What's a saponin? And why do my plants want it?
Saponins are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in many plants and seeds (including some of our favorite foods like beans, more on that later) and when applied to plants, saponins have the unique ability to trick a plant into thinking it’s being attacked. How? By activating the plants own SAR or Systemic Acquired Resistance.
SAR, built in protection!
SAR is your plant's natural immune system kicking into gear. These naturally occurring chemical compounds that trigger the SAR in plants. This means your plants get a signal to active their own natural immune system against pathogens and pests.
When plants are under attack they create and release aromas to protect themselves (think lavender and rosemary). Saponins trigger plant defensive system as these aromas both deter pests and attract beneficials.
And that's precisely why we've infused a few saponin super stars into our plant care tonics!
Soapnut Berries, a key ingredient in our Soil Tonic!
The cover image shows a bucket of soapnut berries soaking in fresh aloe vera fillet during the long, slow and careful process of making our tonics. Part of the lychee family, this berry is perhaps best known as nature's soap. Humans have been using soapnut as an emulsifying agent for thousands of years to clean hands, dishes and laundry.
Soapnut berries aren't the only saponin rich ingredient in Sacred Soil Tonic. We also infuse alfalfa, yarrow, nettle, horsetail, kelp, peppermint, comfrey and fresh aloe into every batch of concentrated liquid!
Wondering how to make that frothy, foamy, bubble bath for your plants?
Sacred Soil Bath (one gallon application)
You will need: Sacred Soil Tonic + H2O + Jar or jug with lid
-Pour 10-20ml (2-4 teaspoons) of Sacred Soil Tonic into jar
-Add 3/4 of the water, this allows empty space inside for the mixture to have space to be properly agitated and extra foamy!
-Close lid and shake hard for 30-45 seconds until foamy
-Add remaining water to fulfill the proper ratio of 10ml (2 tsps) for a one gallon maintenance application or 20ml (4 tsps) for active pest infestation application
-Pour *slowly* and enjoy the sound of saponin-rich botanicals sinking into your soil nourishing your plants from the inside out!
*We recommend feeding while plants are receiving plenty of light, it’s best to offer these baths during the growing season or while growing under lights.
Giving you plants are foamy dose of Sacred Soil also stimulates growth, alleviates hydrophobic soil all while treating soil borne pests.
For more in depth pest care guidance, check our pest blog library here.
How it works
Saponins naturally boost the overall immune system and health of the entire plant while increasing soil absorbency and the uptake of nutrients. This means more readily available nutrition for your plant to absorb more efficiently. Over time our tonics assist your plants to grow more resistant to pests and disease and become stronger with each application. You'll begin to notice the radiant health beaming from the inside out as the relationship between bacteria and mycorrhiza is nourished and supported allowing your plant to gain a strong immune system from the ground up!
What is mycorrhiza?
Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic relationship between plant and fungi. The term mycorrhizae refers to the role of the fungus in the plant's 'rhizosphere' or root system. Mycorrhiza plays a vital role in soil health biology and soil chemistry and saponins play a vital role in the health of both!
Don't throw away that bean water! Bean water is a natural surfactant which can help plants retain surface moisture while offering them a water soluble nutrient boost (especially nitrogen), and activate plant immunity.
Saponins, beneficial for humans too!
Ever notice the foamy suds that appear when you rinse chickpeas or quinoa? That's the saponins! Legumes contain a rich source of saponins namely kidney, soya and broad beans, lentils and chickpeas/garbanzo beans. Oats, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat and flax are grains highest in saponins while garlic, onions, spinach, yucca, peas, alfalfa sprouts, asparagus, papaya and avocado all contain a healthy amount of saponins from the fruit and veggie world.
Anyone care for a glass of saponin wine? Red wine, namely Zinfendel, contains saponins too! They come from the coatings on the skins of the grapes with the alcohol content of the red wine helping to increase your body's ability to absorb the saponins. Consuming saponin rich foods has been shown to help lower cholesterol, fight off cancer, and help to control blood sugar levels.
We're thrilled to offer organic, earth friendly tonics to you and your green babies! We highly suggest using both Sacred Leaf and Sacred Soil Tonic as a holistic treatment for your houseplants and garden with up to 96 applications of concentrated goodness in each 4 ounce bottle and almost 200 applications for our 8 oz size!
Want to learn even more about what makes these tonics so special? Have a seat with Karina and Ian, maker of our beautiful tonics in this 15 minute youtube video.
Wishing you and your green friends all kinds of love!
Be well friends, Karina and Team SE