When we think coconut, we think paradise. We're immediately transported to sandy beaches and piercing blue waters while holding a coconut in our left hand and sipping on its refreshing waters. Whether you've had the coconut fresh or only as shredded flakes atop your favorite dessert, you've likely encountered it at some point in your life. But did you know that coconut palms were dubbed the "all-giving tree" due to it's medicinal properties, and its ability to be used as a textile, among other things.
History & Folklore
In ancient Indian texts, coconuts were dubbed "Kalpavriksha" which translates to "the all-giving tree". It was given it's second moniker due to the high variations of medicinal uses. In Polynesian mythology, a king transformed into an eel to befriend a beautiful girl named Sina. As time passed, the eel decided to reveal his true self, then requested that Sina bury his head in the ground. Eventually, a coconut tree grew from the ground where Sina had buried the eel. And, if you have ever watched Moana, you may be familiar with the line, "killed an eel, buried its guts; sprouted a tree, now we got coconuts!".
Habitat & Cultivation
Sandy beaches. Striking blue waters. That is where the coconut lives--in paradise. Believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, coconut is found throughout the tropics. It thrives in sand and salt infused soils and requires plenty of sun and rain. Today, coconut is grown commercially 80 countries. Additionally, a single coconut palm tree can produce up to 10,000 nuts in its lifetime.
Uses
Remedy for common infections with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, coconut is great for countering influenza, cold sores, shingles, and fungal problems
Healthy gut flora coconut benefits the gut flora and can help clear intestinal worms and parasites
Nutrient absorption the oil and cream of coconut aids digestion and helps with the absorption of nutrients; can be taken to prevent or treat osteoporosis
Coconut Water is beneficial to lower blood pressure, prevent arteriosclerosis, lower cholesterol levels, aid weight loss, and lower blood glucose levels
Coconut oil keeps skin and hair healthy, and can be used for cooking
Parts used
Kernel (fresh or dried)
Water of coconut
Every part of the coconut is useful
Key Actions
Antimicrobial
Immunostimulant activity
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antiviral
Lowers blood pressure
Lower cholesterol levels
Constituents
90% saturated fat, mostly medium-chain fatty acids (lauric, myristic, caprylic, and capric acids)
Minerals; notably potassium
Virgin coconut oil is entirely non-toxic
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 192.
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