Coconut Palm

Coconut can easily be referred to as the seed of life. Every part of this plant has been used as either food or medicine. The water itself is so rich in electrolytes/minerals that it has been used in IV bags to replenish the body in times of need and drinking it can just quench all your cellular thirsts. Coconut is thought to be nourishing to the heart and kidneys. One herbalist says to drink coconut is to, “to wash the heart.” With lime juice, coconut has been used to soothe hypertension. The cooling fruit (aka as “jelly” or “meat”) has been given for sunstroke in India and throughout tropical places. The root has been used to treat toothaches and thought to strengthen the gums. Husks have been used to treat menstrual and bleeding complaints. The husk and woody shell are considered antiscorbutic (prevention and cure of scurvy). Through and through this plant is fortifying and mineral rich medicinal food to the whole body.

Coconut is a medicinal tropical nut and is a known antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-parasitic specifically the oil. The oil Is an excellent protective moisturizer especially for dry skin types. In Fiji the oil is used, like many other oils, for the treatment of stiff joints, rheumatism, and strained muscles. This treatment is probably most effective with therapeutic touch such as body work ands massage . Some have taken coconut oil internally as a laxative, purgative and or to kill worms in the body (vermifuge).

antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-parasitic

I had the honor of witnessing how coconut oil is made by hand. So many invaluable products come from this multi step production which happens almost every day in some tropical homes. Coconut milk, edible custard created by the soaked and grated pulp mixed with lime juice and finally the oil all are produced in a matter of hours. The sweet water, soft jelly, and the time it took to create so many useful and nourishing coconut products taught me the value of this seed of life.