Two years ago our household made the switch from using olive oils to cook with to coconut oil. I posted the top uses last year and now have more to add to the list! Beyond cooking with, here are al the ways I use coconut oil in my home, to help boost my overall health: (I use unrefined coconut oil on my skin and to oil pull, I cook with refined)
- Beauty
- Combine with dish soap for an effective brush (makeup) cleaner
- Use it on your eyes as a makeup remover. A little goes a long way.
- Use it as a lotion. Apply to dry spots on your skin (elbows, knees), you’ll also smell good! (Can also be used on cracked nipples for nursing moms)
- Use as a mask on your hair to help with dandruff. Focus on the roots
- Combine with baking soda for a whitening effect on your teeth (More on oil pulling later!)
- Apply directly to bug bits to help with the itch (I can attest that it does work!)
- Appy a small amount to your hair to tame flyaways and boost shine
- Cooking:
- Use in place of other cooking oils
- Sub for butter in recipes
- Add to your favorite smoothie for extra vitamins
- Babies/Kids
- Use to treat cradle cap – rub some onto the scalp and let it absorb
- It’s been known to help calm down eczema and baby acne…natural and effective
- Rub some onto minor cuts and bruises to help speed up healing time
- Pets
- Mix into dog or cat food for extra vitamins
- Brush onto fur to help keep fleas away! (I love this one, the stuff they sell in the stores is toxic!)
- Apply to skin to help with healing cuts and ward of infection. (All pets can benefit including reptiles)
- Treat dry skin (just like humans)
- Makes them smell good! (We all love good smelling animals)
- Use as a carrier oil with your favorite essential oils. (I use Young Living. If you’re interested in trying them you can sign-up here! My referral number is 2690271)
- Oil pulling:
- Have you heard of oil pulling? It’s and ancient way to detoxify the body. I’ve been reading up a TON lately on oil pulling and began doing it myself last week.
Oil pulling, also known as “kavala” or “gundusha,” is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. This action supposedly draws out toxins in your body, primarily to improve oral health but also to improve your overall health
I chose to use coconut oil. Unrefined coconut oil to be exact. I start with a tbsp of the hard oil. When I first tried it I thought “where do I find the melted oil”….well duh it melts in your mouth! So use what you have at home if you’re cooking with coconut oil. Melt it in your mouth and swish back and forth for 10-20min. I usually do 5-10 minutes because I get tired of it. I figure some time is better than none right!
The purpose is mainly to rid the body of oil-soluble toxins!
Some of the benefits are believed to include: Curing a hangover, whitening the teeth, strengthening gums/teeth, preventing cavities (improved oral health), sinus pressure relief and a general body detox.
In the week that I’ve been oil pulling, I’ve noticed my teeth are whiter. My coffee and tea daily are not helping my teeth look their best, so this was my main reason to try it! I also got rid of a sore throat in a day. I’m not sure if it’s because of the oil pulling alone but for me (who works as a pediatric nurse) I’ll take it!
