The Coconut Story from the House of Shree Varma

Underneath it's hard outer covering coconut harbours a treasure trove. It is a fruit, a nut and a seed all at the same time. It has been referred to as the ‘Kalpavriksha’ in Indian mythologies; which means a tree which provides all necessities of life. It is one of the most talented and selfless plants to germinate from the womb of mother earth. Every inch of the coconut tree can be used, nothing goes to waste. It is a blessing from the heavens; maybe that is why it is mentioned at various places in mythological stories. If you still haven’t we will share one with you. If you have closely observed Lord Shiva you would have noticed an extra eye… now search for an image of a coconut. You will be surprised to notice something similar. Archaeological evidence reveals that the palm tree of which coconut is the fruit dates back over 20 million years. They have been here way before us’ but humans didn’t wait for far too long to put it to our use. Coconut conventionally was used in various rites and rituals. In Bali, Indonesia, and other Pan Asian countries coconut symbolizes birth. In various parts of Africa a coconut palm is planted at the birth of every new one. Closer home, our Hindu religious practises are replete with examples of its ritualistic use. There is no dearth of examples wherein we can find the close relationship between Ayurveda and coconut. Our uses of the coconut have become advanced as we have evolved.

It can be used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It is thus said that a coconut palm is like a son to a poor man. A famous Indonesian saying “there are as many uses of the coconut as there are days in a year” encapsulates its various uses beautifully”. Coconut can be used as food in multiple ways. It is used to make delectable dishes in various cuisines. One very unique aspect of coconut is that it gives us water, milk and oil. Can you think of any other plant which does the same.

It has immense therapeutic benefits. It is replete with nutrients like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, vitamin C, etc.

It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. From an itchy scalp to dry skin, from lowering blood sugar level to giving a quick energy boost, from healing a stubborn scar to reversing the signs of ageing; it does all of that and a lot more like a charm.

Coconut works equally well in balancing out the doshas. It pacifies the ego and the mind. It acts like a fire fighter and calms down aggressive tendencies and flared up temperaments, in individuals with high Pitta tendencies. The nourishing qualities of coconut can help stabilize the overthinking Vatta minds. Pairing it with herbs and spices like cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric will help moderate its cooling properties. This way it will not provoke the Kapha dosha further

Using coconut oil for cooking helps in removing blockages in blood vessels and healing an impaired digestive system by balancing out the Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Coconut oil also keeps a check on the formation of kidney stones. It also shields us from excessive accumulation of toxins in our pancreas, thus protecting us from diabetes mellitus.

What has dented its reputation in the modern world is our switch to inferior products which offer extremely low benefits as compared to coconut. Coconut truly is miraculous, if you are already using it in your day to day life then you already know about its miracles. We need to embrace it and welcome it in our daily lives with open arms. If you are someone who still hasn’t experienced it first hand, then the right time is now. The earlier the better.

With enough care, compassion and commitment you can accomplish absolutely anything with the help of Ayurveda. We at ShreeVarma believe in the power of Ayurveda, we have schooled ourselves in Vedic sciences and adhere to all the teachings taught by the sages.

Om Shanti