Soapwort

Joining Amy at Homestead Revival

for Preparedness Challenge #16

and for the Barn Hop #19, too.

Visit her to read more interesting ways

to be prepared

and what's happening on other peoples homesteads!
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The flower bed I have been refurbishing

is overrun with invasive Soapwort.

As I was pulling so many of these plants up,

I thought I should try making something with

them, just in case the need should ever arise,

I would know how to prepare and use it!

Soapwort can be made into a gentle washing aid

for delicate fabrics, shampoo and a healing wash

for skin with acne or rashes. It makes a

nice, gentle pet shampoo, too.

I pulled the sprouting plants up, roots and all and put them in the sink full of cold water to remove as much dirt and grit as possible. Then I put the entire batch in a large kettle and covered with water. I brought it to a boil and gently simmered the mass for 30 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon occasionally.

I removed and disgarded all the stems and

let it cool overnight (outside, as I wasn't

fond of the smell!) right in the covered pan.

The next day, I strained the liquid 3-4 times

thru a paper towel lined sieve, and

one more time thru a piece of white cotton.

I wanted to see if the greenish color would

stain the fabric, but it didn't.

This must be stored in the refridgerator,

use within one week.

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Have any of you had experience with Soapwort?

I would love to hear about it!

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"Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin."

"Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

"Psalm 51:3&7