5 Ways to Use Coconut Oil Every Day
September 9, 2014
By now, you’ve probably noticed that people are using coconut oil more than ever before. That’s because we are learning more about how amazing this all-natural resource can really be. From dry skin to oral health, coconut oil can be used effectively for so many things.
Treat Your Skin
With winter approaching, many people are looking for ways to keep their skin hydrated and healthy. Coconut oil is a great way to soften your skin and counteract the effects of dry, harsh weather conditions. It’s wonderful on all parts of the body from your face (try it in place of your moisturizer or for removing make-up!) to your lips and cracked feet. Some people even swear by it as a remedy for acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Clean Your Mouth
Coconut oil has antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. For this reason, people find a real benefit in using it to clean their mouths. Some use it alone or with baking soda as a toothpaste. Another popular practice is to use it for oil pulling which involves putting a small amount of the oil in your mouth and swishing it around for 20 minutes every morning on an empty stomach. Studies have shown a reduction in bacteria and inflammation and an improvement in oral health among those who perform oil pulling on a regular basis.
Condition Your Hair
Virgin coconut oil is one of the best chemical-free deep conditioners you can find. It stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, is high in antioxidants so it helps prevent free radical damage to the body, The unique molecular structure of the oil’s fatty acids allow it to penetrate the hair shaft which provides moisture restoration from within. You can even apply coconut oil to damp hair, secure it within a shower cap and leave it on overnight for maximum benefits. A nice quick trick is to rub some coconut oil into split ends to tame flyaways.
Fight Your Infection
While more research is needed, some studies have shown that coconut oil can help fight the flu, yeast infections, acne, bronchitis, ear infections and more. Some people even use it as a topical ointment for cuts and burns to speed up the healing process while many moms swear by it as a treatment for diaper rash.
Cook Your Food
One of the great things about cooking with coconut oil is that it is very heat stable and has a nice, mild flavor. The hint of coconut is especially delicious in curries, Thai food and other Asian dishes. It’s also particularly tasty in baked goods and some people even find ways to add coconut oil to their smoothies and healthy popsicles.
It is definitely worth the effort to do a little research about coconut oil. It can be a safe, chemical-free, environmentally conscious option to many of the things we use in our daily lives.