how to make reetha powder - #38959
I am really confused about how to make reetha powder. I’ve been trying to switch to more natural hair care after realizing all those chemical shampoos aren’t great for my scalp. A friend told me about reetha and how amazing it is for my hair, but I don't really know where to start. Last week I got some dried reetha pods from the local market, and they look kinda weird, but I've heard it's super effective. I thought let me try making my own reetha powder, but I've never done anything like this before. Do I just crush them? Should I soak them first?? I tried smashing one with a hammer (probably a bad idea) and ended up with a mess everywhere! Now I’m doubting if I even did it right. Also wondering how fine the powder should be? Should it be like flour or can it be coarser? And also, once I make this reetha powder, how do I use it? Like can I mix it with other stuff? Do I need something special to prepare my hair or just rinse and go? Feeling kinda lost here! Any tips or step-by-step on how to make reetha powder would be super helpful. Thanks in advance!
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Doctors' responses
Creating reetha powder at home can indeed seem daunting at first, but with a bit of guidance, you’ll find it’s quite manageable. Reetha, also known as soapnut, is well-regarded in Ayurveda for hair care, thanks to its natural saponins which act as a cleanser. To start, you’ll want to soak the dried reetha pods overnight in warm water. This softening will make it easy to remove the seeds. Trust me, dealing with whole pods is tricky otherwise!
Once soaked, remove the seeds and let the softened pods dry for a day or two until they’re completely dry. You can then grind them into a powder using a spice grinder or a blender. Aim for a fine consistency similar to flour, as this will ensure easy application and rinsing. It’s perfectly fine to have some coarse bits, but try to get it as fine as possible— a few passes in the grinder might be necessary.
When using reetha powder, it’s quite flexible. Mix it with water to form a paste. For added benefits, consider mixing it with other herbs like amla and shikakai powder, which are also excellent for the hair. You’ll want to apply this paste to your scalp and hair, gently massaging it in. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with luke warm water.
Before application, make sure your hair’s damp; this helps the paste spread more easily. There’s no special preparation necessary for your hair beyond regular brushing to remove tangles, ensuring an even application.
Avoid getting the paste into the eyes, as it can sting. Also, initially use it once a week and observe any changes in your scalp or hair texture. This approach will help you adjust its application based on your hair’s specific needs.

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