So what’s the deal with coconut oil?

So what’s the deal with coconut oil?

Making it this way is lots of hard work

You can easily buy it in many stores, even walmart has a good brand

Offering a myriad of health benefits, coconut oil is affordable, readily available and completely natural. I have completely fallen in love with coconut oil and use it for EVERYTHING. Literally. 

So here is a little information to inspire you to check out this amazing oil including 80 uses for it!

The coconut oil is in the back here in the jar about middle of the picture, you can buy it at walmart and other grocery stores, where crisco and oils are sold.

General information about Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil Is:

· Anti-inflammatory

· Antimicrobial

· Anti-fungal

· Antiviral

· Improves nutrient absorption

Daily Dosage:

Here is a chart outlining the recommended daily dosage of virgin coconut oil for persons over the age of 12. Coconut oil may be consumed by children under 12 but it is advisable to check with a healthcare practitioner on the proper dosage. Any good naturopath will have the information at the ready.

(Editor’s note: the amounts below are for “general” health and maintenance. Depending on why one is taking coconut oil, and what they hope to accomplish, the amount can be much greater. For example, many people seeing positive results for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s are reporting that they are consuming up to 9 tablespoons a day or more to see positive results. For those just starting, amounts much less than these below should be started until the body is used to consuming high amounts of fat. The most common side effect of taking too much coconut oil is diarrhea.)

Weight in pounds/kilograms 

Number of tablespoons of coconut oil daily 

175+/79+ 

4 

150+ /68+ 

3 1/2 

125+ / 57+ 

3 

100+/ 45+ 

2 1/2 

75+ / 34+ 

2 

50+ / 23+ 

1 1/2 

25+ / 11+ 

1 

***

Type to use:

· Expeller pressed coconut oil can be used for anything. It does not have a coconutty smell of taste.

· Virgin coconut oil tastes coconutty and is great for cooking and baking where you want that flavor.

· Food grade should always be used.

*****

80 Uses for Coconut Oil

Personal Hygiene/Body

1. Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face.

2. Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags, and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.

3. Preshave – coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving.

4. Aftershave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores.

5. Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda!

6. Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment – use as a leave in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight.

7. Hair Gel/Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair).

8. Toothpaste – there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.

9. Make up remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works!

10. Chapstick – just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!

11. Massage Oil – pretty simple; grab some and rub!

12. Lubricant – it is an all natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex!

13. Sunscreen – see my post on natural sunscreen for more detailed information.

14. Stretch Mark Cream – coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help.

15. Nipple Cream – works great to nourish cracked, sore, or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings.

16. Diaper salve – very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers.

17. Cradle cap – having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily.

18. Body scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.

19. Healing – when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.

20. Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.

21. Skin problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.

22. Swimmers Ear – mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.

General Health and Wellness

23. Stress Relief – relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.

24. Digestion – 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 irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.

25. Fitness – coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat, while increasing muscle.

26. Nose bleeds – coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme hotness and extreme coldness. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with coconut oil and then lie down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also help prevent nose bleeding.

27. For breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich your milk supply.

28. Helps with weight loss & controlling cravings.

29. Helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with cravings in those with diabetes.

Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when taken internally)

30. Eczema – in addition to taking it internally, many have success applying it externally, some don’t

31. Skin problems

32. Toenail fungus

33. Hot flashes

34. Bleeding hemorrhoids (can also be applied externally twice a day)

35. HIV

36. Head lice

37. Improvements in menstruation regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow

38. Migraines (with regular use)

39. Mononucleosis

40. Parasites

41. Thrush

42. Relieve gallbladder pain

43. Has helped some people improve symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland, results have shown subsequent thyroid blood tests becoming normal

44. Energy boost

45. Flaky, dry skin

46. May relieve acid reflux and indigestion when taken with each meal

47. Adrenal fatigue

48. Alzheimers

49. H. pylori

50. Candida albicans

51. Asthma, even in children

52. Autism

53. Cholesterol – improves HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) to HDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol

54. Chronic fatigue

55. Circulation/feeling cold all the time

56. Stronger immune system

57. Mental Clarity

58. Depression

59. Helps with inflammation in Crohns

Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when applied topically)

60. Athletes foot

61. Back pain/sore muscles

62. Canker sores

63. Acne

64. Cellulite

65. Herpes (applied topically and taken internally)

66. Genital warts (through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil enemas twice a day depending on the location of the warts)

67. Circumcision healing – although I am personally against circumcision, I have read that coconut oil is a really great healer for this.

Cooking

68. Use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing other oils/butter in recipes with coconut oil.

69. Replacement for butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in it’s solid form – greasing pans, pie crusts, etc.

