Coconut oil, particularly virgin coconut oil, has turned into something I can’t live without. Whether I'm using it as a cooking ingredient or a salve for my skin, there are so many uses for this healing substance. The list of coconut oil health benefits is long, but today I'm going to share the easiest ways you can incorporate it into your life.
Cooking Enhancer: Benefits of Coconut Oil in the Kitchen
Did you know that cooking with virgin coconut oil is healthier than extra virgin olive oil? It oxidizes at higher temperatures and is therefore safer for you and your family to ingest. Next time you're sautéing vegetables, add 1-2 tablespoons of pure coconut oil to your skillet.
I keep one tub of virgin coconut oil in my kitchen and another in the bathroom. You don't want to keep something you cook with next to your toiletries after all!
Skin Moisturizer: Unlocking the Skin Benefits of Coconut Oil
Skin is the largest human organ. It excretes toxins through our sweat and absorbs our polluted surroundings and the products we apply directly. Many moisturizers found in our home are filled with chemicals, perfumes, and other additives. If you don’t believe me, just look at the ingredients on the back of your lotion bottle. Even some all-natural moisturizers contain questionable ingredients.
About a year ago, I was told to consider the following: when using a moisturizer, aim for something like virgin coconut oil, that you would eat if you had to because that’s really what you’re doing by rubbing it all over your skin. That message stuck with me, which led me to purchase my first tub of pure coconut oil. In the summer, I love to use coconut oil for self massage.
Try rubbing 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil between your hands. Apply to your face, neck, and any other dry areas of your body. It also works great as Chapstick in a pinch. One drop goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Hair Beautifier: The Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair Health
Suffering from dead ends or a dry scalp? Pure coconut oil can help. Rub 1/2 teaspoon into your hands and distribute to your roots and scalp evenly. For dead ends, take 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil and apply it to the ends of your hair. If you want accelerated results, add a drop or two of eucalyptus or melaleuca (tea tree) essential oils.
If you already have oily hair, less is more. Regardless of hair type, I recommend using virgin coconut oil 1-2 times each week. Apply it after work, that way your hair can absorb it all night before your next shower.
Yeast Infection Cure: The Therapeutic Benefits of Coconut Oil
Nobody likes a yeast infection and creams and over-the-counter medications aren’t always effective or enjoyable. Pure coconut oil's antibacterial properties can soothe and heal yeast infection symptoms. Apply just enough to coat the affected area — 1/2 teaspoon or less. To expedite healing, add 1 drop of lavender essential oil with each application of virgin coconut oil.
General Detoxifier and Stress Headaches Relief
Have you heard of “oil pulling?” It’s an Ayurvedic technique and something to make a habit of. A friend of mine who was struggling with dental issues dedicated 20 minutes a day to this ritual for a couple of weeks. She periodically sent me images of her progress and I was extremely impressed. She inspired me to give it a go and I'm very happy I did.
The process is similar to using mouthwash. Simply swish 1 heaping teaspoon of coconut oil around in your mouth for at least 15 minutes. Over time, try to make your way up to 30 minutes. You’ll get used to it quickly. You may find the taste and sensation strange at first as your body temperature melts the hard coconut oil. It can leave both a lumpy and oily feeling in your mouth, which is normal.
Take a look at your saliva when you spit. In the beginning, it will probably be a clear mixture of oil and saliva, but the more you oil pull, you’ll start to notice a change in the color.
If you've ever heard that coconut oil is good for headaches, it's true! When oil pulling is done on a regular basis, it can help relieve stress headaches. There are many other coconut oil health benefits to oil pulling consistently, including:
Whitens teeth
Prevents bad breath
Strengthens teeth, gums, and jaw
Prevents disease
Increases overall oral health
Supports kidney function
Reduces insomnia
Relieves hangovers
Generally detoxifies
Carrier Oil: Enhancing Essential Oils with the Benefits of Coconut Oil
Essential oils are finally getting the attention they deserve in our society. Whether it’s a physical or mental ailment, there's an oil out there to help with everything from headaches to depression.
Therapeutic-grade essential oils have medicinal properties and are a natural way to treat just about any ailment. They're exactly what they sound like — oils properly harvested and distilled from plants. These natural substances have been curing people for generations. However, some of them are very potent and can create a burning sensation if not properly diluted. That’s where coconut oil comes in — as the perfect carrier oil to make these other healing liquids safe to use.
Depending on what type of essential oil you're using, 1-15 drops of coconut oil will suffice to properly dilute it. If you're not sure how much to use, do your research. There are plenty of online resources that can help. Or, you can always reach out to me!
Final Thoughts on the Versatile Benefits of Coconut Oil
There are a whole host of coconut oil health benefits and I'm so happy I could share some of the most common uses for this special substance with you. A large 15 fl. oz. tub of virgin coconut oil is around just $10. I'm still working through a tub that I've been using regularly for months!
Coconut oil, especially pure coconut oil, is now widely available. I purchased mine at Whole Foods but it can also be found in drug stores or local health food stores. If you're looking to explore a variety of options and find the best coconut oil for your needs, Good Housekeeping has compiled a list of the best coconut oils available in the market. Their selection can help guide you in choosing a high-quality product that fits your lifestyle. Don't wait to incorporate its healing properties into your life!
If you're looking for more health and wellness tips like these, consider scheduling a free breakthrough call with me today. Your health and wellbeing should be your number one priority in life and if you feel like you've gotten away from that, I'm here to help get you back on track!
