The Sapindus Mukorossi tree is one of several that bear fruits that are commonly referred to as soap nuts, of them the soapnuts from the Sapindus Mukorossi tree have the highest saponin content. Saponin is a natural detergent commonly used for cleaning among many other things. Soapnuts have been used medically as an expectorant, emetic, contraceptive, and for treatment of excessive salivation, epilepsy, psoriasis, head lice and migraines. Studies have shown that saponin from soap nuts inhibit tumor cell growth. Soap nuts are among the list of herbs and minerals in Ayurveda. They are a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic shampoos and cleansers. They are used in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis. Soap nuts have gentle insecticidal properties and are traditionally used for removing lice from the scalp. Soapnuts have long been used in the Western world for soap production, usually together with many chemical additives which are not necessary for the actual washing process and are damaging to the user as well as our environment. Soapnuts have become a very popular environmentally friendly alternative to these manufactured chemical detergents.

The seeds tend to germinate easily. To ensure the best results for germination, the seed is soaked in warm water for at least 24 hours and then sown (some prefer to scarify the seed surface prior to soaking by filing, scraping or carefully striking), either directly in already prepared pits at 5m x 5m (16 ft 16 ft) spacing or sown in pots filled with clayey loam soil mixed with farmyard manure or similarly prepared nursery beds.

Sapindus species are also a common food source for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Endoclita Malabaricus.

 

Botanical Information:

Botanical Name: Sapindus Mukorossi
Common Names: Soapnut, Soap Nut, Soapberry, Soap Berry, Washnut, and Wash Nut.
Common Names (in Hindi): Ritha, Reetha, Aritha, Dodan, Doadni, Doda, Kanma and Thali

If you prefer soapnut liquid use approx. 3 tablespoons (or 45ml) per laundry load (see making soapnut liquid instructions below)

Making Soap Nut Liquid:

SOAPNUT LIQUID (aka soap nut juice)

Add about 100g (about 2 handfuls) of Soap Nut Shells to approximately 12 cups (3L) of water. Crush the shells into smaller pieces before adding. Bring to boil, and simmer for approximately 30 minutes. The boiling process extracts the saponin from the nut shells and combines with the water. You can use the liquid immediately, or let it steep overnight. Strain into appropriate container and compost the remaining shells. You now have a concentrated, chemical free detergent that can then be used as a laundry detergent, shampoo, all purpose cleaner, car wash, liquid soap, pet shampoo, washing up liquid or any other things you would normally clean with a liquid. Experiment with longer boil times and water to shell ratios for stronger and weaker concentrations.

Storing Soap Nuts:

Soap nuts absorb moisture very easily. They become dark & sticky in a very short period of time if left exposed to air. Ideally the nuts should be packed in an airtight container or a plastic bag tied tight with a rubber band. However, sticky soap nuts do not mean that they have gone bad. They will still wash & clean perfectly. Soap nut powder, however, if not stored perfectly in air tight conditions, will become lumpy very easily. Once in lump form, the powder is difficult to use, even though it still retains all its original washing properties.