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Medical soap (Saponaria officinalis) is a perennial plant belonging to the clove family. It has valuable healing and he alth properties, thanks to which preparations based on soapwort can be used both internally (as a decoction of soapwort root used, among others, in respiratory diseases) and externally (e.g. on hair in the form of a shampoo). However, be careful, because when used improperly, it can seriously harm. What other properties and uses does soapwort have?

Contents:

  1. Medical soap - application
  2. Medical soap - indications for use
  3. Medical soap as a cosmetic and detergent
  4. Medical soap - preparation of the decoction
  5. Medical soap - collection and storage of medical soap
  6. Other uses of medical soap

Medical soap( Saponaria officinalis ) is a perennial plant. It belongs to the clove family. It naturally occurs in Europe, Asia and North Africa, but has also spread to the rest of the world. In Poland, it grows wild, mostly in lowlands. Medicinal soap is a herb that is quite common - but in fact not many people know its correct name. Few also associate the usual terms of medical soapwort, of which there are several - the most popular are dog cloves, but there is also a soap dish, soap dish, soap dish or a felt herb (this name comes from the name of craftsmen who produced fabrics in the old days).

Medical soap - application

The herb mydlnica medicin is rich in mineral s alts, it also contains glycosides, carbohydrates and saponins. For this reason, it is used in the treatment of many diseases, and the soapwort preparations can be used both internally and externally.

Internally, medical soap is most often used during an infection as a means of stimulating the cough reflex and increasing the production of mucus in the respiratory tract, which helps especially in acute and chronic catarrh of the respiratory tract, such as tracheitis and bronchitis, as well as supporting in bronchial asthma and pneumoconiosis.

Preparations obtained from soapwort herb also have choleretic effect andstimulating the work of the stomach. On the other hand, the decoction of dried medicine soap helps the absorption of certain compounds, and also lowers the level of harmful cholesterol.

Externally, the medicine soap is used primarily for compresses used in eczema and skin diseases accompanied by itching. The soap dish is also a frequent ingredient in herbal mixtures recommended for seborrheic scalp inflammation, hair loss and dandruff.

It is worth remembering, however, that improperly prepared or used medical soapwort may be toxic, therefore all treatments with its use should be under the supervision of a doctor.

Medical soap - indications for use

The medical soap will work well, applied directly to the skin of the face and hair. You can prepare a decoction of the soap and wash your face with it - if used regularly, it will smooth the skin, reduce irritation, and give it a radiant, he althy look.

Preparations based on medical soapwort will be suitable for people who:

  • acne prone
  • suffer from recurring cold sores
  • have sensitive and prone to irritation

In addition, the soapwort infusion - thanks to its cleansing, antibacterial and antifungal properties - can also be used on the scalp and hair in people who:

  • tend to have oily hair and seborrheic dermatitis,
  • want to get rid of dandruff
  • complain of excessive hair loss

The soapbox can also be used orally, for example by drinking a decoction prepared from this herb. Drinking it is especially recommended:

  • in pneumonia, bronchitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis
  • in case of coughing,
  • during colds
  • to treat constipation.

Medical soap as a cosmetic and detergent

The benefits of the soapbox were known in antiquity - both ancient Greeks and Romans used it to clean fabrics. This property of soapwort comes from the fact that it contains saponins, which foam easily and dissolve, while removing dirt (similar properties have, for example, popular washing nuts).

For this reason, the herb soapwort is sometimes used in the production of, among others, soaps and washing powders, popular mainly among young parents and people who are looking for natural cosmetics and detergents.

The soap dish is also used in the production of shampoos, especially those intended for hairthin, weak and oily, as well as for people struggling with dandruff. However, be careful: if you use soapwort shampoos for a long time, your hair may become dry.

The stores also offer face tonics and masks based on soapwort, which are intended for people struggling with acne. This herb can also be found in toothpastes and body lotions.

Medical soap - preparation of the decoction

How to prepare a decoction of medical soap yourself? Nothing easier. It is enough to add 3-4 teaspoons (about 50 ml of dried roots) to a liter of water, leave it for a few hours, then heat it to a boil and cook for at least a few minutes - boiling will soften the quite hard, naturally, soapy roots.

Such prepared decoction can be consumed only after consulting a doctor and following his recommendations.

You can use it as a shampoo without fear - remember that it will foam only if you heat it up beforehand. This minor inconvenience can be compensated by the fact that the shampoo will not only cleanse the hair, but also make it stronger and even slightly change its color (after adding other equally natural ingredients, e.g. nettle, burdock, chamomile or oak bark).

Medical soap - collection and storage of medical soap

As a herbal raw material, the rhizomes of the soapwort are mainly used, its stems, leaves and flowers are used somewhat less frequently. All parts of medical soapwort should be harvested in the fall and then slowly dried in the sun: the flowers and leaves should be whole, and the roots previously sliced.

Medical soap has poisonous properties!

For this reason, it should only be used under medical supervision. It should be noted that even wild animals instinctively avoid this herb. This is because large amounts of saponins may not only cause diarrhea and vomiting, but also irritate the intestinal and stomach walls.

Other uses of medical soap

  • The decoction obtained from the soapwort has been used for centuries to soften the water used for washing and to renew worn-out fabrics - the soapwort gave them a fresh look.
  • Soapwort root extract is still used as a spice: it can be found in halvah, as well as in some types of beer.
  • The soap dish is an ally of gardeners: when planted in the garden, it deters snails.
  • For decades, the mydlnica was also used by fishermen as a bait for fish, because it slightly poisoned the water and poisoned the fish.

Read also:

  • Medicinal primrose - healing properties
  • Common ivy (hedera helix) - poisonous, although healing
  • Crusader - application in medicine and not only
  • LUKRECJA - properties. The use of licorice in medicine and cosmetics
  • Foxglove - healing properties
  • Marigold - properties and effects of marigolds

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