Soapnuts, also known as Aritha or Reetha, are a member of the genus Sapindus which contains numerous species of small trees native to warm temperate to tropical regions. The genus name is derived from the Latin words "sapo," meaning "soap", and "indicus," meaning "of India." Sapindus mukorrosi and
Members of this genus are commonly known as soapberry or soapnut trees because the fruit pulp has been used for centuries to make soap. The soapnuts are the dried hulls from the soapberry nut, which contain a high level of saponins that act as natural foaming and cleansing agents. Local farmers harvest the nuts and remove the shells which are then dried in the Sun
This 100% natural product requires no chemical processing. The inner seed, which contains no saponins, can be planted to create new trees for an easily sustainable forest. Soapnuts are not only sustainable, but they are also biodegradable, chemical-free, and gentle. Soap nuts are a fruit closely related to the Goji berry. Since they are not true nuts, they can be used safely by people with nut allergies.
Aritha is a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic shampoos and cleansers. They are used in Ayurvedic medicine to soothe eczema, psoriasis, itchy skin, and sensitive skin. Soapnuts, very gentle on the skin and scalp, have natural conditioning properties that will help keep the skin moisturized.
In hair care, Aritha, an excellent hair tonic, has long been known for its benefits for healthy hair and scalp. They add body, bounce, and shine to dull hair, help treat scalp infections and dandruff, and have been used in Ayurvedic medicine to prevent hair loss. The natural saponins not only cleanse hair, but also add body and sheen and make hair feel thicker, silky, and smooth.
