None known

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Soap bark tree has a long history of medicinal use with the Andean people who used it especially as a treatment for various chest problems[254]. The saponin content of the bark helps to stimulate the production of a more fluid mucous in the airways, thus facilitating the removal of phlegm through coughing[254]. The tree is useful for treating any condition featuring congested catarrh within the chest, but it should not be used for dry irritable coughs[254]. The inner bark contains about 9% of complex saponins, known collectively as 'quillajasaponin'[238]. It also contains calcium oxalate and tannin[238]. It has been used internally as a stimulating expectorant, though it can cause irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract and so is no longer considered safe[4, 238]. The internal use of this plant needs to be carefully overseen by a professional practitioner[254]. Sap bark tree is used as a source of compounds for the pharmaceutical industry[238]. It is still used externally as a cutaneous stimulant in the treatment of skin ulcers and eruptions, dandruff etc[171, 238].

The fresh or dried inner bark is a soap substitute[4, 169, 171]. It contains about 9% saponins and is a very gentle and effective cleaner[169, 171]. It is used for cleaning textiles and the skin[1, 46, 169, 171]. It can also be used as a hair tonic[169, 171]. The saponins are also used in anti-dandruff shampoos and exfoliant cleansers[238]. They are used as a foaming agent in fire extinguishers[238]. The bark also contains considerable quantities of carbonate of lime[1].

Special Uses