officinalis
Caryophyllaceae
saponaria, of the great
scouring qualitie
that the leaves have:
for they yield out of
themselves a certain juyce
when they are bruised,
which scoureth almost
as well as sope."
Gerard, 1633
| Saponaria officinalis Caryophyllaceae |
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It is commonly called saponaria, of the great scouring qualitie that the leaves have: for they yield out of themselves a certain juyce when they are bruised, which scoureth almost as well as sope." Gerard, 1633 |
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COMMON NAMES : Bouncing Bet, Bouncing Bess, Bruisewort, Boston Pink, Lady-By-The-Gate, My Lady's Washbowl, Soaproot, Latherwort, Dog Cloves, Crowsoap, Soapwort ELEMENT : Fire RULING PLANET : Jupiter GENDER : Masculine MAGICKAL POWERS : Protection, Strength, Healing DESCRIPTION : Soapwort has leafy, smooth stems that are sparingly branched. The stems are reddish and are swollen at the nodes. The flowers are white or pink, about 1 inch wide and are in terminal clusters. These flowers have 5 scalloped petals, ten stamens and have small appendages at their throats. There are occasionally extra petels. The calyx has 5 lobes. Flowers appear July-September. The leaves are 2-3 inches long, opposite, oval and clasp the stem. There are 3-5 conspicuous veins on the leaves. Soapwort reaches a height of 1 - 2 1/2 feet. The fruit is a four-toothed capsule containing seeds. This plant may be found on roadsides and waste ground. Soapwort has a bitter, slightly sweet taste followed by a persistent pungent aftertaste. It will leave the mouth with a numbing sensation. CULTIVATION : Soapwort tolerates most soils as long as it is well drained, and prefers full sun or light shade. Propagation of this plant is by seed, which should be stratified, or plant division. Soapwort will spread on its own by underground stems and may form colonies. It may be invasive once established. Hardiness zones in the U.S. are 4-8. PART OF THE PLANT USED : The root and leaves of soapwort are used. PLANT ANALYSIS : Constituents include triterpene, saponin, resin, gum, mucilage, and phytosterols. MEDICINAL ACTION : Saponaria officinalis is considered sotonic, diaphoretic, an alterative, a cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, and a pergative. MEDICINAL USES : A lotion made with soapwort is soothing for sore, irritated skin. A decoction of the root has been used as an expectorant for respiratory congestion. Use saponaria externally as a wash for dermatitis and itching skin. DOSAGE : Saponaria is considered toxic to humans and animals when taken internally. It may cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Do not take internally. MAGICKAL USE : Use soapwort in healing spells and rituals. HISTORY : Soapwort contains poisonous saponins, a soap-like substance. The genus name is from the Latin sapo meaning soap. A lather can be made from the crushed foliage. The common name "bouncing bet" is from an old fashioned nickname for washerwoman. Saponaria officinalis was used by fullers in the cloth industry to full wool. Fulling wool was a way to increase its weight by shrinking and beating. In the Middle Ages the plant was known as Herb fullonis because of this use.This plant was brought to North America settlers. It was used in soap, balms, in sheep dip, and was used to clean anything from fabrics to pottery. Saponaria officinalis is native to Western Asia, and has been naturalized in Europe and eastern North America, where is it common on roadsides. The Pennsylvania Dutch used soapwort to give beer a foamy head. The constituant saponin is now produced commercially to add foam to this beverage. Soapwort has beeen used in the past for psoriasis, eczema, acne, and boils. I has been used by Native Americans in a poultice for spleen pain. The root was used in hair tonics. LORE: None found. HOUSEHOLD : Soapwort yeilds a gentle lather when boiled. It is best for cleaning old or delicate material. |
Photograph of Saponaria
officinalis © 1999 AutumnCrystal GreyWing