This past year, our household made the switch from using olive oils to cook with to coconut oil!  I personally think food tastes better when coconut oil is used as a base (compared to other oils).  Beyond the health benefits of cooking with coconut oil, did you know there’s a TON of other uses for coconut oil?  Well there is…and I’m breaking down some of my favorite for you!  Here they are:

• Beauty:
  • Tames flyaways when used on frizzy and unmanagable hair
  • When applied to lips, can be used as a lip balm/moisturizer
  • Combine with dish soap for an effective brush (make up) cleaner
  • Can be used as a make-up remover (my sister started this last summer and swears by it)
  • 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
  • Apply directly to bug bits to help with the itch (I can attest that it does work!)
• Cooking:
  • Use in place of other cooking oils
  • Sub for butter in recipies
  • 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)

Have one to add to the list?  Leave me a comment and I’ll be sure to add them in!