September 11, 05:04Aaj Tak

How to grow 'soapwood' from retie to use it for washing hair and clothes

There is currently a growing interest in natural products, whether they are soap or hair coloring agents. Most people are moving away from chemical goods available in stores and returning to ecological and natural solutions. In this context, old folk remedies have once again become a topic of discussion, and among them, retie stands out.

Historically, retie was used for cleaning hair and washing clothes. Today, people buy retie in stores for hair washing, but now they do not need to do this because the plant can be easily grown at home. The retie plant has fruits, and the saponins contained in them form foam upon contact with water, functioning as a natural detergent.

Retie is also called saponite or sopberi. The outer shell of its fruits is rich in saponins. These natural components mix with water, creating a soap-like foam that helps remove dirt and grease. This is why retie was used in the past to clean skin, hair, and fabrics.

The plant can be grown from seeds. You need to take a ripe retie fruit, extract the seeds from it, and clean them thoroughly. After the seeds dry for several days, they can be planted in soil. According to the nursery guide of the Assam Forest Department, ripe retie seeds should be dried in the sun for two to three days before sowing.

Germination of retie seeds can take about 30–40 days. If you are just starting, you can first prepare the plant in a small pot or container. However, keep in mind that retie later turns into a large tree, so it will require open space for long-term growth.

The retie plant prefers soil where water does not stagnate. Therefore, it should be planted in such soil. For planting, you can use regular garden soil mixed with organic fertilizers or compost. For good development, the plant also requires a lot of sunlight. Although after the plant becomes large, it can grow with minimal care, monitoring soil moisture and watering is important in the initial stages.

The young retie plant needs to be watered as necessary, but water stagnation in the pot or soil must be avoided. Constantly moist soil can damage the roots. It is especially important to ensure that excess water drains freely during the rainy season.

When the retie tree bears fruits and they ripen and dry, they can be collected and dried. Then, the retie peel is soaked or boiled in water to prepare a natural cleaning solution. The saponins contained in the retie peel produce foam in water. This is why retie was traditionally used as a natural shampoo and cleaning agent.

Application for Hair Washing

Retie has long been used for hair cleansing. Its peel is soaked or boiled in water, then strained, and this water is used to wash hair. Even today, retie is used in many herbal hair care products. Nevertheless, before first use, it is recommended to conduct a small test and keep the product away from the eyes.

Application for Laundry and Household Cleaning

Retie is not only used for hair washing. Thanks to its natural saponins, it is used for cleaning clothes and some household items. Thus, growing a retie tree at home means not just planting a plant, but creating a tree whose fruits can be used for various types of cleaning.

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www.aajtak.inSeptember 6, 19:20

How 5 houseplants can help eliminate dampness and odor during the rainy season

With the arrival of the rainy season, the heat subsides, but indoor humidity significantly increases. This is especially noticeable when there is prolonged rain and windows and doors remain closed for long periods, leading to a feeling of dampness in rooms, bathrooms, and near windows.

Furthermore, in some homes, this situation exacerbates problems with mold, dampness, and unpleasant odors, for which people often use expensive products. Nevertheless, during humid weather, plants can be used to remove damp odors from the house.

Various houseplants can be planted to green up the home. These plants are capable not only of improving the appearance of the dwelling but also of making the atmosphere fresher and more comfortable. However, it should be understood that the mere presence of plants is not enough to eliminate excess moisture in the house. It is important to maintain ventilation by opening windows during the monsoon season and using dehumidifiers if necessary.

If you enjoy indoor gardening, you can consider the following plants for the autumn period:

Spider Plant — this is a suitable option for Indian homes as it requires minimal care. It can be placed near a window, on a balcony, or in a room that does not receive direct sunlight. During the rainy season, do not water it too frequently, as the soil may remain wet for a long time. Water only when the top layer of the soil has dried.

Peace Lily decorates the home with its white flowers and green leaves. They are best placed in areas with soft or diffused light. Although this plant likes a moist environment, standing water in the pot must be avoided. Excessive watering during the rainy season can damage the roots, so ensure proper drainage.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria) is suitable for those who prefer low-maintenance plants. It can be placed in a living room, an entrance area, or near a window. This plant does not require regular watering. During the rainy season, always check the condition of the soil before watering. It is crucial that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent water accumulation.

English Ivy, with its vine-like leaves, gives a beautiful green look to the corners of the house. It can be placed in hanging baskets near a window. However, it should not be placed in very dark and enclosed corners. The plant does not require direct sun; a spot with good light and fresh air is sufficient.

Boston Fern, with its dense green foliage, makes the house fresh and aesthetic. Since this is a moisture-loving plant, it can be grown indoors during the monsoon season. However, avoid placing it in enclosed corners where there is already severe dampness. Air circulation around the plant must be maintained. The soil should be moist, but water should not stagnate.

The main rule when caring for plants in rainy weather is not to overwater them. Due to constant rain and high humidity, the soil in pots does not dry out quickly. Therefore, avoid daily watering without inspecting the soil.

All pots with plants must have drainage holes to drain excess water. Additionally, regularly remove dry or damaged leaves and place the plants where they receive some natural light and air circulates.

If there are already problems with dampness or mold in the house, simply placing plants will not solve the problem. In such cases, it is much more important to find the cause of the increased humidity and ensure better ventilation in the house.

www.aajtak.inSeptember 1, 06:29

Kitchen waste can become fertilizer for strawberries, providing nutrients without buying ready-made fertilizers

People often enjoy growing fruits and vegetables on the balconies of their homes. If you are interested in gardening and have planted a strawberry bush, you may have noticed that the fruits on the plant are small or the plant's growth is insufficient. In such cases, there is no need to constantly buy expensive fertilizers or purchased stimulants. There are several things in your kitchen waste that are often thrown away but can provide the strawberry plant with the necessary nutrients.

For good growth, flowering, and fruiting, strawberry plants require elements such as potassium, calcium, and nitrogen. By using kitchen waste, you can prepare free fertilizer for a home strawberry bush. Let's look at which specific items are suitable for this.

How to grow strawberries in a pot:

1. Banana peel will provide a boost of potassium: Throwing away banana peels is a mistake because they contain nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus, which promote root development, flower formation, and fruit setting. To make the strawberry plant greener, cut the banana peel into small pieces and lightly sprinkle it around the roots in the soil. Over time, the peel will decompose, releasing nutrients. Additionally, you can soak the peel in water for several days and water the plant with this solution.

2. Eggshells will provide calcium: Eggshells are also very beneficial for plants because they contain calcium, which is useful for strawberries. The eggshells must be thoroughly washed and dried, then crushed and mixed with the plant's soil. This way, the calcium will be gradually absorbed by the soil.

3. Coffee grounds should not be thrown away: Coffee remnants after consumption can also be used for strawberries. They contain nitrogen, as well as some phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. However, they should be used in small quantities, mixed with the soil, rather than applied as a thick layer on the surface. They can also be combined with compost.

4. A nutrient solution can be made from vegetable scraps: Instead of throwing away potato, carrot, and onion peels, they can be used to make a nutrient solution for plants. Soak these peels in water for one or two days or lightly boil them, then strain the resulting liquid and use it to water the strawberries. This allows you to use kitchen waste while simultaneously enriching the soil with nutrients.

5. Liquid fertilizer can be made by mixing three components: If you want to introduce several nutrients at once, you can mix banana peel, crushed eggshells, and a little used coffee in water and leave it for some time. Then strain the mixture and apply it to the soil around the plant. It is best to dilute this mixture with an equal amount of regular water before use to avoid overloading the plant.