Using Coconut Oil – Benefits
and Remedies
| Most people agree that using coconut oil can benefit your beauty and health! You can cook with it for great tasting dishes or apply it to your skin, hair, and nails for an instant moisture boost! |
If you love coconuts, (the aroma and the fruit) you’ll love what this simple oil can do for you! If you’ve never tried it, you absolutely should!
Coconut oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acids (lauric, capric and caprylic acids), which gives it anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti fungal properties. Its super nutritious for you and smells great too! Coconut oil consistency is very much like Crisco oil. The difference between the two is that Crisco oil is a blend of soybean oil and palm oil but coconut oil is made only from coconuts. Eating the meat of coconut supplies your body with vitamins, minerals, and fiber! It only makes sense that using coconut oil regularly can improve the way you look and feel! Coconut oil consists of about 92 percent saturated fat and is therefore nearly solid at room temperature. In both solid form or liquid form, it can be used in a multitude of different ways including cooking, home remedies, and skin care products. There are two ways coconut oil is made. Dry processing: Coconut meat is dried in the sun or a kiln. Once dried, it becomes what’s called ‘copra’. It is then dissolved by various solvents to produce the oil. Wet processing: This is the natural way to produce coconut oil, much like cold pressing olive oil. It is considered a more difficult and expensive process as it involves lengthy boiling of raw coconuts to produce the oil. Research has shown that this method produces a purer, more beneficial oil. 
Using Coconut OilWhen using coconut oil, it is important to use cold-pressed, extra virgin coconut oil (organic, virgin, raw). (as pictured above) This natural oil retains the most beneficial nutrients. Coconut oil loses its potency (and benefits) at temperatures above 350 degrees fahrenheit. If the temperature in your home is above 76 degree fahrenheit, the oil will maintain a liquid consistency. If the temperature is below 76 degrees fahrenheit, it will be solid. Since organic, raw coconut oil is solid most of the time, you’ll have to melt it in many cases before using it. To liquefy, simply place the jar of coconut oil in warm water. (If you only want to liquefy a small amount, place it in a small container before melting.)
The Benefits of Using Coconut Oil Boosts immunity Increases metabolism Weight loss remedy Promotes heart health Boosts skin moisture Repairs damaged hair Increases energy Adds wonderful flavor and beneficial nutrients when used in cooking!This beneficial oil contains several components that are anti-fungal and anti-viral and may help in the treatment of viruses. Coconut oil contains 62 percent of Middle Chain Triglycerides. (MCT) One of the protective nutrients found in virgin coconut oil is lauric acid which is an MCT fatty acid (a saturated fat) with 42% - 57% of it found in the oil. MCTs are more easily metabolized by the body. Some of the derivatives of CO are added to infant formulas and used to nourish underweight or sickly hospital patients. 
Natural Health and Beauty Remedies Using Coconut Oil Coconut oil is great for nail beds and nail cuticles! Apply it just as you would avocado oil for the best nail care! If used in moderation, beneficial fats contained in coconut oil aren’t stored in your body, so it’s a great way to get more omega 3 fatty acids without gaining weight. Rub warmed coconut oil onto sore or tight muscles to reduce aches and pains. Increase omega 3 fats into your diet by adding 3 – 4 tablespoons of coconut oil to your meals and snacks. Apply coconut oil to minor burns to help soothe your skin. Gently massage coconut oil on chapped lips for instant relief. You can apply it on your lips in either solid or liquid form! (Even though it tastes good, don’t lick your lips or you’ll make your chapped lips worse!) Rub a little coconut oil on armpits to get rid of unpleasant smelling perspiration odors. To relieve colds faster, add one tablespoon of coconut oil to tea or coffee. Apply coconut oil to your neck and chest to help relieve congestion. Using coconut oil works perfectly for oil pulling! Massage coconut oil onto your scalp to moisturize your scalp and reduce simple dandruff. This is especially useful during cold months when the air is dry. Gently rub it onto your scalp and leave overnight to help lift and remove stubborn oily flakes from Seborrheic Dermatitis. (Cradle cap) Keep babies happier by using coconut oil for diaper rash! For best results, use it after each diaper change! To soothe earaches, fill an eye dropper with warmed coconut oil. Put a few drops into each ear and then gently massage just behind the ear lobe. You can also help remove ear wax using this method. Coconut oil can be used to remove hair lice and their eggs. Relieve dermatitis and insect bites by rubbing coconut oil on the area two to three times a day. Using coconut oil in a thin layer on your skin after washing your face can reduce acne breakouts for some people. Initially, acne problems may exacerbate as toxins are eliminated from pores. However, continue using coconut oil and your complexion should clear right up! Using coconut oil may prevent and reduce the appearance of age spots. Massage a very small amount