Reetha is the Himalayan soapnut, a deciduous tree whose dried fruit rinds lather in water and have been used for washing hair, silk and woollens for centuries. Goldsmiths also use reetha to clean jewellery. The soap comes from saponins in the fruit rind. Tamil ponnankottai usually names the South Indian soapnut, Sapindus emarginatus, a close relative.
- Botanical name
- Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Tamil
- Ponnankottai
- Hindi
- Ritha
- Sanskrit
- Arisṭaka
- Parts used
- Fruit pericarp
- Habit
- Himalayan soapnut tree; its fruit rind lathers
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Ritha
It is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a spreading crown.
The leaves are pinnate, with several pairs of long, pointed leaflets.
Small, greenish-white flowers grow in large clusters at the branch tips.
The fruit is a round berry about two centimetres across that dries amber to dark brown, wrinkled and sticky.
Inside is one hard, round, black seed.
Traditional use of Ritha
Household
Soaked reetha, often with shikakai and amla, is used to wash hair across North India.
North Indian household practice
Household
Reetha water is used to wash fine silks and woollens and to clean gold and silver jewellery.
Indian household and craft practice
Ayurveda
Arishtaka is listed in Ayurvedic texts for skin and as a cleanser.
Ayurvedic texts
Modern notes on Ritha
Its saponins lower surface tension like soap, which makes them a natural detergent.
Soapnuts are sold worldwide as an eco-friendly laundry product.
Saponins are toxic to fish and can harm streams if washing water runs straight into them.
Ritha safety
Keep reetha water out of the eyes, where it stings. Do not eat the fruit or seeds, which can cause vomiting.
Ecology and sourcing
It grows in the Himalayan foothills and is planted in villages.
Bees visit the flower clusters.
Its fallen fruits feed few animals because of the saponins.
Related plants
Also in Sapindaceae
Questions about Ritha
Why does reetha lather?
Its rind contains saponins.
How is Ritha used for hair?
Soaked and boiled, often with shikakai and amla.
Is Ritha the same as ponnankottai?
That name usually means the South Indian soapnut.
Can soapnuts wash clothes?
Yes. They are sold as a natural laundry detergent.
Is Ritha safe to eat?
No.
Sources
- Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q14530198 (Sapindus mukorossi)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.