Coconut Oil
नारिकेलतैलम्
Coconut oil is Ayurveda's rare cold-potency oil: sweet, heavy, and Pitta-pacifying. Scalp massage strengthens hair (Keshya), soothes burns and inflamed gums.
What is Coconut Oil (Narikela Taila / नारिकेलतैल)?
Coconut oil (Narikela Taila) is sweet in taste, cold in potency, and sweet in post-digestive effect. It is one of the few oils with cooling properties. It is excellent for hair (Keshya), strengthening (Balya), nourishing (Brumhana), and aphrodisiac (Vrishya). It pacifies Pitta dosha and is beneficial in conditions of excessive heat, burning sensations, and Pitta-related hair and skin problems. Being cold in potency, it does not aggravate Pitta like most other oils. It is widely used for hair application and body massage, especially in hot climates. Verses: 21-22.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 19
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Keshya (good for hair)
- Balya (strengthening)
- Pitta-shamaka (pacifies Pitta)
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
- Brumhana (nourishing)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 19
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Coconut oil (narikela sneha) should be given to drink continuously.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 17: Diseases of Hydrocephalus / CSF Accumulation (Shirshambu Roga)
Supportive care: head shaving for observation/cooling, warm head wrapping, and regular coconut oil administration (for its neuroprotective and hydrating properties).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 17: Diseases of Hydrocephalus / CSF Accumulation (Shirshambu Roga)
Coconut oil and Rasa Sindura (mercurial preparation) should be used.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 24: Uterine/Placental Diseases (Jarayu Roga)
External poultice therapy on the lower abdomen, with coconut oil application and internal Rasa Sindura -- combining local and systemic treatment.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 24: Uterine/Placental Diseases (Jarayu Roga)
Coconut oil (narikela sneha) should be given to drink continuously.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 16: Diseases of Hydrocephalus / CSF Accumulation (Shirshambu Roga)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 17: Diseases of Hydrocephalus / CSF Accumulation (Shirshambu Roga); Parishishtam, Chapter 24: Uterine/Placental Diseases (Jarayu Roga); Parishishtam, Chapter 16: Diseases of Hydrocephalus / CSF Accumulation (Shirshambu Roga)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.