What are Soapnuts (Reetha) and How to use them as natural soap?
Soapnuts or Reetha are dry fruit shells and the only detergent that grows on trees. They contain saponin, a natural and effective surfactant that reduces the surface tension of liquids allowing the release of dirt, oils, and grime. This is why some botanists have named the species as Sapindus detergens. Soapnuts are the fruits of a small tree called Sapindus Mukorossi tree, native of the Himalayas and the mountainous region between India and Nepal.
Laundry detergent
They are naturally antibacterial and antifungal and very gentle on the skin. It will leave your laundry fresh and clean and compared to other powder detergents, its mildness will keep colors bright, maintaining the fabric structure of your clothes for longer periods.
It can be used on all fabrics and at all temperatures from 30°C – 90°C. They don’t leave any chemical residue so they’re great for all allergy sufferers, safe on babies' clothes, and ideal for anyone with eczema or psoriasis. Soapnuts are great for all washing machines especially energy-efficient machines. Their properties include:
- Vegan
- 100% natural
- Biodegradable
- Great for Sensitive Skin
- Suitable for All Fabrics
- Suitable for Machines and Hand Washing
The best thing is that they are so economical to use. For laundry, simply place 5 shells into muslin wash-bag into drum of washing machine with clothes. They can be used up to four more times. You can also use your exhausted Soapnuts as foaming wash. Simply put into a blender with 500ml of water and blend. Alternatively, just stand the fresh soapnuts in cold or warm water. The broken shells and the variation of colors due to the timing of harvest, do not affect their efficacy.
They are also a natural softener, but you can add white vinegar for extra softness and a few drops of essential oils onto the washbag for fragrance. For tough stains, add 2 tablespoons of soda crystals in the powder drawer. Alternatively, you can use laundry bleach of your choice.
Skin and Hair
Soapnuts or Reetha are highly valued by the rural people of India and Nepal for washing clothes and as a naturally produced shampoo for washing their hair. In scalp treatments, they are used to treat head lice, dandruff and hair loss. Soapnuts are traditionally soaked overnight and mixed with shikakai powder to make shampoo. Soapnuts tame dry and frizzy hair, and are considered best for hair growth. They are used in many natural hair tonics and solutions...
SoapNuts are used in Ayurveda practices as an ingredient in shampoos and cleansers. For skincare, they are used traditionally to tackle mild to moderate skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, etc. They are also used to eliminate fine lines and freckles and to heal cracked skin and remove chemical stains. Soapnuts can also help you get rid of stubborn pimples and blackheads. SoapNuts are a 100% natural product. In comparison, chemical detergents such as those containing sodium laureth sulphate (SLS) are becoming well known by consumers for being a skin irritant and health hazard. They can get absorbed through the skin, and are likely to be absorbed by our bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Multi-purpose cleaning
They can safely be used to wash: dishes, vegetables, surfaces, floors, as handwash, or as a body wash. Soapberries are anti-allergic and antibacterial in nature. Hence, they are used in handwashes.
Soaking your fruit and vegetables for approximately 10 minutes in Soapnut water and rinsing them off with fresh water can help rinse off harmful chemicals and residue. The Soap Nuts solution can then be reused for household cleaning. Soapnut water can be effectively used for household cleaning, floor cleaner, and washing dishes.
Pet Wash
Soapnuts are anti-fungal and their antimicrobial properties repel lice and fleas, and hence also great for 'Pet Wash'.
Pesticides
This natural soap also works as an excellent pesticide. It provides a natural alternative to repel insects off your plants and around the house. The leftover soapnut liquid from washing or laundry can be used for this purpose.
Side effects of reetha
Its contact with eyes should be avoided. Its insecticidal properties can cause allergies and swollen eyelids. Stop using the product immediately if you observe any allergies.
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