I could write forever about the uses for this amazing oil due its antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, moisturising and detoxing benefits! If you keep these properties in mind, you can use it whenever you need these benefits. Check out my coconut oil post from last week for all the goody treats you get from coconut oil and I will try today to give you a short and practical list of uses to get you started.
Food: I use as a direct substitute for marg/butter and oil in baking and cooking, even on my toast. Coconut oil’s high melting point makes it the best oil to cook and bake with.
- Hair: I add a table spoon to 500ml of water in a spray bottle and spray on after I have washed my hair. This has been amazing for hydrating my hair when it gets a bit dry due to dying or heat. Coconut oil promotes growth by providing essential proteins. It is also believed to relieve dandruff, so try massaging it into your scalp. Emine pointed out last week coconut oil is also great for head lice. Soak your child’s hair in vinegar for an hour first , rinse then apply coconut oil and leave overnight. In the morning you will find it really easy to comb the eggs out! Em’s a hairdresser so do what she says :p
- Skin: I use it on my lips, face and body. It is so hydrating for your skin and rich in anti-oxidants so reduces fine lines and helps premature aging. I used to have quite oily skin, so during summer I applied it to my skin then put a hot face cloth over my face to open the pores up, waiting until the cloth is cooled to close the pores, then wiping away excess oil. Otherwise I only apply the teeniest amount, its all you need! My beauty routine combo of coconut oil and hydrogen peroxide has my skin clear and glowing after years of struggling with bad acne. You can also use it as massage oil. I also understand it is great in healing other skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema due to its anti-fungal properties.
- Makeup remover: I use a cotton ball and a little oil to remove make up and then I put it back on as my nightly moisturiser :p
- Supplement: The medium chain fatty acids boost your metabolism, balance blood sugar and decrease sugar cravings. The Lauric, capric and caprylic acid have anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties to strengthen the immune system, ease digestion and heal viruses. Coconut oil also helps in absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
- Nappy rash: Coconut oil kills the bacteria and fungi that cause nappy rash so I use it as a nappy cream for my daughter. I also use it in my homemade baby wipes.
- Oil Pulling: More on this later, but the idea is detoxing by swishing the oil around in the mouth to pull toxins out.
- Sunscreen: Due to Coconut oil high boiling point and ability to block some UV rays, it can be used as a sunscreen. So avoid the cancer causing chemicals in sunscreen (I know, ironic) and try coconut oil, islanders have been using it for centuries. I personally use it and get a nice tan without burning. I have built up a little bit of a natural resistance through healthy eating and I don’t go out into the sun for hours at a time but I have heard so many people who have had success, fair skin and all!
- Toothpaste: This is amazing and leaves your teeth feeling so smooth. Mix it with baking soda, peppermint oil and a bit of stevia for sweetening and you have a natural SLS and fluoride free toothpaste!
What do you use coconut oil for?http://nataleeandersoncoaching.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/why-hydrogen-peroxide-is-part-of-my.html?m=1http://nataleeandersoncoaching.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/100-natural-baby-wipes.html?m=1