Coconut Oil - An Ancient South Asian Wellness Staple

If you have ever been to India, chances are that you might have come across the coconut - a ubiquitous staple that is celebrated as the symbol of prosperity in the country. While they are used across the country, coconuts have a special place in Hindu culture and are often used in religious ceremonies; on special occasions and in temples, coconuts are placed in copper or brass pots along with mango leaves at the door to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi who is regarded as the Goddess of Wealth in Hindu culture.

In the kitchen, coconut finds its way into a variety of different preparations; from chutneys to curries to breads and desserts, coconuts are revered for their uniquely delicious flavour and a host of internal and external health benefits. These benefits also find their way into different skin and hair care rituals; for generations now, Indians have been using coconut oil as a pre-shower overnight hair treatment that yields countless benefits for the hair.

Coconut oil is also a potent skincare essential; the medium chain fatty acid content in the oil helps to alleviate dry skin while helping it lock in moisture. It also absorbs into the skin easily - allowing for instant hydration and protection. Coconut oil also makes for a great base for exfoliants, so if you’re looking to incorporate a scrub into your skincare routine, make sure it’s an oil based one like our Body Scrub. For those with sensitive skin, coconut oil also helps alleviate inflamed skin.

While coconut oil can be used in a lot of different ways, here is an easy + effective way to incorporate this ancient ingredient into your haircare rituals (especially great if you have a dry scalp!):

INGREDIENTS:

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp coconut oil

HOW-TO:

- Melt the honey and coconut oil together in a saucepan on a low flame until it reaches a smooth + fluid consistency.

- Allow to slightly cool + apply to your hair using your fingers or a spray bottle.

- Make sure you go all over your scalp and the entire length of your hair, taking your time to massage it into your hair slowly.

- Cover with a heated towel (you can skip this if you don’t have one!) and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to help the scalp and hair shaft soak in all the goodness.

- Wash off with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Use this mask a couple of times for best results.

Soha Joshi