Everyday uses of coconut oil

Since I discovered coconut oil a few years ago I use it for pretty much everything; I cook with it, I use it in my hair, skin and nails or in homemade beauty concoctions, I clean my teeth with it and even put it in my tea and occasionally eat a spoonful right straight out of the jar! This might seem rather odd behaviour if you are not familiar with the subject but coconut oil has a list of benefits longer than my arm! 

Coconut is a diet staple in many eastern cultures where the rates of heart disease and obesity are the lowest in the planet.

Now, If you would like to be enlightened further on the wonders of coconut oil, read this. If the science of it does not interest you and prefer to go straight to the point, this are some of the best uses of coconut oil:

Eye makeup remover

 Coconut oil is the best thing I have ever used to remove mascara and eyeliner (even waterproof versions) without irritating the eyes and has the added benefit of conditioning your eye-lashes and brows! Just melt a little on your hands, close your eyes and rub the stuff in circular motions (angry racoon look alert!) then take it all off with a damp cotton pad.

Skin moisturizer

The fatty acids in coconut oil help lock in skin moisture and its antioxidant properties prevent cellular ageing. It can help treating dry skin, stretch marks, age spots, and skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, it’s a natural SPF 4 and can even be used to keep your skin tanned for longer! I keep a big tub of coconut oil in my bedroom and use it as daily face and body moisturizer; a little goes a long way so It lasts for ages, smells delicious and really makes your skin silky smooth and radiant with health.

Hair conditioner

Just mix in a 1 to 2 tablespoons of melted oil (depending on hair length) with honey, avocado or banana and leave in for at least 30 minutes for a natural hair mask or rub a small amount into your hair (mostly at ends), comb through and put hair in a loose bun before bed and wash out in the morning for an intensive overnight treatment, this can be a bit messy but it does wonders to dry, damaged hair. You can also rub a wee bit of oil on your hands and apply as an anti-frizz treatment to tame unruly locks!

Natural lubricant

Its sexy time! Yep, you can also put coconut oil on your nether regions as a natural (and rather tasty) lubricant that won’t irritate or disturb your vaginal flora and can even help fight Candida infections due to its antifungal properties. Is not compatible with latex thought, so don’t use it with condoms! 

Long story short, coconut oil is amazing and the ways you can use this marvellous tropical stuff are bountiful. That said, it might not be your thing to put coconut oil in every crevice of your body or perhaps you find your skin revelling against it once you start using it. My advice is to listen to your body as it might need some time to adjust. This post on the Free People Blog describes this process perfectly. You will find tons of information about coconut oil and its uses in the web, do your own research until you find the way that works for you! For more interesteing and unexpected uses of coconut oil read this post by Wellness Mama.

Make sure to buy organic, unrefined virgin coconut oil and not the refined stuff you might find in the supermarket.

This is my favourite brand of coconut oil. It might seem pricey but the quality is superb and remember, a little goes a long way so one jar will last for quite long time.