Coconut is a superfood, the utility of which in beauty and wellness is seriously underrated. Of course, we have tons of cosmetic products in the market today that claim to come with “coconut extracts” but nothing like the good old Indian coconut home remedies.
Coconut oil has been a staple Indian grandmother’s recipe for luscious locks, and it’s Western counterparts are slowly on the rise. The oil also protects the skin from wrinkles, scars and dryness upon regular application. Food cooked in coconut oil is said to delay Alzheimer’s and is very good for controlling your body’s cholestrol.
Coconut milk is a popular choice while baking both Indian and foreign desserts and is a healthy vegan alternative for vegan enthusiasts.
What is Coconut Water
Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside a young and green coconut. As the fruit matures, coconut water gets replaced by a solidified form which is called Malai in India. Coconut water is a popular drink across the globe, especially in tropical regions of the Earth. In Indian Ayurveda, it is said that coconut water can treat dehydration, indigestion, urination among many other ailments.
Scientifically known as Cocos nucifera, the coconut belongs to the palm family. Coconuts are mainly found in countries around the Indian and Pacific Oceans, such as India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Hawaii. Coconut tree is called Kalpa-Vriksha in Sanskrit, which means a tree that fulfils every wishes. The name is symbolic of the fact that every part of a coconut tree is useful for both health and wellness.
Coconut water has been known to promote an increase in platelet count when consumed, especially when a person is suffering from illness. It boosts immunity, strength and the platelet count. However, one unexplored aspect to coconut water is it’s topical application to the skin and hair.
Coconut Water For The Skin
Coconut water has genuine anti ageing properties that our skin can benefit from. It contains Vitamin C which helps with skin brightening, antioxidants that delay wrinkles and fine lines, ultra-hydration like no other, healing components that help with sun damage and helps with acne by removing impurities from the layers of the skin.
Toner
Just take 1/2 a cup of fresh coconut water, dip a cotton ball in it and apply it all over the face and neck gently. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with water at room temperature or cold water. You don’t even have to wash it off if your face isn’t sticky. Avoid using hot water on the skin at all times. This prevents blackheads, acne, blemishes and pimples.
You can even mix coconut water with rosewater and use it as your everyday toner.
Facepack
Make a facepack of 1 tbsp of fuller’s earth (multani mitti) and 2 tbsp of coconut water. The consistency should be semi-liquid and must resemble a paste. Apply this paste on your face/neck and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash it off with water at room temperature or cold water.
Cleanser
Use fresh coconut water to wash and cleanse your face every morning. The results are fantastic and you’ll be left with glowing, soft, supple and hydrated skin every morning. This is highly recommended for people with oily skin.
Coconut Water For The Hair
Coconut water when applied to the hair helps with hair fall, dandruff, sun damage, frizziness, dry hair and follicle stimulation.
Hair fall
Coconut water is rich in iron and vitamin K. Both are essential to the strength of your hair.
Massage the hair and scalp with 1/2 cup of fresh coconut water. Apply till the bottom of your hair. Leave it on for 40 minutes and then rinse with a mild shampoo.
Dandruff
These are 2 ways you can combat dandruff with coconut water.
- Mix 1 tbsp of lemon juice with 1/4 cup of coconut water. Massage the scalp and hair with it. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse with a mild shampoo and air dry.
- First wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Now mix 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of coconut water. Apply it to the shampooed hair from scalp till the shaft. Let it stay for 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water and air dry.
Damaged Hair
Mix 1 tbsp of honey with 1/4 cup of coconut water. Massage it onto your hair from scalp till the shaft. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse with a mild shampoo.
Use fresh coconut water for all the remedies mentioned above. If you don’t have coconuts available in your country, make a trip to India – we’ll welcome you with open arms and offer you as many coconuts as you’d like! Thank you Mother Nature for the bounty you bestow upon us, without you we’d have nowhere to go.
Disclaimer:
Every man and woman is beautiful the way they are. This article does not intend to offend anybody or criticise any individual’s physical appearance. It only aims to help those who are willing to explore the area of beauty, wellness and health.
