wild soap help

[reddy]

I've read alot about saponin plants used as bushcraft soap substitutes, so I've finally got round to getting a bit of soapwort root to play with. Does anyone have an idea of rough measurement ratios (ie chopped root to water?). What works best, boiling or cold? I'd love to hear other peoples tips and experiences

Also a quickie- is horse chestnut really that stinky as a soap? What does it smell like?

 

[JonnyP]

I've read alot about saponin plants used as bushcraft soap substitutes, so I've finally got round to getting a bit of soapwort root to play with. Does anyone have an idea of rough measurement ratios (ie chopped root to water?). What works best, boiling or cold? I'd love to hear other peoples tips and experiences

Also a quickie- is horse chestnut really that stinky as a soap? What does it smell like?

According to Lesley Bremness in the complete book of herbs, to make shampoo, you use 2 tbsp of finely chopped root to 1 pint of boiling water. This will be ok for a mild soap too...