Reetha, also known as Arishtak in Ayurveda and commonly called the "soap nut" in India, is highly regarded for its medicinal properties. Traditionally used as a natural hair cleanser, Reetha is frequently incorporated into hair care products for its ability to make hair shiny, healthy, and lustrous. It can be used daily to nourish the scalp and promote hair regrowth. 

When Reetha is mixed with warm water, it can be strained and its water can be massaged into the scalp to help manage dandruff and remove lice due to its insecticidal properties. Combining Reetha with Amla can further help control greying hair and stimulate better hair growth.

Reetha can be boiled until reduced by half, creating a body wash that benefits the skin. According to Ayurveda, it aids in managing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and pimples due to its ability to balance the Tridosha (Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha). 

Additionally, Reetha decoction (Kadha) may serve as a wound cleanser due to its properties that promote wound healing and prevent secondary infections. It is recommended to avoid using Reetha water on sensitive areas such as the eyes to prevent redness and swelling of the eyelids.

Benefits of Reetha - Soapnut

1. Intestinal Worms

Reetha helps control intestinal worms, which Ayurveda refers to as Krimi. Low digestive fire (Agni) encourages worm growth. By enhancing the digestive fire, Reetha creates an unfavorable environment for worms due to its bitter (Tikta) and sharp (Tikshna) characteristics, aiding in their removal.

2. Asthma

Reetha can help alleviate asthma symptoms and relieve breathlessness. In Ayurveda, asthma is associated with imbalances in Vata and Kapha doshas, leading to respiratory obstruction in the lungs. By balancing the Tridosha and clearing excess mucus in the lungs, Reetha's hot (Ushna) nature aids in managing asthma.

3. Obesity

Obesity often results from poor dietary habits and lifestyle choices, which weaken the digestive fire. This leads to the accumulation of Ama and an imbalance in Meda dhatu. Reetha helps control weight by improving metabolism, clearing circulatory blockages, and removing excess fluid and toxins from the body, thanks to its hot (Ushna) and sharp (Tikshna) properties.

4. Flatulence

Flatulence arises from an imbalance of Vata and Pitta doshas, resulting in low digestive fire and impaired digestion. Reetha helps correct this by enhancing the digestive fire (Agni) and removing excessive gas due to its hot (Ushna) potency and Vata-balancing properties.

Common Uses of Reetha - Soapnut

1. Dandruff

In Ayurveda, dandruff is seen as an issue caused by dry skin flakes on the scalp, linked to aggravated Vata and Pitta doshas. Reetha helps control dandruff and promote hair growth by balancing the Tridosha and has a sharp (Tikshna) nature that keeps the scalp dandruff-free.

Instructions:

• Boil Reetha for 10 minutes and strain.

• Apply the Reetha to the scalp and hair.

• Massage to create lather.

• Leave for a while and rinse with plain water.

2. Skin Itching

Itching can be due to dryness (Vata), cyst formation (Kapha), or excessive sweating (Pitta), involving all three Doshas. Reetha helps reduce itching and inflammation due to its Tridosha balancing properties.

Instructions:

• Mix 1-2 teaspoons of Reetha with 2-3 glasses of water.

• Boil until reduced by half.

• Strain and use the liquid as a body wash.

3. Head Lice

Head lice thrive in conditions such as excessive sweat, dirt, or residue from shampoo or soap. Reetha helps remove lice by eliminating these favorable conditions and cleansing the scalp with its sharp (Tikshna) nature.

Instructions:

• Mix 1-2 teaspoons of Reetha with 2-3 glasses of water.

• Apply to the scalp and hair.

• Massage to create lather.

• Leave for a while and rinse with plain water.

4. Arthritis

Reetha can alleviate bone and joint pain when applied to the affected area. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are Vata sites, and joint pain is usually due to Vata imbalance. Reetha helps reduce joint pain due to its hot (Ushna) potency and Vata balancing properties.

Instructions:

• Boil Reetha for 10 minutes and strain.

• Apply to the affected area and leave for 1-2 hours.

• Rinse with plain water.

Other names: Reetha , Soap Nut , Acacia concinna, Ritha, Soapnut, Retha, Aritha reetha ritha soap nut soapnut acacia concinna, Rithaa reetha ritha soap nut soapnut reetha ritha, Soapberry, Soap Berry, Reeta, Rita, Arita, Aretha, Soapnuts, Areetha, Reatha, reetha, ritha, soap nut, soapnut reetha, ritha, soap, soapnut, acacia, concinna, Aritha, Soap Berry, Soapberry, Wash Nut, Washnut, Sapindus Mukorossi, Rithe, Reetha Dried