Print article Lately, one of my current obsessions has been something so simple, yet useful in so many ways: coconut oil. Coconut oil has so many amazing benefits and such a wide range of usage, from cooking to health improvements. Below are a few of my favorite ways to utilize coconut oil in my daily routine:
- Oil Pulling: need any toxins removed from your body quickly? Oil pulling is the way to go. Place about 1 teaspoon – 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth (a lot easier when the oil is in liquid form) and swish around for 10-15 minutes. Time goes by quicker when you’re doing something- laundry, getting lunch ready, etc. Personally, I can never do it for that long, I can only do it for about 5-8 minutes. But it still seems to work. I’ve had headaches and after pulling, they are gone. This is also a great way to naturally whiten your teeth. You’ll want to spit out in the toilet or the trash can because the oil can clog your drains.
- Moisturizer: coconut oil is an excellent, inexpensive moisturizer that absorbs pretty quickly. Rub a little on your arms and legs after a shower and have silky smooth skin the next day. Remember, a little bit goes a long way. You can also whip the coconut oil for a different consistency. Whip 1 cup of oil (in solid form) and a few drops of your favorite essential oils for about 6-7 minutes (until light and airy) and spoon into a mason jar and cover tightly.
- Exfoliate: the other day I made my own hand/body exfoliate with coconut oil and brown sugar, and boy does it smell divine. I mixed about 1/3 cup coconut oil with about ¼ cup or less of brown sugar. Rub it on your hands (or body) and buff away those dead skin cells then rinse. Take note- the oil may clog your drain over time.
- Relieve Sun Burns: it’s easy to get a sunburn after being outside all day, especially with the 4th of July coming up. If you find yourself in this situation, pour some apple cider vinegar on a cloth then rub on the burn (instantly will relieve the sting & reduce inflammation) and then rub coconut oil (promotes healing) on afterward and your burn should subside greatly overnight. Precaution: Do not use vinegar on your skin if there is a cut or wound on it.
Other uses:
- Cooking
- Use in smoothies for added nutrients, liver Detox
- Hair conditioner or dandruff remedy
- Eye makeup remover
- Face masks
- Shoe leather polish
- Help acne (lightly apply for topical treatment or ingest for it’s potent antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties)
One of my favorite brands is Vita Coco Extra-Virgin 100% Organic, Raw Coconut oil.
