The Colossal Coconut

The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) boasts a rich history intertwined with human civilization. But, all the recent attention might lead one to believe that coconut cultivation and consumption is a relatively new occurrence. Surprisingly this is not the case. We “re-discovered” what had been known for thousands of years.  The coconut palm, with its remarkable versatility and adaptability, has played a significant role in human history, shaping cultures, economies, and diets across the globe.

Ancient Sanskrit texts on Ayurvedic medicine make reference to the healing use of Coconut Oil for virtually every part of the body and the mind. The coconut in Sanskrit is alluded to as “Sriphala” signifying “The God's fruit.”  Coconuts were being cultivated in India long before the birth of Christ. In Hinduism, the coconut represents the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh—the creator, protector, and destroyer. Coconut cultivation literally shaped early civilization in many regions around the globe. Even though it's name includes "nut", botanically, the coconut, is a drupe, not a nut.

The coconut is a miracle of nature, with its milk to quench our thirst and its flesh to feed the body and soul. When applied topically, coconut oil may enhance the skin's protective barrier's function. Other studies reveal that people who include coconuts in their native diets (India, Philippines, and Polynesia) had lower rates of cardiovascular disease.

While its exact origin remains debated, it's widely believed to have originated in the coastal areas of Southeast Asia and Melanesia.

Austronesian Migrations: The coconut's widespread distribution across the tropics is largely attributed to the seafaring Austronesian peoples.  Their extensive voyages throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans led to the intentional and unintentional spread of coconut palms. 

"Tree of Life":  In many island cultures, the coconut palm was truly the "Tree of Life," providing sustenance, shelter, and materials for everyday living.

Food Source: Coconuts have been a vital food source for coastal communities for millennia. The flesh, water, and milk provide essential nutrients, while the oil is used for cooking and other purposes, like soap making.  

Trade and Commerce: Coconut products, such as copra (dried coconut meat) and coconut oil, have been important commodities in trade routes for centuries.

Cultural Significance:  The coconut palm holds significant cultural and religious importance in many societies throughout the tropics.

Global Distribution:  Today, coconut palms are cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Economic Importance: Coconut cultivation remains an important economic activity for many developing countries, providing livelihoods for millions of people.

Coconut oil is a popular and versatile ingredient in soapmaking, prized for its hard-bar forming properties and its ability to create a rich, cleansing lather.

Coconut oil is typically added to the oil phase of your soap recipe. It's a good choice for balanced soap recipes, as it offers a good combination of cleansing and conditioning properties.  Coconut oil can make up a significant portion of your oil blend, but it's generally recommended to use it in moderation (around 15-30% of the total oil weight).

Superfatting: However, with ample super fat, a 100% Coconut Oil Soap is possible.  Consider a high superfatt for your soap when using high amounts of coconut oil, as it can be slightly drying for some skin types.

Hardness: Coconut oil contributes to a harder bar of soap, which can be desirable for some. Coconut oil helps create a hard, long-lasting bar of soap.

Lather: Coconut oil is known for producing a rich, bubbly lather.

Cleansing: Coconut oil has excellent cleansing properties due to its high lauric acid content.

Coconut Oil is an effective skin moisturizer that is easily absorbed into the skin. It creates a protective moisturizing shield on the skin that is full of antioxidants and is composed of healthy saturated fats and vitamins like vitamin E, amino acids, lauric acid, and caprylic acid.

Coconut oil is also rich in antioxidants and is made up of medium-chain fatty acids.  Not only is it easily absorbed into the skin, but the natural fats also help create healthier and softer skin that can better repair itself. 

Coconut milk, a staple in many cuisines, can also add a unique touch to your homemade soaps. Derived from the flesh of mature coconuts, coconut milk is rich in fatty acids, including lauric acid, which is known for its cleansing properties.

 When added to soap, coconut milk provides a creamy lather.  It's full of rich fatty acids. The fats in coconut milk contribute to a luxurious lather.

Replacing Water: Coconut milk can be used as a partial or full replacement for water in your cold-process soap recipe.

Saponification: Monitor the saponification process closely, as coconut milk may affect the reaction rate.

Color and Scent: Coconut milk can subtly influence the color and scent of the finished soap.

Coconut milk may contribute to a richer, creamier lather in your finished soap.  Moisturizing: Some soapmakers believe that coconut milk can add moisturizing properties to their soaps.

Experimentation is Key: Soapmaking is an art and a science. By incorporating both coconut milk and oil, you can explore unique textures, scents. Remember to start with a patch test when trying a new soap.  

Using coconut oil and milk in cold-process soap is a great way to build a healthy lather. The creaminess of coconut oil combined with either Goat or Coconut Milk helps create a luxurious lather that leaves your skin feeling clean.

JD 

Skin Sensitivity: Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before using any new soap.