Common Name: |
Halava Wood |
Other Names: |
Soapbark Tree, Quillai, Panama Bark |
Botanical Name: |
Quillaja saponaria |
Genus: |
Quillaja |
Family: |
Rosaceae |
Location: |
Chile, Peru |
Cultivation: |
Fertile, well-drained soil, sited in a sheltered position in cold areas. |
Propagation: |
By ripe cuttings at the end of the growing season. |
Harvest: |
Bark is dried for use in liquid extracts, powders, and tinctures. |
Height: |
15-18m (50-60ft) |
Width: |
6-7m (20-22ft) |
Hardiness: |
Z10 |
Parts Used: |
Inner Bark, Bark |
Properties: |
An acrid, astringent, cleansing herb that reduces inflammation and has expectorant effects. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for bronchial congestion. Externally for skin ulcers and eruptions, and dandruff. |
Culinary Uses: |
Powdered dried bark is mixed with citrus-flavored syrup to make Middle Eastern cream or mousse, natef or natife, served with pastries. |
Warning: |
May cause irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract, and is no longer considered safe. Powdered bark causes violent sneezing. |
Economic Uses: |
Bark extracts are used to flavor baked products, candy, soft drinks, and ice cream; also as a foaming agent in beers and fire extinguishers. Cleansing products are utilized in anti-dandruff shampoos and exfoliant cleansers. |
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp 339-340
|