WHAT IS INDIAN SOAPBERRY? RITHA IN URDU ! HEALTH BENEFITS, USES OF INDIAN SOAPBERRY AND SOAP RECIPE !

 

WHAT IS RITHA? INDIAN SOAPBERRY!

Indian soapberries are the fruits of a tree called

Sapindus mukorossi, which belongs to the same family as lychee. They are also known as washnut, or Chinese soapberry and in Urdu called Ritha .
They grow in Pakistan in the lower foothills and midhills of the Himalayas, as well as in some parts of southern India and China .
Soapberries are not only useful for humans, but also for other animals and plants. Some insects, such as moths and butterflies, feed on the leaves of soapberry plants. Soapberry extracts can also act as insecticides, especially against mosquitoes that carry viral diseases. Soapberries can also be used as a dyeing agent for coloring silk and cotton fabrics .

Indian soapberries have many uses, especially for cleaning and personal care. They contain natural saponins, which are substances that can create foam and lather when mixed with water. People use soapberries to wash their hair, skin, clothes, dishes, and more. Soapberries are also eco-friendly, gentle, and economical, as they can be reused several times before they lose their effectiveness .
They are eco-friendly and biodegradable, unlike synthetic detergents that can harm the environment.
They are gentle and hypoallergenic, suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
They are versatile and multipurpose, as they can be used for laundry, dishwashing, hair care, body wash, and more.
They are economical and long-lasting, as a few soapberries can be reused several times before they lose their effectiveness.
To make a multipurpose cleaning liquid, boil 15-20

soapberries in 6 cups of water for about 30 minutes, then strain and store the liquid in a glass jar. You can use this liquid as a laundry detergent, dish soap, floor cleaner, window cleaner, etc.
To wash your clothes with soapberries, put 4-6 soapberries in a small cloth bag and toss it in the washing machine along with your clothes. You can add some essential oils for fragrance if you like. The soapberries will release their saponins during the wash cycle and clean your clothes naturally. You can reuse the same soapberries for 4-6 loads before discarding them.
To wash your dishes with soapberries, soak a few soapberries in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes, then squeeze them to release their suds. Use this water to wash your dishes by hand or in the dishwasher. You can also add some vinegar or lemon juice for extra cleaning power.
To wash your hair with soapberries, soak a few soapberries in a cup of warm water for about 10 minutes, then mash them with your fingers to release their suds. Use this water to wet your hair and massage your scalp gently. Rinse well with clean water. You can also add some honey or aloe vera gel for extra nourishment and shine.

To wash your body with soapberries, soak a few soapberries in a cup of warm water for about 10 minutes, then mash them with your fingers to release their suds. Use this water to lather up your body and rinse well with clean water. You can also add some oatmeal or coffee grounds for extra exfoliation and scrubbing.
To make a facial cleanser with soapberries, soak a few soapberries in a cup of warm water for about 10 minutes, then mash them with your fingers to release their suds. Use this water to gently cleanse your face and rinse well with clean water. You can also add some yogurt or honey for extra moisturization and soothing.
To make a jewelry cleaner with soapberries, soak a

few soapberries in a cup of warm water for about 10 minutes, then mash them with your fingers to release their suds. Use this water to soak your jewelry for about 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse well with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. This works well for silver, gold, copper, brass, and other metal
Soapberries are not only good for cleaning and personal care, but also have some medical and health benefits for the human body. According to some web sources, some of the benefits of soapberries are:

They have antioxidant properties that can protect the cells from oxidative stress and damage. Antioxidants can also improve cognition, memory, mood, and well-being .
They have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and pain in the body. Anti-inflammatory agents can also improve immune health and function, and reduce the symptoms of some autoimmune conditions .
They have antimicrobial properties that can kill or inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Antimicrobial agents can also prevent infections and diseases .
They have high micronutrient content that can

provide essential vitamins and minerals for the body. Some of the vitamins in soapberries are A, E, K, and D, which are important for skin health, bone health, blood clotting, and immune system .
They can reduce LDL oxidation, which is a process that makes LDL cholesterol more harmful for the arteries and the heart. By reducing LDL oxidation, soapberries can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases .

They can improve insulin sensitivity, which is the ability of the cells to respond to insulin and regulate blood sugar levels. By improving insulin sensitivity, soapberries can help prevent or manage diabetes .
They can support healthy aging by enhancing stem cell proliferation, managing senescent cells, activating Nrf pathway, repairing DNA damage, and maintaining DNA structure. These processes can delay or reverse some of the signs of aging .
They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,

antimicrobial, and surfactant properties. They can protect the cells from damage, reduce swelling and pain, kill or inhibit harmful microbes, and enhance oil recovery or removal. They also have high micronutrient content, which can provide essential vitamins and minerals for the body. Some of the vitamins in soapberries are A, E, K, and D .