Coconut oil has been a staple in Indian households for centuries — used in cooking, applied to hair before a bath, and massaged into the skin as a daily moisturiser. But not all coconut oils are equal. The wood pressed coconut oil your grandmother used looks, smells, and performs nothing like the refined, odourless coconut oil sold in supermarkets today.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about wood pressed coconut oil — its benefits for health, hair and skin, how to use it in cooking, and how to choose the best one for your needs.
What is Wood Pressed Coconut Oil?
Wood pressed coconut oil is made by feeding dried coconut kernels (copra) or fresh coconut meat into a rotating wooden pestle-and-mortar device — the traditional chekku or ghani. The slow mechanical pressure extracts oil at temperatures below 40–45°C, ensuring none of the heat-sensitive nutrients are destroyed.
This is in sharp contrast to how most commercial coconut oils are produced — using chemical solvents like hexane to extract maximum oil yield, followed by high-heat refining, bleaching, and deodorising that strips the oil of its colour, scent, and nutritional value.
Wood pressed coconut oil vs refined coconut oil at a glance:
???? Wood Pressed: Pale golden colour · Strong natural coconut aroma · Rich in lauric acid, antioxidants & MCTs · No chemicals · 6–10 month shelf life
???? Refined: Clear/white · Odourless · Nutrients stripped · Solvent-extracted · Extended shelf life via preservatives
Nutritional Profile of Wood Pressed Coconut Oil
What makes wood pressed coconut oil nutritionally special is its intact fatty acid and micronutrient composition. Here’s what a tablespoon of genuine wood pressed coconut oil delivers:
All of these nutrients are present only in unrefined, wood pressed coconut oil. Refined coconut oil loses most of these compounds during high-temperature processing.
Wood Pressed Coconut Oil Benefits for Health
Used regularly in cooking and daily life, wood pressed coconut oil offers a range of science-backed health benefits:
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Boosts Immunity
Lauric acid converts to monolaurin in the body — a compound with proven antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
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Quick Energy Source
MCTs in coconut oil are absorbed directly by the liver and converted to energy — making it ideal for an active lifestyle.
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Supports Brain Health
MCTs are converted to ketones that serve as an alternative brain fuel, supporting cognitive function and mental clarity.
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Improves Gut Health
The antimicrobial properties of caprylic and capric acid help balance gut flora and reduce harmful bacteria.
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Heart Health
When consumed in moderation, coconut oil’s lauric acid can raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular wellness.
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Anti-Inflammatory
Polyphenols and antioxidants present in wood pressed coconut oil help reduce chronic inflammation linked to modern diseases.
Wood Pressed Coconut Oil for Hair — Complete Guide
Perhaps no other oil has a longer history in Indian hair care than coconut oil. Used as a pre-wash oil treatment, scalp massage oil, and post-wash serum, wood pressed coconut oil for hair outperforms refined versions thanks to its intact nutrient and protein content.
Why Wood Pressed Coconut Oil is Better for Hair
Research has shown that coconut oil — unlike most other oils — can penetrate the hair shaft rather than just coating the surface. This is because of its low molecular weight and straight chain structure. In wood pressed form, the lauric acid and Vitamin E content is significantly higher, meaning deeper nourishment and stronger protection.
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Reduces protein loss: Regular pre-wash coconut oil application significantly reduces protein loss in both damaged and undamaged hair.
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Prevents dandruff: The antifungal properties of lauric acid combat the Malassezia fungus responsible for dandruff and flaky scalp.
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Promotes hair growth: Scalp massages with warm wood pressed coconut oil improve blood circulation to hair follicles, encouraging growth.
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Reduces frizz & breakage: Applied as a leave-in or post-wash treatment, it seals the hair cuticle and tames frizz naturally.
How to use wood pressed coconut oil for hair:
1. Warm 2–3 tablespoons of wood pressed coconut oil gently (not hot)
2. Part your hair and apply to scalp with fingertips, massaging in circular motions for 5–10 minutes
3. Apply remaining oil to the length of your hair
4. Leave on for at least 1–2 hours, or overnight for deep conditioning
5. Wash off with a mild shampoo
Wood Pressed Coconut Oil for Skin
Wood pressed coconut oil is a natural, multi-purpose skin care ingredient used in Ayurvedic practice for thousands of years. Its combination of fatty acids, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds makes it effective for a wide range of skin concerns.
