We’ve all seen those ads — the ones promising that a quick spray of deodorant or a heavily scented soap will banish smelly sweat and make you instantly “fresh.”

In Ayurveda, sweat isn’t just a sign of heat — it’s a vital reflection of your body’s inner balance. Known as Sveda, it is one of the three primary waste products (mala) that help the body detoxify naturally. Formed as a by-product of fat metabolism and governed by Pitta dosha, sweat plays a crucial role in regulating temperature, maintaining skin softness, and eliminating toxins. But when the delicate balance of the Svedavaha Srotas (sweat channels) is disturbed, it can lead to issues like excessive sweating, lack of sweating, or foul odor. Understanding Sveda helps us not just manage sweat, but also decode deeper signals about our health and dosha harmony.

Reetha (Sapindus Mukorossi), also known as soapnut, soapberry, and washnut, is a dried fruit that...