Commonly known as Soapberry and Soapnut or Ritha, Sapindus is a genus of about
five to twelve species of shrubs and small trees in the Sapindaceae, native to
warm temperate to tropical regions in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
The species is widely grown in upper reaches of the Indo-Gangetic plains,
Shivaliks and sub-Himalayan tracts at altitudes from 200m to 1500m. Also known
as ritha tree, it is one of the most important trees of tropical and
sub-tropical regions of Asia.
The seeds of Sapindus are crushed to make
effective and environmentally friendly natural soaps. However, Soap nuts
(sapindus mukorossi) can be used for a whole host of other uses.
Soap
nuts (sapindus mukorossi) contain saponin, the active natural washing
ingredient. Similar to soap, when the shells of the soapnut come in contact with
water the saponin is released and suds are produced Soap nuts have become
popular as an environmentally friendly alternative to manufactured, chemical
detergents.
Soap nuts are among the popular herbs and minerals in Ayurveda.
They
are a used in Ayurvedic shampoos and cleansers. Soap nuts (sapindus mukorossi)
is also Ayurvedic medicine for treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and for removing
freckles. Soap nuts have gentle insecticidal properties and hence, are
traditionally used for removing lice from the scalp.
Soap nuts are also used
medically as an expectorant, emetic, contraceptive, and for treatment of
excessive salivation, epilepsy, chlorosis, and migraines.
In Ayurveda the
list of uses for Ritha or Soap nuts is impressive and used in over 20 medicinal
preparations, which alter the fruit to make it either 100% digestible or emetic.
Ritha or Soap nuts fruit is so rich in iron it is considered a hemolytic and is
used often to treat anemia.
When prepared by an Ayurvedic doctor it can treat
chlorosis and epilepsy. It is also used as an expectorant for severe lung
congestion, and can help to promote blood circulation in patients with low blood
pressure. Ritha or Soap nuts is a sedative to the uterus and is used to ease
childbirth. It can also be prepared as a digestive aid, an anti-venom, or to
treat diarrhea, cholera and paralysis.
Soap nuts (sapindus mukorossi)
liquid can be used to clean hair in place of your regular shampoo. Soap nuts
naturally help prevent dandruff and keep your hair soft and strong.
When using
to treat dandruff apply the liquid soap nut on your scalp and leave on for 5-10
minutes. Avoid contact with eyes. If it gets into eyes, rinse thoroughly with
water.
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