Reetha or Soapnuts is also called as Arishtak in Ayurveda and “Soap nut tree” in India. It is well known for its traditional medicinal uses and is commonly used as a hair cleanser.
Reetha is extensively used to make natural hair care products as it makes hair shiny, healthy and lustrous. It can be used on a daily basis to provide nourishment to the hair scalp and promote hair regrowth. Reetha powder can be mixed with warm water to form a paste which can be used to massage the scalp to help manage dandruff and also remove lice from the scalp due to its insecticidal property. The powder of Amla and Reetha can be applied to the hair to help control greying of hair and also stimulate better hair growth.
You can add Reetha powder to water and boil it till it gets reduced to half and then use it as a body wash as it is good for the skin. As per Ayurveda, it also helps manage skin infections such as eczema, psoriasis and pimples due to its Tridosha property (Vatta Pitta Kaph balancing property). Reetha decoction (Kadha) might also act as a wound cleanser as it accelerates wound healing and stops secondary infections.
It is advisable to avoid the use of Reetha water on sensitive parts such as eyes as it may cause redness and swelling of the eyelids.

What are the synonyms of Reetha?

Sapindus mukorossi, Haithaguti, Ritha, Aritha, Dodan, Kanmar, Rithe, Thali, Phenila, Urista, Kunkudu, Krishvarn, Arthsaadhan, Rakhtbeej, Peetfan, Phenil, Garbpatan, Guchfaal, Areetha, Ita, Kunkute kayi, Ponnan kottai, Rithegach, Rittha, Dodan, Soapnut tree, Chinese soapberry, Finduk-e-hindi, Haithguti, Funake farasi, Arishtak.

What is the source of Reetha?

Plant Based

BENEFITS OF REETHA

1. Intestinal Worms
Reetha helps to control intestinal worms. According to Ayurveda, worms are called as Krimi. The growth of worms is encouraged by low Agni (weak digestive fire). Taking Reetha helps to improve the digestive fire and destroy the ideal condition for the growth of worms. It helps to remove worms because of its Tikta (bitter)and Tikshna (sharp) properties.

2. Asthma
Reetha helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (Asthma). Reetha helps to balance Tridosha and remove excess mucus from the lungs due to its Ushna (hot) nature.

3. Obesity
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in obesity. Reetha helps to control weight due to its Ushna (hot) and Tikshna (sharp) properties. It also improves metabolism and clears blockage in the circulatory system which helps to remove extra fluid and toxins from the body.

4. Flatulence
Flatulence is caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Low Pitta dosha and aggravated Vata dosha results in low digestive fire, thus impairing digestion. Impaired digestion leads to gas formation or flatulence. Reetha helps to correct impaired digestion. It improves Agni (digestive fire) due to Ushna (hot) potency and removes excessive gas because of its Vata balancing property.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to source the most up to date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that remedies in our articles are effective, when in doubt, consult your GP or a qualified Medicinal Herbalist. Remember also that herbal remedies can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before self-treating with a homemade remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or suffer from any known illness which could be adversely affected by self-treatment.