Coconut

(Coconut)
Sanskrit: नारिकेल • Botanical: Cocos nucifera Linn.

Narikela (Coconut) is one of the most important palms, extensively cultivated in coastal India. Every part of the palm is useful - the nut, water, copra, oil, shell, husk, trunk and leaves. The coconut water (tender coconut) is extremely cooling, sweet, nutritive, and is one of the best drinks for dehydration. The mature kernel yields coconut oil which is used extensively in cooking, hair care and medicine. The cream/milk is nutritive and aphrodisiac. Tender coconut water is used in Mutrakrichhra (dysuria) and Daha (burning sensation). Coconut oil is used in skin diseases, hair care and as a base for medicated oils. Different stages of coconut have different properties - tender coconut water is lighter and more cooling while the mature kernel is heavier and more nutritive. There are many varieties of coconut palms. Chemical analysis shows the nut contains 40-50% oil in mature form. The water contains vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. Dose: Coconut water freely; oil as per need. Verses: 9.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Lauric acid, Capric acid, Coconut oil (35-45% in mature), Sugars, Proteins, Minerals
Also Known As
English: Coconut, Coconut Palm
Sanskrit: नारिकेल, लाङ्गलिक, स्कन्धफल, तृणराज, दृढफल
Hindi: नारियल

What is Coconut (Narikela / नारिकेल)?

Narikela (Coconut) is one of the most important palms, extensively cultivated in coastal India. Every part of the palm is useful - the nut, water, copra, oil, shell, husk, trunk and leaves. The coconut water (tender coconut) is extremely cooling, sweet, nutritive, and is one of the best drinks for dehydration. The mature kernel yields coconut oil which is used extensively in cooking, hair care and medicine. The cream/milk is nutritive and aphrodisiac. Tender coconut water is used in Mutrakrichhra (dysuria) and Daha (burning sensation). Coconut oil is used in skin diseases, hair care and as a base for medicated oils. Different stages of coconut have different properties - tender coconut water is lighter and more cooling while the mature kernel is heavier and more nutritive. There are many varieties of coconut palms. Chemical analysis shows the nut contains 40-50% oil in mature form. The water contains vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. Dose: Coconut water freely; oil as per need. Verses: 9.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Brinhana (nourishing)
  • Balya (strengthening)
  • Hridya (cardiotonic)
  • Mutravirajaniya (clears urine)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Coconut by Condition

Explore how Coconut is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Coconut for Male Sexual Health

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.