Photo: Salil Kumar Mukherjee / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Reetha अरिष्टक
Sapindus mukorossi · Sapindaceae
Also known as: Arishtaka, Soapnut, Ritha
Part used: Fruit
Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi) is the soapnut, whose fruit contains natural saponins that lather in water. Ayurveda uses it as an emetic in classical Panchakarma, and externally as a cleanser for hair and skin. It is better known today as a natural detergent than as a medicine.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Sapindus mukorossi
- Part used: Fruit
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Fruit pulp as a hair/scalp wash; internal use only under supervision.
Reetha in other languages
Introduction
Reetha (soapnut, Sapindus mukorossi) is nature's cleanser — its saponin-rich fruit gently washes the hair and scalp and is a classical Kapha-clearing herb. Frothing and mild, it cleans without stripping.
Classification
Of the Sapindaceae family, Reetha is grouped among the Keshya (hair) and Kapha-clearing dravyas; in larger medicinal doses it is Vamaka (emetic). Its pungent-astringent taste and heating potency cleanse.
Uses & benefits
Soapnut is used chiefly externally: as a hair wash for dandruff and falling hair, and in skin complaints with itching. Internally it is a strong drug used only in classical preparations and in small doses, traditionally in asthma and for its emetic action.
Reetha as a hair cleanser
Its commonest use. The saponins clean without stripping the scalp's oil, which is why it appears in traditional hair washes with Shikakai and Amla.
Reetha for dandruff
Used as a hair wash where flaking accompanies an oily scalp.
Reetha as an emetic
A classical Vamana drug used in Panchakarma therapeutic emesis, given under supervision.
Reetha for skin cleansing
Used as a gentle wash in traditional skin preparations, particularly for oily skin.
Reetha for lice
The wash is a traditional treatment for head lice alongside neem.
Reetha for eczema
Applied externally as a wash in some chronic skin conditions.
Reetha as a natural detergent
Widely used for washing clothes and delicate fabrics, and this is now its largest commercial use.
Reetha for epilepsy
A classical indication in some texts, used within compounds — a historical use rather than a current recommendation.
Reetha for asthma
Named in Shwasa in some classical sources, taken in very small doses within formulations.
Reetha in classical formulations
Present in some Vamana preparations and in traditional cosmetic and hair formulations.
Dosage — how much to take
Fruit pulp as a hair/scalp wash; internal use only under supervision. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Reetha?
The citations held for Reetha in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Reetha?
Described as Keshya and Kapha-clearing. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga.
What is Reetha traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Soapnut is used chiefly externally: as a hair wash for dandruff and falling hair, and in skin complaints with itching. Internally it is a strong drug used only in classical preparations and in small doses, traditionally in asthma and for its emetic action.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Reetha?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Reetha classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Reetha carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Reetha is used medicinally?
The part used is Fruit.
How much Reetha is taken, and how?
Fruit pulp as a hair/scalp wash; internal use only under supervision. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Reetha be avoided?
Safe for external hair/skin use. Internal (emetic) use only under supervision. Keep froth out of eyes.
Where does Reetha grow?
The soapnut tree grows across the foothills and plains of northern India, its round fruit rich in natural saponins.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga
Described as Keshya and Kapha-clearing. - Classical Kesha texts — —
Cited for hair and scalp care.
Modern research
-
Pharmacological effects of Sapindus mukorossi
(see source). Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo (2017)
A review of Sapindus mukorossi (Reetha / soapnut) documenting its saponin-driven antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and cleansing pharmacology.
View study
Safety & precautions
Safe for external hair/skin use. Internal (emetic) use only under supervision. Keep froth out of eyes.
Where it grows
The soapnut tree grows across the foothills and plains of northern India, its round fruit rich in natural saponins.
Frequently asked questions
What is Reetha used for?
Mostly as a natural cleanser — for hair, skin and clothes — because its saponins lather in water without stripping natural oils. Medicinally it is a classical emetic used in supervised Panchakarma, which is a quite separate use.
How do I use Reetha for hair?
Soak 5–6 deseeded soapnuts in water overnight, boil briefly, strain, and use the liquid as a hair wash. It is traditionally combined with Shikakai and Amla. It lathers less than shampoo, which is normal.
Is Reetha safe to take internally?
Only within classical preparations under a physician's direction. Saponins are irritant and emetic — that is exactly why it is used in therapeutic emesis. It is not a herb to take casually or in quantity.
Does Reetha remove the seeds before use?
Yes. The black seed inside is discarded; the fleshy shell is the part used, whether for washing or medicinally. Seeds are sometimes used separately in classical preparations.
Can Reetha get in the eyes?
Avoid it — saponins sting the eyes considerably. Tilt the head back when rinsing hair, and rinse thoroughly with plain water if any gets in.
What is Reetha called in English?
Soapnut or soapberry. The botanical name is Sapindus mukorossi, from sapo indicus — Indian soap. A related species, Sapindus trifoliatus, is used similarly in south India.
Is soapnut good for oily hair?
It suits oily scalps well, since it cleanses without the heaviness of oil-based washes. For dry hair it can be too stripping used alone — combine it with Amla and follow with an oil.
