Bathing With Chelsea: Soap That Grows On Trees?!

I was blown away by this! Apparently there are trees in India and Nepal that grow soapberries. These soapberries naturally contain saponins in their outer shells, and when added to water, the shells release these saponins and act as a natural detergent.

I started looking for them right away and managed to find them at my local grocery store. I instantly replaced my regular laundry detergent with them and have never looked back. You simply put four or five shells into a muslin bag (it should come with one when you buy it) and toss it into your machine. They are said to last 4-5 loads in cold water, or 2-3 in hot water. I don't believe that hot water makes any difference so I always wash in cold. After using them up, they get a bit smooshy and that's when you know it's time to toss them. My favorite part is that you can put them right into your compost bin! Doesn't it feel good to know that you're not washing with harsh chemicals and detergents or polluting the water?

But wait! What about your eczema? Your psoriasis? Or otherwise delicate and sensitive skin? Not a problem! Those conditions are frequently caused by reactions or irritations to the chemicals and additives added to commercial laundry detergents. Soapnuts have a history of being used as an Ayurvedic treatment for eczema and psoriasis.

I haven't been this adventurous (yet, haha) but there are many other uses for soapnuts besides just washing your clothes. They can be used as mosquito repellant, liquid hand some, shampoo, all purpose cleaner, window and glass cleaner, steam cleaning spot treatment, in the dishwasher, cleaning jewelry, and even as a plant wash and pest repellant.