Extracted from the tropical coconut, Coconut Oil is the timeless Maldivian-made product that has been part of the island culture before the stated time. Locally known as ‘Kaashitheyo’, the viscous pale-yellow liquid is processed with the heating of coconut milk. It has a durable property that allows people to store it in glass bottles for as long as six months without expiration.

Kaashitheyo was used as cooking oil in the early times of the Maldives before oil was imported. It was used in cooking food such as white rice and curries. However, Kaashitheyo is not used in cooking in the late decades considering vegetable oil being an available resource. Also, Kaashitheyo has an abundance of saturated fats which is harmful to the body. Many international organizations have advised the minimal use of the oil for consumption if necessary.

Even though the oil is harmful to your health for large consumption, it does have healing properties which put the glass bottles back on the shelves. Kaashitheyo is recommended to heal stomach acidity and other digestive problems by applying the warm oil on your abdomen. It is also applied to burns and graze wounds on the skin.

The oil is also used for aromatherapy during massages This includes massaging your hair and scalp with Kaashitheyo which strengthens your hair and reduces hair fall. Many locals in the islands still oil their hair with Kaashitheyo before a shower to maintain the natural thick Maldivian hair. Visitors to the Maldives from the black and white days have always mentioned the beautiful Maldivian hair, despite hair products being a rare material in the country even in the late 1900s.

All in all, Kaashitheyo is a soothing antidote used for many healing purposes, whilst being a genuine muscle-relaxing lubricant during aromatherapy. Although it may sound like heavenly droplets from the palm trees, Maldivian seniors advise the minimal use internally and externally as the virgin extract is very strong. Do not be afraid to use it, try it sometime and witness the benefits yourself.