You've probably heard by now that coconut oil is a magical elixir.
It seems like every wellness blogger and Instagram-celeb sings its praises, which may lead people to
wonder: "Is coconut oil really all it's hyped up to be?"
The answer is...
"YES!"
Used in medicine and ancient remedies in Asia and the Pacific Islands for centuries because
of their healing properties, coconut oil is a wondrous substance that has a place in your
kitchen, medicine cabinet, and beauty bag.
We're going to share a few amazing — and some unexpected — ways to use one of nature's
finest moisturizers.
Your lotion potion
Go ahead, slather yourself in coconut oil after you shower or before you hop in bed.
Yes, coconut oil feels a little greasy when you first apply it.
But once you rub it in, your skin will literally drink it up.
According to Organic Facts, this is largely thanks in part to its saturated fat content.
These medium chain fatty acids help keep moisture in the skin as the fats reduce moisture-loss
through the pores.
But while some people swear by using coconut oil as a facial moisturizer, those with acne-prone
skin can sometimes break out due to clogged pores.
We love it as a body moisturizer, but proceed with caution if you leave it on your face.
Go deep!
The point of washing your hair is to remove oils, right?
Wrong!
Your hair needs its natural oils to stay healthy.
And your hair can certainly benefit from a coconut oil hug every now and then.
Remember those medium chain fatty acids?
According to Mind Body Green, they also make it much easier for the moisturizing coconut
oil to penetrate easily into the hair shaft.
That means it’s working from the inside, out.
Very nice.
Here’s what you do.
Heat up a bowl of coconut oil, rub it in your hair, and put on a shower cap for an
hour; better yet, sleep in it for even deeper penetration.
Rinse with warm water and shampoo thoroughly.
You will have silky, shiny, frizz-free hair.
You can also regularly apply a little bit of coconut oil on your ends to prevent breakage.
An oil cleaner?
Wash with oil to remove oil.
Sounds counterintuitive, right?
But there's an old saying in chemistry that applies here too: "like dissolves like."
The best way to dissolve your face’s natural oils is with other natural oils.
The process is twofold: you clean the pores of dirt and bacteria, while also replacing
the dirty oil with the good oils that protect and nourish your skin.
It’s no wonder we’ve heard so much about oil-cleansing lately.
All you have to do for a clean, but moisturized face is rub on some coconut oil and follow-up
with a hot washcloth.
Let the cloth cool, then gently remove any remaining oil on the skin with it.
Bonus: It’s a cleanser and makeup remover in one, so no need for that extra step.
Armpit savior
Coconut oil for your armpits?
Yup.
It's a thing.
According to The Coconut Mama, Coconut oil has natural, antibacterial properties, which
can prevent things like body odor.
She has a recipe to create a natural deodorant and antiperspirant by mixing four tablespoons
of coconut oil, a quarter cup of arrowroot powder, a quarter cup of baking soda, and
an essential oil of your choice.
Melt the concoction and pour it into an empty deodorant container, and voila!
A stink-free armpit.
The balm-diggity
Tried, tested, and true: coconut oil is an essential ingredient to effective, natural
lip balm.
Katie over at The Wellness Mama swears by it.
Not only does it moisturize, but it also soothes chapped, flaky pouts.
Make your own using a combination of coconut oil, beeswax, Vitamin E, honey, and essential
oil, or simply mix it with a bit of lipstick, and you've got yourself a new favorite lip
product.
Silky smooth legs
How many times have you run out of shaving cream, only to use skin-drying soap as its
replacement?
Fear not.
Coconut oil to the rescue!
All over the blogosphere, coconut oil lovers are sharing their experience of using the
good stuff to shave their legs.
The verdict?
A closer shave along with soft, moisturized legs long after you step onto your bath mat.
Plus, a relatively unharmed razor blade.
Just be careful because it can make your shower a bit slippery.
Don't feel the burn
An article on Livestrong.com explains the dangers of overdosing on antibiotics, while
also touting the benefits of natural solutions.
Rich in luric acid, coconut oil has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antifungal, anti-microbial and
anti-inflammatory properties.
Whew!
That’s a lot of anti’s.
All of this to say that it’s a great solution to ouchies — particularly those that come
from spending too much time in the sun or touching a too-hot pan.
According to Home Remedies For Life, coconut oil can do everything from relieve sunburned
inflammation to reduce peeling discomfort.
On top of that, it soothes and tightens the burned skin to prevent any permanent damage
such as wrinkles, tanning, and darkening of the skin.
Try oil-pulling
Oil-pulling is an ancient medicinal technique for removing toxins and improving oral health.
As the Wellness Mama explains, though, there is a lack of scientific studies to support
the practice when it comes to your teeth.
But there is plenty of anecdotal evidence out there.
She claims that it has helped her reduce plaque, fight sensitivity, and have pearlier whites.
The steps are pretty simple.
Put coconut oil in your mouth, swish for twenty minutes, and spit out.
The hardest part is having the patience to sit with a tablespoon of coconut oil in your
mouth.
The Wellness Mama suggests starting small.
Say a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon, and five minutes versus twenty minutes.
Then, work your way up.
Wow.
This stuff really is the gift that keeps on giving.
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