Reetha, also known as soapnut, has indeed been used traditionally for hair care due to its natural cleansing properties. In Siddha-Ayurveda, reetha is valued for balancing kapha and pitta doshas, which can help in maintaining a healthy scalp and reducing excess oil formation (helpful for greasy days). It works as a natural surfactant, gently cleansing the scalp without stripping away natural oils, making it beneficial for both oily and dry scalp issues.
However, your concerns about hair fall, possibly linked to your dry scalp, suggest a need to address internal factors such as your diet, stress levels, and overall body constitution (prakriti). Hair issues often arise from deeper imbalances, like poor digestion or nutritional deficiencies. Ensuring a balanced intake of nutrients—like zinc, iron, and proteins—is crucial to support hair health. Adding nourishing herbs like amla (Indian gooseberry) in your diet can also be beneficial due to its high vitamin C content, promoting hair strength.
If you want to try reetha, here’s a simple way to use it: take a handful of dried reetha, soak them overnight in water. Boil this soaked mixture until the water becomes soapy, then strain it. Once cooled, you can use it as a gentle hair cleanser. While reetha is generally safe, it can be drying if used excessively. For color-treated hair, it’s advisable to do a patch test first as it might strip some color due to its natural detergent properties.
As you sounded skeptical, it’s wise to shift gradually to natural remedies like reetha and observe how your scalp and hair respond over time. Balance it with a nourishing hair oil massage with something like bhringraj or coconut oil to provide additional hydration and nourishment on the dry days. Avoid hot showers, intense styling, or over-shampooing which can irritate your scalp further. If your issues persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to seek further consultation with a healthcare provider to tackle underlying problems. Always follow up with gentle conditioners to avoid dryness when using reetha.
