Soapberry

Soap Tree: properties, uses and side effects

Soap tree, or Quillaja saponaria, belongs to the Rosaceae family and is native to Chile, Peru and Bolivia. This evergreen tree can reach 20 meters in height. The parts of the tree used are the bark, which contains up to 10% quillaic saponin and oxalic acid, as well as quillaic acid, tartrates, bitterness, tannins and starch.

Soap tree bark is widely used in medicine and household purposes. In medicine, it is used mainly for bronchitis with viscous sputum. Quillay saponin, contained in the bark, helps reduce the viscosity of mucus and facilitate its removal from the lungs. Quillaja saponin has also been found to inhibit fungal growth, making soapbark potentially useful for fungal skin conditions.

In addition, soap tree bark is used in everyday life as a detergent. Extracts from these raw materials are included in various washing pastes that can remove stains from oil, paint and tea. Due to its cleaning properties, soap tree bark is also used when washing valuable silk fabrics.

However, self-medication with soap tree bark is unsafe due to its high content of saponin and oxalic acid. It can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. If raw materials are used in excessive doses, inflammation, vomiting and kidney complications may occur.

Despite its beneficial properties, soap tree bark is not widely used in Europe. It is used exclusively for the manufacture of tooth powder and medical detergents containing tar. But perhaps in the future, soap tree bark will be used more widely due to its beneficial properties and potential effectiveness in combating fungal diseases.

Thus, the soap tree is a plant with interesting properties and a wide range of uses. However, before using soap tree bark, you should consult your doctor and do not exceed the recommended doses to avoid unwanted side effects.