Nowadays, everyone is curious about soap nuts. Like what they are, where they are used, and what exactly can be achieved by using them. All this air of curiosity that has been lingering around them is because of their effectiveness scale and easy-to-use nature. Soap nut or also widely known as soapberry, Indian soapberry, or eco nut. They are actually known as amazing natural detergents which have a naturally appealing touch and a significant cleansing effect that is locked up inside their shell.
Even if they have been enjoying being in the limelight for quite some time now, they are actually being used for the past several centuries. The use of soap nuts has been properly documented in the past as they were an integral part of Indian soap cosmetics and thus were a major common thing to be used in Indian households.
The Point Of Origin Of Soap Nut
Laundry soap nuts are a part of a small tree that is known as the Sapindus Mukorossi tree. This tree is a native of all the Himalayas. This tree is extensively present alongside the mountainous border of India and Nepal.
The other names of this soap nut are soapberry nut husks. This name is true in every context and shape because they are indeed the shells of soapberry nuts.
After picking them up and drying them out in the sun, the shells of these amazing nuts are able to produce an agent also known as saponin. This saponin is actually a compound that leads to the production of an effect that provides a cleansing and clearing effect just like a bar of soap,
One of the best things about using this soap nut is that it is a compound that is 100% organic and contains nothing artificial or synthetic. That is why it is a perfect candidate for skincare products, as it does not pose any harmful effects on the body. It is the best substitute that can be used to replace chemically synthesized laundry soap and other sorts of cleaning products.
But this is not the only good thing about them; these soap nuts can also be used for substituting SLS or (Sodium Laureth Sulfate). In the case of their usage, there is no fear of any drawbacks or backfires of using chemical or synthetic products.
Soap Nuts And Their Eco-friendly Nature; An Overview
Sapindus is a tree that produces these soap nuts. They mainly grow in wild environments alongside the mountainous borders of Nepal and India. The primary characteristic of this soap nut is that it does not require any fertile soil to grow or nurture. These soap nuts are quite habitable to tough environments. They are also the barriers of symbiosis as they reduce the risk of erosion in the areas in which they grow.
Furthermore, they are tough in the face of several diseases and do not require the presence of fertilizer, any added preservative, or any other sort of chemical pesticide.
In the context of fruits, the soapberry nuts are produced by the local masses. In addition to this, they also produce a source of occupation and are thus monetary beneficial for the people. This is because they will pick up these nuts after they have fallen or become gooey as well as red and ripe. They will then remove the seed from the shell. The fruit is then allowed to get dry in the sun without any preservatives or added chemicals. Thus nut soaps or soap nuts, when put on the market, are the barriers of 100% pure or natural substances that are not modified in any condition.
Soap Nuts; Who Can We Recommend Them To?
People have different stories when it comes to them discovering the natural effects of laundry soap nuts. Like someone might have discovered them because a family member of theirs might have allergies with the use of synthetic soaps or added chemicals.
People have seen miracles when they have switched from regular soaps to these soap nuts. Because nothing can beat the power of natural and organic compounds, with the use of these soap nuts, the allergies can be controlled to one extent.
Swapping to non-bio detergents was also an issue, but the results can only be effective if we use soap nuts. The use of soap nuts on certain fabrics has also produced fruitful results. But you also need to remember that it is not only the soap that needs to be altered.
There are several other modifications that are in need such as lifestyle changes, dietary changes, the use of skincare products, or shampoo. In addition to the presence of saponin in laundry soap nuts, there are several other compounds, such as fatty acids or EFAs.
All of this is pertinent as the presence of these compounds can get rid of all the damaging skin issues.
The use of soap nuts is most widely in the following conditions such as:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Rashes due to allergies such as allergy-free, antifungal and antibacterial nature
- Dry skin
- Mature skin
- Aging skin
- Delicate skin
- Acne-prone skin
- An acne-prone
Acne skin is a skin type that dries up all the oil that is naturally present in the skin and thus reduces the clogged pores.
How Can You Use Soap Nuts?
One of the most premium things about soap nuts is that they can be modified to be used in a number of different types of homemade products or recipes. Thus today, we have decided to share a healthy and helpful guide with you in such regard.
Let us start with the main one, and then we can continue with several other ones alongside the road that might be more helpful for you.
Soap Nut Liquid Concentrate
Here is a recipe that might help with all soap nuts and their organic properties.
- First of all, place at least 4-6 crushed as well as out of seed soap nuts aside two cups of water. Then place that over a pot.
- Make sure to boil it. After boiling it, turn off the flame. You have to simmer it for 20-30 minutes after that.
- Strain the liquid. Then let the nut soap content dry out. You can use them again to make new soaps.
- Coal it out and then put the concentrated solution inside a bottle. Then you have to place them inside a cooling refrigerator.
Laundry Soap Nuts
For all those who are wondering whether you can use nut soap in the laundry, the answer is yes, yes, and yes.
The recipe of one such laundry soap nut is as follows:
- You need 4-8 without seed soapnut shells.
- Then you have to put them inside a muslin bag, a sock, or another sort of washing net.
- Another protip is that you can also use a thin cotton cloth to store or secure the nut soap inside.
- Then you have to place the soap nuts inside the washing machine drummer. Make sure
- to select the right and desired settings.
It is important for you to note here that you can make use of the soap nuts 3 to four times more before you decide to add them to your compost.
