Soapberries (Soapnuts) or Aritha for Skin & Kitchen appliances.

Soap nuts or soapberries are potent herbs known scientifically by the name Sapindus mukorrosi belonging to the Sapindaceae family. They are berries & not nuts. They are split, sun-dried has golden shells. These shells are referred to as soap nuts due to the abundant presence of saponins in them. This perfectly removes dirt & oil from clothes in contact with water. Due to these diverse & versatile properties, it can replace any artificial detergents. They are berry-like fruits & does not cause any allergies. They are medium-sized fast-growing trees. They are geographically found in the tropical & temperate regions of Bhutan & India.

Skincare
Soap nuts are regarded as a perfect cleanser for your skin. It is an important ingredient in herbal cleansers & herbal shampoos. It has a very smooth & cooling effect on your skin. It imparts softness to the skin & prevents drying. It is used to retore tenderness of skin & reduce age-related skin changes. It is one of the finest remedies for psoriasis, eczema, acne, & freckles. It is best suited for people with sensitive skin. It has natural moisturizing properties & a conditioning effect on the skin. It cleanses the skin & imparts a unique glow. It also helps to restore the skin tone & complexion naturally without damaging the skin. It removes the excess oily secretion from the skin. Hence it prevents acne & freckles.
The shell contains saponins(10-11.5%) which is the active ingredient responsible for its cleansing properties. It also contains sugure 10 % & mucilage. It contains 6 sapindocytes Mukorozi, Saponin E1,Y1,A,B,C,D,Rusogenin, gitogenin & chlorogenin. Starch, sugar, mucilage & protein is in abundance in seeds.

Hair tonic

It is a wonderful cosmetic as well as a hair tonic. The fruits are a well-known remedy for various ailments in the traditional medical systems. It also has contraceptive, expectorant & anti-epileptic properties. It is very effective in chlorosis & excessive salivation. It is anti-inflammatory & antimicrobial in action. Traditionally it is been used to remove lice from the scalp due to its insecticidal properties. In Japanese & Chinese medicine it is referred to as life-prolonging & non-illness fruit. The leaves are effective in relieving pain in rheumatic disorders. The roots are ideal for gout.

a. How can soap berries be used for hair care?
Soap berries are not only a cosmetic but also a hair tonic. They have been traditionally used to remove lice from the scalp due to their insecticidal properties. Soap berries are also known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions.

b. What are the benefits of using soap berries for skincare?
Soap berries provide a smooth and cooling effect on the skin, making them an ideal cleanser. They can impart softness, prevent drying, and are suitable for sensitive skin. Soap berries also have properties that can help with conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne, and freckles. They cleanse the skin, restore the skin tone and complexion, and prevent excess oily secretion, thus preventing acne and freckles.

c. Are soap berries suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, soap berries are great for sensitive skin. They are hypoallergenic and do not contain added dyes, scents, preservatives, or other chemicals.

d. How eco-friendly are soap berries?
Soap berries have a small ecological footprint. They come in simple packaging and are compostable. Additionally, if you live in a warmer climate, you have the option to grow or forage soap berries yourself.

Woundcare
The seed oil is very effective in healing wounds in the skin. The phytosterols present in the seeds are responsible for the anti-inflammatory action. It greatly reduces the redness & swelling that appears on the skin. Arachidonic acid reduces skin inflammations & cools the skin. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory & anti-microbial properties, it is greatly recommended for the infections of the soft tissue. It enhances the healing of the skin through cell proliferation. It prevents exudates & granuloma formation. It is a powerful antiseptic & hence widely used in cosmetic formulations.

Natural Soap Cleanser
Soapnut berries can replace your chemical body wash. It can be used as a body wash to cleanse & cool your skin. This does not create any damage to the skin. It evens the skin tone & fights eczema. It can be applied to your face as a natural moisturizer. It is non-toxic & does not produce allergies. It can be safely used in diaper rashes in babies. It is highly effective in baby skin too.

For pets- Amazing skin benefits

It is a miraculous medicine not only for human hair but also for pet hair. It can be safely used as a pet shampoo. It can be used as a spray solution. It removes impurities from pet beds & toys. Due to its insecticidal properties, it kills pet lice as well as ticks without causing any damage to pet skin.

