Soap grass, chueni, soaps, soap root, halva root, soap, common soapwort, bouncing-bet, crow soap, soapweed, (saponaria officinallis). ID: 130-41

It has been known as a medicinal herb since the time of Dioscorides and its use seems to have been used to treat various forms of skin disease.

Saponaria officinalis extends throughout Europe and Asia to western Siberia. It grows in cool places at low or moderate altitudes under fences and along the shoulders of roads.

The scientific name Saponaria comes from the Latin sapo meaning "soap", which, like its common name, refers to its cleansing utility.

From the same Latin word comes the name of the toxic substance saponin, which is contained in the roots in levels up to 20 percent when the plant blooms and produces foam in contact with water.

The adjective officinalis indicates its medicinal functions.

Chueni is made from its roots.

Because they contain saponin they can be used for washing carpets, silks and probably clothes (a 1000th is enough to make soap in water).

As its common name suggests, it can be used as a very mild soap, usually in a dilute solution. Historically used to clean delicate or unique fabrics, especially woolen fabrics.

A sparkling liquid that has the ability to dissolve fat or grease can be used by boiling the roots in water.

The liquid can then be used as a soap.

Soapgrass finds culinary use as an emulsifier in commercial tahini brewing and brewing to create beer with good foam.

In the Middle East, the root is often used as an additive in the process of making halva.

It is also used to make halva (Farsalon) soap.

But it also has some very useful healing properties.

Therapeutic:

Helps fight diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and acne.

Applied topically to irritated skin to soothe irritation & itching

Its action is probably due to the saponins it contains, which are said to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Soap herb acts against cough, bronchitis, and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
Helps to excrete inflammation and decongest the nasal passages. It is beneficial in allergic reactions including cough and asthma.

Increases bile secretion - considered by many to be one of the most effective cholagogue (considered to be good for jaundice and used as a natural remedy for constipation.

Soapgrass can help treat joint pain caused by arthritis, rheumatism and gout.

It has anti-inflammatory action and acts as a mild diuretic that helps eliminate uric acid from the system.

Because it is sweating, it is claimed to "drop" the fever.

We can use it as a cleanser for the face, hair and even clothes. The saponins it contains, make it an excellent natural cleanser that does not irritate sensitive skin.

It is also considered to reduce hair loss.

Soapgrass is generally considered a tonic for the body.

Properties : Cholagogue, Causes hypersecretion of the glands, helps digestion, diuretic especially good for those suffering from rheumatism, arthritis and kidney disease. It is good for jaundice. Laxative, tonic and appetizer, anti-rheumatic, expectorant, relieves fever. The decoction of its roots is effective in dermatitis, monks, eczema, acne, lichens.

Decoction : For jaundice, visceral diseases (rheumatism) and rheumatism. If added to bath water it helps treat eczema and other skin diseases.

External use : Washing hair with a decoction reduces hair loss.