Liquid Laundry Soap Nut Soap
Soap nuts are a wonderful object that has been gifted to us by mother nature. You can make the best out of these soapberry shells to make a liquid detergent. But you have to make a concentrated liquid mixture.
- The concentrated liquid that you have made dilute it.
- You can then add a few tablespoons to your washing machine.
Soap Nut Laundry Powder
There is another popular way of using soap nuts so that you can get rid of all the stains and marks. And you do not have to use a chemical detergent.
First of all, you have to blend them with your everyday powder. Then you can use them freely with a normal washing powder. This is one of the best green virgin products that act as a natural soap and do not damage the clothes like those commercial detergents. You can never go wrong with a homemade laundry detergent.
First of all, blend a handful of your soapnuts. The key here is that you need to keep one thing in mind. Do not be hasty in blending a lot of them. Try to use it little by little. This trick is the key to keeping the soap nut powder fresh for a longer period of time.
Then you have to blend them at full power until the house is filled with a nutty aroma.
The next step is to add a few tablespoons of this nutty powder to your detergent drawer. Be easy to use as it is aligned with normal washing powder. If you are using cold water for washing, we recommend you use it after boiling it. This will kick start the saponin release. Then you can use the liquid instead.
If any powder is left, you can put it inside a glass jar or keep it in the fridge.
For Beauty Care; Soapnuts Shampoo
- 5 or 6 soapnuts
- 2 cups of water
- 2 or 3 drops of essential oil
In case you do not have a skin problem. But if you do, you should use a lotion instead.
First things first, you have to start with keeping them in a muslin bag, or you can lose them in a pan.
Make sure to heat them properly. After boiling, turn down the heat. Simmer it for 30 minutes. Then you have to let it cool. Make sure to do this while keeping the soap water in the water.
When you are showering, you just have to put a little bit on the hair. Message it gently and deeply. Keep it in its place for a minimum of 5 minutes. Then you should use warm water to rinse it off. Rinse it all with all.
In case your skin has serious nut allergy conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, you can also use this lotion to soothe and protect that dry skin. You should always refrain from using essential oils if you have any such aforementioned conditions.
This shampoo is the best one because it does not have any washing soda or toxic chemicals in it.
For The Purpose Of Handwash
What if we are to tell you that you can make an affordable handwash with the help of these soap nuts? Would you believe us or not.
Well, you have to because this is every bit of truth. This liquid soap nut is the one for you.
- One cup of castile soap liquid. There is an easy recipe for you to make for yourself. Take some solid Castile soapy by melting some.
- One cup basic soapnut liquid.
Try the same recipe you have used to make soapnut liquid concentrate in the method we have previously provided you within the laundry soap nut section above.
Properly and evenly mix the ingredients. Then you can store them in a glass jar, or it's better if you can get your hands on a pump bottle.
Children can get the best out of this soap as it is equally beneficial and easy to use.
Furthermore, it is and can be used for a number of skin types.
For the purpose of aroma, you can add two or three drops of essential oil. But it is best if you prefer to avoid adding any essential oil because it might have an effect on your skin.
For The Making Of Soapnut Shaving Cream
Use the flesh of at least 15 soap nuts. But first, make sure that you have boiled them enough so that you can make a basic soapnut liquid.
- One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
- Three teaspoons of that soap nut liquid concentrate.
First of all, you have to remove all the soap nuts after completing the basic liquid, then comes the next step of getting rid of any type of hard shell or hulls. After that, you have to put them in a blender. Make a paste of them all with the help of olive oil and liquid.
The end result is a foam that is in the form of a paste. But you have to use it immediately after making it.
In your Kitchen: Soap Nut as All-Cleaner
You can also use this soap nut as an all cleanser or as a glass cleaner in your kitchen.
The recipe is given below:
- 1 cup of basic soapnut liquid
- 2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
- Essential oil either tea tree or lavender
You should mix them in a jar, and then you have to put them in a spray bottle. Either use it for cleaning all the counters, tables or toilets and wherever you can.
As A Dishwasher Powder
As this soap nut is a wondrous compound, we can tweak it a bit to use it as a dishwasher powder.
- Finely grind 4 or 5 soapnut shells.
- Then add two or three tablespoons of grated castile soap.
- 1 cup of baking soda.
Just like the previous one, you have to mix all the aforementioned ingredients together. The next step is that you have to add them to the dishwashers, especially in the drawer.
You can also add this to a cotton bag and place it at the bottom of your machine. If you would like another recommendation, try rinsing it out with white vinegar.
Dishwashing Liquid
Another purposeful use of soap nuts is that you can try it out in a special fusion to use it as a dishwashing liquid.
- Take one cup of basic soapnut liquid.
- Then add 7 to 8 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil.
Mix all these ingredients in a profound manner. Place them in a jar. Then you can use it to wash dishes with the help of your compostable dish brush.
Other Uses Of Soapnuts
First of all, you have to dilute the concentrated soap-nuts mixture – 1 part of soapnuts and two parts of water.
For you can use this mixture on a number of occasions: Such as, for
- Pet wash
- As a natural pesticide for plants
- Mosquito repellent
- As a gentle body wash liquid or powder
Soapnuts; Use However and Wherever You Want them
So the thing is that you can use these organic soap nuts in many different ways that are not only convenient and organic but are also nothing but cost-effective. From being used as a laundry detergent, liquid soap, dishwasher liquid to shaving foam, the uses of these soap nuts are as diverse as they can get. It can be best described as a way of green cleaning.
Thus make sure to use the above-mentioned information in the right manner and thank us later!
