Soap Nuts

Posted - September 1, 2004

Soap Nuts: The Clean Alternative

By Anneliese Graschy - as printed in O.W.N. Fall 2004

Soap nuts are the ultimate alternative for environmentally friendly washing and cleaning. They can contribute to sustainability in a large way in rural areas. Ritha (sapindus mukorossi) is one of the best-known species of wild or domestic trees for soap-nuts. It belongs to the Sapindaceae group. There are also similar species growing naturally in South America, which are more widely used for medical purposes. Ritha soap trees come from the northern plains of the Ganges river in India and grow as far up as the southern slopes of the Himalayas.

Ancient cultures in China and Afghanistan have used them since ancient times. They grow up to 25 m high, with a lifespan of some 70 years, and provide more than fruit. The large branches and leaves offer shadow and the wood, hard and light yellow, is used as building material in rural areas. Ritha foliage, serves as cattle fodder during drought. In the Indian Ayurveda culture, the fresh flesh of the nut is of major importance for medicine. In Tibetan medicine it is used to treat common colds, epilepsy and constipation.

The dried fruit of Ritha is the most valuable part of the plant as far as the use in the western world is concerned, stated of Ulrich Helberg of Karibu Trade, a consulting and trading firm for rural eco-friendly enterprises. “Its fleshy portion has saponin, a good substitute for washing soap. Ordinary detergents have chemicals harmful to our water and the environment”.

The gentle, organic ways of ritha nuts do a much healthier, sustainable job. Many of the allergies common today could be avoided by using these nuts for our general body and clothes washing. Three or four nuts bundled in an old stocking, and there they go into the washing machine! Once the job is done, they can be used as hand soap.

Ritha fruits preserve your clothes and skin, wastewater and the environment. Planting the trees prevents erosion. The soap nuts also offer sustainability: Karibu Trade provides a steady and fair income to 40 north Indian families involved in its collection, packaging and transport, all in conformity with European certifying rules and controlling bodies.