Title: Saponaria

Additional Names: Soapwort; soaproot; fuller's herb; bruisewort; bouncing bet

Literature References: Saponaria officinalis L., Caryophyllaceae; herbaceous perennial plant having sharp-pointed leaves and large pale pink flowers. Habit. Europe to Middle Asia; naturalized in U.S. Constit. Saponins, saponarin, saporins, q.q.v. Produces soapy lather when bruised and agitated with water. Root has been used in traditional medicine as antitussive or as a wash for skin irritations. Brief review: M. Wichtl, N. G. Bisset, Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals, English Ed. (CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1994) pp 453-454.