Homemade Shampoo for Hair~Soapwort~Sulfite Free Shampoo
This herbs rhizomes and roots contain a substantial amount of saponin, which creates a lathering foam in water. Soapwort’s naturally soapy characteristics are suitable for many different hair types and has been known to promote hair growth. It is known and used as a Sulfite Free Shampoo and Shampoo for Dandruff, or No Poo.
Common names: Soapwort, bouncing bet, bruisewort, Boston or chimney –pink, Fuller’s herb, Londonpride, latherwort, dog cloves, world’s wonder.
Latin name: Saponaria officinalis or Saponaria P.
Another plant not native to the States, soapwort was earlier introduced in the colonies, due to its medicinal value. A member of the family of pinks, Soapwort became a common weed throughout the east and Midwest, growing in great clumps along roads and in fields. It is also often found in the cultivated parts of a garden. Growing about 15 inches tall, it has pink single (and sometimes double) flowers. Plants usually occur in colonies.
Decoctions made from the root or leaves are used medicinally. The principal characteristic of such a decoction is a readily produced foam resembling soap bubbles. In the absence of other soap, when one is in the wild, the use of soapwort may prove to be important in the care of an injured person. This knowledge will be of special interest to scouts and campers.
A recommended decoction is 2 ounces of root boiled in 1 pint of water to be used as an internal dose, or external application.
Taken internally, soapwort may be valuable in the treatment of venereal diseases, jaundice, gout, and rheumatism. While the thickened juice was given as a treatment for gonorrhea, such use preceded the discovery of modern and effective drugs such as penicillin.
A word of caution: When ingested in amounts more than permitted, they are toxic…
Several writers on Saponaria note its effectiveness as a treatment for skin diseases. There are countless number of skin diseases, boils and abscesses and other forms of blood troubles, that have been cured, when the sufferers have taken an infusion of soapwort regularly over a considerable period…when there is much skin irritation, a strong decoction of the root may be used for outward application with great success. As with any new treatment on the skin it is a good idea to do a patch test first to ensure there is no negative reaction to the juice.
Because of its soapy property, this plant was formerly used in making beer, to produce a good “head”. As a substitute for soap in shampoo compounds, it is excellent.
Soapwort is a delightful, if not sometimes a weed plant for our gardens and one of considerable value medicinally.
No Poo Recipe: Boil 2 teaspoons fresh soapwort roots or 1 teaspoon of dried root soaked overnight for about 10 minutes in a ½ liter of water, strain. Use a cupful every time you shampoo. If you want a nice smelling shampoo you can add herbs such as rosemary or lavender to the infusion.
Learn more about Soapwort ~ Sulfite Free Shampoo
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Successful Styling~
Kali S. Winters
Kali S Winters has been teaching others about the Wonder of Herbs and Natural Home Remedies for over 30 years. Kali’s latest group of eBooks centers around Home Hair Remedies and Essential Hair Oils made from her own herbs. Check out Kali’s latest eBook: Hair Remedies At Home where you will find over 1000 age old recipes.
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