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The coconut is a beautiful gift to the peoples of the world. The Sanskrit language calls the coconut palm ‘kalpa vriksah,’ meaning that it is a plant which gives everything one needs to survive. The coconut is an old tree and a distant relative of grasses, and its meat, water and oil have been used for nutrition and health by many cultures. In India in particular, the coconut has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine, a system which has inspired aromatherapists, nutritionists and naturopaths the world over.

The coconut’s liquid filtration system is one of the reasons why this beloved plant is so nourishing. Every liter of water in its shell takes almost nine months to be drawn up and through the plant, where it is deposited in the nut. More electrolytes are found in coconut water than in most other plants, making it an ideal hydrating liquid. Drinking a mixture of 55% coconut and 45% green juice gives the body an immediate burst of natural energy.

A completely saturated medium-chain fatty acid (remember: not all saturated fats are bad!), coconut oil contains no cholesterol and does not form dangerous trans-fatty acids. The medium-chain fatty acids (MCT’s) in coconut oil possess incredible health giving benefits requiring less energy and fewer enzymes to digest, allowing the body to quickly convert the MCT’s into usable energy. Even better than olive oil for lowering overall cholesterol levels, coconut oil is stable at high temperatures (up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit), making it an excellent choice for use in cooking.

Coconut oil is one of nature’s most versatile and healthy fats. Studies show that coconut oil supports the health of the thyroid gland, which regulates thenecessary anti-aging steroids progesterone, DHEA and pregnenolone. These steroids are important to help prevent heart disease, senility, obesity, cancer and other degenerative diseases associated with aging. Coconut oil also contains capryllic acid as well as lauric acid, both of which are anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-microbial. It has long been known that caprilyc acid is the most potent yeast-fighting substance, making it an excellent choice for those working with candida and other inner ecology imbalances. Transitioning to coconut oil as one’s fat source also helps to normalize blood sugar levels while increasing energy, building a healthy immune and nervous system and reducing the overall stress on one’s system. It is helpful to note that a ‘therapeutic dose’ of coconut oil consists of daily doses of two to three (or more) tablespoons for an adult.

Cooking with coconut oil is a fun way to introduce this supplement into your life. Try using it instead of margarine, butter or other vegetable oils. Also, consider using fresh coconuts that are not too old (i.e., forgo the shaved coconut and opt for a whole coconut instead).The meat is primarily fat, and it can be chopped and eaten with fruit for a delectable treat. Coconut oil is also great as an oil for veggies, tossed into your morning smoothie or buttered on bread with spices or preserves. If you’re looking for a way to enliven oats or rice, coconut oil adds a special note to a normally humble dish.

Coconut’s reputation as a skin nutrient is well-documented, and people with many skin types can benefit from its moisture-giving qualities. In aromatherapy, both virgin and fractionated coconut oils are used. A way to see the difference is to remember that virgin coconut oil looks more like coconut flesh. It is a solid fat that is used in both cooking and body care, and it can be mixed with aromatic oils. While it is certainly a dense oil, virgin coconut oil doesn’t leave the skin feeling too oily, as it is absorbed rapidly. Fractionated coconut has similar qualities, but it is made by physically reducing the size of the fat molecule, removing the section of the molecule that makes it a solid. This creates a liquid oil that has no odor, lasts a long time (its molecular structure makes it “fully saturated,” meaning it has no atomic space for oxygen to attach, thereby deteriorating the oil) and is quickly consumed by the skin. Sometimes coconut is mixed with other oils, like jojoba, resulting in a nutrient-rich cream. With so many coconut oils to choose from, mixing coconut with aromatic oils is a simple way to add to your health and beauty regimen.

A final thought on coconuts: in addition to being a medicine, a food and a skin moisturizer, coconut oil is also an excellent erotic oil. The smell and taste of this oil can enhance sexual intercourse. Try making a yummy natural body lotion including coconut oil blended with essential oils of cacao and vanilla. Lather this on the skin of your beloved and enjoy the results.

If you’re searching for a multi-use, healthy oil, search no further than the coconut. Whether you use it in skin blends, salads or massage creams, the coconut is an all-around excellent choice as both a carrier and edible oil. It takes essential oils beautifully and will not leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy. Use it in its many forms and see how this unique plant continues to benefit us in our day to day lives.