- Region
- South America
- Origin
- South America (Chile)
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine, Mapuche medicine
South America · Herb · № 324
Quillaja saponaria
Herb · South America
Soap bark
Quillaja saponaria
Traditionally attributed effects: expectorant, cleansing, anti-inflammatory.
Safety notes
Do not use internally. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Do not use internally.
Preparation
The ground inner bark as a decoction, externally as a wash. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Küllay in Mapudungun; the botanist Molina made it into the genus name Quillaja. In Chile the Mapuche used the foaming inner bark as soap for hair and clothing and for scalp complaints, and also as a cough remedy. The saponins now serve as a foaming agent in soft drinks and as an adjuvant in vaccines, including a shingles vaccine.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Expectorant, cleansing, anti-inflammatory.
Preparation and amount
Inner bark.
Caution: Do not use internally.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionPowder and kitchen