Coconut Oil - It is not just for cooking!

Photo Credit:  www.organicfacts.net

One of my favorite new products that I have started using this year is coconut oil.  Coconut oil is very affordable, natural and easy to find.  When you buy it, it will be in solid form but when the temperature rises it will liquify, this is completely normal.  You can sit in a warm place or in a bowl of warm water to liquify as well.  I do not recommend microwaving because it will take away many of the benefits. 

There are two types of coconut oil:

• Virgin (unrefined) coconut oil tastes and smells like coconut and is great for cooking and baking where you want that flavor. You can use it for anything but it will impart a mild coconut taste and odor. Unrefined coconut oil retains the most nutritional value and is superior to refined oil.
• Expeller pressed (refined) coconut oil can be used for anything. It does not have a coconut smell or taste. It is still great to use, but does lose some of it’s health properties during the refining process.  
• Food grade should always be used.
  
  
  There are so many great uses for coconut oil.  Here are just a few.
  
  
  1.  Burns, scrapes, birthmarks, age spots, bruises, bug bites.  It can be applied directly to these and will help aid in healing and reduce scarring. 
  
  2.  Deodorant, face moisturizer, under eye cream, make-up remover and after shave, great for razor burn.  Mix with sugar or sea salt and use to exfoliate the skin.
  3.  Use it to heal acne, dandruff, eczema, sunburn relief, diaper rash, and as stretch mark cream,  just apply to the affected area.  It can be used as a massage oil as well.
  
  
  4.  Many people ingest it for various health and wellness purposes.  For breastfeeding Moms 3 1/2 TBSP daily will enrich their milk supply.  Coconut oil aids in the absorption of calcium and magnesium which leads to better bone and tooth health.  It aids in digestion, energy boost, and vitamin and nutrient absorption.  When used for stress relief, apply to head in a circular massaging motion.  To help control nausea, rub a small amount on the wrist.  If you don't like to ingest it straight, you can add it to your morning smoothie.
  
  
  5.  In cooking you can use it to replace the other oils you use like canola, vegetable, etc.  Dairy allergy?  You can use coconut oil as a substitute for butter.  If you need one cup of butter, use one cup of coconut oil.  Use it to grease pans or in baking instead of Crisco.  
  
  
  These are just a few of the uses I have compiled.  I would like to encourage you to give this oil a try since there are so many places in your home that you can use it.   I would love to hear about some of the ways you like to use your coconut oil.