Soapwort is a plant that has been used as a substitute for soap since the Middle Ages. That is where the name comes from. The vernacular also knows it as soapwort or washing herb. At the same time, it is a wild medicinal plant that relieves coughs.
Occurrence and cultivation of soapwort.
The hardy herb is perennial, has lance-shaped leaves and can grow more than half a meter high. Soapwort belongs to the clove family of plants and includes about forty species. The botanical name is Saponaria officinalis. As a wild plant, it is native to the more temperate areas of Europe and western Asia. Immigrants also spread it to North America. Growing areas for the cultivated form are found in China, Iran, and Turkey. The hardy herb is perennial, has lance-shaped leaves, and can grow more than a foot tall. White to pink flowers appear from June to October. The stems are slightly hairy and have a reddish tinge, which explains the sometimes used name red soaproot. In the ground, the herb forms branched stolons as thick as a finger. The preferred locations of soapwort are sandy, stony and gravelly soils. In the wild, it grows along roadsides, railroad embankments, sandy shorelines, shrubberies, gravel bars, and rubble piles. The herb can also be planted in the garden, provided it has a loose and nutrient-rich soil available. Due to the saponins contained in the plant, the herb is slightly toxic and dangerous to certain animals such as cats and rodents in large quantities.
Effect and application
When the soapwort was first used as a detergent, can not be determined exactly. What is certain is that it was used in the earliest times. It is provable that in the Middle Ages, especially monks and poor people who could not afford soap, resorted to it. They used the roots and leaves, which contain the most saponins. This is the most important ingredient of the herb, which causes foam to form in the water. In the Middle Ages, people used the crushed root pieces and water to clean not only their clothes, but also dishes and sheep’s wool. Nowadays, soapwort is partly in use again as a biological soap substitute. There are stain sprays or even all-over detergents. These cleaning products are particularly gentle on fabrics and are well suited for lace, silk or wool. However, textiles with heavy soiling need pre-treatment, as the cleaning power is not the same as that of soap or other chemical substances. The washing effect is also used in hair care: A shampoo can be made from the root pieces. Due to its foaming properties, cosmetics use soapwort in products for skin cleansing. However, the main use of the plant is in the medical and naturopathic field. Many medicines for loosening phlegm and against cough contain the herb, which is why it is also popularly known as cough root. The dried roots and rhizomes are found in ready-made preparations or can be purchased in herbal stores. Naturopathy uses the roots in the form of tea or decoctions. Soapwort can also be used in the treatment of skin diseases. In Arabic medicine, it even found use in the fight against leprosy and skin ulcers. Its use as a food is less common. The flowers are edible and go well with wild herb salads. In addition, they are considered a home remedy against clothes moths. In the traditional sweet dish halva, the herb serves as a whipping agent. As an ornamental plant, the plant fits into naturalistic gardens and is a good source of nectar for butterflies. However, the herb is very rare to find in plant centers, only the seeds can be easily purchased on the Internet.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Traditional medicine uses the ingredients of soapwort to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract, that is, cough, sore throat or bronchitis. The saponins contained promote the expectoration of bronchial secretions and thus facilitate coughing, at the same time relieving sore throat and hoarseness. In the form of drops or tea, the herb is used as an expectorant. It is advisable to prepare the tea cold, let it stand for a few hours, then boil it and finally pour it through a sieve. This is the best way for it to exert its effect. Clinical studies have also investigated the benefits of the saporin contained in the herb in the fight against tumors.Naturopathy attributes other effects to the soapwort: It is diuretic and therefore suitable for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. It has a laxative effect, purifies the blood, stimulates digestion and promotes metabolism. In addition to its use for colds, homeopathy also uses it for headaches. In viral diseases, it also represents a natural way to fight them. The root pieces and leaves are good against athlete’s foot as foot baths or compresses. The herb can also be useful for skin conditions. Decoctions from the root pieces can help against itching, acne and eczema. A home remedy for beautiful skin is bathing with soapwort. However, it is important that the water mixed with soapwort does not get into the eyes. Since the herb is gentle on the skin, it is good for sensitive skin and neurodermatitis. When used internally, it should be noted that it is toxic in high doses. It can cause vomiting and irritate the digestive organs and urinary system. It is advisable to follow dosage instructions and consult with a physician for use. The recommended maximum amount for tea use is two cups per day.
