Lipidami™ Soapbark

Native to tropical American woods, soapbark tree is particularly widespread in Chile and Peru. Dried soapbark is used in traditional medicine. It remained unknown in France until the 18th century and only spread during the 19th century. Applied locally, the drug is allotted anesthetic properties. Indians from Chile and Peru take its leaf decoction to fight asthma, the trunk bark is helpful, in cold infusion, as an expectorant and to rid the feet of their unpleasant smell, and the fruit is praised as soap. The bark powder emulsifies resins and is also industrially used to remove the suint from fabrics and wools. The Indians particularly appreciate it to wash their clothes and their hair as it is said to quicken their growth. Its species name "saponaria" means it was used as soap. Rich in saponins, the plant is used in cosmetics for its foaming effect.