In our previous Health Mantra blog (No. 08), we discussed the importance of “Hritucharya,” which refers to seasonal adjustments in diet and routine for maintaining optimal health.

As we approach October, we enter the “Sharad Hritu” season in Ayurveda. To align with this seasonal change, it is recommended to incorporate certain dietary and lifestyle modifications. One such recommendation is to start consuming coconut from “Narali Pournima” onwards.

Therefore, our Home Remedy No. 06 for October is:

Immunity Booster of October : Coconut

Coconut holds a significant place in Hindu religious practices and rituals, often referred to as “shriphal” or the divine fruit. While we will explore the religious and philosophical aspects of coconut in future blogs, today, on the occasion of “World Coconut Day” (September 2nd), we will focus on its health benefits.

According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the universe is composed of five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Space, and Air.

Coconut grows in the “Aakash mahabhut” (sky element). Therefore, coconut oil has the color of the sky, which is white. On the other hand, other oil seeds such as sesame and til grow in the “Pruthvi Mahabhut” (earth element). Hence, they have the color of the earth, which is yellow.

Isn’t nature fascinating?

Since coconut grows in the Aakash Mahabhut, it contains more constituents of the sky element. As a result, it works better on body parts that have more constituents of the sky element.

According to Ayurveda, these body parts are the head, ears, intestines, and bladder. Let’s now understand the health benefits of coconut for each of these body parts.

1. HEAD –

Have you ever noticed the striking similarities between a coconut and our head? Both possess a covering of hair, and beneath this lies a hard shell, analogous to our skull. Remarkably, the interior of a coconut bears a resemblance to our brain, while the water within mirrors the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surrounds and cushions our brain. Consequently, coconuts offer a range of health benefits that specifically target the organs of our head.

With the advent of October’s cooler temperatures, I would like to suggest incorporating fresh, ripe coconut into your morning routine. Consuming coconut with sugar on an empty stomach can help balance Pittah levels in the body and provide essential nourishment to the hair, brain, eyes, and ears. This practice is beneficial for maintaining healthy hair and eyesight.

Before going to bed, we should apply coconut oil to our feet and massage them to keep our eyes cool and protected from the October heat.

Secondly, according to Ayurveda, the ear is an “Aakash” Mahabhut dominant organ. Due to noise pollution from TV, mobile phones, vehicles, etc., VAAT increases in the ear, leading to various ear problems such as hearing impairment and tinnitus. To balance Vaat in the ear, Ayurveda recommends “KARNA POORAN” with coconut oil.

Karna Pooran –
The use of coconut oil as an ear treatment has gained traction, with individuals advocating for its instillation into the ear.

It is recommended to administer four drops of coconut oil into each ear once a week, followed by lying down for ten minutes. Upon rising, it is crucial to thoroughly clean both ears with cotton to prevent fungal infections caused by residual oil.

This blog highlights the health benefits of coconut for the head and ear, with a promise to explore its advantages for the intestine and bladder in a subsequent blog.

In the meantime, it is advisable to incorporate coconut into one’s diet to maintain optimal health.

Wishing you continued health and well-being.