BioRitha soap nut
Chemical-free cleaning from a tree

Ancient history of use
BioRitha is a 100% natural cleaning powder harvested from a deciduous tree. The multi-purpose Ritha (or Reetha) tree soap nut has a traditional history of use in India and Pakistan. Some botanists have named the species as Sapindus detergens. It is a pure, unrefined plant ingredient, renewable, biodegradable, phosphate-free, and is completely chemical, pesticide and additive-free.

The leathery skins of the nut releases saponin (soap) and becomes a magnificent natural detergent when immersed in water.  In ancient India, these fruits, known in Hindi as reetha, were used for soap and hair wash powders, used by jewelers for shining ornaments of gold and silver and used in the laundering of fine silks and wools.

In Vedic culture, ritha is indicated in dravya-suddhi (physical and spiritual purification) for cleansing blankets. As a measure of hygiene and purity, Indian pilgrim ships required passengers to carry soap nuts onboard.

BioRitha works because the soap nut outer shell contains a natural soapy substance called saponin, which when added to water, reacts as a soap to release dirt and dissolve oils. Ritha soap nut shell has 12% saponin content. The inner seed is hard and black and contains no saponin. This part is not used in BioRitha. The soap nut is more accurately a tree seed or fruit, rather than the commonly used name of nut.

This simple, brown, hand-ground, water-soluble soap nut powder is good news for the planet and for all-purpose cleaning. BioRitha is a surprisingly effective and economical cleaning choice for anyone, and is also of benefit to babies delicate skin, and those with sensitive skin or allergic synthetic chemical sensitivities.

BioRitha is safe to use with beneficial microbes and earth worms in grey water, composting and septic systems, and compatible for those with an active and ethical interest in personally reducing environmental pollution, at home or work.

BioRitha comes in a 400 gram powder pack in brown paper resealable packs with an optional reusable cloth tie, rather than plastic, single-use packaging.

How to make BioRitha juice (optional)
BioRitha concentrated juice is theoretically suitable for every type of cleaning.
1. Pour around two litres of water into a cooking pot.
2. Add about 50g (small handful) of BioRitha powder.
3. Cover and boil, then simmer for approximately 15 minutes. This process extracts the saponin from the powder and combines it with the water.
4. Let the infusion cool and then use it immediately, or let it steep further overnight. Strain into an appropriate container with lid and label. The BioRitha juice can then be diluted to suit and used as an all-purpose cleaner, car wash, liquid soap in the bathroom and kitchen, pet shampoo, clothes washing, and many other chemical-free uses.

Laundry
For phosphate-free hand or machine washing and soaking. BioRitha replaces both detergent and fabric conditioner and also eliminates chemical residues and synthetic fragrances in fabrics. Great for babies’ and sensitive skin. BioRitha is safe for washing silk, woolens and other delicate fabrics, as well as the day-to-day wash.

* For a front loading washing machine, tie two to three teaspoons of BioRitha powder for dissolving in the re-useable cheesecloth fabric supplied, or just add powder to the wash.
* For top loading machines, increase the quantity of BioRitha around 50%.
* To soak clothes and hand washing, add two to three teaspoons of BioRitha powder to a bucket or tub of clothes, or use BioRitha juice – see instructions above.

Bathroom
BioRitha soap nut powder can be used to wash the entire body and hair, even oily hair, replacing the need for ordinary soaps, shower gels, shampoos and, in many cases, conditioners, moisturizers and hand washes. Skin is left soft and smooth. BioRitha also has a mild deodorizing effect.

Hair washed with BioRitha feels thicker and healthier. Brushing it can make the hair shine. The longer BioRitha is used to wash hair, the less you will need to use, as the previous residual chemical accumulation is progressively removed. In modern India, soap nuts are an essential ingredient in many hair care products to increase luster and softness of hair.

Used topically, soap nuts have been used to reduce freckles, fine lines, chemical stains and cracks in the skin. They are also used traditionally on moderate skin complaints. Ritha was used extensively in traditional Ayurveda for the treatment of scalp issues and to alleviate parasites such as lice.

As there are no chemical foaming agents added, BioRitha does soap up lightly, but does not lather profusely which may take some getting used to initially.

Water shortage?
Leave clothes to soak in the bath or buckets of shower water after using BioRitha in the bathroom, then bucket the wash water on to trees or shrubs, or use to flush the toilet. Ritha foliage is used as cattle fodder during drought.

Cleaning food
Soak fresh fruit and vegetables in BioRitha. Add a teaspoon of powder in a bowl of water or add of BioRitha juice to help remove pesticides and chemical residues of agricultural spraying. Soap nuts are also useful in the kitchen as a food-safe cleaner for countertops, appliances, and sinks.

Multi-purpose
Wash the car, cat and carpet with BioRitha. Soap nut can be used to wash virtually everything in the home. Soap nut solutions are used in the remediation of contaminated soil. Soap nuts are used by Indian and Indonesian jewelers to polish and remove the tarnish from gold, silver, and other precious metals. Soap nuts are among the list of herbs and minerals in Ayurveda.

Gardening
Use a solution of BioRitha juice in the garden to repel pests as persistent as aphids.

Economical
A little BioRitha goes a long way and does a lot. It replaces multiple expensive detergents, chemicals and cleaning products, and the packaging they come in.

Environmentally friendly
Grown on trees organically, BioRitha is a biodegradable, non-polluting, versatile cleaning product.It a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin or an active interest in personally reducing environmental pollution.

Please note: This product is not recommended for anyone who suffers from nut allergies.