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Arishtaka

Sapindus mukorossi,
Sapindaceae

Arishtaka, also known as the Soapnut tree (Sapindus trifoliatus or Sapindus mukorossi), is a significant plant in Ayurveda, famed for its natural saponins that create a soapy lather, making it a natural cleanser for hair, skin, and even for cleaning delicate fabrics and jewelry. It's used in traditional medicine for skin conditions, detoxification, and as a mild emetic, often called Ritha in Hindi, with its fruits, seeds, leaves, and roots being utilized for various therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, especially for cleansing and detoxification.
Arishtaka, also known as the Soapnut tree (Sapindus trifoliatus or Sapindus mukorossi), is a significant plant in Ayurveda, famed for its natural saponins that create a soapy lather, making it a natural cleanser for hair, skin, and even for cleaning delicate fabrics and jewelry. It’s used in traditional medicine for skin conditions, detoxification, and as a mild emetic, often called Ritha in Hindi, with its fruits, seeds, leaves, and roots being utilized for various therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, especially for cleansing and detoxification.

Medicinals Uses

  1. Menstrual pain (Dysmenorrhea):
    The seed of arishtaka (soap nut)
    has a small white or greenish
    yellow marrow. 5 seeds marrow
    paste is administered along with 2
    teaspoonful of sesame oil in case
    of abdominal pain and menstrual
    pain.
  1. Food poisoning: 5 seeds are
    crushed and soaked in 1 litre
    of water. This water is given to
    drink in the individuals who
    are poisoned (internally). This
    induces vomiting and hence the
    poisonous effects are reduced.
  2. Distention of abdomen: The
    paste of soapnut seed marrow
    500-600 mg of is mixed with
    jaggery and administered
    internally twice a day.
  3. Wound: 20gms of fresh bark of
    arishtaka is boiled with 200ml of
    water till it reduced to 1/4th. This
    decoction is used to wash the
    wounds. The same decoction is
    used for washing gangrene and
    get rid of slough, which quickens
    healing process.
  4. Eczema: 50 grams of soapnut
    fresh leaf paste cooked well
    with 100 ml of sesame oil till
    the evaporation of moisture.
    This oil is used to apply over the
    eczematous lesions.
  5. Herpes: 100ml of Fresh Soapnut
    juice in 200ml of ghee is cooked
    well till complete evaporation
    of water content. This ghee is
    applied over the lesions of herpes
    and chronic itch.

Key Aspects of Arishtaka

  • Botanical Identity: Belongs to the Sapindaceae family, with S. mukorossi common in North India and S. trifoliatus in South India.
  • Main Constituents: Rich in saponins, which give it its cleansing properties.
  • Ayurvedic Uses:
    • Cleansing: Natural shampoo, body wash, and detergent.
    • Detoxification: Used in remedies for poison and to induce vomiting.
    • Skin & Hair: Treats eczema, dandruff, and improves hair health.
    • Internal: Can be used for digestive issues, cough, and certain ailments like migraine.
  • Other Uses: Jewelers use its soapy water to clean ornaments.
  • Caution: Should be used with care, especially by pregnant women or those with sensitive skin. 

Common Names

  • Hindi: Ritha
  • English: Soapnut tree
  • Kannada: Kukute kayi
  • Telugu: Kunkudu Chettu 

Vernacular names

Assamese : Aritha
English : Indian soapnut
Hindi : Risht,Rishtak
Marathi : Phenil,Rinthi,Ritha
Tamil : Punalai, Punthi, Puvanti
Urdu : Phenil
Malayalam : Cavakkaay,Pasakkottamaram,
uruvanchi
Telugu : Kunkuduchettu,Phenilam
Kannada : Amtalakaayi, Norekaayi,
togate mara
Bengali : Ritha

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Chandan Krr.

Hello everyone! My name is Chandan Kumar, and I am passionate about Ayurveda—the ancient science of holistic healing. Through this platform, I aim to share interesting and insightful information about Ayurveda, including its principles, remedies, and benefits for a healthy lifestyle.
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