Coconut Oil
Many of us already know Coconut Oil as the alternative cooking oil to some of our more conventional and widely used oils. Below you can find some of the more unconventional ways to use coconut oil for some of your everyday needs beyond the kitchen:
Tanning Oil - Coconut Oil can actually protect your skin from about 20% of the suns UV rays, making it a moisturizing alternative to some of the more chemical filled tanning oils you see at the store.
Moisturizer - Put some on before bed to help moisturize and nourish broken skin. In some cases, it has even been seen to help with eczema and skin irritation!
Hair care - The proteins in the oil can help repair damaged hair. The “Lauric Acid” found in the oil has been proven to penetrate the hair in ways that most other fatty acids cannot.
Stain Remover - When mixed with some baking soda it makes an excellent stain remover!
Skin Protection - When applied to the body, it can help protect from bacteria and toxins that you may unintentionally attract while out in the wild. Chlorine is a great example of this. Put some on before lounging by the pool to help prevent your skin from absorbing too much pool chlorine.
Brain Health - Coconut Oil has a high content of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can be converted into ketones that provide an efficient energy source for the brain
Leather Conditioner - Use coconut oil to condition and moisturize leather goods like bags, shoes, and belts. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and buff the leather in circular motions
Lice Treatment - Coconut oil can be used as a natural treatment for lice. Apply generously to the scalp and hair, cover with a shower cap overnight, and then comb out the lice and nits in the morning. The oil suffocates the lice and makes it easier to remove them
Zipper Fixer - If a zipper is stuck or not sliding smoothly, rub a small amount of coconut oil along the teeth of the zipper. Gently work the zipper back and forth to distribute the oil and help it glide more easily.
Makeup Remover / Brush Cleaner - Mix coconut oil with a gentle soap or baby shampoo to clean makeup brushes. The oil helps to break down makeup residue while conditioning the bristles. Coconut Oil alone can also be used to help take off your makeup at night and moisturize the skin.
Pet Ear Cleaner - Use coconut oil as a natural ear cleaner for pets. Gently massage a small amount into the outer ear canal to help soften ear wax and debris. Wipe away excess oil with a clean cloth or cotton ball.
Homemade Soap Base - Coconut oil can be used as a base for homemade soap. Combine with lye, water, and other oils or additives to create your own customized soap bars. Be sure to follow proper soap-making procedures and safety precautions. This can be used for any kind of soap.
These are just a handful of the thousands of applications that this oil has! It is a very versatile home staple that can really tackle any kind of problem. Stick to the all natural coconut oils as added garbage can have adverse effects and yield different results.
