I have been looking into growing soapwort for use as a hair rinse instead of shampoo. In my research I have found several types of soapwort and wonder if anybody knows which type might work best. Also, would like to know if you have a source for seeds, how you prepare it, and if you like using it????? Thank you, Gatecity

-- gatecity (gatecity@cows.com), November 07, 2001

Answers

Saponaria officinalis is the soapwort used for soap. Boil the roots and leaves, and you get a sudsy solution that can be used for delicate fabrics, etc. Or you can just swish the leaves and stems in water, and you'll get a soapy mixture for cosmetic uses. You can get seeds from Nichols Garden Nursery in Oregon (www.nicholsgardennursery.com). Soapwort can be very invasive; ask around, and you can probably find someone to give you a few pieces. Don't buy the rock soapwort frequently sold at garden centers (a groundcover with pink flowers). It grows in sun or light shade. To keep it from flopping cut the stems back when it's about a foot high; it will then branch and make a neater display. I grow it and have made the soapy solution but don't use it regularly so can't comment on it.

-- Katherine in KY (KyKatherine@Yahoo.com), November 08, 2001.

I found soapwort growing wild on my place in Missouri, I used it in my last batch of soap.... Makes a good lather!

-- Ginny D (yehagirl@rockinredranch.com), November 11, 2001.

Hey, I live in Missouri too! I have seen soapwort all over the place here. I have some dried roots still that I got a couple of years ago and am wondering if they'll still work. I think they ought to. I tried making a soap solution from them by making an infusion and that didn't work. I'll try the boiling now, thanks for the information. Another name for soapwort is Bouncing Bet.

-- Diana (rock_hunter83@hotmail.com), December 30, 2001.