Coconut oil is the miracle-product that’s been getting quite a lot of hype lately and for good reasons too. Coconut oil is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, giving it over a hundred practical uses for your daily life.
Basically, there are two types of coconut oil: refined and unrefined. Refined coconut oil, or “expeller pressed,” have been processed in such a way that some of its nutrition were taken away. It is still useful but not as effective as the unrefined. Unrefined coconut oil, or “virgin” or “extra virgin,” did not go through the refining process and so it is more nutritious and more effective. The best quality of coconut oil you should opt for is the non-GMO organic extra virgin coconut oil.
Here are some of the uses for coconut oil.
For Beauty
1. Moisturizer.
Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, given that it penetrates the skin more deeply compared to other oils. It won’t just soak your skin and dry—it heals. You can use coconut oil as you would a lotion or a face moisturizer. You only need a small amount. Although it may feel greasy at first, give it a minute or two to completely sink in and your skin will feel soft and supple afterwards. It’s perfect for dry skin areas and cold winter months.
2. Conditioner.
Just as it is perfect for your skin, it is great for your hair and scalp as well. Work it through your entire scalp and the length of your hair for deep conditioning. Alternatively, you can just apply it on the ends of your hair where it’s driest and more prone to breakage. It will make your hair smooth, get rid of frizz, and prevent dandruff. Don’t use too much though if you plan to leave it in as it might make your hair look greasy. You can also just wash it off a few minutes after applying.
3. Prevent acne.
Over-production of sebum may be due to dry skin hiding under all those oil that the body produces in a vain attempt to rehydrate the skin. The excess oil then clogs your pores and causes acne. Although you might think that adding more oil is not advisable, coconut oil will hydrate your skin thereby regulating the production of sebum and preventing acne.
4. Exfoliate.
A 1-to-1 mixture of coconut oil and baking soda makes a great exfoliating agent for your skin. It will effectively remove dirt and dead skin cells, and will leave your skin feeling softer and brighter afterwards.
5. For shaving.
You can replace your shaving cream with the more effective coconut oil. It’s chemical free and will provide a smooth surface that your razor will easily glide on thereby reducing irritation and leaving little to no bumps.
For Cooking
1. Cooking oil.
You can use coconut oil to replace vegetable oil when cooking. It can even be used in place of butter, although butter is richer in flavour. Coconut oil is, however, healthier than butter and vegetable oil.
2. Grease your pans.
Coconut oil makes a great, healthier alternative to Crisco or vegetable oil when it comes to greasing your pans.
3. Ingredient.
There are actually a number of dishes you can create with coconut oil. This includes ice cream, salad dressing, granola, and a much healthier mayonnaise.
For Home Remedies
1. Sore throat.
By swallowing a coconut oil and honey mixture, you’ll find relief from your sore throat.
2. Inflammation
Since coconut oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, it can soothe various conditions relating to inflammation such as eczema, insect bites, or skin infection from poison ivy. Just apply some coconut oil all over the affected area.
3. Fungus and Bacteria Infection.
Because of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal property, coconut oil is great for athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and the likes. Just rub coconut oil on the affected area. Coconut oil can also speed up the healing of wounds as it has both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
4. Sunburn.
A 1-to-1 mixture of coconut oil and aloe vera offers relief from sunburn. It’s soothing property increases if you refrigerate the mixture first before applying.
