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Showing posts with label reetha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reetha. Show all posts
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Reetha Powder/ Soap Nuts- nature's all purpose cleanser
REETHA, the Soap nut tree, grows abundantly in India. Its fruit has been used for cleaning hair, body and clothes since ancient times. Soap nuts are 100% natural and contain no chemical additives, making them a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin. They work like soap because their shell contains a substance called "saponin" which is released when it comes in contact with warm water. The inner seed is hard and black and contains no saponin.
Reetha or soap nuts can be used whole or in powdered form in many ways:
1)Use whole or cracked soap nuts to wash clothes in the washing machine instead of detergent and fabric conditioner. Most soap nuts are sold after the shell has been cracked and the seed discarded. I find using whole soap nuts (including seeds) more effective in the washing machine as the friction created by the whole seed probably goes some way towards cleaning the clothes and they can be reused 5-6 times before being composted. There is no need for fabric conditioner as garments are fresh smelling, clean and remarkably soft but essential oils can be added to the conditioner drawer. They are hugely economical and also eco-friendly as there are no chemicals going down the drain. With adapted plumbing, this grey water could be used in the garden or such.
2)When the soap nuts become dark and soggy( usually after 5-6 washes), you've extracted most of the saponin so stop using them in the washing machine. You could still soak them (excluding seeds) in a bit of water, whizz them in the blender, strain and use as 'liquid soap’ for the hand basin.
3)DIY soap nut liquid is very easy to make and has multiple uses for a truly natural way of living. This liquid can be used as shampoo, face and body wash, laundry detergent, all purpose cleaner, car wash, liquid soap, pet shampoo, washing up liquid as it is suitable for every kind of cleaning. A mixture of soap nut liquid and vinegar (ratio of 2:3) makes a great window cleaner. This recipe will make approximately 1.25 litres of Soap nut liquid.
Instructions:
Take approximately 1 litre of water in a saucepan and add about 50g (handful) of new soap nuts (excluding seeds). Cover and boil, then simmer for approximately 30 minutes. The boiling process extracts the saponin from the nut shells and combines with the water to make a liquid cleanser. Let the infusion steep overnight and strain into an appropriate container.
You could experiment by changing the soap nut shell to water ratio to alter the concentration depending on its use and adding essential oil if appropriate. A longer cooking time will make the liquid more concentrated.
4)Reetha powder mixed to a paste with water is an effective hair shampoo. As there are no chemical foaming agents added, it does not lather but cleans thoroughly and hair feels thicker and shinier. It is reputed to reduce dandruff and prevent hair loss. The longer you use the powder to wash your hair, the less you will need to use as the residual chemicals are removed.
5)The same paste can also be used as a face and body wash. The skin is left soft, smooth and resistant to infections and insect bites. The powder also has a deodorizing effect and is meant to reduce psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions.
Some interesting facts: In India, Reetha is cherished not just for its mild, anti-parasitic detergent effect but also for its anti-venom properties. It is commonly believed among paddy growers that the presence of this tree repels venomous snakes, not all snakes, as non-venomous snakes are essential to protect the crop from rats. In case of snake bite, sipping the juice of Reetha fruits and applying it inside the eyes is meant to help expel the venom. Reetha has formic acid which is an irritant so it is mixed with cow's ghee before using in the eyes. In case of scorpion bite, the patient is fed Reetha juice mixed with jaggery (sugarcane extract) to combat its extreme bitterness. Another documented use of Reetha is to smoke it instead of tobacco for a few weeks in order to reduce the craving for tobacco. A very small quantity is used by goldsmiths for washing gold and silver ornament.
Available from LoveHennaHair
Jyoti
Reetha or soap nuts can be used whole or in powdered form in many ways:
1)Use whole or cracked soap nuts to wash clothes in the washing machine instead of detergent and fabric conditioner. Most soap nuts are sold after the shell has been cracked and the seed discarded. I find using whole soap nuts (including seeds) more effective in the washing machine as the friction created by the whole seed probably goes some way towards cleaning the clothes and they can be reused 5-6 times before being composted. There is no need for fabric conditioner as garments are fresh smelling, clean and remarkably soft but essential oils can be added to the conditioner drawer. They are hugely economical and also eco-friendly as there are no chemicals going down the drain. With adapted plumbing, this grey water could be used in the garden or such.
2)When the soap nuts become dark and soggy( usually after 5-6 washes), you've extracted most of the saponin so stop using them in the washing machine. You could still soak them (excluding seeds) in a bit of water, whizz them in the blender, strain and use as 'liquid soap’ for the hand basin.
