen tree can thrive well under different temperature and humidity conditions. Therefore, it is found both in warm humid areas and on dry Andean slopes up to 2000 meters above sea level. It grows between 15 and 18 meters high. Its oval leaves are leathery and arranged spirally on the branches. Between them are clustered hermaphrodite flowers, each with five petals, from which star-shaped inflorescences of bellows fruits form after fertilization. Of economic importance is the eponymous bark of the soap bark tree, which has a high content of saponins and was commercially exploited early on. Today, the soap bark tree is also cultivated in the Mediterranean region as well as in India and California.
Effect and application
Among the indigenous peoples of South America, the soap bark tree is traditionally used as a soap substitute for body cleansing and washing textiles. Accordingly, the botanical name Quillaja was derived from an indigenous term for washing. The cleansing effect of the soap bark tree is based on the saponins contained in the bark. These form a stable soap-like foam as soon as they are mixed with water. The bark of the soap bark tree, also known as Panama bark, has been exported to Europe and processed into commercial products since the first half of the 19th century. Products made from soap bark were often sold under the names soapwood, soap root, wash bark and wash lye herb. In powdered form, soap bark is still used today as a detergent. It is also processed into various cosmetic products such as shower gels and shampoo. Because of its foam-forming properties, the bark of the soap bark tree is also used to make firefighting foam and as an additive in photo developing. As an approved food additive, soap bark is used to foam beverages. Extracts from the soap bark tree are also used as an adjuvant for vaccine solutions. In addition, the ingredients of the soap bark tree itself also have a proven medicinal effect. The plant was therefore already used by the indigenous peoples of South America for the treatment of respiratory diseases and skin diseases. Used internally, soap bark has an expectorant effect in particular. This promotes expectoration during colds and flu-like infections, as well as asthma and bronchitis. Any respiratory problems are alleviated and recovery accelerated. This is also alluded to by the popular name cough root. In addition, soap bark has a stimulating effect on both metabolism and digestion. Therefore, soap bark extracts can also be used as a mild laxative. Used externally, extracts from the soap bark tree are suitable for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, diseases of the scalp, athlete’s foot, as well as various other skin diseases. At the same time, soap bark also shows antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, extracts from the soap bark tree are used to make mouthwash.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The soap bark tree is excellent for the production of a wide range of products for household and health use. It is of particular importance as an ecodegradable soap substitute, which is extremely environmentally friendly not only in use but also in cultivation. As a result, it can be used without problems on a large scale in the household, especially for laundry cleaning. Soap bark-based detergents are considered to be particularly gentle on dyes and fibers. Since soap bark is also very kind to the skin, care products made from it, such as liquid soaps, shower gels and hair care products, are not only ecologically sound.Moreover, they are also suitable for the care of particularly sensitive skin. Existing skin problems such as dandruff and dry skin can thus be improved and aggravation prevented. This also applies to the medical products made from soap bark, which are used externally. In addition to various washing solutions and ointments, soap bark-based mouthwash is particularly useful in the area of prevention. Due to the antibacterial effect of soap bark, harmful germs are pushed back and the oral flora is normalized. This can prevent oral problems such as bleeding gums and periodontal disease. In the form of tooth powder, soap bark can also counteract tooth decay. Used internally, soap tree extracts are also a mild natural remedy that can be used not only for acute diseases. By regulating digestion and loosening up bowel movements, flatulence and abdominal pain can be counteracted. The metabolism-promoting and diuretic effect can help to alleviate discomfort due to existing diseases or prevent such diseases from arising in the first place. In the case of chronic bronchitis and asthma, soap bark tree extracts ensure that breathing is made easier. Soap bark is even suitable for mild vaginal rinses. However, it is important to note that soap bark tree-based products are not suitable for everyone. Occasionally, allergic skin reactions may occur during external application. If soap bark is ingested in large quantities, digestive system disorders cannot be ruled out. Stomach discomfort, diarrhea and bladder irritation may occur. Dizziness may also occur. However, after discontinuation of the preparations containing soap bark, the complaints usually subside quickly. In addition, there are no known interactions with other medications or home remedies. There are also no contraindications.