70. Replacement for various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sautéing, etc.

71. Nutritional supplement – melt and add to smoothies.

Other Uses

72. Insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with Deet! Tons safer too.

73. Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl daily.

74. Goo Gone – just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the “sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.

75. Chewing Gum in Hair Remover – just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertip. Voila! It’s out!

76. Polish Furniture – coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.

77. Polishing Bronze – all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.

78. Seasoning animal hide drums

79. Seasoning cookware

80. Moisturizing and cleaning leather products

****

Recipes for beauty Products using Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil Lotion Bar 

I mentioned a few of the many health benefits of using coconut oil, like how it reduce skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It also softens the skin and relieves dryness and flaking. Applied topically it helps to prevent wrinkles, saggy skin and age spots. Coconut Oil is truly amazing! 

Today I’m sharing a recipe for making Coconut Oil Lotion Bars. These bars are great for everyone, especially those who live in warmer areas and don’t want their moisturizer to melt! This lotion bar is easy to make and only has 3 ingredients! 

Equipment 

· saucepan 

· lotion mold, muffin pan or tins

Ingredients 

· 1 part Coconut Oil 

· 1 part Pure Beeswax

· Essential Oils (Optional) 

Directions 

Heat coconut oil and beeswax together in a saucepan over low heat. It helps if you break up the beeswax into small chunks because it takes a while for the wax to melt. Once the beeswax and coconut oil are melted add essential oils. I like to use vanilla and lavender. I’m sensitive to strong fragrances so I only add a few drops. 

Pour melted coconut oil and beeswax into lotion bar molds or muffin tins. Let them sit until cool. You can also place them in the refrigerator if you need to speed up the process. 

How To Use Lotion Bars 

YOU need to rub the bar until it’s warm and then apply it on your skin like Body Lotion

****

DIY Coconut Oil Moisturizer 

I haven’t purchased lotion or body butter in over two years. Instead I use coconut oil as a moisturizer. Coconut oil is amazing for the skin! It helps to reduce skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It also softens the skin and relieves dryness and flaking. Applied topically it helps to prevent wrinkles, saggy skin and age spots. 

Whipped coconut oil works wonderful as a moisturizer. It is easily applied and doesn’t harden when it’s cold. You can add essential oils for a nice fragrance if you like. If you prefer the scent of virgin coconut oil so do not add anything to it. 

Coconut Oil Body Butter 

Equipment 

Stand mixer or Hand mixer

Directions 

Scoop coconut oil into mixing bowl. I used 2 cups of coconut oil. Break the coconut oil up into chunks. Turn the mixer on high and whip the coconut oil. Scrap down the sides of the bowl and continue to whip until all the coconut oil is soft and fluffy. If you’re going to add essential oils, do so at this time. Scoop coconut oil moisturizer into storage container. Use in place of lotion and body butter.

****

Detox Face Mask

Bentonite clay is a “super food” I often use in my beauty recipes It has cleansing and detoxifying effects that are beneficial to our bodies internally and externally. When used on the skin, bentonite clay will help draw out and absorb impurities.

This clay mask also calls for coconut oil, lemon juice and honey which help clean the skin with their anti-bacterial properties.

Detox Clay Mask

2 Tablespoons Bentonite Clay

1 Teaspoon Virgin Coconut Oil

1/2 Tablespoon Raw Honey

Juice of half a lemon

Mix the ingredients together and apply to your freshly washed face. Let the mask sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.

Use as desired. I make this mask once a month, but if you are prone to oily skin you may want to use it more often

****

coconut oil hair mask

my hair can get dry easily if i don’t remember to put argan oil on after i wash it. also, winter is NOT friendly to hair. at all. here’s a simple and AMAZING way to get super, SUPER shiny and soft hair.

What's the best part? it’s organic/natural and only one ingredient! coconut oil. such a miracle oil!

 I’m obsessed with it, seriously.

WHAT YOU NEED

2-5 tablespoons of coconut oil (depending on the thickness, length and dryness of your hair)

comb/brush

plastic wrap/shower cap/soft t-shirt

HOW TO DO IT:

1. melt a few tablespoons of coconut oil in the microwave (I used 3 tablespoons and microwaved it for 20 second intervals, stirring between. adjust amount of oil according to your hair’s thickness, length and dryness) (**i melt mine in the microwave because i use so much. i realize it melts when you touch it. it’s just easier for me than continuously melting chunks in my hands) 

2*. let it cool down some if you chose to microwave it!

3. apply that messy oil! …depending on what you’re using this for, you may only want to put it on the ends of your hair or everywhere but your scalp, ALL over (i did all over this time. it’s messier, but my hair feels and looks incredible. try it!

