Using Reetha as a Shampoo and Cleanser
What is Reetha (soap nut)?
Reetha (aritha, soap nut, soap berries) is the Hindi name of the fruit of a soap nut tree. The soap nut tree is a member of the Sapindusgenus, belonging to the Lychee/goji berry family, Sapindaceae. The trees are native to countries with a warm, temperate to tropical climate and are commonly found in Pakistan and India.
The soap nut is generally red in color and small and round in size and may contain one to three seeds. It contains saponins, which are natural surfactants, which make it great for use as soap for the hair, body, clothing, etc. This natural and gentle cleanser is a great alternative to the commonly used chemical detergents and is known to have been used for centuries as soap for all cleaning needs.
Benefits of Reetha for the Hair
Reetha has long been used for cleaning/shampooing the hair. It is commonly used in Ayurvedic and herbal shampoos in India and Pakistan.
The benefits of washing your hair with reetha include:
· Clean and healthy hair and scalp
· All natural shampoo with no chemicals or harsh ingredients
· Mild and gentle cleanser
· Shinier and softer hair
· Hypoallergenic
· Helps treat and prevent scalp infections- It is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
· Helps prevent dandruff
· Helps hair detangle
· Helps stop or slow down hair loss
· Promotes the growth of new hair
How to Make Shampoo using Reetha Powder
What you will need:
· A pack of Silk & Stone 100% natural reetha powder
· A metal saucepan for boiling water
· 6 cups water
· An airtight container that can handle hot water. An iron container is recommended if you have dark hair to give you added color and shine.
Directions:
1. Place water in the saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Stir in soapnut powder and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Pour contents in an airtight container and place lid tightly on container.
5. Leave in a warm place for 12-24 hours. The longer the better to ensure that all the saponin is extracted.
6. Strain the mixture in another container making sure not to stir the settlements at the bottom of the container. (I like to use the mixture without straining it but if you do not like the grainy texture, straining would be best. Note: The strained remains still have some saponin in them so they can be used for cleaning dishes or other things.)
The shampoo is now ready to use! It may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
Variations:
Try adding amla (Indian gooseberry) powder and shikakai (acacia concinna) powder to your homemade shampoo mix for added benefits to your hair and scalp.
Washing Your Hair with Reetha Shampoo
1. Wet your hair thoroughly with warm (not hot) water.
2. Pour reetha shampoo, as needed in the palm of your hand and massage into your hair. Note that this shampoo will not produce much lather but will still clean your hair well.
3. Leave in for 5 minutes and rinse well.
For healthier hair, we recommend you shampoo your hair 1-3 times a week rather than every day. If you feel this shampoo leaves your hair too dry, either use less quantity, or apply an oil treatment to your hair before using the shampoo. Massage into your scalp an oil of your choice- olive, coconut, Silk & Stone Herbal Hair Oil, etc. Leave in for ½ hour to overnight (the longer the better for your hair). Wash with the Silk & Stone Reetha Powder.
Using Reetha as a Hair Mask
Reetha is known to greatly benefit your hair and scalp when applied as a mask.
Directions Of Using Reetha
1. Part your hair into 3 sections (right, left and middle) and secure each section with a clip.
2. Mix the reetha powder with warm water and apply directly to the hair. Begin at the top of each section and work your way to the bottom making sure your hair and scalp are completely covered. Note: you may need more powder for long hair.
3. Leave on for 1 hour.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
5. Apply a conditioner if needed to remove extra residue from the hair scalp.
Variations:
· Try adding amla (Indian gooseberry) powder and shikakai (acacia concinna) powder to your homemade shampoo mix for added benefits to your hair and scalp.
· Add 1-3 tablespoon yogurt (as needed depending upon hair length) to your mix for deep conditioning benefits.
Using Reetha as a Quick Hair Rinse
If you don’t want to do all the work of making the shampoo and don’t have time for the hair mask, reetha powder can be used in a very simple and easy way for your hair:
1. Keep a small bowl in my shower and keep the powder in an airtight container (dry) in a corner of my bathtub for quick access.
2. During a shower, wet your hair thoroughly.
3. Mix 1-2 teaspoon (as needed) reetha powder with warm water using your finger.
4. Massage into hair for a couple minutes.
5. Leave in for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
This will leave your hair clean and fresh. Use this rinse in place of your regular shampoo for healthy hair and scalp!
Other Uses of Soap Nuts
Since soap nuts make a great cleanser, they can be used to clean your skin, dishes, jewelry as well as your laundry. When using in laundry, you should use the whole nut rather than powder so that it doesn’t get all over the clothing. Use 4-6 whole nuts and place in a tied muslin bag and throw in your laundry. They work like a laundry detergent but are a healthier, non- toxic form of cleaner.
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Enjoy your journey to a healthier lifestyle!
