Tender coconut water - relives Pitta; Mature coconut to be used with spices and salt for easy digestion; Coconut also helps with intestine, skin, hair, urinary problems

Tender Loving Coconuts: Ayurveda Plant for Cooling

Coconut Fruit

Crack! The dark, fibrous shell breaks, and fragrant coconut liquid begins to ooze out. Using a sharp knife, you separate the luscious white flesh from its shell, then grate it to make rich, delicious coconut milk. The milk will add delicate flavor and a smooth creamy texture to your lentil soup simmering on the stove.

But it is not only for its taste that the coconut is valued, says The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians. Coconut is considered a divine plant in the Vedic tradition. Whenever you perform a sacred ceremony like a yagya, a coconut must grace the occasion. Thus, the coconut enjoys the hallowed status of a select few herbs and fruits — like holy basil and amla — in the Vedic tradition.


In the ayurvedic Nighantus, or classical texts, which talk about raw materials or fruits, the coconut is actually divided into three types of coconuts:

Baal: tender or baby coconut
Madhyam: half-mature coconut
Pakva: fully mature coconut

The Three Coconuts

Baal or tender coconut:

This type is 90 to 95 percent water.
The liquid from this coconut is at its purest and most healing. It is considered the best for its cooling properties, for it is a proven Pitta-pacifier. 
While unclogging the body's channels, tender coconut water lubricates the dryness caused by ama (toxins).
It repairs the gastrointestinal tract, and its Snigdha, or sweet, quality gives it a Pranaropana (life-restoring) capacity.

Madhyam or middle-aged coconut: 

In addition to water, the coconut at this stage has some soft pulp. Madhyam coconuts have less water than tender ones, but more water than mature coconuts. The water is slightly milky at this age.
In the classical ayurvedic texts called Raj Nighantus, the middle-aged coconut is said to be the most nutritious. This type generally has more carbohydrates, protein, minerals, phosphorus, and vitamins A, B, and C than the other two forms.

Pakva or mature coconut:

This type of coconut has firm "meat" or pulp, and very little water. Ancient ayurvedic scholar Bhav Mishra wrote that when a coconut becomes mature, it becomes heavy to digest, and it can also aggravate Pitta or Vata if the digestive agni of the individual is low. Mature coconuts can also build up toxic ama by interfering with digestion. If large quantities of this variety are consumed daily, then a person can suffer hyperacidity, and worse still, elevated cholesterol levels.

Therefore, people who have low agni, or digestive power, are not advised to eat mature coconut, unless it is combined with ingredients that balance its negative properties. In the south of India, for instance, a popular way to eat coconut is in the form of chutney. Combined with healthful ingredients like roasted chickpea flour, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and oil, the coconut is used in smaller quantities, and can actually be beneficial.

The Key To Eating Coconuts

The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians points out that if you understand the Samyoga and Samskara of coconuts — that is, the right ways to choose, combine, process, and prepare them — then you can extract the maximum benefit from this healing fruit.

In general, tender and middle aged coconuts are good for almost anyone, but if you're a Kapha-dominated person and drink coconut water at night, then it will make you feel so cool and heavy that your Kapha dosha will go out of gear, causing all sorts of health problems.

Ayurvedic literature is full of praise for the tender coconut. Ayurveda's revered ancient healer, Sushruta, noted that tender coconuts are "bal maans prada" in nature. That is, they strengthen muscle, the cardiovascular system, and the seven body tissues. Middle-aged coconuts are also said to possess these healing properties. Both kinds help cleanse the urinary tract.

Charaka, who is widely credited as being the founding father of ayurveda, observed that tender and half-mature coconuts have "bringhan, snigdha, seetani, balyani, Madurani" properties. This means they increase the quantity and quality of all seven tissues; they are Vata-pacifying in nature because of their unctuous qualities; they cool and strengthen; and they are filled with sweetness.

To this, Bhav Mishra adds that "komal narikelam nihanti pitta jwar pitta dosha." That is, the tender coconut helps get rid of any heat related to Pitta aggravation, and alleviates any Pitta-related disorders.