4. gently comb/brush your hair to evenly distribute the oil all over your hair

5. wrap your hair up in a shower cap/plastic wrap and leave it in 20 minutes to an hour OR put it in a bun then wrap it in a soft t-shirt and sleep in it (I highly suggest this way! it maximizes your results)

6. when time’s up, take your hair down and wash, wash, wash. it took me three washes to get all the oil out. with regular shampoo, twice should do it.

7.*condition your hair after you wash it if you want,repeat this mask every one to two weeks

IMPORTANT the baking soda/ACV routine will NOT take coconut oil out of your hair! please don’t even try. you can use this mask and take it out with a castile soap.. followed by an acv rinse) OR grab a low-poo and wash it out. the low-poo will be MUCH gentler on your hair, and wont’t require an ACV rinse after. try to go that route if you can.

also, instead of doing a full-on CO mask, you can do a quick conditioner after you wash with 1/2 teaspoon melted coconut oil mixed in a cup of warm, distilled water. just put that on the ends of your hair after you shower, then rinse :)  you can also try wetting your hair before you apply the mask next time. this will help tremendously in getting it back out!

If you’re okay with using a shampoo this ONE time to get it out, use a gentle but good shampoo (L'Oreal shampoos)

and to everyone else (shampoo users…): if you’re still having trouble getting it out, either wet your hair before you do this mask OR switch to a lighter oil like jojoba or apricot kernel.

UNREFINED vs REFINED COCONUT OIL:

refined CO has been through bleaching & high heat processes and also can sometimes have lye added to it or be hydrogenated, making it a trans fat. while it might make your hair feel softer, you’re not actually giving your hair anywhere the same benefits you would from unrefined. & you definitely do NOT want to eat that one!

unrefined is the purest form with the most health benefits (and the kind that can be eaten!). your hair will thank you!

so if it is refined make sure it says no hydrogenated fats

****

Coconut Make up Remover and Cleanser

"What?!" you say ... yes, I've started making my own beauty products. It's actually pretty easy. When I got cancer a couple years ago I had a good look at chemicals in my life, and (I'll be honest with you) beauty products are pretty bad as far as chemicals go. Look at the back of any moisturiser bottle and you'll see what I mean ... So I started buying organic cleansers and shampoos and moisturisers, but they can be a bit expensive.

Last month I finally got up the courage to try some recipes from a book on my shelf called Bodyworks: Restoring Wellbeing with Homemade Lotions, Potions and Balms. I'll never look back!

One of the most magical ingredients for cleaning your skin is Coconut Oil. I'd never bought it before this, but now I love it. It has a gorgeous light coconutty scent, it's wonderful for the skin, it tastes great, and it's meant to be good for your immunity and health. And I got a 500 mL jar of organic coconut oil (above) for $8 that will last me for ages.

Here are two of my new standards (adapted from Bodyworks: Restoring Wellbeing with Homemade Lotions, Potions and Balms) for you to try ... I recommend you give them a go for yourself then start saving jars for Mother's Day presents!

NOTE: See if you can get virgin coconut oil ... less processing is generally better.

***********

Coconut Make Up Remover

3 Tbs coconut oil

3 Tbs extra virgin olive oil or apricot kernel oil

*Try to use organic ingredients when you can 

Put the oils in a small pot or jar,  and mix them. Dip a cotton ball in the mixed oil and gently wipe your eye area. Rinse off with water and follow with your regular cleansing regime. This will cost you less than $1 a batch.

NOTE: It's best to make homemade beauty products in small quantities, to keep them fresh. Try to get organic ingredients when you can, you deserve it! Also try to store them out of the light (which can oxidise some oils) and use a fresh cotton ball or Qtip each time.

***********

Coconut Honey Cleanser

5 Tbs coconut oil

2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil or apricot kernel oil

2-3 tsp boiled water

2 tsp (raw if you can find it) honey

10 drops lavender essential oil*

*Always keep essential oils out of the reach of children

**Try to use organic ingredients when you can

As I learned this morning (having freshly run out of cleanser), there are two ways to make this cleanser:

1. The original way, which is much like making mayonnaise … in which you slowly drizzle a warmed water/honey mix into the warmed oils as you stir, stir, stir. Keep stirring. Drizzle slowly. It should thicken as it cools and you’ll have a beautiful creamy cleanser. Add the essential oils at the end.

  

2.  The lazy way!

Put all the ingredients into a small bottle or pot and shake, shake, shake! This doesn’t give you a creamy cleanser, but let’s be practical here … it doesn’t really matter if it’s creamy or not. If you do this the lazy way, though, just be sure to shake your cleanser before each time you use it as the honey tends to like to remove itself from the mix.

Also, I was up for something different and added lemon essential oil instead of lavender. Zing!

This cleanser feels a little oily when you rinse it off, but I find that by the time I've dried my face with a towel it feels amazing and not oily at all. In my estimation this organic cleanser will cost you around $2.00 per batch.