Narikela (Cocos nucifera L.): Unique medicinal recipes from Keraleeya Ayurveda Chikitsa Granthas

Abstract Narikela ( Cocos nucifera L., Arecaceae), commonly known as coconut, is a versatile resource in Kerala, where it is widely used as a household and medicinal commodity. Owing to its abundance, the coconut tree has been recognized as the State tree of Kerala. Kerala’s traditional texts document numerous coconut-based medicinal recipes. Key classical texts, such as Sahasrayogam, Yogamrutam, Chikitsamanjari, Alathiyur manipravalam, Arogyakalpadrumam, Sarvaroga cikitsaratnam , and Sarvaroga cikitsanool , were reviewed, as these are the most comprehensive texts related to this. These books describe the therapeutic applications of different parts of coconut in various forms. A total of 25 simple internal medicine formulations and 7 external combinations are found across these texts. Many of these recipes are unique to the native Malayalam language medical traditions and explain coconut’s significance in the traditional healthcare practices of Kerala. By providing an overview of the unique preparations and their applications, this article aims to explore the traditional medicinal use of coconut.