Ayurveda recommends coconut or nariyal for many health conditions. Coconut kernel for ED and PE, oil for hair and skin care, water for cystitis and UTI, flowers for diabetes, and IBS.
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Benefits of Ayurvedic Daily Routine or Dinacharya
Coconut is a large palm (30 mts tall) and a member of Arecaceae family with binomial nomenclature as Cocos nucifera . This plant is grown throughout the tropics.
Table of Content
Coconut health benefits according to Ayurveda
Health benefits of coconut kernel
Uses and benefits of tender coconut water
Health Benefits of coconut flower
Ayurvedic medicinal properties and benefits of coconut oil
Coconut Uses in Pregnancy
Home Remedies with coconut
Ayurveda Health Benefits of Coconut
Coconut is known as Naarikela in Ayurveda. The fruit, flower, tender coconut water, shell, and root of this plant are used as ingredients for many ayurvedic preparations. Texts of Ayurveda explain the properties of this nut as follows
Coconut is sweet to taste (madhura rasa) and acts as a body coolant (sheeta veerya). It is unctuous (snigdha) and heavy to digest (guru). It acts as a urinary coolant and may cause constipation in some. It balances vata dosha, pitta dosha and rakta (blood). This nut boosts the strength of the body (balya) and reduces the burning sensation or heat element of the body. People who want to put on some weight can use this as it increases body bulk (brumhana).
Health benefits of coconut kernel (Coconut pulp)
Tender coconut pulp:
Tender pulp cools the body and provides nourishment. It is very easy to digest and reduces acidity. Tender coconut pulp helps to boost body energy and strength.
Fully ripe pulp
According to Ayurveda Fully ripe coconut kernel is heavy to digest and can imbalance pitta. It may cause indigestion, acidity, and constipation in persons who have weak Agni (weak digestion). But still, it has many good health benefits which are explained as follows
Fully ripe pulp acts as a very good body coolant and is the best aphrodisiac (Vajikarana dravya). It is also an ingredient in ayurvedic treatment for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. It is known to increase the quality and quantity of semen (shukra dhatu). It is useful in cystitis and UTI. It is high in dietary fibers and cleanses the intestines. Fully ripe pulp is used in Indian recipes.
Uses and benefits of tender coconut water
Tender coconut water has a soothing effect on the intestines. It can be administered to infants as a rehydrating solution. It is known as “krimighna” i.e. kills intestinal parasites. When given as a regular health drink to children, it promotes growth and supplies good nutrients. Tender coconut water helps to overcome irritation of the bladder and helps in preventing urinary tract infections. Regular consumption of this water helps in the easy flow of urine and flushes out small kidney stones. It can be smeared on irritated skin (due to sunburn, rashes, chickenpox etc) to get a cooling effect. Tender coconut water increases the glow and fairness of skin. Hiccups and thirst get quickly subsided on the consumption of tender coconut water.
The following properties of coconut water are mentioned in ayurvedic texts
1. It is sweet in taste and increases the moistness of skin.
2. It acts as a body coolant.
3. Coconut water is a very good aphrodisiac and increases sexual energy and desire. It increases the quality and quantity of semen and is very helpful to persons who suffer from Klaibya or Erectile Dysfunction. Coconut water is the best natural ayurvedic home remedy for erectile dysfunction.
4. It is easily digested and instantly energizes the body
5. It quenches thirst.
6. It normalizes aggravated Vata and pitta.
7. It cleanses the body and bladder
8. It acts as a good appetizer.
Health Benefits of coconut flower
Flowers are used in the prevention of frequent bowel movements in diarrhea and dysentery. It is very useful in IBS. They help to normalize vitiated pitta and rakta (blood). Flowers help to reduce frequent urination. They act as a body coolant.
Ayurvedic medicinal properties and benefits of coconut oil
Coconut oil is an edible vegetable oil extracted from matured coconut flesh, and it contains about 90% saturated fats to offer many health benefits such as diet supplements, beauty care, weight loss, skin and hair care, and as well as reduce bad cholesterol.
Coconut oil is researched to be highly saturated and healthy to be used in place of all hydrogenated oils which are refined and have undergone many processes which are not healthy for human health.
