In Latin, the plant is called Saponaria, from the word "sapo" (soap).
Excursion into the past of the soap root
Legend has it that the ancient Romans performed sacred rites on Mount Sapo, during which animals were sacrificed to the gods. Women washing clothes in the Tiber, it was noticed that the water that drains from the mountain with rain, very well launders clothes. This water was a mixture of animal fat, clay and ash. The foamy cleaning mixture was named after the soapy mountain, sapo - “soap”.
In Russia, the soap root (the dried roots of the soapwort) has long been used as a cleaning agent that removes stains from tissues well; for washing woolen fabrics (protects against moths), for bleaching yarn, disinfecting wool of sheep.
In 1819, a substance called “saponin” was isolated from the soapwort root.
Nowadays, soap root is used more widely.
In the food industry, it is used as an extract in the production of frozen and carbonated drinks, beer, syrups, wines, juices, halva.
Attention should be paid to precautionary measures: soapy roots, when ingested, cause an increase in hemolysis of red blood cells, which can affect blood coagulation and increase hemorrhoidal and gastrointestinal bleeding.
To prepare the extract, the roots of the plant are used.
The extract is soluble in water and is a viscous, foaming liquid with a specific odor, and its color is dark brown.
Soap root, composition and dosage :
• triterpene saponins - 66%;
• oligosaccharides.
Dose the extract as follows:
• foaming occurs at a dose of 5 g / l;
• 0.25-1% of the extract is used as a facial cleanser;
• for mechanical peeling and scrub, dilute as a 1-1.5% solution of the extract.
The main properties are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal.
Application in cosmetics:
• natural means for washing hair - shampoo for oily hair and to eliminate dandruff;
• as an effective tool for baths (creates a thin foam) for acne and furunculosis;
• as a cleanser for large pores and oily skin;
• means for feet.
To take baths, the soap root extract (25-50 ml) is dissolved in a small volume of water and poured into the bath. Beat the foam head and immerse the body for 10-15 minutes.
Soap root base blank
A simple blank for the manufacture of soap, masks, milk for cleaning skin, scrubs and other products.
- glycerin 40% by weight;
- grape seed oil 30%;
- glyceryl stearate SE 15%;
- soap root in an amount of 10%;
- NUF 5%.
To make it, you need to melt the glyceryl stearate in glycerin and, whisking with a mixer, pour in a thin stream of grape seed oil. After this, cool slowly while stirring.
The required amount of soap root extract and NUF should be added to the resulting blank.
For masks, milk, scrub, shower gel, about 3-5% of the soap base is introduced into the composition. Since there is no free water in it, this makes it possible not to use preservatives and store it for a long time.
Nowadays, handmade soap is becoming increasingly popular. Therefore, it is very easy to order a soap base in specialized stores. But in order not to get confused in the variety of manufacturers and brands, you need to have the necessary information. Today's soapmaking market presents a huge assortment of soap bases from various countries such as Germany, England, China and Russia. The soap base is used for the manufacture of soaps with various additives. It is necessary to take the issue of acquiring such a product very seriously and adhere to certain rules.
- The base must not have an unpleasant odor.
- Air bubbles should be completely absent.
- There should be sufficient foaming.
- The soap base should be plastic and not crumble.