Aug
14
Matt Johnson asked:


Soap nuts are a fruit of Sapindus Mukorossi trees. These trees grow in south east India, China, Indonesia and Nepal. Sapindus has about five to twelve species of shrubs and small tree which grow in tropical and warm climate. There are nearly 5 to 12 different types across the world. The crushed seeds are used to make soap. In Indonesia it is called “Klerek”

The Sapindus genera of trees are straight cylindrical and have height of 4meters to 5 meters. The tree has life span of nearly 70 years; it can reach a height of 25 meters and trunk diameter of 1-2 meters. It is excellent tree to plant along boulevards. The bark is shinning gray and fairly smooth when the plant is young and dark grey when tree is mature.  The fruit which is called soap nut is 1-2 cm in diameter small leathery skinned contains one to three seeds. The foliage is used to feed live stock during drought.  

Soap nuts contain natural surfactant called Saponin which is used to clean clothes. Saponin cleans cloth by allowing water to enter fabric and removing dirt. The ripe fruit of the tree is golden or brown in color. Soap nuts are alternatively chemical detergents and are environment friendly.  Soap nut are safe for washing woolens and other delicate fabrics. It can be reused many times by placing few nuts in cotton bag with a wash load.

 

Soap nuts are used for many medicinal uses.  It is also in list of herbs and minerals for Ayurveda, ancient Indian medical system. The Soap nuts are also used in Unani and Tibetan indigenous and century old medical systems. Soap nuts are used as in Ayuvedic shampoos and cleanser also as medicine for eczema and psoriasis. The various uses are as under:

 

·         Soap nuts shell is used as natural and environment friendly detergents. They are odorless. Also the waste water can be reused from irrigation. It is organic, bio-gradable and non polluting cleaning product.

·         Being Hypoallergenic, soap nut does not harm hands.

·         Soap nut are non soapy and have less suds, this reduces water consumption.

·         Being mild detergent it helps maintain color and feel of the fabric.

·         De-toxing Food: Soap nuts powder added to warm water can help remove the residual pesticide and chemicals in fruits and vegetables by washing them.
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·         It can be used washing pets, cars and carpets and other things at home as the waste water can be used for watering garden.

·         It is recommended for bathing especially for people with skin disease and allergy.

·         It is widely used for washing hair. It prevents dandruff and removing lice.

·         Soap nuts solution can be used for cleaning jewelry.

·         The saponin from the soap nuts is used in preparation of toothpaste and textile auxiliary.

·         Soap nuts powder is added to ****** pack to provide delicate cleansing of skin.

·         It has been used for curing eczema and psoriasis.

·         Soap nuts have also been used as an expectorant and emetic and even for migraine, epilepsy and cholorosis.

·         Natural pesticides: Soap nuts are also used as an effective and natural pesticide for plants and repelling insects around the home.

·         A contraceptive cream out of Ritha fruit has been recently developed by the Central Drug Research Institute, India

 

Soap nuts are really multipurpose natural produce in service of mankind and nature.



DOUGLAS
Matt Johnson asked:


Soap Nuts (Soapnuts) – Green Cleaning

I’m not an environmentalist by any stretch of the imagination, but I do consider the impact of what I am doing has on the environment. That is why when my wife started using Soap Nuts as our household cleaner, it sparked my curiosity to learn more.

What are Soap Nuts?
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Soap Nuts are actually not nuts at all. They are berries (also known as Soap Berries) that grow on trees in India & Nepal. There are two main varieties of Soap Nuts: sapindus trifoliatus (The Small Soap Nut) and sapindus mukorossi (The Large Soap Nut). The Large Soap Nut is the most commonly used in cleaning (probably due to its size & ease of harvesting), but both varieties are quite effective.

How do Soap Nuts Work as a Detergent?

Soap Nuts contain large quantities of saponin in their shells, which acts as a natural, gentle detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without added chemicals, fragrances or dyes, Soap Nuts are safe and gentle for handwashing delicates, yet tough enough for regular laundry. They will leave your laundry soft, clean and fragrance free, without the use of fabric softeners.

Will Soap Nuts Clean Difficult Items?

Yes and No. Soap Nuts are one of the best detergents out there to get rid of bad odors. Musty towels and wash cloths, even cloth diapers, come out smelling fresh and new. When it comes to stubborn stains, though, such as blood & red wine, you will want to use a stain remover to help the cleaning process.

What About My Allergies to Soap?

Most allergic reactions to soap are due to added chemicals and fragrance. Soap Nuts are naturally grown and chemical free. When we began using soap nuts for our laundry detergent, the eczema which I had across my chest and belly cleared up and has been gone now for 6 months. Soap Nuts are 100% non-allergenic.

How do I use Soap Nuts in my Laundry?

For Laundry Detergent, you can use Soap Nuts one of two ways:

1. Toss 2 or 3 Soap Nuts in a small muslim bag (provided with most Soap Nuts orders) and throw it in with your laundry. (Make sure that you take the soap nuts out before putting your clothes in the dryer). The nuts will do 3 or 4 loads.

2. Boil 100 g of Soap Nuts in 12 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes. The liquid you have is now a concentrated, chemical free detergent. The leftover shells can be placed in your compost. Use 3 Tbsp or 45 ml of this detergent with each load of laundry. This allows you to do approximately 60 loads of laundry. Not bad for under $10!

Can Soap Nuts be used for More Than Just Laundry Detergent?

Yes. Soap Nuts can be used, in the liquid form, for cleaning just about anything. From dish washer soap, to window & glass cleaner, to repairing oily or dry hair, Soap Nuts are a multi-purpose cleaner. For more information on particular applications visit http://SoapNuts.Wordpress.com

The End Product Still Goes Down the Drain. Does That Hurt the Environment?

No. Soap nuts are antimicrobial. This means that they actually help in breaking down the grey water in the septic system. Also, you do not have to do a rinse cycle when you do your laundry with soap nuts. This can save gallons of water every wash cycle. Don’t worry, though; if you forget to stop your machine before the rinse cycle the Soap Nuts are just as effective. The amount of saponin left in the rinse cycle will just leave your clothes feeling soft.

Soap Nuts are a Win-Win Situation

With great cleaning power, no harmful chemicals, & prices that rival any other detergents, Soap Nuts are one of the best cleaning agents you can buy.

For more information on Soap Nuts & pricing, visit http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com



ALVARO