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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.



SOAPWORT
(Saponaria officinalis)
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PROPAGATION: By seed (will easily self-sow) and by division. Perennial.
NEEDS: Full sun to partial shade and average to poor soil as long as it is well-drained.
HARVEST: Leaves and roots.
FLOWERS: Late July onward.

USES

MEDICINAL:
Used as a tonic, diaphoretic, and alterative.
Once used for syphilis.

COSMETIC:
Boil roots and leaves for a sudsy solution to cleanse the skin.

OTHER:
A decoction of the fresh leaves yields a natural soap for old, fine or delicate fabrics. Simmer leaves and root 1/2 hour for soap liquid.




©2001 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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