How do you grow Soapberries?

To successfully grow soapberries, there are several steps to follow. Firstly, start by preparing the soapberry seeds. Gently rub the outer surface of the seeds with sandpaper, then proceed to soak them in warm water for a period of 24 hours. This process helps to break down the outer coating and promote germination. Next, it's time to transfer the seeds into a pot filled with suitable soil. Use a well-draining soil mixture that is rich in organic matter. Ensure that the pot has proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Place the seeds in the pot, covering them with a thin layer of soil, and lightly pat it down. Maintaining the right conditions for germination is crucial. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater. It is advisable to water the seeds regularly, ensuring the soil stays damp, but not saturated. Optimal germination typically occurs within 1 to 3 months, so be patient and vigilant in monitoring the soil moisture level. Select an appropriate time to plant the soapberry seeds. The ideal period for planting is during spring or summer when the environmental conditions are most favorable for growth. Soapberry trees thrive in warm climates and require full sun exposure to flourish. Keep in mind that the ability to grow soapberries may vary depending on your location, as they prefer regions with a suitable climate. It's worth noting that soapberry trees have a slow growth rate and may take up to 10 years before they start producing soapberries. This aspect requires patience and long-term commitment. While purchasing a young soapberry tree is an option, ensure the exact age and size of the tree are known to better plan for its development. Once established, soapberry trees are known to be perennial and drought-tolerant. This resilience makes them a valuable addition to your garden, providing a sustainable source for natural detergent. By following these steps and providing the necessary care, you can successfully grow your own soapberry tree and eventually harvest your own soapberries for various household uses.

Are Soapberries Poisonous to pets especially Dogs?

According to our research, the question of whether soap berries are poisonous to dogs seems to lack extensive literature. Although there is limited information available on this topic, we were unable to come across any sources indicating that soap berries have the same level of toxicity for dogs as some other human-safe but dog-toxic foods like grapes or chocolate. While investigating the effects of plants containing saponins on dogs, references to quinoa and dogs indicate that these saponin-rich plants can have a similar negative impact on both humans and dogs, often resulting in stomach discomfort or sickness. However, it is essential to find more comprehensive research or expert advice to better understand the potential risks and effects of soap berries specifically on dogs.

Are there any downsides of using Soapberries as a Laundry Detergent?

Using soap berries as a laundry detergent does come with a few drawbacks. Firstly, it is important to note that soap berries require hot water to dissolve the soap compounds within the berries. This means that in order to effectively use soap berries in the laundry, you have to run your washing machine on the hot setting, leading to higher energy consumption. Some individuals have found a workaround for this issue by boiling water and berries before hand to create a liquid soap or berry-soap-syrup. According to an internet reviewer, it was necessary to diligently pretreat even the smallest stains when using soap berries as a detergent. This implies that soap berries may not be as effective at removing stubborn stains as some alternative products.

Other benefits
Sanitation
It can be wrapped in a cloth bag & thrown into your washing machine. It cleans the dirt & stains efficiently. It is a natural all-purpose cleaner. Add some mashed berries into some quantity of boiling water. Strain the mixture. Now the cleansing solution is ready. Just spray to your kitchen counters, home appliances, floor & dishes. It is odorless, if you need fragrance add some quantity of lavender oil or lemongrass oil.

Caution
Despite its amazing health benefits, soap nuts should be used with much care. It does not have any side-effects on the scalp, hair & skin of humans.  Avoid the contact of the herb with the eyes. Close contact can irritate the eyes. In some cases, it can lead to swollen eyes & allergies. Also, it is very important to observe any itching or irritations following the application of soap nut. If there is any such reaction, it is advised to stop the application. It is recommended to use high-quality soap nuts for maximum benefits.

Cleaning using soap berries is an eco-friendly practice. They are biodegradable & safe for disposal. They are not allergic & does not damage skin, fabric, or even surfaces. These are a natural, cheap remedy to keep your hair in good health. They act as natural conditioners, & imparts smoothness. Because of the anti-fungal & anti-bacterial properties, it eliminates dandruff from the scalp.

References
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333399465_Effects_of_Sapindus_mukorossi_Seed_Oil_on_Skin_Wound_Healing_In_Vivo_and_in_Vitro_Testing
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6567820/