Bhoondhikkai is a big tree growing in hill stations of India. Its fruits are called as Bhoondhikottai or Soapnut. After removing the kernels, fleshy fruit parts are dried well, ground into very fine powder. It is then filtered to make it free from unground parts of the fruit.

It is also called as Manipunugu, Boovandhi, Ponnangai in Tamil. It is called as Soap Nut, Soap Berry, Wash Nut in English, Phenil, Ritha, Reetha in Hindi, Cavakkay, Uruvanchi in Malayalam, Kunkudu Chettu in Telugu, Antuvalakayi, Norakaye in Kannada, Arithi or Aritho in Gujarathi. Its Botanical Name is Sapindus Trifoliatus.

It is being used by our people as a cleaning and foaming agent along with Shikakai.

Disclaimer: Before taking any herbal as an intake, you are requested to consult with a Siddha or Ayurveda Doctor or any other Traditional Siddha Physician to avoid further health related problems. They will help you to understand the procedure, the effect of Herbals and foods to avoid if any, upon consuming the herbs.