Health benefits and uses of coconut oil according to Ayurveda.
This means the oil extracted out of coconut improves body strength. When we massage it on the scalp, it helps to increase hair growth. Pitta dosha and Vata dosha get normalized when this oil is used internally and externally. Using coconut oil for oil pulling helps to improve dental health and prevents caries. This oil has a sweet taste (madhura rasa)
The myriad uses of coconut oil cannot be over-emphasized in preventing and treating many health problems. Being naturally extracted from coconut fruits, it can be freely absorbed by the body without stress to produce quick energy. Coconut oil contains numerous essential nutrients such as saturated fatty acid and lauric acid which boost the immune system to fight viruses, yeast, and much more. This is the best ayurvedic immunity-boosting oil. It can withstand high temperatures, which makes it an excellent frying option. The content intends to look at some myriad uses of the unique oil.
Coconut oil is praised in Ayurveda for its health benefits. It is recommended for skin care, hair care, and also as a massage oil for erectile dysfunction.
Coconut oil has more than 500 uses that are beneficial to the inside and outside health of humans. Its healing powers from the inside are something to write home about. Its magic power on many skin diseases is a plus. Here are myriad uses of coconut oil:
Coconut oil for skincare
Coconut oil accelerates the healing of wounds and prevents diseases that arise due to dry skin. It is very safe to apply on cuts and wounds
Ayurveda recommends Coconut oil or naarikela taila (in ayurveda) in conditions like dry skin and skin diseases. It has been found that the application of coconut oil is beneficial in psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
Massaging coconut oil on the body has myriad benefits. It prevents the formation of wrinkles, aging of the skin, and pigmentation. It is known as varnya in Ayurveda. Varnya means restoring the complexion and glow of the skin
Massaging the foot with coconut oil helps to soften cracked heels and increases the beauty of the foot.
Coconut oil contains antioxidant vitamin E which makes it a great option for skincare. It is usually referred to as a natural moisturizer to treat dead skin, fights any symptoms of aging, steadily remove stretch marks, enhance the epidermis to prevent cellulite, and eliminate other related skin diseases.
Studies have shown that coconut oil is capable of healing and preventing fungal and microbial skin diseases such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and cracked heels. Recently, coconut oil has been employed in skincare product brands because of its effectiveness in moisturizing various skin types like aging and dry skin to make them glow again.
The fatty acid oil contained in the coconut oil helps to remove wrinkles and appearances without inflammation. Coconut oil on the skin has also been researched to offer a soothing therapeutic sense characterized by fantastic fragrances.
Do you want to make your skin glow again? Try coconut oil and experience healthy skin once again.
Coconut Oil for Hair Care
According to Ayurveda coconut oil is mainly used to massage the scalp. This increases hair growth and prevents dandruff and hair loss.
It relieves stress and anxiety when massaged on the scalp and rejuvenates the scalp and hair. It is classified as keshya. Keshya signifies its action as a hair-friendly herb. The application of coconut oil helps to prevent hair loss, and dandruff and increase hair growth. It also acts as a natural hair conditioner.
Coconut oil also finds its uses on not only the skin but also great magic in conditioning hair with its nutritious properties. It can effectively treat different hair problems such as dandruff, hair dehydration, and sun damage including dangerous UV radiation as well as chemical attacks.
A regular massaging of coconut oil into hair is capable of protecting and treating any form of hair infection. This oil contains essential proteins to replenish lost nutrients in the hair and made it one of the favorite materials in hair product brands. Your hair is guaranteed sealed in moisture with long-lasting moisturizing effects of coconut oil to protect your hair against any harmful attacks.
Coconut oil when processed with herbs like amla, bhringaraj, neem, etc, its medicinal value increases. Then it becomes the best ayurvedic hair oil to address dandruff, hair loss, or hair fall and slow down premature greying.
Going to the beach, saloon, or long survival journey, remember, a little bit of coconut oil goes far in keeping you going and protecting your precious hair from unwanted dandruff.
Coconut Oil in obesity
Coconut oil has been suggested through research to assist in weight loss by regulating appetite and enhancing easy digestion. Consumption of coconut oil has also helped to minimize daily intake of calories which plays a role in weight gain as it itself contains required calories for the day; thereby considerably shaping you to that healthy weight.
