Soapnuts or reetha, as they are commonly known, have been used in making natural hair care products since time immemorial. This plant is rich in saponin that renders a healthy, shiny, and lustrous hair when used regularly. Soapnuts have been a popular choice for many people who have sensitive skin. Soapnuts are natural soaps found in the tropical zones in the world. A deciduous plant that grows to a height of 20 m, washing nuts, as they are also called, are known scientifically as Sapindus Mukorossi. This plant is found in abundance in places that receives 150 cm to 200 cm of rainfall each year. This plant can be cultivated on clay soil only.
Soapnuts are also called as (Ritha / Reetha / Aritha) in Hindi, ‘Kunkudukai’ in Telugu, ‘Boondi Kottai’ in Tamil, ‘pasakkottamaram’ in Malayalam, ‘Amtalakaayi’ in Kannada, ‘Ritha’ in Bengali, ‘Arithi’ in Gujarati, and ‘Rinthi’ in Marathi. Soap nuts are eco-friendly, cheap, and reusable! Following are some benefits of soapnuts that you must read on.
When the fruits of the soap nut tree dry out, they become soft and gain a soapy texture. This soapy texture makes it a preferable ingredient of many hair care and skin care products all over the world. The soapnuts are soaked overnight and then mixed with shikakai powder to make the shampoo. This shampoo, when used on a regular basis, promotes hair growth.
Vitamin A, D, E and K are found in this fruit. It gives shine and smooth texture to the hair.
Soapnuts also contain certain insecticides that help in killing the lice from scalp. Powdered reetha is known to fight off various problems affecting the scalp, including dandruff. If soapnuts are used regularly on skin, then it can help in treating diseases like eczema, dandruff and psoriasis etc.
Soapnuts also have natural anti-venom properties. Thus, this soapy fruit can be used in ejecting out the snake or scorpion venom from people.
The products that are made from soaputs can be easily utilized by people having sensitive skin. Soapnuts have natural conditioning properties that will help in keeping the skin moisturized. Thus, people with sensitive skin can use it without any fears for a healthy and glowing skin.
If a person is suffering from fungal infection in hair and scalp, then reetha or soapnuts can be extremely useful.
Soapnuts do not have any side effects on scalp, hair and skin of humans. But this product must be used under special care as it has insecticidal properties that can sting the eyes. You must avoid direct eye contact with soapnuts. Otherwise, you will land up with allergies and swollen eyelids. If you observe rashes, itching or any other troubles on skin or hair then you must stop using the product immediately.
In the end, all that can be said is that you can use soapnuts in various ways. You will have to be a little creative and find its use in the right place. Always look for better quality of soapnuts since they will be a lot more effective. Use soapnuts only in the exact quantities as you would not want to waste the soapy liquid. You can always make compost out of the used soapnuts. If the soapnuts remain unused for 72 hours then throw them right away!