10 Magical Everyday Uses For Coconut Oil (& It’s Not Cooking)
Coconut oil sure seems like the cure-all for everything, am I right? I'm sure by now you've seen the meme floating facebook and Instagram that states something like:
"Frizzy Hair
Coconut Oil
No Shaving Cream?
Coconut Oil
Dry Skin?
Coconut Oil
Boyfriend Acting Up?
Coconut Oil"
The more I do research, the more I find it can actually do! So, through that research, I have compiled my favorites from the many I researched and wanted to share with you, my lovely readers. Before you go crazy with it, though, make sure to buy organic and cold-pressed. It makes all the difference.
Here are my favorite ways to use my coconut oil:
For your Smoothie- We all love smoothies and you can boost its benefits by adding a tablespoon of melted coconut oil. It's not only delicious but healthy.
For your pet- I didn't know this but many vets actually recommend coconut oil for dogs. Just like for us, it's an excellent source of nutrients as well as flavor. It is recommended a teaspoon of coconut oil for every 10 pounds of dog weight. To start without changing digestion, use approximately 1/4 of the recommended dosage following by a build up until you reach the recommended amount.
Remove sticker and labels and residual glue goo- Simply mix equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda along with five drops of your favorite citrus essential oil. However, do NOT use this on your walls or leather and vinyl as it will actually break down the materials sealant in hard furniture and paints and eventually corrode them.
Deodorant- You can make an all-natural deodorant is a cheaper, healthier, and non-staining alternative to traditional deodorant/antiperspirant. Or you can try Kopari.
Room scent and odor eliminator- If you love the scent of tanning lotions as much as I do, you'll love this scent for your home too. Mix 1⁄4 cup baking soda with 1⁄4 cup cornstarch. Once mixed together well, mix in 6 tablespoons of coconut oil. I put mine in a mini ball jar in inconspicuous areas where it won't get spilled.
Squeaky Hinges- Every once in a while I have a squeaky door hinge. I use a cotton swab to rub some oil (without dripping on the carpet, etc) on the offending hinge and squeak will be no more.
Bugs Away- Keep bug away this summer with this simple concoction. Mix some coconut oil with essential oil. Best choices are peppermint or tea tree as they repel bugs. Apply the mixture to your skin in small amounts so as not to be overly greasy. As an added aid dabbing coconut oil a bug bite you already have will reduce itching and swelling.
Sweet Treat- You'll absolutely love giving your children this sweet treat (or treat yo self 😉 ) because it's healthy and yummy! Mix2 parts coconut oil and 1 part Nutella. It's good on its own but will surprise your children with its magic. Spoon over ice cream and it magically hardens.
Facial- Mix some coconut oil with oatmeal and baking soda for a facial that scrubs and exfoliates your skin.
Teeth- So, you
Garlic Spread- If you are avoiding butter or just want a tasty savory treat, instead of garlic butter make garlic coconut butter. It's creamy and just as tasty but dairy free.
So you may ask, which coconut oil? For food, I buy organic and cold-pressed. Make sure the only ingredient is coconut oil. For my face and body, I use Coco & Co. Coconut Oil. This particular coconut oil is 100% raw and organic. They say it is processed through a special process through which the cooled coconut "milk" is spun to separate the impurities from the oil. All without heat for an ulta-pure product.
Remember, you cannot use coconut oil on everything and everywhere. If you don't see it here, it is up to you to test in an inconspicuous spot and you are on your own taking that risk. There are definitely areas I won't take the risk.
Let me know your thoughts. Are there areas you use coconut oil?