A friend mentioned these to me last night so I looked them up on my trusted supplier's site...very intriguing, I will be adding them to my next order.
Here is some of the info....
Soap Nuts ProfileAlso known asSapindus mukorossi, Sapindus trifoliatus, Sapindus saponaria, soapberry, and soap pods.
IntroductionSoap nuts are found in both the eastern and western hemispheres, but are native to India and Nepal. They have recently become a popular environmentally friendly alternative to chemical detergent, and are a gentle option for those with allergies to chemicals in regular detergents. They have traditionally been used as an expectorant, and in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis. Soap nuts contain saponin, a natural detergent. The soap nut shell absorbs water and releases the saponins which circulate as a natural surfactant in the wash water, freeing dirt, grime, and oils from clothing. PLEASE NOTE: There is considerable discussion as to what variety of Soap Nuts is preferable for use as a laundry soap alternative and any Soap Nut from the genus Sapindus will work just fine as they all have Saponin producing properties, hence the genus name Sapindus. There is also considerable discussion as to what Soap Nut is better; those with the seed or those without the seeds. Through our own laboratory tests and from our own personal experience we have determined that using Soap Nuts which still contain the seed has a better effect on cleaning cloths because the seed inside the shell acts an agitator against the shell wall which releases more saponins into water. We also determined that Soap Nuts with the seed still in them worked marvelously well in cleaning clothes because of the light "beating" action they imparted. All of these qualities are missing when you use just the shells of the Soap Nut.
For more info check them out at Mountain Rose Herbs
Here is some of the info....
Soap Nuts ProfileAlso known asSapindus mukorossi, Sapindus trifoliatus, Sapindus saponaria, soapberry, and soap pods.
IntroductionSoap nuts are found in both the eastern and western hemispheres, but are native to India and Nepal. They have recently become a popular environmentally friendly alternative to chemical detergent, and are a gentle option for those with allergies to chemicals in regular detergents. They have traditionally been used as an expectorant, and in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis. Soap nuts contain saponin, a natural detergent. The soap nut shell absorbs water and releases the saponins which circulate as a natural surfactant in the wash water, freeing dirt, grime, and oils from clothing. PLEASE NOTE: There is considerable discussion as to what variety of Soap Nuts is preferable for use as a laundry soap alternative and any Soap Nut from the genus Sapindus will work just fine as they all have Saponin producing properties, hence the genus name Sapindus. There is also considerable discussion as to what Soap Nut is better; those with the seed or those without the seeds. Through our own laboratory tests and from our own personal experience we have determined that using Soap Nuts which still contain the seed has a better effect on cleaning cloths because the seed inside the shell acts an agitator against the shell wall which releases more saponins into water. We also determined that Soap Nuts with the seed still in them worked marvelously well in cleaning clothes because of the light "beating" action they imparted. All of these qualities are missing when you use just the shells of the Soap Nut.
For more info check them out at Mountain Rose Herbs
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