Coconut Oil 101

It's amazing to think that as a society, we once black -listed this hot ticket natural health product. Especially after we consider all its uses for maintaining good health, cooking and beauty care. While some people have fully boarded the Coconut Oil train, others are still a little skeptical from its misinterpreted past. 

Here's why:
Years ago, when the connection between saturated fat (something that coconut oil is high in) and heart disease was made, people and health professionals everywhere deemed coconut oil  'un-healthy'. Several referred to coconut oil as fattening, which, like all things, it can be if not consumed in moderation. But the truth is, coconut oil has been used for thousands of years in several third world countries and is still the first go-to for their health concerns or illness prevention. It has only just recently exploded in the beauty world for its several beneficial uses. 
Yes, although coconut oil is high in saturated fats it is a healthy fat that is needed in the body.  Modern medicine has actually discovered that it can protect against heart disease, diabetes, cancers, liver and kidney diseases, osteoporosis, dental decay and skin infections. Unlike animal fat, coconut oil's saturated fat does not raise blood cholesterol levels, as it contains medium chain fatty acids (MCFA's) that are burned almost immediately for energy use. 
We fully believe that another reason everyone hasn't boarded the coconut oil train is because they don't know how to use it. As human's we tend to fear the unknown, so let's rid our minds of overrated coconut oil media and start with a clean slate. We have put together a list of things that coconut oil can be used for, some are obvious, while others may leave you surprised. And if by the end we haven't fully convinced you to purchase some, how about this – It's on SALE. 

BEAUTY USES

Fight Frizz – rub a small amount of coconut oil on your hands and rub together – lightly smooth over fly away hairs. 

Deep Condition – soak hair in coconut oil for one hour, then shampoo out [no spa needed]

Homemade Shampoo – mix 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1/3 cup liquid soap, 1tbs coconut oil, 1tsp almond/olive oil, 10 – 20 drops of essential oil. 

Dandruff Control – rub a small amount of coconut oil into scalp 

Facial Scrub – mix coconut oil and baking soda for cleansing scrub

Makeup Remover – a small amount of coconut oil goes a long way [and moisturizes at the same time]

Lip Balm/ Skin Moisturizer – again, a small amount of coconut oil goes a long way. Think dry feet, hands, face, nail cuticles and try using it as a massage oil. It has been known to help people with such skin problems as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. 

Body Scrub – coconut oil and various natural sugars and salts [here's a great DIY recipe]

Shaving – you can make your own shaving cream by using a small amount of coconut oil and water, it is also a good idea to use this to soothe cuts and razor rash [if you have any]

Sunscreen – I know, seems crazy using an oil as a sun protectant but people claim it works as an SPF 4.  Maybe test this out on your skin first just to be safe before you stand out all day in the sun based like a Thanksgiving turkey. 

Toothpaste – mix coconut oil with baking soda and brush, brush brush!

Stretch Mark Cream – coconut oil is fabulous for nourishing skin, hence why we use it as moisturizer but it can help reduce pesky stretch marks too. 

HEALTH USES

Nipple Cream/Milk Enrichment – for new mommies, this is a perfect way to naturally nourish cracked, sore or dry nipples. It's okay to leave it on there between feedings, just make sure to wipe it off before the next feeding. Eating some of the coconut oil yourself will also help to enrich the quality of milk you produce. 

Diaper Irritation – using a bit like lotion is very soothing to your babies bottom and its all natural. It also works for cradle cap. 

Bug Bites – apply directly to bug bite to aid in the relief of itching and burning

Swimmers Ear – it is said that mixing coconut oil with garlic oil and put a few drops into affected ears for 10 mins – do this 2-3 times a day. 

Stress Relief – because coconut oils aroma is extremely soothing, it helps to lower stress levels. Try applying some to your finger tips and massaging into your temples, in light circular motions. 

Digestion – ah yes, the saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control parasites, and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as IBS (irritable bowl syndrome). The good fats in the coconut oil also aid in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids – which is exactly what we like to hear. 

Weight-loss – coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function and escalate energy levels [try taking some before you workout], all of which helps decrease unwanted fat and increasing lean muscle. Coconut oil can also aid in cravings – giving you nourishment you might lack in food groups, therefore causing a craving. 

Nose Bleeds – we don't want to go into details about how you have to get the coconut oil in your nasal passage – as we think you get the right idea – but with its mosturizing qualities, coconut oil can help prevent nose bleeds caused by dry, cracking nasal passages. 

Health Problems – coconut oil is said to aid with hot flashes, bleeding hemorrhoids, HIV, head lice, improve menstruation cramps/pain, migraines, thrush, relieve gallbladder pain, acid reflux, adrenal fatigue, Alzheimer, candida albicans, asthma, autism, cholesterol [improves HDL, good cholesterol], chronic fatigue, circulation, immune system, mental health including depression, athletes food, back pain/sore muscles, canker sores, acne, cellulite and herpes/genital warts [applied topically]. Just to name a few. 

COOKING

Replacement for Butter/Oil – coconut oil can be substituted in cooking/baking recipes for butter and oils. The ratio would be 1 cup coconut oil per 1 cup [insert your ingredient name here]. It is also a great idea to use coconut oil for any other methods, such as sauteing for example. 

Lubricant – use coconut oil for greasing pans, pie crusts etc. Replaces butter/lard/Crisco/PAM 

Nutritional Supplement – some people take coconut oil on a spoon, while others blend it into their favourite smoothie to get the goodness. 

OTHER USES

Insect Repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and use like regular bug repellant, only this is natural and much safer. 

Pets – some people melt coconut oil and mix it in their animals food/water to aid in overall health. But just to be on the safe side, please consult your veterinarian before doing so.

Goo Gone – mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to sticky area, let it sit for roughly 10 mins and try wiping it off [using an old toothbrush may help, also]

Gum in your hair? - rub some coconut oil all over the mess [aka. Hair and gum], leave it there for roughly half an hour and gently roll the gum between your fingers – it should come right out. 

Furniture Polish – mixing coconut oil with a bit of lemon juice is great for polishing wood furniture, while leaving a pleasant scent; it's wise to test it out in an inconspicuous spot first, just to make sure. It is also said that if you use coconut oil on a cotton ball, you can use it to polish bronze. Again, test it out first. 

Conditioning Things – coconut oil is great for seasoning animal hides, cookware, and is a great moisturizer for leather products.