A substitute for shampoo

Known in India as shikakai, the 'fruit for the hair', the soap pod has been in use as a common hair cleanser from time immemorial. As the pods are loaded with saponin, it qualifies as an ideal shampoo, offered by Mother Nature. In addition, the soap pod seldom interferes with the natural oils of the skin, while flushing out the dirt. In that way, it is the first shampoo-cum-conditioner ever used by human beings! Folk wisdom has acknowledged its contribution in fighting those lice harboured in the hair.

The traditional textile processors of India have also employed the soap pod as an effective detergent in the manufacture of both silk and woollen fabrics.

As a folk remedy the pod is used in various ways.

An infusion could be a substitute for modern day chemical antiseptics and can be used for cleaning and washing wounds and bruises; as a first aid, this can prevent pus formation.

Soap pod can be called a poor man's analgesic particularly in the treatment of pain in legs, hips and joints. First you apply some castor oil on the limbs that ache and foment the area with a hot water bag. Then sprinkle the area with a fine soap pod powder, massage and later wash it with hot water. When you wipe it dry, the pain should have also been wiped away!

A dilute decoction of soap pods could be an ideal homemade gargle to drive away odour-causing bacteria from the mouth. Several folk remedies prescribe soap pod for fighting skin infections. A simple method is to boil a teaspoonful of soap pod powder in 1 cup water and use the decoction as a tincture to wash frequently the affected areas of the skin. This could be the most affordable and economical way to locally treat itch, pimples, psoriasis, skin rashes etc.

A Word of Caution

Soap pod is clearly distinguishable from soap nut, which grows in the northern parts of India. While using soap pod, care is to be exercised to remove the seeds.

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