The common name of this member of the carnation family indicates it’s traditional use in washing; the root produce a lather on contact with water. It has an ancient reputation for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, boils, and acne. Taken internally these saponins are a mild irritant to the respiratory and digestive systems making soapwort an expectorant 1and laxative in small doses (see caution). Soapwort’s use for gout and rheumatism is probably effective because of the anti-inflammatory and depurative properties of it’s saponin content.

• For dry skin, dermatitis, eczema, skin diseases, skin irritation, psoriasis, boils, acne, pimples: Crush a handful of dried soapwort roots and put it in a muslin bag. Boil it in a pot of water. Let the muslin bag cool. Use it like soap whenever you take a bath or shower.
• For gout, arthritis, rheumatism: Put a handful of dried soapwort roots in a pot of water. Let it boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Drink a cup of this tea whenever needed.
• For dry skin, dermatitis, eczema, skin diseases, skin irritation, psoriasis, boils, acne, pimples: Put a handful of dried soapwort roots in a pot of water. Let it boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Let it cool. Wash the affected area with it twice a day or whenever needed.