Soapwort for external use only
Soapwort, Saponaria officinalis, is also called Bouncing Betty, Fuller’s Herb and Crow Soap. It is a pretty plant, which grows anything from 30-90cm (1-3′) tall and prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Keep it away from the pond, as it is poisonous to fish. Keep an eye on it, or plant in a container, as it can be invasive.
I’m really only including this herb for curiosity value, because its uses are limited to use as a wash for skin conditions, and it should not be used internally – it irritates the digestive system in small amounts and in larger quantities can even cause paralysis.
If you do decide to use soapwort for treating skin conditions, growing it organically is a must, to avoid the active constituents being polluted by foreign chemicals. To find out more about growing organic soapwort, visit the Gardenzone.
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November 16th, 2009 at 20:01
Hi there, I found your blog via Google while searching for first aid for a heart attack and your post looks very interesting for me.
November 22nd, 2009 at 22:12
There are herbs that strengthen the heart, for sure. Soapwort is not one of them.