Botanical name – Sapindus mukorossi
Family name –Sapindaceae
English name –Soapnut Indian Tree, Chinese Soap Berry

Common name – Soapnut

Synonyms –Aristhaka

Habit – Perennial tree

Useful Parts – Fruit

Common Uses of Reetha – Reetha is used for eczema, psoriasis, and for removing freckles. It is commonly used as an expectorant, emetic, contraceptive, as treatment of excessive salivation, epilepsy, psoriasis, leprosy, itching, skin disorders, headache, head lice, chlorosis and to abort the fetus. It is also used to evacuate the stomach through vomiting in the case of Morphin poisoning and to relieve pain, swelling, asthma, cough, and migraine. It is so useful in failing of hair and in baldness. Studies have shown that saponin from soap nuts inhibits tumor cell growth. It is used as an important ingredient in cleansers and shampoos.

Indications – It is used for Nasya in the treatment of Headache. A hot infusion of fruits is used for washing the head in headaches. Its fruits are applied as a paste for Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Painful oedematous conditions, and Skin disorders.