Coconuts were first cultivated by the Austronesian in Oceanic Southeast Asia. Sailors introduced the coconut to Panama and it arrived in Mexico via the Colima and Acapulco ports around 1539. Coconut plantations along the west coast of Mexico were established during the 16th and 17th centuries.
In Mexico, coconut is often used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. It is considered an effective diabetic treatment and is prescribed to regulate blood pressure, detoxify the liver, and lower cholesterol levels.
The kernel and coconut water are antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Coconut is also hepatoprotective and an immunostimulant. Its antidermatophytic and skin moisturizing properties make it a good choice for skin infections. It is also hypoglycemic and antidiabetic supporting its use as a diabetic treatment in traditional Mexican herbalism.
Coconut is anti-hepato steatotic and hypocholesterolemic, thus a healthy option for those suffering from fatty liver disease. It has anticancer and anti-neoplastic properties as well. Coconut demonstrates antiparasitic, insecticidal, antitrichomonal, and leishmanicidal activities. It shows moderate inhibitory activity and strong antibacterial activity against infections that cause gastrointestinal disorders.
In remedies, it’s important to note that coconut milk and coconut water are not the same. Coconut milk is made by pressing grated coconut meat with hot water. It can be used as a milk substitute. Coconut water is the clear liquid found in a ripe coconut.
For parasites, ½ cup of pineapple or papaya juice and ½ cup of coconut milk should be drunk in place of breakfast for nine mornings. No food should be eaten for two hours after drinking. For a cough, open and crush a coconut. Then place it over low heat with honey and allow it to cook until a syrup forms. This syrup should be taken every three hours.
To bring on menstruation the hairs of the outer shell of a coconut are included in a decoction of aguacate seed (Persea americana), pecan shells, and the leaves of the purple wandering Jew. To treat an excessive menstrual flow (called enfrió de señoras), again the hairs of the outer shell of a coconut are added to a decoction made from the leaves of the purple wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina ‘Purple’), llantén (Plantago major), and ortiga mayor (Urtica dioica).
***
Interested in natural remedies? Uncover herbal remedies from traditional Mexican sources for healing and wellness in the Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies in Mexico series.
Surviving Mexico 