of oil to troublesome areas several times daily. Since coconut oil has antifungal properties, it can treat many conditions such as athlete’s foot and plantar warts. Massage warm coconut oil to help diminish varicose veins and cellulite, three to six times a day. Because coconut oil contains fats that are good for your skin, use it daily to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Consume three to four tablespoons of coconut oil a day for the most benefits. Used daily, it also helps moisturize and protect your skin. Coconut oil can also help with many skin problems like psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. In fact, derivatives from the oil are frequently used in many skin care products. Right now, I’m using a coconut-based homemade soap to help moisturize and plump my skin. The soap is homemade by one of my good friends and neighbors here in North Carolina. Her products are sold on Etsy.com, so you can purchase them too. (I bought Patchouli scented soap but there are many other essential oil flavors available.) Check out Seal Ziti.com/ to get your own natural soaps! Since I’ve been using coconut oil soap, my skin is softer and clearer than it’s been in years! Use coconut oil on sunburned skin to soothe and replenish lost moisture. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is converted to monolaurin; a monoglyceride which may help contribute to a healthy heart. For some people, it may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. To reap the most rewards, substitute other oils or butter with coconut oil. Always use moderation when adding more saturated fats to your diet! Mix one tablespoon of oil with hot tea or water to help soothe a sore throat. Coconut oil may also help clear up urinary tract infection. (UTI) One tablespoon daily can help relieve some of their most painful IBS symptoms, especially indigestion and constipation. Blend one tablespoon of CO into your favorite smoothie recipe for an instant boost of omega 3 fatty acids. The fats contained in coconut oil are a perfect conditioner for dry hair or damaged hair. Apply one tablespoon (or more, depending on hair length) to wet hair. Comb through with a wide toothed comb to evenly distribute the oil and leave on overnight for the most benefits. Rinse and shampoo the next morning. Coconut oil is used and loved by vegetarians and vegans, who consume no dairy products. Simply substitute coconut oil for butter or other oils. Brush your teeth with the oil to prevent cavities, eliminate bad breath and reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Coconut Oil Toothpaste - To make your own homemade toothpaste, combine 2 tbsp. of melted coconut oil with 3 tbsp. of baking soda in a small bowl. Mix together with a fork until it makes a paste and the oil becomes solid again. Continue using coconut oil toothpaste a few times a week for the most benefits. Using coconut oil toothpaste will also help brighten and whiten your teeth! Relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to your temples in a gentle, circular, motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing, which may help lower stress. When used regularly, CO can help control parasites and fungi/yeast that cause indigestion or other digestive problems. Good fats contained in the oil aid in the absorption of essential vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. CO may help you lose weight by stimulating metabolism, improving thyroid function, and increasing energy levels. How? Common oils like vegetable and corn oil contain LCT (long-chain triglycerides) that are typically stored as fat in the body. Coconut oil contains MCT (medium-chain triglycerides), which creates natural energy for your body to burn. When you add coconut oil into your diet, you may feel more satisfied after meals, which may also make you less likely to eat more than your fair share. Use a thin layer of solid oil as a salve on cuts, scrapes, and bruises. It helps protect your skin and soothe skin irritation. Pet Care Using Coconut OilUsing coconut oil for your pet is very safe and has many health benefits. Most people add a teaspoon (or more) to their pets food as a digestive aid. It works for hair balls and constipation too! It also seems to give some pets a big boost in energy. It’s reportedly great for aching joints and also gives pets a smooth, silky coat. However, it's best to consult your veterinarian first, before giving coconut oil to your pet. Natural Hair and Skin Recipe Using Coconut OilHoney and coconut oil have both long been used to moisturize both hair and skin. Combine them and you have a super lustrous moisturizing skin and hair treatment. 1 tablespoon organic honey
2 tablespoons coconut oil (raw, extra virgin)
2 essential oil (optional)
In a small bowl, blend ingredients together until it’s consistency is smooth! To use as a moisturizing hair treatment: Apply one or two tablespoons to wet hair. Comb through to distribute. Wrap your hair in a warm towel for approximately 30 minutes or longer. Rinse and shampoo afterward. To use as a skin moisturizer: Apply one or two tablespoons to your bath water. Pat your skin dry afterward. As with any other natural product, always consult your physician before using coconut oil internally, especially for anyone with preexisting conditions or anyone currently taking prescription medications.
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