Aridha (Aritha / Reetha) – Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn

1. Aritha Hair Wash (Natural Shampoo)

Soak 4–5 dried Aritha shells overnight, boil in the morning, cool and strain. Use this liquid to wash hair 2–3 times a week.
➡ Supports scalp health, shine, and dandruff control.

2. Aritha Skin Cleanser

Use diluted Aritha decoction as a mild body wash for oily or acne-prone skin.
➡ One of the safest simple home uses of aritha for skin hygiene.

3. Herbal Hair Pack

Combine Aritha powder with Amla and Shikakai powder to make a herbal hair mask.
➡ Strengthens roots and improves hair texture naturally.

4. Natural Household Wash

Boil Aritha shells and use the liquid to wash clothes or utensils — a chemical-free daily wellness alternative.

5. Steam or External Cleansing (Traditional)

Used carefully in herbal steam or cleansing rituals to support Kapha balance (under guidance). ⚠ Note: Internal use of Aritha should only be done under qualified Ayurvedic supervision.

• Used in classical detox procedures
• Occasionally included in herbal cleansing formulations
• Traditionally used to expel excess mucus and impurities

• Hair Care and Scalp Health - Aritha is widely used in hair care, particularly in shampoo formulations, due to its natural cleansing properties. It helps cleanse the scalp, removes excess oils, and prevents dandruff. It is also believed to promote healthy hair growth by stimulating the scalp and reducing hair fall.
• Skin Care and Healing - Aritha’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in treating various skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and fungal infections. It is often used in soaps and lotions to soothe irritated skin and promote healing of minor wounds.
• Antimicrobial and Antiseptic - Aritha contains bioactive compounds that exhibit strong antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Aritha is known for its natural healing properties and is commonly used to support skin health, aid digestion, and promote respiratory wellness. Its extracts are used in both topical treatments and internal Ayurvedic remedies.
• Detoxification and Digestive Health - Aritha acts as a natural detoxifier by cleansing the digestive system and promoting gut health. It supports healthy digestion by activating the intestines, easing constipation, relieving bloating, and encouraging regular bowel movements. It also supports liver health and detoxification.

• Sharma, R. et al. (2019). Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of Sapindus mukorossi in hair care. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 235, 14-19.
• Kumar, A. et al. (2020). The use of Sapindus mukorossi in dermatological treatments: A review. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 15(3), 201-210.
• Gupta, P. et al. (2018). The benefits of Sapindus mukorossi for women’s health: A detailed review. Journal of Traditional Medicine and Clinical Naturopathy, 7(1), 43-50.
• Singh, P. et al. (2020). Antimicrobial efficacy of Sapindus mukorossi extracts against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 13(3), 115-120.
• Patel, M. & Gupta, S. (2019). Phytochemical properties and detoxifying effects of Sapindus mukorossi. Indian Journal of Gastroenterology, 34(2), 126-130.
• Sharma, D. et al. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Sapindus mukorossi extracts. Phytomedicine, 29(1), 22-30.
• Sharma, S. et al. (2017). Respiratory benefits of Sapindus mukorossi: A review of traditional applications and modern studies. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 199, 20-30.
• Gupta, A. et al. (2020). Antioxidant potential of Sapindus mukorossi fruit extracts and their health benefits. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 133(1), 110-115.
• Kaur, R. et al. (2018). Phytochemical analysis of Sapindus mukorossi and its medicinal properties. International Journal of Phytomedicine, 10(2), 76-81.
• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Classical Ayurvedic uses of Aritha (Sapindus mukorossi)
• Journal of Ethnopharmacology – Antimicrobial & saponin properties of Soapnut
• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India – Herbal cleansing agents
• International Journal of Herbal Medicine – Soapnut applications in hair & skin care
• Traditional Ayurvedic detox literature (Kapha-shodhana herbs)