Tuesday, May 27, 2014

The nut that isn't really a nut: Coconut

The amazing Cocos nucifera, versatile and life supporting, this amazing fruit/seed/nut offers so much.

Much more than most of us really think about. Virtually every part of the plant can be used for some purpose. Everyone is familiar with the culinary uses of the shredded meat. The use of Coconut milk and water is growing in use as people look for alternatives to dairy. But did you that the rest of the plant can be used all the way down to the very root of the plant. Roots are used for dye, mouthwash, and medicine for curing dysentery. And when all of that has been extracted out, the fibrous roots can be used as a natural toothbrush.  The trunks are used to build small bridges and homes.

Not one part of the plant is wasted making it one of our top plants for an eco responsible world. Unfortunately it does have natural predators and it is particularly susceptible to a rather nasty phytoplasma disease (Sandalwood is susceptible to the same bacteria).  This, and because this key active ingredient makes up a large portion of any product we at Très Spa create with it,  is why at Très Spa we are careful to use certified Organic Coconut oil. Unfortunately, the fractionation process (which requires heating and separating the chains) means that the Fractionated Coconut is not considered Organic, but it is Vegan certified as well as Kosher certified.

But what about skin care? Oh my but the fruit does offer a great deal for skin care. the Virgin (cold pressed "oil) has both Lauric and Caprylic/Capric fatty acids. Lauric acid is in the virgin pressed coconut oil and is credited for its antimicrobial properties that fights both fungi and bacteria. Caprylic acid is also found in the virgin oil, but it is the only acid to make it over to the fractionated oil. Caprylic acid is also a strong antimicrobial but because it is a short chain tryglyceride, it is more readily absorbed into the skin, making it an excellent carrier. To help emphasize the rarity of these two fantastic fatty acids, the only other place in nature where you can find a significant amount of these fatty acids is in mother's milk of various mammals.


 With the fantastic antimicrobial properties, it is easy to see  why this oil is preferred in soap making!   We love it so much that you can find it in  every single bar of soap we make, including all of the Très Spa Conditioning Shampoo bars. One bar in particular, Vanilla Coconut Spice, is a tropical delight and an homage to the wonderful coconut plant. It contains the meat from the fruit, the virgin organic oil and even coconut milk!  Of course there is the devastatingly fantastic body scrub to go with that, called Vanilla Coconut Spice. A truly delectable treat for the senses. We have even recently introduced the fractionated coconut oil to several other products; Hair oil, Body Oil, and Body Butter
Give your skin the treatment it deserves with Très Spa, personal care in harmony with nature! Our webstore is open 24/7 so shop any time from where-ever you are and we'll deliver it to your door!

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