Coconut dream body cream

Coconut fruit collector,

Indian Watercolor of Unknown Artist, 1785

Victoria and Albert Museum

Cocos nucifera, the Tree of Life of the Tropics 

Even if coconut's origin is subject for speculation, it is believed that its birthplace are the islands of south Pacific and Indian oceans. The coconut was spread throughout the tropical zone due to its ability to float and sail pushed by the ocean currents. Once washed ashore on places with the appropriate climate they were able to spring up 

and colonize the area. It is said that this expansion took place 3.000 years ago, a long period before its systematic cultivation.

Travelers from Polynesia, Malaysia and Arabia contributed to coconut's spreading in the Pacific islands, Asia and East Africa. In 16th century European sailors launched the coconut palm in West Africa, in the Caribbean and the Atlantic coast. Coconut became the dominant fruit of the  tropics.

Coconut fruit is oval shape, covered by a thin green or orange skin; below this skin there is a thick fibrous layer that serves as raw material in rope production. The next layer is the hard endocarp, the upper layer of coconut as sold in the stores having  the three "eyes", which are its germination pores. This layer is used in coal and cookware production. The next layer is the thick endosperm, the coconut "meat", the white edible part of the seed used for the production of coconut oil and milk. The fleshy white meat surrounds a hollow interior space, filled with air and often a liquid referred to as coconut water.

In India coconut is called 'kalpavriksha' meaning the 'Tree of Paradise'. Coconut palm tree is also mentioned in the early Sanskrit writings dating from the 4th century as well as in  the Indian poems Ramayana and Mahabharata. 

In South Asia coconuts are called sriphala, "fruit of the gods" symbolizing the ultimate utility, prosperity and generosity. The three 'eyes' of coconut fruit represent the eyes of god Shiva and the coconut palm is considered as the sacred tree which fulfills all wishes ..

photo & info: www.plantcultures.org.uk

a generous fruit

Coconut "meat" contains proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. It is rich in minerals and trace elements such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. Coconut oil is extracted from the mature fruit "meat" and it consists of saturated fat by 90%; it contains mainly saturated fatty acid triglycerides such as lauric, myristic and palmitic acid.

As regards cosmetic use, coconut oil is considered precious, necessary to skin and hair care preparations. It is moisturizing and nutritious for the skin without clogging the pores. It has anti-aging, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant properties. It is excellent when used in hair treatment. And, of course, it is the must have oil for all soap makers!

After the theoretical part, let's go prepare a heavenly body cream. 

Coconut dream cream

(ingredients are given in measuring spoons, 1 tbsp=15ml, 1 tsp=5ml or measuring cups, 1 cup=250ml)

oil phase

- 1/2 tbsp shea butter
- 2 1/2 tbsps coconut oil
- 1 tbsp almond oil 
- 1 tbsp grated beeswax
- 2 tsps stearic acid
- 1/2 tsp liquid lecithin 

water phase
- 1/4  cup ylang ylang or neroli hydrosol

additives 

- 15 drops vitamin E
- 8 drops vitamin A 
- 20 drops grapefruit seed extract (natural preservative)
- 25 drops ΒΙΟ coconut extract or essential oils of your choice 

• To make the coconut dream cream follow the step by step tutorial in this link: how to make an all natural cream.
• Vitamins Ε and A are oil-soluble and will be added to the oil phase when the temperature is under 35 C(95F). At the same temperature also preservative and essential oils should be added.
• Enjoy!

Listen to tropical Tanita Tikaram, twist in my sobriety

This recipe was originally published in January 2007.