Reetha Scientific Name
Sapindus mukorossi
Reetha Other Names
English: Soapnut, Soapberry, Washnut
Hindi: Ritha, Reetha, Aritha, Rishtak
Sanskrit: Arishtaka
Hindi: Ritha, Reetha, Aritha, Rishtak
Sanskrit: Arishtaka
What is Reetha?
Reetha, aka Arishtak in Sanskrit, is obtained from the Soap nut tree in India. It has de-toxifying properties that cleanses hair. It has natural herbal smell and hence is often used as a common ingredient of natural hair care products that make hair shiny, healthy and lustrous. Regular use of Reetha (in combination with Shikakai) is found to provide nourishment to the hair scalp and promote hair growth.
In Ayurveda, the Reetha plant is useful in balancing the doshas, particularly Kapha dosha. It is found to decrease bad cholesterol levels and is also used in treating respiratory issues. Other parts of the Reetha plant like roots and bark have expectorant (facilitates elimination of mucus and cough) and anthelmintic (kills parasites) properties.
Common forms of Reetha
Fruit, Shell, Shell Powder, Roots, Bark
Reetha is commonly used for:
- Removing dandruff
- Treating itchy skin
- Treating arthritis
- Eradicating intestinal worms
- Preventing and treating Baldness
- Treating asthma
- Treating obesity
- Eliminating flatulence
Reetha Dosage
Powder: ½-1 tsp.
Paste: For external application to hair and scalp (in combination with Amla and Shikakai) 2-3 times a week
Paste: For external application to hair and scalp (in combination with Amla and Shikakai) 2-3 times a week
Reetha Side-effects and Warnings
Common side-effects: Not Known.
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not recommended during pregnancy, as it can induce abortion
Children: Not Known.
Warning:
Reetha can cause redness and swelling of eyes
Not so common side-effects: Not Known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Not recommended during pregnancy, as it can induce abortion
Children: Not Known.
Warning:
Reetha can cause redness and swelling of eyes
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