Soap Nuts (Reetha): Benefits and Uses

Are you an avid cosmetics user or you simply use to many household cleaning products.

You worry about the various negative side effects associated with such products?

If so, then it is in your best interest to read this informative guide to the very end.

As you are about to discover a natural yet highly effective alternative to such potentially harmful commercial products.

This comprehensive guide is going to educate you about the top four benefits and uses of Soapnuts.

What Are Soapnuts?

Soapnut, whose botanical name is “Sapindus Mukorossi,” is a type of deciduous tree that is native to the northern regions of India. This tree belongs to the “Sapindeae” plant family and grows to a height of about 20 meters. Soapnut is a very important Ayurvedic medicinal herb. However, its important to note that there is currently insufficient scientific research on this potent herbal remedy.

The tree which belongs to the “Sapindaceae” plant genus can also be referred to by the common names:

• Washnut
• Thali
• Soapberry
• Ritha
• Kumkudukaya
• Dodani

The Sapindus Mukorossi tree bears fruits called Reetha. These fruits produce mild suds when brought into contact with water. Hence explaining the name “Soapnut”.

Soap Nuts Benefits and Uses

Saponin, serotonin, histamine, fatty acids and carrageenans(¹) are just some of the chemical compounds that are in Reetha (Soapnut). Below are the common benefits and uses of Soapnuts that are derived from such compounds.

Benefits of Reetha for Skin

Improving the skin. Soapnut is a common ingredient in various popular skin care products and for a very good reason. The natural potent herbal remedy is extremely mild. Hence; it does not cause the side effects that are very common with popular artificial cosmetic products.

Reetha works effectively to soften the skin, keep it tender and prevent it from drying. There are various clinical studies that indicate that Soapnuts may treat and even prevent common skin disorders. These include:

• psoriasis
• pimples
• eczema
• blackheads
• freckles
• acne

This is probably due to the herb’s potent anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. That work to combat any potentially harmful bacteria or fungi.

Soapnuts contain antiallergenic properties. Thus; can be topically applied to treat the redness of the skin and all other types of mild allergies. Reetha can improve the skin in various ways. This is because the herbal remedy has been scientifically proven to not only cleanse the skin but to also nourish it to the core.

Soap Nuts Cleaning Solution

Reetha is considered to be a potent all-purpose cleaning agent. This is because the herbal remedy can be easily used to clean almost everything. Soapnut contains special types of chemical compounds called saponins. These Saponins are uniquely effective natural surfactants(²). That can work to remove dirt, soften clothes and even preserve the quality and color of fabrics.

This alone explains the reason why Soapnuts are a natural alternative to artificial detergents. You can use Soapnuts to do your laundry. This is because the natural detergent has a very mild and gentle effect on all types of clothes. Reetha’s antimicrobial properties can be quite helpful when trying to clean your septic tank.

[pullquote align=”normal”]Soapnuts are biodegradable in nature. Hence; are eco-friendly natural detergents. [/pullquote]

Old ornaments (jewelry) are likely to lose their luster and shine over time. This should not be the case as you can easily clean the ornaments with soapnut to restore their original brightness and glow. Reetha can also be used to wash kitchenware and other utensils. This is because the herb contains potent antibacterial compounds. That work to kill the potentially harmful bacteria that may have been left behind by stale food.

Benefits of Soap Nuts for Hair

Reetha is a effective natural shampoo. That can be applied to strengthen hair and improve its overall fair complexion. The dried fruit of the “Sapindus Mukorossi” tree is often used as a major ingredient in various types of hair shampoos. It is a common believe that Soapnut have been used for hair treatment since ancient times.

Artificial shampoos are known to cause various mild to severe side effects. This makes it crucial to instead use a natural shampoo like Soapnuts. That have not been linked to any serious side effects. There are various scientific studies that indicate that Reetha can be topically applied to prevent both white flakes and dandruff. Reetha’s potent antibacterial and anti-fungal properties can be of great help in preventing hair loss and alleviating dandruff.

[pullquote align=”normal”]Soapnut’s insecticidal properties are quite effective in combating lice. Which is also a common problem that is associated with hair. [/pullquote]

Soapnut can improve the texture of hair, improve its overall shine. Also can improve the thickness of hair, reduce the impact of hair fall and even strengthen hair. Soapnut contains various beneficial compounds that work to nourish hair at the very basic level (from the hair roots or blub). Thus; not only works to strengthen them but to also effectively moisturize the head’s scalp. But Soap Nut is not for everyone just ask xojane.

Soap Nuts Insect Repellent

Insect bites and stings are known to be quite painful and could even be worst at times. This makes it important to make use of natural insect repellents like Reetha to scare away stubborn insects. This is especially important if you are living in an area that is infested with various types of harmful insects.

You can topically apply the herbal remedy and leave it to dry if you wish to repel mosquitoes and any other types of insects. There are some scientific studies that suggest that Soapnut can stop the spread and growth of “Aedes aegypti.”. This is a common type of mosquito that is known to spread viral diseases(³) .

This is possible because the herbal remedy has been shown to interfere with the insect’s enzyme activity at the larvae stage.

CONCLUSION

Soapnut can be generally used without experiencing any side effects. It is, however, crucial to note that you are likely to experience swelling of the eyelids and redness of the eyes if the herbal product comes into contacts with your eyes.

You are also strongly advised to perform a skin patch test before using the herbal remedy on your entire body. This will help you determine whether your skin is sensitive to the natural remedy.