3)DIY soap nut liquid is very easy to make and has multiple uses for a truly natural way of living. This liquid can be used as shampoo, face and body wash, laundry detergent, all purpose cleaner, car wash, liquid soap, pet shampoo, washing up liquid as it is suitable for every kind of cleaning. A mixture of soap nut liquid and vinegar (ratio of 2:3) makes a great window cleaner. This recipe will make approximately 1.25 litres of Soap nut liquid.
Instructions:
Take approximately 1 litre of water in a saucepan and add about 50g (handful) of new soap nuts (excluding seeds). Cover and boil, then simmer for approximately 30 minutes. The boiling process extracts the saponin from the nut shells and combines with the water to make a liquid cleanser. Let the infusion steep overnight and strain into an appropriate container.
You could experiment by changing the soap nut shell to water ratio to alter the concentration depending on its use and adding essential oil if appropriate. A longer cooking time will make the liquid more concentrated.
4)Reetha powder mixed to a paste with water is an effective hair shampoo. As there are no chemical foaming agents added, it does not lather but cleans thoroughly and hair feels thicker and shinier. It is reputed to reduce dandruff and prevent hair loss. The longer you use the powder to wash your hair, the less you will need to use as the residual chemicals are removed.
5)The same paste can also be used as a face and body wash. The skin is left soft, smooth and resistant to infections and insect bites. The powder also has a deodorizing effect and is meant to reduce psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions.
Some interesting facts: In India, Reetha is cherished not just for its mild, anti-parasitic detergent effect but also for its anti-venom properties. It is commonly believed among paddy growers that the presence of this tree repels venomous snakes, not all snakes, as non-venomous snakes are essential to protect the crop from rats. In case of snake bite, sipping the juice of Reetha fruits and applying it inside the eyes is meant to help expel the venom. Reetha has formic acid which is an irritant so it is mixed with cow's ghee before using in the eyes. In case of scorpion bite, the patient is fed Reetha juice mixed with jaggery (sugarcane extract) to combat its extreme bitterness. Another documented use of Reetha is to smoke it instead of tobacco for a few weeks in order to reduce the craving for tobacco. A very small quantity is used by goldsmiths for washing gold and silver ornament.
Available from LoveHennaHair
Jyoti
Monday, 12 January 2009
Would you like "green" hair?
Our natural hair care products are environmentally friendly and sourced purely from dried leaves and fruits grown without pesticides. They are not extracts, have not undergone any treatment process, and do not contain man-made chemicals or additives.
100% natural shampoos, conditioners & hair colours
REETHA: Hair and body cleanser
SHIKAKAI: Mild shampoo and conditioner
AMLA: Hair tonic- enriches hair & is reputed to stop hair loss if used regularly.
CASSIA OBOVATA: Hair conditioning and nail repair treatment.
SOAP NUTS: Eco-friendly whole nuts recommended for colour washes for use instead of washing powder and fabric conditioner.
HENNA: 100% natural hair colour -dried leaves of the henna plant. Use on its own for reddish hair or mix with indigo for shades varying from reddish-brown to black.
INDIGO: 100% natural hair colour-dried leaves of the indigo plant. Mix with henna for shades varying from reddish-brown to black.
100% natural shampoos, conditioners & hair colours
REETHA: Hair and body cleanser
SHIKAKAI: Mild shampoo and conditioner
AMLA: Hair tonic- enriches hair & is reputed to stop hair loss if used regularly.
CASSIA OBOVATA: Hair conditioning and nail repair treatment.
SOAP NUTS: Eco-friendly whole nuts recommended for colour washes for use instead of washing powder and fabric conditioner.
HENNA: 100% natural hair colour -dried leaves of the henna plant. Use on its own for reddish hair or mix with indigo for shades varying from reddish-brown to black.
INDIGO: 100% natural hair colour-dried leaves of the indigo plant. Mix with henna for shades varying from reddish-brown to black.
Monday, 10 November 2008
Cassia, Amla, Reetha and Shikakai
We now have them all in stock at our shop NaturalHennaHair! Though you can still reach the shop through LoveHennaHair.
Cassia Obovata
100 % Senna Italica
Natural Hair Conditioner sourced purely from dried leaves of the senna plant; this is not an extract, it has not undergone any chemical treatment process and does not contain manmade chemicals or additives.
Also known as neutral henna, it has all the properties of henna apart from the colour. It is a great condidtioner adding softness, shine and bounce. It is also reputed to boost hair growth.
