Monday, July 12, 2010

Coconut Oil and Its Many Uses

Coconut oil is a long-villainized fat.  Formerly thought to be artery-clogging, coconut oil is anything but a bad oil!  Composed of medium-chain triclycerides, coconut oil: increases calories burned, assists with fat burning, rise in metabolism, and decreases food consumption.  It is also an excellent source of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), which is host to many disease and fat-fighting abilities.  In addition to all of the benefits you will receive when you use coconut oil as a food, you may also use it in other applications and experience even more of its wonderful properties.  This post will focus on some of the other uses for coconut oil.

Because of its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral properties, coconut oil has many uses beyond food.  It has been used to treat diseases of all kinds, including HIV and Hepatitis - studies are ongoing.  Coconut oil does not need to be refrigerated.  Make sure that the coconut oil you use is virgin, unrefined organic coconut oil.  Nutiva is a good brand. (I am not affiliated with Nutiva in any way, I just love the quality.)  Here are some uses for coconut oil:

Moisturizer
Coconut oil is a fabulous moisturizer.  Not only does it sink into your skin to make it soft and smooth, it also smells great.  Use this directly after a bath or shower to lock moisture into your skin.

Skin Treatment
In addition to being a great moisturizer for dry skin, it is also a well-known treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.  Use coconut oil on a sunburn to help with pain, assist in healing, and prevent peeling.

Facial Moisturizer
Coconut oil is a low-cost wrinkle treatment!  In addition, the topical use of coconut oil as a facial moisturizer has been proven to be an effective acne treatment.  Look years younger and have smooth, beautiful skin.

Toothpaste
Mix toothpaste and baking soda in a 50-50 blend and keep in a glass jar in your bathroom.  Simply dip your dry toothbrush into the mixture and pick up a small amount and brush as you would normally.  The antibacterial nature will help kill any unpleasant germs in your mouth that cause dental decay and bad breath.

Deodorant
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder or corn starch
5-6 tbsp coconut oil

Blend all ingredients together with a fork and place into a lidded container.  The consistency will be similar to playdough, and may be softer with warm temperatures in the summer.  Merely scoop out a bit onto your fingers and rub into your clean armpits.  Rub the rest into your hands as a moisturizer.  This recipe should last two people about three months with daily use.

I've heard it sometimes takes a few weeks for your body to get used to this formula and then it is fantastic at keeping the stink factor at bay!  I plan on trying this recipe out myself very shortly.   I imagine you could add a blend of essential oils of your choice.  A Thieves Blend (equal parts rosemary, clove, eucalyptus, lemon, and cinnamon) would add extra antibacterial properties.

Hair Deep Conditioning Treatment
Apply a small amount (less than a half teaspoon) to your hair - rub it into your hands then apply to the scalp and work your way out to the ends of the hair.  Some people leave it in overnight and then wash out in the morning.  Coconut oil is great for treating and preventing dandruff (a form of fungal infection) with its antifungal properties.

Oil Pulling
This ayurvedic treatment has been used for years to increase mouth health and to remove toxins and bacteria from the body.  The theory is that the oil catches and removes harmful bacteria from your mouth before it enters your bloodstream.  In addition, the healing properties of the coconut oil help stop and even reverse dental decay and bad breath.  Use coconut oil as a mouth rinse.  You may add a few drops of Oil of Oregano, clove oil, or tea tree oil to the spoon as an added antibacterial treatment for mouth and tooth infections.  Swish the oil in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes, then spit out (into garbage, not sink to avoid clogging drains).  DO NOT SWALLOW!!  The oil is now filled with bacteria.  Within a few days you should notice a difference in your teeth: they will appear whiter, cleaner, and your breath will be much fresher.  Practice this on an empty stomach 1 to 3 times a day for best results.

These are just SOME of the uses for coconut oil.  Please feel free to add additional uses in the comments section!
**Edited to add: I've mixed up a batch of the toothpaste and deodorant.  I added some peppermint essential oil to both, at my husband's request.  I will update with a performance review in a couple days or a week.

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