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.
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