The magic oil added to your diet has been studied through clinical studies to contain a combination of fatty acids to provide sufficient power to the body system metabolism which sheds bad fats in your body system.
The medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in coconut oil are essential fats that are conveyed to the liver and converted to ketone bodies to produce energy found effectively for epileptic patients in their ketogenic diet.
This oil naturally improves mood and helps to get energized and motivated; thereby aiding weight loss in the process. It does this by regulating hormones that are responsible for stress and anxiety reductions which play a vital role in extra belly fat that leads to obesity.
Coconut oil is an excellent choice to add to your diet in place of unhealthy fats or oils like canola oil, vegetable oil, and much more. Daily consumption of a teaspoon will give better results to achieve your weight loss. Along with this follow a dinacharya or ayurvedic daily routine and also follow a regular ayurvedic detox diet for weight loss.
Coconut Oil for Cooking
Due to its overwhelming health benefits and taste, coconut oil has taken the stage of cooking to replace canola oil, butter, cottonseed oil, corn oil, and other vegetable oils. It contains required healthy calories and saturated fat to offer excellent health benefits for the body. It is gluten-free to assist in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and this has made it the best matched among other vegetable oils.
Coconut oil offers advantages over other oils such as soybeans oil, safflower oil, and corn oil which are filled with highly reactive fats such as polyunsaturated fats that cannot withstand heat, but only produce inflammatory and degenerative radicals which are bad for your gut and overall health. The degenerative trans fats contained in other oil due to their processing have been associated with some diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Coconut oil can be employed in cooking methods such as baking, sautéing, seasoning, frying, and other food cooking methods. Also, follow ayurvedic cooking tips for weight loss
Coconut Oil for Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Coconut oil also finds its effectiveness in preventing diseases related to mouth such as gum disease and tooth decay. It has been in use for many centuries to get rid of mouth bacteria and assist in treating gum disease. It is highly concentrated in antibacterial (MCFA’s), which made it regarded as one of the most active oils for oil pulling.
Coconut oil fights the bacteria when applied to the mouth and sanitizes the mouth. In the process of doing this, you are preventing the chances of periodontal or gum disease.
Coconut Oil as Lubricant and massage oil for erectile dysfunction:
Coconut oil can be used as a vaginal lubricant during sex. This is very helpful for women who are undergoing menopause, low female libido, and experience vaginal dryness. It can also be massaged on the genital organ of men to enhance hardness. Its massage increases erection in men who are experiencing erectile dysfunction. Coconut oil can be the best ayurvedic remedy for erectile dysfunction and also the best ayurvedic penis massage oil.
Virgin Coconut Oil versus Refined Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil
Virgin coconut oil extraction involves two methods the first is to extract oil from the expeller-pressing of dried coconut. Coconut oil can be mass-produced by this method, and many industries widely use it by establishing the industries in the coconut-producing communities. The second method involved the derivation of virgin coconut oil from dried coconut meat through the wet-milling process. The process starts by first removing coconut milk from fresh coconut, and the coconut meat is dried before extracting the oil with processes such as fermentation, boiling, mechanical centrifuge, etc. The two methods claim to produce virgin or extra virgin oil.
Refined coconut oil
Refined coconut oil, on the other hand, is a bleached and deodorized type of coconut oil. It is extracted from coconut meat or copra which has been dried. This type of coconut oil can only be consumed if it is refined. During the refining process, bacteria and germs are killed and smell removed for human consumption. However, it is commonly used in cosmetics and cooking but does not taste like coconut oil.
Both virgin and refined coconut oil are certified non-GMO and organic to contain 63% and 50% MCT and lauric acid respectively. However, while virgin coconut oil is characterized to be made from fresh coconut, heat up at 3500F, with scent and sweet flavor, refined coconut oil is made from dried coconut, heat up at 4000F, and has a neutral scent and taste.
It has been clearly shown that coconut oil is blessed with different medicinal properties to offer various myriad health uses to mouth, skin, hair, cooking, and much more. Many of these myriad uses have been discussed in this content in detail. However, when using this unique oil for treatments and preventions, caution should be taken not to over-use or abuse the oil. Apply it right and expect a great result.
