WARNING: I’m about to preach about the uses of virgin/unrefined (cold pressed) coconut oil. Not only do I use it as the base of my deodorant, but for nearly everything else!
Coconut Oil solidifies in ‘cool’ temperatures, but will melt when you touch it.
What can I do with Coconut Oil?
I mean, really, what CAN’T you do with it?!
1. COOKING/FRYING
You can use it as a cooking oil as it is the most stable oil available (meaning doesn’t easily break down at high temperatures and lose its nutritional value).
2. EATING
For breakfast, in a blender, I add a tablespoon of coconut oil to my yogurt and give it a quick blend. (I do this because my fruit is cold and so the coconut oil doesn’t melt, I blend it in the yogurt which gives it a nice coconuty flavour). Pour that over some fruit and you’re set. You could also heat up the oil and pour it over your fruit (if your fruit is cold it will solidify, but it’s still pretty delicious, you could also add a touch of honey too!).
-It also helps with digestion, and digestive issues such as IBS, and prevent bacteria such as Giardia.
-AND not only does it stimulate your metabolism, but also kills bacteria and fungi (good for athletes foot!)
Another Reason Why You Should Eat Coconut Oil
(Virgin/Unrefined) Coconut Oil and Free-Radicals
So let’s start by asking “what are free radicals?”.
Free radicals are molecules that are responsible for aging, and damaging tissue (and other bad stuff). Free radicals are unstable molecules that try to ‘stabilize’ themselves by bonding with other (healthy) molecules; thus destroying their vigor and elasticity. Summary: they are bad buggers that make us saggy, wrinkly, and unhealthy before our time!
What stops free radicals?
Antioxidants.
Where can I buy these “antioxidants” you ask?
What a silly question. Antioxidants are found in (healthy) foods, such as CoCoNuT OiL!!! So make it part of your diet.
3. COSMETICS
a. Lotion
I use it as the base for my deodorant (either coconut or shea butter), but coconut oil all by itself can be used as a body lotion. Scoop some out and lather it on after a shower! You’ll seriously be super-soft. The delicious coconut fragrance will fade after an hour or two, but is not that strong to begin with. If after some time you get sick of the smell of coconut (though I don’t know how that’s possible), you can always melt the oil over low heat and add some essential oils to give it a different fragrance. Then pour it back into the container and allow it to harden/set in a cool place.
b. Conditioner
No need for crappy synthetic-garbage-expensive conditioners! (Depending on the length of your hair), rub in approx. a tablespoon of coconut oil into your hair 5-10 minutes before showering. Shampoo the coconut oil out of your hair, that’s it! It helps keep your hair soft, shiny, and moisturized, thus preventing split ends. It’s also good for getting rid of lice (got small kids, sick of the nasty smelling stuff? Check out http://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Head-Lice-Naturally *N.B. you can also add tea tree oil to your shampoo to prevent catching lice).
You can also do a deep condition once a month if needed. Cover your hair in coconut oil for 1 hr, and then shampoo it out, or cover your head and hair in a bathcap and leave in overnight.
4. LUBE
Go ahead, try it!!
5. SCRAPES & SCRATCHES
Coconut oil has some antibacterial (and anti-viral) properties due to its content of lauric acid. You can substitute it for whatever ointment you use on cuts and scrapes. Coconut oil protects the wound from bacteria and viruses by forming a protective layer. It also helps repair damaged tissue (i.e., bruises. It’s not magic, your bruise won’t disappear suddenly, but it helps heal it quicker than it normally would).
I hope I’ve convinced you to start using it in some way or another.
For more info check out some of these links
-Warm the 5oz of oil in a small pot, keep warm-hot (medium heat)
-Melt the coconut oil and beeswax using the double boiler method.
-Allow it to cool and then blend again. (you may have to do this once or twice.)
