Coconut Oil - the unsung hero!

photo from google images search

My brother has been preaching about coconut oil for awhile now.  I thought it was only meant for cooking/eating.  Then I stumbled upon these websites and found out there are many more uses! 

from Organic Facts:

The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc.

[go to the website to read MUCH more]

photo from google image search

I took the 52 uses for Coconut Oil ideas from the delicious obsessions site and categorized them for easier use.  I printed them out and taped them up in the applicable rooms so that I'll always be reminded to utilize this wonderful product!  Now you can, too! (Make sure you have organic, unrefined coconut oil.)

Uses for Coconut Oil - in the Kitchen:

Eat a spoonful when you need an energy boost.

Use to condition your wooden cutting boards.

Replace nasty, unhealthy vegetable oils in your cooking and baking with CO.

Take a spoonful with your vitamins to help improve absorption.

Add a spoonful to your smoothies for extra nutrition and flavor 

Eat a spoonful with each meal to improve digestion.

Use to help detox the body during a cleanse or fast.

Season your cast iron pans.

Use to oil your pans and baking dishes instead of pan spray.

Mix with butter and toss your popcorn in it.

Take a couple spoonfuls every day to help overall immune function.

Uses for Coconut Oil - in the Bathroom:

Use it as the base for a homemade body scrub.

Use as a super conditioner on your hair (apply to dry hair, leave in as long as possible and then shampoo as normal).

Use as a styling agent if you have really dry hair. Just rub a tiny bit on your palms and apply to your hair and style as normal.

Use a tiny dab on your underarms for a natural deodorant.

Use coconut oil instead of shaving cream.

Add to your bathtub for a moisturizing soak (a drop of peppermint oil is wonderful!).

Use as a makeup remover.

Use on the delicate tissue around your eyes to help prevent wrinkles and sagging.

Use as the base for homemade toothpaste or lotion.

Helps soothe and heal hemorrhoids.

Use on cracked or rough heals to help smooth them out.

Massage into your nails and cuticles to help strengthen them.

Use on acne

Rub on pimples and other unsightly blemishes

Uses for Coconut Oil – In the Medicine Cabinet:

Use it to help sooth chicken pox, shingles, or other rashes or skin irritations.

Use it to treat athlete’s food, ringworm, or other fungal or yeast infections.

Spread a thin layer on cuts or burns to speed up healing.

Apply to bee stings or bug bites to soothe and heal the wound.

Women can use in the nether regions to relieve yeast infections, dryness, and/or discomfort.

If you’re prone to nosebleeds, coat the inside of your nostrils with coconut oil regularly.

Take to helps reduce or eliminate migraines.

Take a spoonful to help with heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion.

Use as a natural sunscreen.
Use as a personal lubricant (not safe with latex).
Use to help reduce visibility of stretch marks or to prevent stretch marks.

Uses for Coconut Oil – Miscellaneous

Keep a little container in your purse for lip moisturizer.

Use in place of massage oil.

Mixed with peppermint, lemon balm, rosemary, or tea tree oil makes an excellent insect repellant.

Mix with baking soda for a non-toxic “Goo Gone”.

Use as a metal polish, but always test a small area first.

Use as a leather moisturizer.

Got gum stuck in your hair? Try using coconut oil to remove without cutting your hair.

Use instead of WD-40.

Mix with a tiny bit of fresh lemon juice and use as a furniture polish (always test a small area first!).

Use to clean/lubricate guitar strings.

photo from google images search