Soapwort (root) 🟠 Not prohibited
Root of Saponaria officinalis, a European plant traditionally used to wash fabrics because it is rich in saponins.
Characteristics
- Boiled or soaked in water, it gives a foaming liquid.
- Its extracts lower the surface tension of water (study published in Molecules, 2023).
- Saponins irritate the eyes and mucous membranes.
Role in the preparation: Wetting agent: helps the liquid spread over the leaf instead of beading.
Caution: Prepare small amounts and use straight away, try it first on a few leaves and check local regulations before any use.
Sources: Molecules 28 (2023) 4943 — Thermodynamic consideration of the solid saponin extract drop–air system (Saponaria officinalis) · Purdue Extension WS-7 — Adjuvants and the power of the spray droplet
Documentary information: this is neither a recommendation for use nor a plant-protection or veterinary claim. Check your country's regulations before any use.