Soapwort

Traditionally used

⚠ Soapwort is rich in saponins, which are potent cellular toxins — they blister the eye on contact and, if they reach the bloodstream, cause severe poisoning and death by respiratory paralysis. They are poorly taken up by a healthy gut, which is why folk use survived, but this is not a plant to self-prepare. Its documented roles were as an expectorant for stubborn dry cough and a depurative; we record them without recommending them.

In three languages

Français — ⚠ La saponaire est riche en saponines, de puissants toxiques cellulaires — elles brûlent l'œil au contact et, si elles gagnent le sang, provoquent un empoisonnement grave et la mort par paralysie respiratoire. Elles sont mal absorbées par un intestin sain, ce qui explique l'usage populaire, mais ce n'est pas une plante à préparer soi-même. Ses rôles documentés — expectorant pour toux sèche tenace et dépuratif — sont consignés sans être recommandés.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

⚑Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Sources & lineage

Kept alongside

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