Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Coconut known as Narikela in Ayurveda is a cooling and nourishing fruit from the palm Cocos nucifera. It possesses a sweet taste with heavy and unctuous qualities and a cold potency making it effective in pacifying Vata and Pitta doshas. Therapeutically it acts as a natural aphrodisiac strength promoter and diuretic used to treat hyperacidity known as Amlapitta burning sensations and excessive thirst. The fruit pulp and water are specific remedies for urinary disorders like dysuria and bleeding conditions called Raktapitta. Important formulations include Narikela Khanda beneficial for acid gastritis and Narikela Lavana which treats colic. Its unctuous nature supports deep tissue nourishment while its cooling effect balances body heat making it a vital tonic for debility and pitta aggravations.
Coconut, known scientifically as Cocos nucifera, is a versatile palm extensively used in Ayurveda for both its nutritional and medicinal value. In Sanskrit, it is called Nārikela. It is revered for its cooling and nurturing properties, making it a staple in treatments for heat-related conditions (Pitta disorders), dehydration, and digestive acidity. It serves as a wholesome tonic (Rasayana) that promotes strength and bulk.
The Coconut palm is a tall tree found in coastal regions. In Ayurveda, various parts of the fruit are used: the water (Jala), the kernel/endosperm (Endo.), and the oil. It is described as Brimhana (nourishing/bulk-promoting), Balya (strength-promoting), and Vrishya (aphrodisiac). It is a sweet, cooling substance that instantly relieves thirst and burning sensations. Special preparations like Narikela Lavana (Coconut Salt) are famous for treating chronic gastric ulcers and colic.
Coconut is clinically indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on formulations):
The Codex Alimentarius Commission sets international standards for edible fats and oils, including coconut oil quality and safety.
Includes categories, labeling, contaminants, and nutritional claims.
http://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius
WHO discussions on dietary fats & oils, addressing saturated fats in public health nutrition context — includes commentary on coconut oil’s health implications.
https://www.who.int/health-topics/nutrition
Eyres L., Eyres M.F., et al. (2016). Coconut oil consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in humans.
Food and Nutrition Research.
Systematic review of coconut oil’s effects on blood lipids and cardiovascular risk.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28042333/
Martins V.J.B., et al. (2020). Comparative effects of coconut oil, olive oil, and butter on lipid profile and cardiovascular markers.
Journal of Nutrition & Metabolism.
Evaluates different fats’ effects on LDL/HDL cholesterol, inflammation, and metabolic risk.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnme/2020/3831569/
Songwood E., Abohashrh M.A., et al. (2018). Coconut water isotonic beverage: electrolyte composition & hydration effects.
Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.
Coconut water as natural electrolyte replacement — sodium, potassium, and hydration clinical implications.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889157517302898
Preedy V.R., et al. (2015). Coconut: Chemistry, production and utilization.
Academic Press (Elsevier).
Comprehensive book on coconut composition, functional properties, processing and human health roles.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128039681/coconut
Arun N., et al. (2020). Bioactive compounds from coconut with antimicrobial activities.
Journal of Functional Foods.
Coconut components (medium-chain fatty acids, lauric acid) show antimicrobial action in lab studies.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464620301480
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, fresh coconut water or small amounts of the kernel can be part of a daily diet for hydration and nutrition. Medicinal forms like Narikela Lavana are taken for specific treatment periods.
Q. When should it be taken?
Coconut water is best taken in the morning or afternoon. Narikela Khanda is often recommended to be taken with food or as a tonic. Narikela Lavana is typically taken with Pippali Churna or water.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, Narikela Khanda (a sweet medicinal preparation) is often taken with milk or water.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Coconut known as Narikela in Ayurveda is a cooling and nourishing fruit from the palm Cocos nucifera. It possesses a sweet taste with heavy and unctuous qualities and a cold potency making it effective in pacifying Vata and Pitta doshas. Therapeutically it acts as a natural aphrodisiac strength promoter and diuretic used to treat hyperacidity known as Amlapitta burning sensations and excessive thirst. The fruit pulp and water are specific remedies for urinary disorders like dysuria and bleeding conditions called Raktapitta. Important formulations include Narikela Khanda beneficial for acid gastritis and Narikela Lavana which treats colic. Its unctuous nature supports deep tissue nourishment while its cooling effect balances body heat making it a vital tonic for debility and pitta aggravations.
Coconut, known scientifically as Cocos nucifera, is a versatile palm extensively used in Ayurveda for both its nutritional and medicinal value. In Sanskrit, it is called Nārikela. It is revered for its cooling and nurturing properties, making it a staple in treatments for heat-related conditions (Pitta disorders), dehydration, and digestive acidity. It serves as a wholesome tonic (Rasayana) that promotes strength and bulk.
The Coconut palm is a tall tree found in coastal regions. In Ayurveda, various parts of the fruit are used: the water (Jala), the kernel/endosperm (Endo.), and the oil. It is described as Brimhana (nourishing/bulk-promoting), Balya (strength-promoting), and Vrishya (aphrodisiac). It is a sweet, cooling substance that instantly relieves thirst and burning sensations. Special preparations like Narikela Lavana (Coconut Salt) are famous for treating chronic gastric ulcers and colic.
Coconut is clinically indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on formulations):
The Codex Alimentarius Commission sets international standards for edible fats and oils, including coconut oil quality and safety.
Includes categories, labeling, contaminants, and nutritional claims.
http://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius
WHO discussions on dietary fats & oils, addressing saturated fats in public health nutrition context — includes commentary on coconut oil’s health implications.
https://www.who.int/health-topics/nutrition
Eyres L., Eyres M.F., et al. (2016). Coconut oil consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in humans.
Food and Nutrition Research.
Systematic review of coconut oil’s effects on blood lipids and cardiovascular risk.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28042333/
Martins V.J.B., et al. (2020). Comparative effects of coconut oil, olive oil, and butter on lipid profile and cardiovascular markers.
Journal of Nutrition & Metabolism.
Evaluates different fats’ effects on LDL/HDL cholesterol, inflammation, and metabolic risk.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnme/2020/3831569/
Songwood E., Abohashrh M.A., et al. (2018). Coconut water isotonic beverage: electrolyte composition & hydration effects.
Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.
Coconut water as natural electrolyte replacement — sodium, potassium, and hydration clinical implications.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889157517302898
Preedy V.R., et al. (2015). Coconut: Chemistry, production and utilization.
Academic Press (Elsevier).
Comprehensive book on coconut composition, functional properties, processing and human health roles.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128039681/coconut
Arun N., et al. (2020). Bioactive compounds from coconut with antimicrobial activities.
Journal of Functional Foods.
Coconut components (medium-chain fatty acids, lauric acid) show antimicrobial action in lab studies.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464620301480
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, fresh coconut water or small amounts of the kernel can be part of a daily diet for hydration and nutrition. Medicinal forms like Narikela Lavana are taken for specific treatment periods.
Q. When should it be taken?
Coconut water is best taken in the morning or afternoon. Narikela Khanda is often recommended to be taken with food or as a tonic. Narikela Lavana is typically taken with Pippali Churna or water.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, Narikela Khanda (a sweet medicinal preparation) is often taken with milk or water.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem