Aritha, also known as Reetha or soapnut, is traditionally recognized for its role in natural hair and skin care. But did you know this humble fruit has powerful therapeutic benefits that go far beyond the surface of your skin? Used for centuries in Ayurvedic and folk medicine, Aritha holds a special place in herbal healing traditions not just for cosmetic purposes, but also for internal wellness and holistic health.
At Dirghaanshi, we are committed to bringing back the power of ancient jadi buti remedies and showcasing how they contribute to total wellness. In this article, we’ll explore how Aritha plays a broader role in herbal medicine, benefiting everything from respiratory health and digestion to immunity and blood purification. You’ll discover traditional uses, Ayurvedic properties, scientific backing, preparation methods, and how to include Aritha safely in your daily life.
📖 Long Description
🌿 What Is Aritha (Reetha)?
Aritha, or Sapindus mukorossi, is a deciduous tree native to India and Nepal. The dried fruit of this tree is commonly known as soapnut due to its natural saponins, which produce a gentle foam when mixed with water. This foaming property has made it a chemical-free cleanser for hair and skin for generations. However, in Ayurvedic medicine, Aritha is also used internally for digestive cleansing, detoxification, respiratory health, and anti-inflammatory support.
✨ Ayurvedic Perspective of Aritha
According to Ayurveda, Aritha is classified as:
Rasa (Taste): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
Guna (Quality): Ruksha (dry), Laghu (light)
Virya (Potency): Ushna (heating)
Dosha Effect: Balances Kapha and Pitta, can aggravate Vata if overused
These properties make Aritha suitable for cleansing the blood, improving metabolism, calming inflammation, and reducing excess mucous in the body.
🌱 Health Benefits of Aritha Beyond Skin
While Aritha is mostly used in external applications, Ayurvedic practitioners have long used it for internal and systemic healing. Let’s explore these benefits in detail.
✅ 1. Aritha for Respiratory Health
Aritha acts as a natural expectorant, helping to loosen phlegm, relieve nasal congestion, and ease bronchial infections. Its Kapha-reducing quality makes it beneficial for those suffering from:
Chronic cough
Asthma
Sinusitis
Cold-induced wheezing
How to Use:
Boil 1–2 dried soapnuts in water, strain, and use the decoction as an herbal tea or gargle.
✅ 2. Aritha for Digestive Detox
Its bitter-astringent nature makes Aritha a natural gut cleanser. It stimulates digestion, reduces intestinal parasites, and may help clear toxins (Ama) from the digestive tract.
Promotes regular bowel movements
Aids in indigestion and gas relief
Clears parasitic infections (in traditional use)
Note: Internal use should only be done under supervision due to its strong nature.
✅ 3. Aritha for Blood Purification
Aritha is believed to purify the blood, support liver detox, and help manage conditions like:
Acne due to blood impurities
Skin allergies
Boils or rashes caused by Pitta imbalance
How to Use:
A mild decoction of Aritha (under expert guidance) is consumed occasionally for systemic detox.
✅ 4. Aritha for Hair Fall Due to Toxin Buildup
Internal detox using Aritha, combined with topical use, may help in cases of toxin-related hair loss. It helps remove environmental and dietary toxins that may contribute to hair and scalp issues.
✅ 5. Aritha for Oral Health
The antimicrobial nature of Aritha makes it suitable as a mouth rinse or tooth powder additive.
Fights bad breath
Reduces mouth ulcers
Prevents gum infection
DIY Tip: Mix dried Aritha powder with neem and clove for a potent herbal tooth powder.
✅ 6. Aritha for Anti-Parasitic Use
In traditional medicine, Aritha was used to expel intestinal worms and parasites.
How to Use:
A very mild decoction is administered under herbalist supervision for deworming and cleansing.
✅ 7. Aritha for Immunity Support
Its cleansing and detoxifying properties reduce Ama and improve nutrient absorption, indirectly boosting the body’s natural immunity.
Combats microbial infections
Supports clean blood flow
Enhances skin defense against allergies
🧪 Scientific Backing
Studies confirm Aritha’s antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties:
A study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that saponins from Aritha showed strong antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens.
Its antioxidant potential helps prevent free radical damage linked to premature aging and chronic inflammation.
Soapnut extracts are being explored for use in natural medicine, eco-friendly disinfectants, and even anti-cancer research.
🧴 How to Use Aritha Internally (With Caution)
Form How to Use
Decoction (Kadha) Boil 2-3 dried soapnuts in 2 cups of water. Simmer for 10 mins. Strain and sip slowly. Use occasionally under guidance.
Powder Mix with warm water, neem, or honey for oral detox or external application. Internal use only with expert advice.
Capsules Available in some Ayurvedic pharmacies for immunity and liver detox—dosage per Ayurvedic doctor’s recommendation.
⚠️ Safety and Precautions
Avoid in Pregnancy and Lactation
Not suitable for long-term internal use without medical supervision
May aggravate Vata dosha if used in excess
Never consume raw soapnuts – they are not edible in natural form
Always consult an Ayurvedic doctor before starting Aritha internally
🌸 DIY Herbal Combinations with Aritha
Combination Purpose
Aritha + Neem Detox, acne, blood purification
Aritha + Amla Immunity boost, antioxidant support
Aritha + Triphala Digestive cleansing, colon detox
Aritha + Turmeric Anti-inflammatory, wound healing
Aritha + Tulsi Respiratory relief, cough remedy
🧘 Lifestyle Integration Tips
Use Aritha powder to wash your fruits and vegetables for a chemical-free clean
Soak feet in Aritha water to reduce fungal infections and refresh tired feet
Add a few drops of Aritha decoction to bath water for skin detox
📅 Weekly Wellness Plan with Aritha
Day Practice
Monday Aritha + neem body wash
Tuesday Mouth rinse with Aritha water
Wednesday Hair rinse with Aritha decoction
Thursday Detox tea with Aritha and tulsi
Friday Foot soak with Aritha
Saturday Steam inhalation with Aritha + clove
Sunday No internal use – only external calming oil massage
🤔 FAQs
❓ Is Aritha safe for daily consumption?
No. Aritha is potent and not meant for daily internal use. Occasional, guided use is recommended.
❓ Can Aritha cause any side effects?
If used improperly, it may cause stomach upset, Vata aggravation, or dehydration. Always use with proper guidance.
❓ Can I give Aritha to children?
Only externally and in diluted forms like herbal shampoo or bath. Internal use should be strictly avoided in children.
❓ Is Aritha the same as Shikakai?
No. Aritha and Shikakai are both herbal cleansers but differ in properties. Aritha is more foaming and detoxifying; Shikakai is conditioning and mild.
✅ Conclusion
While Aritha is popularly used in beauty care, its potential in herbal medicine is vast and multifaceted. From respiratory support to immune defense, gut cleansing to oral hygiene, Aritha offers holistic wellness benefits that deserve more attention.
At Dirghaanshi, we encourage safe and informed use of natural herbs. With its roots in Ayurveda and backed by modern research, Aritha proves to be more than a soapnut—it is a versatile healing herb that supports your journey toward complete well-being.
