Narikela (Coconut) in Ayurveda: Properties & Everyday Use

What it is

Narikela is coconut, Cocos nucifera L., a tall palm in the Arecaceae family. Classical Ayurvedic texts use many parts of it: the fruit, root, flower, fruit milk (coconut milk), and fruit pulp, appearing as ingredients in 53 documented formulations. Keep the evidence for each part separate: a trial of virgin coconut oil says nothing about coconut water, and vice versa (Doshi et al., Int J Appl Ayur Res 2015).

Classical properties

• Taste (rasa): sweet (Madhura)
• Qualities (guna): heavy (Guru), oily (Snigdha)
• Potency (virya): cooling (Sheeta)
• After digestion (vipaka): sweet (Madhura)
• Doshas: traditionally said to settle Vata and Pitta; may increase Kapha

Traditional use

A review of six samhitas, seven samgraha granthas, and nine nighantus found narikela parts used in 53 formulations across more than 25 disease conditions. The main classical indications include mutraroga (urinary disorders), shula (pain), vajikarana (aphrodisiac), charma roga (skin diseases), mutrakruchchha (dysuria), prameha (increased frequency of urine), amlapitta (acidity), raktapitta (bleeding disorders), and rasayana (rejuvenating agent). Preparations span decoctions, pastes, oils, pills, powders, and fermented preparations (Doshi et al., Int J Appl Ayur Res 2015). These are traditional uses compiled from classical texts: not clinical proof.

What research has looked at

Virgin coconut oil and lipids (two small randomized trials)

In an open-label randomized crossover trial of 35 healthy Thai adults aged 18–25 (32 completed), virgin coconut oil taken for 8 weeks raised HDL cholesterol by about 5.7 mg/dL versus the control regimen, with no difference in total cholesterol, LDL, or triglyceride changes between regimens. Some participants reported mild diarrhea; no serious adverse events occurred (Chinwong et al., Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2017). In a separate 4-week randomized controlled trial of 48 adults with metabolic syndrome, virgin coconut oil (replacing dietary fat) lowered triglycerides, VLDL, and fasting blood sugar but also raised LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) versus the control group. The authors urged caution about long-term effects (Nikooei et al., Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2021). The two trials tested virgin coconut oil only: they say nothing about coconut water, coconut meat, or classical narikela formulations, and neither measured heart-disease outcomes.

What the evidence does not support

Broad health claims for coconut oil are not supported by robust evidence: the trial authors note that no published study has demonstrated a cardiovascular-disease benefit of coconut oil, and coconut oil is rich in saturated fat (Chinwong et al., Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2017).

Safety notes

Coconut oil is rich in saturated fat, and one trial found LDL cholesterol rose with daily use: people managing cholesterol or cardiovascular risk should not treat coconut oil as heart-healthy. Mild diarrhea occurred in some trial participants; no serious adverse events were reported during 8 weeks of use in healthy young adults, but long-term safety data are lacking. Allergy to coconut is possible (Chinwong et al., Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2017; Nikooei et al., Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2021).

FAQs

Does coconut oil raise good cholesterol?

In one small randomized crossover trial, virgin coconut oil taken for 8 weeks raised HDL ("good") cholesterol by about 5.7 mg/dL in healthy young adults, with no change in total or LDL cholesterol. But in adults with metabolic syndrome, the same oil raised LDL and total cholesterol. Results are mixed: coconut oil is not proven heart-healthy. (Chinwong et al., 2017; Nikooei et al., 2021)

Is coconut oil safe for people with high cholesterol?

Caution is warranted. Virgin coconut oil is rich in saturated fat, and a randomized trial in adults with metabolic syndrome found LDL and total cholesterol rose after 4 weeks of use. If you manage cholesterol or cardiovascular risk, do not assume coconut oil is heart-healthy: discuss it with your doctor. (Nikooei et al., 2021; Chinwong et al., 2017)

Does coconut water have the same evidence as coconut oil?

No. The human trials tested virgin coconut oil only: a concentrated fat. They say nothing about coconut water, coconut meat, or classical narikela preparations, for which no clinical trials were identified. Evidence for one coconut product cannot be transferred to another. (Chinwong et al., 2017; Nikooei et al., 2021)

What is narikela used for in Ayurveda?

Classical texts use narikela's fruit, root, flower, fruit milk, and pulp in 53 formulations for over 25 conditions: mainly urinary disorders, pain, skin diseases, dysuria, acidity, bleeding disorders, and as a rejuvenating and aphrodisiac agent. These are traditional indications from the classical literature, not results of clinical trials. (Doshi et al., Int J Appl Ayur Res 2015)

How much coconut oil was used in the studies?

Swastik does not suggest amounts. The right amount depends on the person, the preparation and the product, so check with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or your doctor before taking any herb.

Sources

• Doshi KA et al. "Narikela (Cocos nucifera Linn.), a heighted palm tree with high medicinal value in Ayurveda – a review." Int J Appl Ayur Res. 2015;2(2):210–223 — ijaar.in
• Chinwong S et al. "Daily consumption of virgin coconut oil increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in healthy volunteers: A randomized crossover trial." Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017 — PMC · PMC5745680
• Nikooei P et al. "Effects of virgin coconut oil consumption on metabolic syndrome components and asymmetric dimethylarginine: A randomized controlled clinical trial." Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2021;31(3):939–949 — PubMed · PMID 33549429

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Herbal products can interact with medications and are not suitable for everyone. Talk to a qualified healthcare practitioner before use — especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a medical condition, or taking prescription medicines.