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Deep moisturiser: Ideal as a body moisturiser after a bath, especially for dry and sensitive skin types.
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Makeup remover: Gently dissolves even waterproof makeup without harsh chemicals.
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Lip balm: A tiny amount applied to lips overnight heals dryness and cracking naturally.
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Baby massage oil: Traditionally used across India for infant massages — gentle, chemical-free, and deeply nourishing.
Wood Pressed Coconut Oil for Cooking
In South Indian kitchens, coconut oil is the default cooking medium — and for good reason. Wood pressed coconut oil for cooking brings an authentic flavour and aroma to dishes that refined coconut oil simply cannot replicate.
With a smoke point of approximately 170–180°C, wood pressed coconut oil is well-suited for:
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South Indian curries, sambar, rasam, and chutneys
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Tempering (tadka) with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried chillies
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Shallow frying dosas, appams, and parathas
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Baking — as a butter substitute in cakes, cookies, and energy bars
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Adding to warm rice with a pinch of salt — a beloved South Indian comfort food
???? Try our traditionally extracted Wood Pressed Coconut Oil — pure, fragrant, and cold-pressed from the finest Kerala coconuts.
How to Choose the Best Wood Pressed Coconut Oil
With so many brands claiming to sell “pure” or “natural” coconut oil, here’s a practical checklist to identify the best wood pressed coconut oil:
✅ Colour: Pale golden to slightly yellow — not crystal clear white (that’s refined)
✅ Aroma: Distinct, natural coconut fragrance — if it smells of nothing, it’s refined
✅ Label: Says “wood pressed,” “chekku,” “cold pressed,” or “virgin” — not just “pure”
✅ Texture: Solidifies below 24°C (this is natural) — melts instantly on touch
✅ Ingredients: Should say only “coconut oil” — nothing else
✅ Shelf life: 6–12 months maximum — longer means preservatives are added
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wood pressed coconut oil?
Wood pressed coconut oil is extracted from coconut kernels using a traditional wooden chekku (ghani) at low temperatures below 45°C. This cold extraction preserves lauric acid, MCTs, Vitamin E, and polyphenols — all of which are destroyed in refined coconut oil processing.
Is wood pressed coconut oil good for hair growth?
Yes. Regular scalp massages with warm wood pressed coconut oil improve blood circulation to hair follicles, reduce protein loss, and combat dandruff — all of which support healthier, stronger hair growth over time.
Can I use wood pressed coconut oil for cooking daily?
Absolutely. With a smoke point of 170–180°C, wood pressed coconut oil is suitable for everyday Indian cooking including curries, tadka, sautéing, and shallow frying. It’s especially traditional in South Indian cuisine.
What is the difference between wood pressed coconut oil and cold pressed coconut oil?
Both are extracted without high heat and retain their nutrients. Wood pressed coconut oil specifically uses a traditional wooden chekku device, which is considered the most authentic form of cold pressing. The flavour and aroma of wood pressed is typically richer and more traditional.
What is the price of wood pressed coconut oil?
Authentic wood pressed coconut oil is priced higher than refined coconut oil due to the traditional extraction process and lower yield per kg of coconut. Check our current pricing and offers here.
Conclusion: Make Wood Pressed Coconut Oil a Daily Essential
Whether you’re stirring it into a curry, massaging it into your scalp, or applying it as a night moisturiser, wood pressed coconut oil is one of the most versatile and beneficial natural oils available. Its combination of lauric acid, MCTs, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds makes it a true all-in-one wellness ingredient.
The key is choosing genuine wood pressed coconut oil — one that’s traditionally extracted, free from chemicals, and hasn’t been deodorised or refined. Once you smell and taste the real thing, you’ll never go back to refined.
???? Shop our authentic, traditionally extracted Wood Pressed Coconut Oil — and experience the difference that real cold pressing makes.
