Application
Soapwort has been used as a medicinal plant since the Middle Ages. In the monks' monastery medicine, soapwort was used as an expectorant and laxative. In addition, soapwort was one of the herbs that was believed to help with arthritis. At the more dubious end of the spectrum, it has been used to treat syphilis and gonorrhea.
Externally, Soapwort has been used to treat eczema and other skin conditions.
The most common use of Soapwort has been as a detergent. The roots of the plant contain saponins, which can be extracted with hot water and provide an excellent mild detergent.
Ingredients
Saponins.
Saponaria officinalis L.
Photo of page in Joachim Burser's herbarium.