17 Reasons You Should Love Tender Coconut

There is much to love about the tender coconut:

1. There are times when your body fills up with Pitta-charged amavisha (toxic matter). This causes the pH levels in the deeper digestive system to fall, leading to severe hyperacidity or amlapitta. That's when the coconut can step in to heal. Because it is Anuloman in nature — capable of getting all the toxins and Vata to move downward and helping to move Pitta and purify the digestive system of it — tender coconut balances acid levels and cools the system. This makes it superior to other herbs and fruits that can cool down Pitta, but do not flush it out of the system.
2. Ayurveda considers coconut a natural stress-buster.
3. Coconut cools Sadhaka Pitta, which is associated with emotions.
4. Combined with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, coconut is not only delicious and versatile, but also heals the digestive system and promotes better metabolism.
5. The juice of tender coconut has been billed "the world's safest natural soft drink" for being a nutritious thirst-quencher.
6. Combined with poppy seeds and ghee, coconut can help you sleep better! Here's the complete recipe. Our recipes section includes a large assortment of other delicious ayurvedic recipes.
7. Coconut has Keshya properties — that is, it improves hair quality. In Southern India, women apply coconut oil to their hair every day, which gives them long, lustrous locks.
8. Coconut is good for curing stomach disorders related to aggravation of Pitta dosha.
9. Due to its Soma-enhancing or nurturing value, coconut heals hot flashes and restores emotional stability in menopausal women.
10. Coconut improves the complexion. You can make coconut-based skin packs at home. The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians suggests mixing coconut oil with oatmeal powder and a little bit of lavender flower powder to make a soothing facial pack.
11. A burning sensation in the hands and feet is cooled down by drinking coconut water/milk. All you have to do is make a paste of crushed middle-aged coconut and apply it on your hands and feet.
12. Coconut is traditionally considered a wound healer, and especially effective at preventing the formation of scars if applied topically.
13. Hiccups due to Pitta are also eased by coconut water.
14. If you have urine retention from heat, then coconut water helps. Similarly, liver problems, such as inflammation, are also soothed by drinking tender coconut water.
15. There is a word called Karshan meaning "that which supports the body to stay slim by enhancing fat metabolism." Recent research suggests that coconut is good for burning fat and lowering cholesterol — and it is clearly written in ayurveda that the oil has Karshan properties.
16. Coconut helps detoxify and flush toxins out of the body.
17. It is delicious!

Coconut Cooking Basics

You can drink the liquid that comes out of a coconut, but don't use it in cooking.

Fresh coconut is always best, but if it is not readily available, you can generally find good-quality dried, grated coconut and coconut chips in natural food stores. Use the unsweetened type, which is free of chemical ingredients.

Tender coconuts, or ones with pulp and water, are generally available at oriental groceries. Slash off the top with a sharp knife (the store will sometimes help open coconuts), insert a straw, and enjoy!

Use coconut milk the same day — make it fresh each time. Grate fresh coconut and blend with a little warm water. Squeeze to get the rich first extraction. Add more water, re-blend and squeeze again to get a thinner second extraction. Strain.


The sweltering days of summer are ideal for cooking — and cooling — with coconut. We hope you will try different ways to enjoy this nourishing, cooling food.

http://www.mapi.com/ayurvedic-knowledge/plants-spices-and-oils/coconuts-and-ayurveda.html

***

Uses of Coconut kernel (Coconut pulp)

Tender pulp cools the body and provides nourishment. It is very easy to digest and reduces acidity. Tender coconut pulp helps to boost body energy and strength.
Fully ripe pulp acts as a very good aphrodisiac (Vajikara). It is known to increase quality and quantity of semen. It is high in dietary fibers and cleanses the intestines. Fully ripe pulp is used in Indian recipes

Uses of Coconut Oil:

According to ayurveda coconut oil is mainly used to massage scalp. This increases hair growth and prevents dandruff and hair loss.

Coconut oil accelerates healing of wounds and prevents diseases which arise due to dry skin. Here are few uses which are mentioned in ayurveda.

1.Ayurveda recommends Coconut oil or naarikela taila (in ayurveda) in conditions like dry skin and skin diseases. It has been found that application of coconut oil is beneficial in psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.

