What are Himalayan Soapnuts™? Himalayan Soapnuts™ are the fruit of the Ritha tree, also known as the Soapnut tree, or Soapberry tree. Its botanical name is Sapindus Mukorossi. The tree is deciduous, with five to ten pairs of long, thin leaves on each branch. Soapnuts are called soapnuts due to their ability to produce a rich, cleansing suds. The hard, stone- like pit of the fruit is removed, and the fleshy part (the pericarp) is dried in the sun. The fruit is approximately 10% saponins. The saponin is responsible for the soapnut’s ability to produce soap suds, and becomes extractable in hot water only after it has been dried. For centuries, soapnuts have been used by people in northern Asia; India, Nepal, etc. to wash their laundry and finest textiles (wool, silk, cashmere…). They’ve also used soapnuts to make cleaning solutions for washing dishes, floors, and their hair! Himalayan Soapnuts™ are Unique… Himalayan Soapnuts™ are certified organic, and come in an organic cotton bag with a smaller organic cotton laundry sac inside for doing laundry. Each bag has enough soapnuts to clean:
*When the nuts are left to dry after use, they can be used again! The Soapnut’s Many Uses… Himalayan Soapnuts™ have many useful, practical applications: Place 6- 8 soapnut-halves in the small cotton pouch included in the package of Himalayan Soapnuts™. Make sure to tie the drawstrings shut. Place the pouch of soapnuts in the washing machine with your laundry. For a scented wash, sprinkle a few drops of your favorite essential oil directly on the cotton pouch before tossing it in the washing machine. For heavily soiled or stained laundry, use the soapnuts in combination with our non-toxic, bleach–free stain removing salt (sodium percarbonate). How to make a Soapnut Solution: In a small/medium cooking pot with a lid, add some water, and cook a small handful of soapnuts for about five minutes. Cover the pot with a lid while cooking. After five minutes, remove the pot from heat and let cool. Remove the soapnut shells, and place in the compost. * By increasing the amount of soapnuts when making the solution, you can make the solution stronger, and adding more water will make it weaker. Dishes & Kitchen Cleanup Himalayan Soapnuts™ are excellent for washing dishes and cleaning. Make a soapnut solution using the directions found above. Determine the strength of solution bests suits your needs by experimenting with the amount of soapnuts you cook each time. The soapnut suds are extremely gentle and softening on the skin, so there is no irritation or dryness experienced when washing dishes. All Purpose Cleaning By making a soapnut solution and placing it in a squeeze bottle, or a reusable shampoo bottle, you can use it as an everyday shampoo. It is wonderful for helping to get rid of dandruff or psoriasis. Try it for a body wash too! Bathing Your Pets Just as you would use a soapnut solution for your own shampoo or body cleanser; use it for your cat or dog too! They will love the mild, soothing suds- especially if they suffer from dry skin or bald patches. A mild soapnut solution is wonderful for getting rid of common houseplant pests, and protecting the plants from possible ones. The mild suds deter any prospective pests due to the ‘saponin content’ which is repulsive to insects and pests. Simply make a mild solution and put into a spray bottle. Spray generously onto the foliage of your plants, and the top of the soil. Reusing Your Soapnuts… Once you have used the soapnuts in the laundry, remove them and let them dry completely. When they have dried, they are ready to be used again. After using them in the laundry a second time, set them aside to dry. Try making a soapnut solution with them for all- purpose cleaning. Because Himalayan Soapnuts™ have not been altered or added to in any way; it is completely safe to wash the suds down the drain. The suds, as well as the nuts themselves, are fully biodegradable and septic safe. When the soapnuts have been used to their full potential, we recommend that you throw them into the composter. Positive Impact on the Local Economy Ecoideas® imports Himalayan Soapnuts™ from the Himalayan Mountains in Northern India. Once every year, the soapnuts are harvested by the growers, and sold to our facility located in the Himalayan Mountains where they are cleaned, pitted, dried, and packaged. Ecoideas® Himalayan Soapnuts™ are processed in a small production unit in Northern India which provides jobs to otherwise unemployed local women. We personally know each individual involved in our import process, and have measured firsthand the positive impact of our demand on the local economy.
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