Soapnut (Reetha tree) is an exceptionally valued medicinal plant in Ayurveda for its innumerable detoxifying and therapeutic properties. Reetha or Sapindus Mukorossi also goes by numerous other names like washnut and soapberry.
What are Soap Nuts?
It is an organic and herbal remedy for healthy hair and skin. It is one of nature’s gifts that appear like soap when it comes to contact with water. It has the element termed Saponin that has excellent cleaning qualities [1]. Owing to this soapy quality, it is known to have a wide range of cleaning and washing applications with long-lasting effects.
Soapnut is known by various common names such as Boondi Kottai, Thali, Soapberry, Kumkudukaya, and Dodani.
Benefits Of Soapnuts
1. Hair Health
The natural surfactant saponin in the reetha plant gives foaming properties and a buttery texture, which helps clean dust, dirt, and oil in the hair. Reetha, an incredible natural substance, nourishes our scalp. The essence of saponins and vitamins enhances the mane’s shine and luster, reducing the dryness making the hair look voluminous and silky.
The abundance of nutrients produces new hair follicles and boosts the hair from within the root. Moreover, the antifungal and antibacterial properties of the reetha plant help treat scalp infections and ward off lice and dandruff.
2. A Natural Cleanser
The buttery texture of the Soapnut helps the hair have a clean wash and absorbs the enrichment. With regular use, the hair gets silkier and attains a long-lasting shine. It imparts Vitamin D, A, E, and K to the hair roots, thereby nourishing the hair follicles’ scalp and hair follicles [3].
3. Insecticide and Anti-Microbial Properties
If you have trouble with lice, Reetha is the one solution. With its insecticide properties, it can quickly kill the lice without harming the scalp. Reetha is a time-tested remedy to prevent dandruff and bacterial infections [4].
4. Smoothing Effect
It gives a smooth and soft texture to the hair strands and helps tame frizzy and dry hair. It acts as a natural conditioner cum shampoo. It helps quickly detangle hair, thereby making the hair suitable for any hairstyle.
5. Promotes Skin Health
The quality of saponins in reetha works well as an exceptional cleanser and is used as an alternative for face wash and soap. It is suitable for all skin types; mixing reetha with besan flour enhances the skin glow and sustenance.
The Soapnut’s powerful moisturizing properties keep the skin adequately hydrated, bars drying of the skin, and make the skin look supple and radiant. Furthermore, a potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties treat skin disorders like eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
6. Natural Moisturizer
It prevents dryness and keeps the skin hydrated. Highly advised for sensitive skin as it is mild on the skin.
7. Useful for Babies Skin
Since it is mild on the hair and skin, Reetha powder may be used to bathe babies. The liquid solution can benefit from diaper rashes.
8. Soap Nut for cleaning and antiseptic use
Soapnut has strong anti-microbial properties. Therefore, it can be used as a pure hand wash, mainly due to its soapy surface. Due to its detoxification abilities, Reetha is also utilized in cleaning vegetables and fruits from pesticides and chemicals.
The antiseptic property is used in many injury treatment ointments and utilized by safety kits. Powdered Reetha mixed well with an alum can make a special toothpaste with good cleansing qualities.
9. Heals Snake Bites
This miracle herb’s strong anti-venom properties help remove the scorpion and snake venom from the victims. Powder kernel of reetha plant and blend with jaggery in corresponding quantities and consume it to reverse the poison’s adverse effect.
10. Respiratory Health
Reetha powder functions well as a powerful natural cure for easing asthma symptoms due to its powerful astringent, emetic, and anthelmintic properties. Patients who have asthma can inhale the smell of ground reetha powder for immediate relief—besides, the fruit, roots, bark of reetha work as a mild expectorant and potent demulcent.
Potent Anti-Inflammatory Effects
The impressive anti-inflammatory properties of reetha are valuable in alleviating muscle and joint pain and minimizing edema. Reetha powder is also useful in treating dental troubles.
Moreover, the goodness of antioxidants in reetha strengthens the immune system, lowers the risk of chronic diseases, and inhibits the growth of pathogens like salmonella and E. coli.
Side Effects
Reetha powder is not suggested for pregnant women as it can induce abortion. If you develop any itching or irritation in the hair and skin after using reetha products, instantly stop the usage and consult the doctor.
Be watchful and avoid direct contact with eyes as reetha powder contains insecticidal properties and may cause swollen eyelids and irritate the eyes.
A Word Of Caution
As you have seen, soapnuts have incredible benefits for hair, skin, and health. But, you must be aware of some risks linked with them as well. Let’s have a look. Soapnuts don’t have any side effects on the hair, scalp, and skin of humans. However, it would help if you prevent your eyes from being in direct touch with soapnuts.
Always use soapnuts of excellent quality as they will be a lot more potent. Use soapnuts only in the stipulated quantities to avoid misuse. You may always prepare compost out of the used soapnuts. If the soapnuts remain unused for seventy-two hours, throw them right away. This is how you can use soapnuts.
Bottom Line
Nature often has the finest solutions for most of our questions and ambitions. It provides some of the most potent treatments for the body and prevents us from hurting other organisms.
One such offering from nature is Reetha (Soapnut). So, stop worrying about your dull, rough, and unhealthy skin and hair. Choose Reetha for your care and enjoy the benefits of lustrous black hair and naturally glowing skin.