2.Massaging coconut oil on body has myriad benefits. It prevents formation of wrinkles, ageing of skin and pigmentation. It is known as varnya in ayurveda. Varnya means restoring the complexion and glow of skin

3.It relieves stress when massaged on scalp and rejuvenates scalp and hair. It is classified as keshya. Keshya signifies its action as a hair friendly herb. Application of coconut oil helps to prevent hair loss,dandruff and increase hair growth. It also acts as a natural hair conditioner.

4.Massaging foot with coconut oil helps to soften cracked heels and increases the beauty of foot.

5.Application of coconut oil accelerates the process of wound healing. It is very safe to apply on cuts and wounds

Tender coconut

The following properties of coconut water are mentioned in ayurvedic texts

1. It is sweet in taste and increases moistness of skin.
2. It acts as a body coolant.
3. Coconut water is a very good aphrodisiac and increases sexual energy and desire. It increases quality and quantity of semen and very helpful to persons who suffer from Erectile Dysfunction.
4. It is easily digested and instantly energizes body
5. It quenches thirst .
6. It normalises aggravated vata and pitta.
7. It cleanses body and bladder
8. It acts a good appetizer.

http://www.ayurhelp.com/articles/count-coconut-cocos-nucifera#.Wb-fpIyCzIV

Rice water - good for hair and skin

JENNIFER NELSON

January 7, 2016, 9:19 a.m.

What is rice water and what is it good for?

Better skin and hair may be only a pot of rice away.

Women search the world over for beauty secrets from other cultures, and rice water may just be one of them. This ancient Asian secret, the water remaining in the pot of boiled rice, has been used for centuries by women as a hair and skin treatment and even taken internally for health benefits.

How do you make rice water?

I don't know about your cooking but the last time I made rice, all the water was absorbed, and I was left with my perfectly cooked rice. So obviously you have to go about making rice water differently, using way more liquid than rice requires. Put two or three tablespoons of whatever white rice you have on hand — simple white, sushi rice, jasmine or basmati for example — into a small saucepan and add two cups of water. You can try purified or distilled water or regular filtered tap or bottle water.

Don't add butter or salt. It's the starch from the rice we're after, not added ingredients. Boil for 20-30 minutes until the water becomes a milky white liquid. Some people don't even bother with the boiling and instead simply soak the rice for 30 minutes. However, some proponents insist that boiling draws out more of the starches from the rice into the water.

Regardless of your method, strain the rice after the allotted time, reserving the water. You may be able to use the rice in recipes like soups or for sushi, otherwise discard. Cool the rice water and store in a glass jar with lid. Keep in the refrigerator up to four days.

So you have rice water now. What can you do with it?

Beautify your skin

For the skin, rice water is said to be an inexpensive, effective beauty balm for cleansing, toning and lightening hyperpigmentation, sun and age spots. Many say you can see and feel results after a single use. Helping with smoothing texture, hyperpigmentation and a porcelain finish, rice water illuminates, firms and tightens skin to appear refreshed and reduces pore size, leaving a powdery, soft feeling behind.

Over time, using rice water regularly, hyperpigmentation or brown spots are said to diminish, and the water works as well as any expensive skin lightening serum or cream.

Soak a cotton ball thoroughly in rice water and apply all over your face in the morning and evening. Going to bed with freshly applied rice water is said to increase benefits. Let your face dry naturally.

Rice water is also good for acne since it reduce redness and clear blemishes, and the starch in the water is said to soothe the inflammation of eczema.

Rice contains natural antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin-A, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which may minimize free radical damage from age, sun and environment.

Tame and condition your hair

As a hair treatment, rice water is said to deeply condition and soften hair making it more manageable and healthier-looking. Yao women from the village of Huangluo in China believe that fermented rice water keeps their hair shiny, healthy, long and manageable. Rice water is said to help detangle and improve hair elasticity.

The International Journal of Cosmetic Science did study Japanese rice water's (called Yu-Su-Ru) effect on hair and found it had significant benefits for improving elasticity and reducing surface friction.

After shampooing and conditioning as usual, rinse hair thoroughly with a generous helping of cooled rice water as the final finish.

