Coconut oil is a little squeeze of magic extracted from the kernel of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It is moisturising, antibacterial and classed as a healthy fat.
I use it for everything….no really, it gets weird.
It usually comes in a jar as a white solid; pure, 100% coconut oil should have no other ingredients and it can cost anywhere between £3-£8 depending on where you shop.
I am very conscious of putting excess and unnecessary chemicals onto/into my body, I like to know exactly what is in the products I use and using coconut oil as a multi purpose product not only cuts down on costs but also reassures me that what I am using is safe, free of harsh chemicals and as natural as nature intended.
Here are just a few things you can and should use it for, if it doesn’t change your life then I will eat a cactus.
- Moisturiser – coconut oil melts into a liquid when exposed to body temperature, spread it evenly all over your body before bed to wake up smooth and supple.
- Wrinkle cream – prevention is easier than correction in the game of age so use this as an intense moisturiser around your sensitive eyes and lips to help combat premature ageing.
- Makeup remover – work the oil gently into your face, eyes or lips with you fingers like you would a cleanser and wipe away with cotton pads. It’s great to get rid of those last few spots of mascara if you’re eyes are getting sore but don’t use loads, it may get in your eyes and can blur your vision for a few minutes.
- Lip balm – great for when you can’t find your Chapstick!
- Cuticle cream – work a small amount into your nails and cuticles for hours of crack free finger tips.
- Lube – WHAT??? There’s a simple rule for intimate lube: if you can eat it then it’s safe and as coconut oil is chemical free, what better way to have some fun?! For those who use latex condoms I’d be a bit more careful as latex is can be temperamental.
- Shaving cream – shaving creams are usually oil based, coconut oil is pure oil….duh.
- Massage oil – again, a natural alternative if you haven’t got any fancy and expensive massage oils.
- Hair oil – apply a really small amount to the ends of your hair for extra gloss
- Deep conditioner – apply to your hair and scalp for a deep conditioning treatment, leave on for as long as you like but be sure to wash it all out properly!!
- Cooking oil – healthier than normal oils and a great way to get some extra good fats into your system. I use coconut oil in all of my cooking.
- Butter replacement – a healthier alternative, spread on toast, bagels or pancakes!
- Eczema – I’ve had eczema all my life and whenever it gets bad I treat it with medicated talc and coconut oil to calm the infection, reduce the swelling and help it heal. It works a million times better than any of the medicated creams i’ve been given over the past 20 years BUT please note that what works for me may not work for others.
These are just a few uses for coconut oil and everything I have tried so far, if you know of any more then share it!
