How to Use Coconut Water to Treat Exhaustion

In some countries, coconut water is used as an intravenous solution for rehydration purposes. It's a low-fat, low-calorie and low-carbohydrate drink that purportedly has many healing properties. With the use of alternative medicine remedies increasing, coconut water products can be found at many health food stores to use as supplements or to treat exhaustion and lethargy.

Things You'll Need

• Unripe, green coconut
• Sharp knife

Instructions

Drink Coconut Water for Your Health

1. Use the water harvested from a young coconut--or pre-packaged coconut water purchased at a health food store--to treat exhaustion. Whether you are merely feeling fatigued or are feeling significantly debilitated, the antioxidant properties of coconut water can help to improve your energy levels.

2. Treat heat exhaustion with coconut water. The fluid loss that accompanies heat exhaustion often disrupts the balance of electrolytes in the body. The potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium levels found in coconut water are similar to those normally found in the bloodstream and can help to replenish electrolytes.

3. Boost your immune system by drinking at least 8 oz. of coconut water per day. It contains high levels of lauric acid, a substance that has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

4. Use coconut water to increase your overall energy levels. The lauric acid in coconut stimulates the release of thyroidal hormones, thereby increasing your metabolic rate and, in turn, your energy level.

Harvest Coconut Water

1. Look for young, unripe coconuts from which to harvest coconut water. Since the liquid inside green coconuts becomes absorbed into the flesh as they mature, older coconuts aren't suitable to treat the symptoms of exhaustion.

2. Place the coconut on a flat surface and turn it on its side to remove the husk. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut off the husk until the hard coconut shell below is visible.

3. Locate one of the seams on the coconut shell and place the knife just below it. Break through the coconut shell, putting some pressure on the knife handle if necessary, and insert the knife blade about 1 inch into the coconut flesh.

4. Rotate the knife slowly, creating a circular plug in the top of the coconut shell.

5. Remove the plug and pour out the coconut water.

Tips & Warnings

• Coconuts sold for drinking have often already had their outer husks removed, so don't be surprised if you don't recognize the fruit!

• Coconut water, milk and flesh do have many healing properties. However, be wary of products that claim coconut water will cure all ills. Always check with your doctor if you have ongoing health difficulties or symptoms that don't go away.