Coconuts grow in large quantities in southern Asia, Malaysia, and Polynesia. Despite being called a nut, a coconut is actually a one-seeded drupe. It has an outer skin, a juicy middle layer, and a hard inner shell that holds a single seed. In Sanskrit, the coconut palm is called Kalpavriksha, meaning the “tree which gives all that is necessary for living” because almost every part of the coconut can be used, including the water, milk, flesh, sugar, and oil. Even the husks and leaves are useful for making furnishings and decorations.

Making creamed coconut and coconut milk is quite similar to how dairy products are made. The coconut flesh is grated and soaked in hot water. The coconut cream rises to the top and is skimmed off. The remaining liquid is squeezed through cheesecloth to make coconut milk. When you open a fresh coconut, the milky substance you see is natural coconut water. Blending this water with coconut flesh and straining it results in thicker coconut milk.

Coconuts are highly nutritious, packed with fiber, and rich in vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6, as well as minerals like iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Unlike cow’s milk, coconut milk is lactose-free, making it a great milk substitute for those allergic to dairy or nut- and grain-based milk. It’s also a good option for vegans and plant-based eaters.

Given these benefits, it’s no surprise that coconut milk is good for you both inside and out. Here’s how you can make your own coconut milk at home.

How To Make Coconut Milk At Home

Making your own coconut milk is both delicious and nutritious. Here’s a simple recipe to try:

What You Need:
– 8 ounces of unsweetened organic shredded coconut
– 4 cups of near boiling hot water
– Measuring cup
– Blender
– Nut bag
– Medium-sized bowl
– Clean mason jars with lids

How To Make It:
1. Put the shredded coconut into the blender.
2. Pour the hot water over the coconut.
3. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to soften the coconut.
4. Blend on high speed until it looks milky. It’s okay if there are still coconut flakes.
5. Place the nut bag over a medium bowl and pour the mixture into the bag.
6. Squeeze the bag to extract as much milk as possible. Discard the leftover coconut or use it to make coconut flour.
7. Clean your mason jars and pour the milk into them, sealing the jars.
8. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing, leave some room at the top and shake well after thawing.

10 Health & Beauty Benefits Of Coconut Milk

1. Treat Dry, Damaged Hair: Coconut milk is a great moisturizer for dry, damaged hair and can soothe an itchy scalp. Refrigerate a can of unsweetened coconut milk overnight. In the morning, section dry hair and apply the coconut milk from roots to ends. Cover with a shower cap for 20 minutes, then rinse.

2. Prevent Hair Loss and Encourage Hair Growth: Coconut milk contains essential nutrients for healthy hair. Mix a quarter cup of coconut milk with half a cup of water and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Massage into your scalp and leave for two hours before rinsing.

3. Hair Detangler and Conditioner: Coconut milk softens hair and acts as a natural detangler. Rub some milk into your hair while combing or use it as a leave-in conditioner for added volume.

4. Prevent Premature Aging: Coconut milk helps maintain skin elasticity and prevent wrinkles. Mix half a cup of coconut milk with a tablespoon of raw honey and five drops of eucalyptus oil. Apply with a cotton pad, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse.

5. Soothe a Sunburn: Apply a thin layer of cool coconut milk to sunburned skin to restore moisture, reduce redness, and ease pain. It’s especially effective when applied overnight.

6. Prevent Acne: Use coconut milk as a cleanser for acne-prone skin. Its antibacterial properties prevent breakouts without clogging pores.

7. Overall Skin Moisturizer: Add a cup of coconut milk to your bath for soothing, hydrated skin. You can also rub it directly on your skin for a healthy glow.

8. Support Heart Health: Coconut milk improves heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol. It can also lower blood pressure and reduce plaque buildup in blood vessels.

9. Weight Loss: Coconut milk helps build muscle and reduce fat. It’s high in healthy fats that make you feel full, preventing overeating.

10. Lower Inflammation: The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut milk help reduce inflammation, which can alleviate arthritis, muscle aches, and joint pains.

3 Homemade Health & Beauty Products Made With Coconut Oil

Rich and Creamy Chocolate Coconut Shake
Ingredients:
– 4 ounces full-fat coconut cream (frozen)
– 2 tbsp grass-fed butter
– 8 ounces coconut milk
– 2 tbsp cocoa powder
– 2 tbsp grass-fed collagen peptides
– 1 tbsp raw honey
– ½ tbsp almond butter
– 1 frozen banana
– Pinch of sea salt

How to Make It:
1. Blend all ingredients until rich and creamy.
2. Enjoy immediately.

Coconut Milk Exfoliating Scrub
Ingredients:
– ½ cup coconut milk
– ½ cup turbinado sugar
– ½ tbsp organic coconut oil (warmed)

How to Make It:
1. Combine coconut milk and sugar.
2. Add warmed coconut oil.
3. Apply to clean skin in a circular motion, rinse, and pat dry.

Tropical Leave-In Hair Conditioner
Ingredients:
– ¼ cup filtered water
– 1 tbsp full-fat coconut milk
– 10 drops lavender essential oil
– Small spray bottle

How to Make It:
1. Combine all ingredients and whisk well.
2. Pour into a spray bottle.
3. Spray on towel-dried hair and comb through.