Soapwort Root, Egyptian
Botanical: Gypsophila struthium (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Caryophyllaceae
---Habitat---Europe and United States of America.
---Description---The root is generally in lengths of 4 to 6 inches, 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter; colour a yellowish white, furrowed down its length externally with lighter places where the cortex has been rubbed. The section is of a radiate and concentric structure. Taste bitter, then acrid; odour slight; powder irritating to the nostrils. This variety is rarely used medicinally, the Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) being used as a substitute. This is a perennial herbaceous plantwith a stem 1 to 2 feet in height, growing in Europe and United States of America.
---Medicinal Action and Uses---Tonic, diaphoretic, alterative. A valuable remedy in the treatment of syphilitic, scrofulous and cutaneous diseases, also in jaundice, liver affections, rheumatism and gonorrhoea, the decoction is generally used. Saponin is produced from this plant.
Common Name Index
A MODERN HERBAL Home Page
Bear in mind "A Modern Herbal" was written with the conventional wisdom of the early 1900's. This should be taken into account as some of the information may now be considered inaccurate, or not in accordance with modern medicine.
© Copyright Protected 1995-2004 botanical.com
|