Pure coconut oil – Alternative solution for oral thrush in babies
Breast milk is a treasure house of nutrients and immunity-building components. These nutrients keep babies healthy.
Thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth. Exposure to antibiotics (either by the child or a breastfeeding mother), yeast on the nipple, yeast infection in the birth canal of the mother, etc can cause thrush. If the baby is on antibiotics, it kills the friendly flora, or bacteria, found naturally in the human body, allowing the yeast to thrive. If thrush is due to antibiotic treatment of baby, then mother’s milk will help to fight this condition.
Dr.Shirish Bhate remembers the usage of breast milk drops in conjunctivitis in childhood. Coconut oil and human breast milk contain one component in common i.e lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid. When these substances are consumed, Lauric acid gets transformed into monolaurin. The compound Monolaurin helps to fight numerous infections. Thus coconut oil and breast milk act as antibiotics.
Researchers have found that medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid have the capacity to damage the lipid membranes of microorganisms. Thus usage of pure coconut oil topically is an effortless way to protect ourselves from infections. Dr.Shirish bhate has found that the massage of coconut oil is very useful in conditions like rashes, eczema, and psoriasis. Pure coconut oil also helps to heal wounds.
Shata-dhouta ghrita can be used if pure coconut oil is not available.
Note: Please consult a paediatrician before starting any treatment to babies.
Uses of Coconut in Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant can reap the benefits of coconut
- Coconut oil can be applied on stretch marks to prevent itching and scarring. This can also be used for body massage and scalp massage.
- Tender coconut water is very helpful in pregnancy to hydrate the body and soothe the bladder. It also prevents nausea and vomiting in the first trimester. But pregnant ladies with diabetes or kidney problem should never use tender coconut water.
- Do not consume half-ripe kernel as it may cause constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
- Dilute coconut milk can be used in pregnancy if your Agni or digestive power is strong.
- Never use coconut flowers in pregnancy.
Home Remedies with coconut
- The coconut shell is used as the best remedy for eczema and psoriasis. The shell of the coconut has to be burnt. The burnt shell has to be powdered and mixed with coconut oil. This paste is applied to eczema or psoriasis. In oozing eczema only burnt shell powder has to be applied.
- The burnt coconut shell powder (finely prepared) mixed with edible camphor has to be massaged on gums to prevent bleeding of gums. This remedy also strengthens the gums and enhances their health.
- People who experience sunburn or dry skin can massage pure coconut oil on their skin. This relieves itching and soothes the skin.
- Coconut water is the best answer for cystitis and burning micturition. People who suffer from pain in the bladder and burning sensation while passing urine can drink a full tender coconut water to get rid of these problems. It acts as an excellent body coolant that relieves irritation in the urinary tract.
- In India, it is customary to give tender coconut water to persons who suffer from measles and chickenpox. Tender coconut water soothes the body tissues and digestive tract which are inflamed due to these viral diseases.
- Coconut oil is a very popular remedy for hair loss. Massage scalp with warm coconut oil when you have hair loss. This improves blood circulation to the scalp and also helps in dry scalp conditions.
- When you have dandruff, itchy scalp, or vitiligo massaging the coconut milk on affected parts is the best remedy. (How to extract coconut milk- Grate a fresh coconut and blend it in a mixer along with a cup of water. Squeeze the coconut milk and use it for therapeutic purposes).
- Many women complain of increased bleeding during menopause time. In these times consume a cup of coconut water (coconut water from ripe coconut) with half a teaspoon of rock sugar powder (misri).
- Coconut milk is a soothing remedy for irritable bowel syndrome and colitis. Drink a cup of coconut milk or take an enema with coconut milk. It gives good relief.
- Drinking tender coconut water daily is a dietary recommendation for men who are undergoing Vajikarana Therapy.
Consult Dr.Savitha Suri for ayurvedic remedies. Email drsavithasuri@gmail.com . WhatsApp + 91 6360108663
Author : Dr. Savitha Suri Consultant Ayurvedic Physician
Call us at +91 9945995660 / +91 9448433911