Use a rice water finish rinse once or twice a week for best results.

Improve your overall health

Because the water retained after soaking or boiling rice is as nutritious as rice itself, and many cultures especially in Asia swear by health and longevity benefits from a diet heavy in rice, drinking rice water may provide some health benefits.

Though not much hard research exists, rice water is said to provide energy, help with stomach issues like bloating and constipation and diarrhea, help protect from the sun and regulate body temperature. One study from the Lancet found rice water helped prevent dehydration and was as effective as an electrolyte solution. Other studies have backed the fact that rice water is an effective treatment against diarrhea.

However, it seems as though the biggest boon for rice water lays in its skin and hair benefits. It's a simple, inexpensive beauty treatment that may offer improved skin and hair. Try it for a week and see if you love what it does for your complexion. Now, I’m off to make some rice water

.

Sesame oil - good summary of benefits

1. Primary benefits of Sesame Oil. Helps with:
- Skin
- Hair

2. Important benefits of sesame oil as per Ayurveda texts
– improves strength and immunity
– improves digestion strength
– clears and cleanses body channels
– good for skin
– aphrodisiac, improves vigor
– anti aging, rejuvenating
– Improves intelligence
– improves memory

It promotes strength, skin health,, intelligence and power of digestion. In combination with various drugs (Samyoga), seasamum oil is said to cure all diseases. 

In the ancient time, kings of demons, by virtue of the use of oil overcame aging, got rid of diseases as well as fatigue-less, acquired great strength instantaneously and fought battles( successfully). – Charaka Sutrasthana 27

3. Grey Hair
So, if we add other spicy items to the oil, like pepper, ginger etc, then they will add to the hotness of the oil, leading to worsening of grey hairs. But in most of the hair oils, used for treating grey hairs, like Neelibhringadi oil, Kayyunyadi oil etc, milk is added as an ingredient. This is because, milk acts as coolant, pacifies Pitta and relieves grey hairs. For this same reason, amla is also added. Amla, being coolant, helps to balance Pitta.

4. Stops hair fall

One who applies sesame oil on his head regularly does not suffer from headache, baldness, graying of hair, nor do this hair fall. Strength of his head forehead is specially enhanced; his hair become black, long and deep-rooted; his sense organs work properly; the skin of his face becomes brightened; applying sesame oil on the head produces sound sleep and happiness.

5. Importance of (sesame) Oil in curing Vatika diseases
नास्ति तैलात् परं किञ्चिदौषधं मारुतापहम्|
व्यवाय्युष्ण गुरु स्नेहात् संस्काराद्वलवत्तरम्||१८१||
गणैर्वातहरैस्तस्माच्छतशोऽथ सहस्रशः|
सिद्धं क्षिप्रतरं हन्ति सूक्ष्म मार्ग स्थितान् गदान्||१८२||
nāsti tailāt paraṃ kiñcidauṣadhaṃ mārutāpaham|
vyavāyyuṣṇa guru snehāt saṃskārādvalavattaram||181||
gaṇairvātaharaistasmācchataśo’tha sahasraśaḥ|
siddhaṃ kṣiprataraṃ hanti sūkṣma mārga sthitān gadān||182||- Charaka Chikitsa sthana 28.

There is no medication which excels oil in curing Vatika diseases because of its Vyavayi (which pervades the body before going through the Process of digestion), hot heavy and unctuous properties. When cooked or processed with other drugs, it becomes more powerful therapeutically.
Therefore, oil is cooked for 100 and 1000 times with the group of drugs (My note: Perhaps, cooking with animal fats improves the fats power by 100 to 1000 times) which all alleviate Vayu. Such medicated oils cure diseases located in the minutest channels of the body quickly.

6. So, bottom line is,
hotness of sesame oil is useful for better absorption of herb nutrients into the scalp skin.

7. Sesame oil side effects:
Excess consumption of til oil causes Hikka – hiccups and Shwasa – respiratory disorders with difficulty in breathing. (Charaka Chikitsa Sthana 17th chapter).

http://easyayurveda.com/2011/02/24/sesame-and-sesame-oil-benefits-total-ayurveda-details/