Soapwort vs Lentibularia vulgaris

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Soapwort

Saponaria officinalis

Respiratory

Lentibularia vulgaris

Utricularia vulgaris

Respiratory

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Soapwort

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Lentibularia vulgaris

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Perennial of European roadsides; roots foam in water due to saponins; historically used as soap substitute and expectorant for respiratory conditions.

Aquatic carnivorous plant; used in traditional Asian folk medicine for respiratory conditions.

Active Compounds

saponins, saporubrin, gypsogenin, flavonoids, phenolic acids

flavonoids, tannins, saponins, mucilage

Traditional Uses

Expectorant for coughs in European folk medicine, Skin cleansing via saponin foam, Chronic skin conditions, Used since antiquity as textile cleaning agent

cough, respiratory conditions, skin conditions

Modern Uses

Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal, Antimicrobial

expectorant, anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

1–2 g dried root as tea; topical root decoction for skin

3-5g dried plant tea 2x/day

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Large doses (saponin hemolysis), Children under 10

pregnancy

Side Effects

Hemolytic anemia from high doses, GI irritation, Foamy stool

mild GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

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