Free Soap In Nature. Where to Find It?

Soap is the most important ingredient when it comes to our household cleaning, because it is a surfactant that can combine oil to water — two things that naturally do not go together. While the making of soap can date back to 5000 years ago, nature actually provides a surfactant that combines oil to water, too. The name is saponin. There are studies that show saponins being beneficial for dry, irritated skin. I think it is because they are naturally mildly acidic, just like our skin.

Right now, the most famous source of saponins is probably the soap nut tree, which grows in the subtropical and tropical areas. However, you can also find sources for saponins in the UK. The most common ones are horse chestnuts and soapworts.

May is a very good season to spot a horse chestnut tree, because it is in full bloom. I found one near my house on my way to work. The cone shaped cluster of flowers was swaying in the sunshine. In autumn, the nuts will form, and I am looking forward to forageing some to make a batch of UK-grown saponin solution!

Soapwort is a perennial plant that some people think of as a weed. To me, all the weeds are the natives of a land that requires no human care. I totally love how resilient and wild they are. I am growing some in my garden, and hope to harvest some this year to make a bottle of saponin solution. For soapworts, you can use the whole plant. Since, I wish they can grow back year after year, I will use the leaves, stems and flowers only.

To extract saponins, hot water is the best. Think of you brewing a pot of tea. Since they are totally natural, they get mouldy quickly. Treat them like food. Fridge and freezer can prolong their shelf life.

It is a fun activity to do with children, too! They will be fascenated how a plant gives bubbles and make their skin soft and clean!