Cassia can be used on any hair colour as it enhances the natural hair colour.
Used by itself or combined with henna powder for stunning effects on blonde hair.
Directions for use: Mix approximately 25g powder with water to make a paste. Apply to hair as a conditioner. Leave on for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours. Rinse.
Amla Powder
Phyllanthus Emblica
100% Natural hair tonic sourced purely from dried fruit of the Amla tree. This is not an extract, it has not undergone any chemical treatment process and it does not contain manmade chemicals or additives.
Amla is an edible fruit which is reputed to have the highest vitamin C content of all food stuff. It is reputed to enrich hair and can help to stop hair loss.
Can be mixed with Henna to soften the red dye.
Directions for use: Mix approximately two tablespoonfuls with water to make a paste and apply to hair as a conditioner. Leave for a few minutes and rinse off.
Reetha Powder
Sapindus Makurossi
100% Natural hair and body cleanser sourced purely from dried fruit of the Reetha tree. This is not an extract, it has not undergone any chemical treatment process and it does not contain manmade chemicals or additives.
Reetha powder is a gentle cleanser offering an alternative to sodium based synthetic soap and shampoo. It is also a great face and body defoliant and can be used as a face pack to improve facial complexion. Other uses include cleaning jewellery and washing woollen clothes.
Directions for use: Mix approximately one teaspoon of powder with water to make a paste. Apply to face. Leave for a few minutes then rinse.
To use as hair treatment/conditioner hair mix more powder.
Shikakai Powder
Acacia Cancinna
100% natural shampoo and conditioner sourced purely from dried pods of the acacia shrub. This is not an extract, it has not undergone any treatment process and it does not contain manmade chemicals or additives.
Shikakai is extremely mild and doesn't strip hair of natural oils. Usually no conditioner is needed since it also detangles hair. It is known as nature's original pH balanced shampoo.
Directions for use: Mix aproximately one tablespoonful of powder with water to make a paste. Apply to wet hair as a shampoo. Leave on for a few minutes. Rinse. Dry as normal.
Cassia Obovata
100 % Senna Italica
Natural Hair Conditioner sourced purely from dried leaves of the senna plant; this is not an extract, it has not undergone any chemical treatment process and does not contain manmade chemicals or additives.
Also known as neutral henna, it has all the properties of henna apart from the colour. It is a great condidtioner adding softness, shine and bounce. It is also reputed to boost hair growth.
Cassia can be used on any hair colour as it enhances the natural hair colour.
Used by itself or combined with henna powder for stunning effects on blonde hair.
Directions for use: Mix approximately 25g powder with water to make a paste. Apply to hair as a conditioner. Leave on for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours. Rinse.
Amla Powder
Phyllanthus Emblica
100% Natural hair tonic sourced purely from dried fruit of the Amla tree. This is not an extract, it has not undergone any chemical treatment process and it does not contain manmade chemicals or additives.
Amla is an edible fruit which is reputed to have the highest vitamin C content of all food stuff. It is reputed to enrich hair and can help to stop hair loss.
Can be mixed with Henna to soften the red dye.
Directions for use: Mix approximately two tablespoonfuls with water to make a paste and apply to hair as a conditioner. Leave for a few minutes and rinse off.
Reetha Powder
Sapindus Makurossi
100% Natural hair and body cleanser sourced purely from dried fruit of the Reetha tree. This is not an extract, it has not undergone any chemical treatment process and it does not contain manmade chemicals or additives.
Reetha powder is a gentle cleanser offering an alternative to sodium based synthetic soap and shampoo. It is also a great face and body defoliant and can be used as a face pack to improve facial complexion. Other uses include cleaning jewellery and washing woollen clothes.
Directions for use: Mix approximately one teaspoon of powder with water to make a paste. Apply to face. Leave for a few minutes then rinse.
To use as hair treatment/conditioner hair mix more powder.
Shikakai Powder
Acacia Cancinna
100% natural shampoo and conditioner sourced purely from dried pods of the acacia shrub. This is not an extract, it has not undergone any treatment process and it does not contain manmade chemicals or additives.
Shikakai is extremely mild and doesn't strip hair of natural oils. Usually no conditioner is needed since it also detangles hair. It is known as nature's original pH balanced shampoo.
Directions for use: Mix aproximately one tablespoonful of powder with water to make a paste. Apply to wet hair as a shampoo. Leave on for a few minutes. Rinse. Dry as normal.
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