In the search for healthy, lustrous hair, many are moving away from chemical-laden hair products and rediscovering the power of natural Ayurvedic herbs. One such timeless remedy is Aritha, also known as Reetha or Soapnut. Celebrated in Ayurvedic texts and grandma’s beauty recipes alike, Aritha has been used for centuries to cleanse, nourish, and protect hair naturally.
In this complete guide brought to you by Dirghaanshi, we will explore the benefits of Aritha for hair, how to use it effectively, and why it deserves a permanent place in your hair care routine. Whether you’re dealing with hair fall, dullness, dandruff, or scalp irritation, Aritha offers a safe, sustainable, and Ayurvedic solution.
Long Description
🌿 What is Aritha (Reetha or Soapnut)?
Aritha is the dried fruit of the Sapindus mukorossi tree, which grows in the Himalayas and other parts of India. It contains natural saponins, which produce a mild lather when mixed with water—making it an excellent natural cleanser for hair and skin.
Used in Ayurveda as a Kapha and Vata pacifier, Aritha has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and detoxifying properties. It is often combined with herbs like Shikakai, Amla, and Brahmi to enhance its hair-strengthening effects.
🌟 Top Benefits of Aritha for Hair Health
✅ 1. Cleanses Hair Without Chemicals
Commercial shampoos contain sulfates and parabens that can strip your hair’s natural oils. Aritha gently cleanses the scalp and hair, leaving it clean, soft, and nourished without over-drying.
✅ 2. Reduces Hair Fall
Aritha improves scalp blood circulation, strengthens hair follicles, and prevents breakage—helping to control hair thinning and hair fall over time.
✅ 3. Adds Natural Shine and Smoothness
Regular use of Aritha enhances your hair’s natural luster, making it glossy and silky without the need for chemical conditioners or serums.
✅ 4. Prevents Dandruff and Itchy Scalp
Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, Aritha keeps the scalp free from infections, itchiness, and flakes.
✅ 5. Detangles and Softens Hair Naturally
Aritha acts as a natural conditioner, making hair more manageable and reducing tangles.
✅ 6. Maintains Scalp pH Balance
It gently cleanses without disturbing the natural oil and pH balance, keeping the scalp healthy and protected.
✅ 7. Delays Premature Greying
With regular use and combination with herbs like Amla and Bhringraj, Aritha may help slow down greying caused by oxidative stress and toxins.
🧴 How to Use Aritha for Hair: The Complete Methods
📌 1. Aritha Hair Wash (Basic Shampoo Alternative)
Ingredients:
6–7 dried Aritha pods
2 cups water
Steps:
Soak Aritha pods overnight in water
Boil the next morning until water reduces to half
Cool and mash the pods to release the saponins
Strain the liquid and use as a shampoo
Use: 2–3 times a week
📌 2. Aritha Hair Pack for Strengthening
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Aritha powder
1 tbsp Amla powder
1 tbsp Shikakai powder
Yogurt or rose water to make a paste
Steps:
Mix all powders
Add yogurt or rose water to make a smooth paste
Apply from scalp to ends
Leave for 30 minutes and rinse
Use: Once a week
📌 3. Aritha Oil Infusion for Hair Growth
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Aritha powder
100 ml coconut or sesame oil
Steps:
Heat oil and add Aritha powder
Simmer for 5–10 minutes
Cool, strain, and store
How to Use: Massage into scalp 2–3 times per week
📌 4. Aritha and Aloe Vera Soothing Cleanser
Ingredients:
1 tbsp Aritha powder
1 tbsp aloe vera gel
A few drops of lavender oil (optional)
Steps:
Mix into a gel paste
Apply to wet scalp
Rinse after 10 minutes
Ideal for: Sensitive and itchy scalps
🧠 Ayurvedic Viewpoint on Aritha for Hair
In Ayurveda, hair health (Kesha) is governed by:
Asthi Dhatu (bone tissue)
Pitta Dosha (metabolism and heat)
Balance of Vata and Kapha in scalp
Aritha helps maintain this balance by:
Removing excess Kapha (greasiness, build-up)
Cooling Pitta (reducing inflammation)
Supporting hair roots and cleansing scalp channels
It is often included in Ayurvedic herbal hair oils, churnas, and shampoos due to its Shodhana (cleansing) and Keshya (hair-promoting) qualities.
🧪 Scientific Evidence Supporting Aritha for Hair
Several modern studies support Aritha’s traditional uses:
Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Aritha extract showed significant antifungal and cleansing properties, effective for scalp conditions
Journal of Natural Products: Saponins in Aritha were found to be natural surfactants with low toxicity
Cosmetic Research: Herbal formulations with Aritha showed improved hair shaft quality and follicle strength
⚠️ Precautions While Using Aritha
Avoid eye contact – Aritha can irritate the eyes
Patch test for first-time users
Not recommended for very dry hair unless mixed with moisturizing herbs like aloe vera or hibiscus
Store Aritha powder in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption
🌞 Hair Care Routine Using Aritha (Weekly Plan)
Day Routine Products
Monday Oil massage Aritha oil + Bhringraj oil
Tuesday Wash hair Aritha decoction shampoo
Wednesday Apply pack Aritha + Amla + yogurt
Friday Scalp rinse Aritha + Neem water
Sunday Light wash Aritha + Aloe vera gel cleanser
🧼 Why Choose Homemade or Natural Aritha Over Commercial Shampoos?
Commercial Shampoo Aritha
Contains sulfates and parabens 100% herbal and natural
Artificial fragrance Mild, earthy aroma
May cause dryness and hair fall Nourishes scalp and strengthens roots
Not eco-friendly Biodegradable and sustainable
✅ Who Should Use Aritha for Hair?
✅ Those suffering from:
Hair fall
Dull and lifeless hair
Oily scalp
Dandruff or scalp infections
Allergy to synthetic shampoos
✅ Those wanting:
Natural shine
Stronger hair
Sustainable and chemical-free hair care
Ayurvedic remedies for hair growth
