Why Every Woman (And Man) Should Own A Jar of Coconut Oil

Winter is quickly approaching, which means the temperatures have already begun to drop in most places. This also means that we can start breaking out our cute jackets and boots! Don’t you just love dressing for winter?! Sweaters, turtlenecks, scarves, vests, boots…ahhhh I love the crisp air that winter provides. However, this crisp air also does a number on our skin. Fall and Winter weather typically makes our skin and hair much dryer during these months. Because of this, moisturizing ourselves from the tops of our head down to the bottoms of our feet is so important!

This is where the godsend that is coconut oil comes into play. Coconut oil is a multi-purpose oil that can be used for almost anything you can think of it. You may have noticed that coconut oil is an added ingredient to many haircare products, but pure coconut oil used by itself works wonders. Aside from cooking with coconut oil (which I use from time to time, depending on if the recipe calls for it), I apply coconut oil to me and my kids hair on a very regular basis. Kyron, a hairstylist (and the same lady that did my fabulous twists earlier this year. See HERE), told me that when it comes to hair and coconut oil, the rule is: “Water before oil”. So I apply the coconut oil to our hair when it’s damp. I have a spray bottle of water that I have where I mist the kids’ hair with water first, then apply the coconut oil. Right now I’m not loyal to any particular brand, but the one that I’ve been using more consistently is from Amazon.com, seen here:

The consistency of coconut oil is usually semi-firm, but can be melted easily if you put it in the microwave or in a pot on the stove. There are tons of brands out there, and can be found at your local grocery store or drug store.

Our family also uses coconut oil as a moisturizer for our body as well. So fresh out of the bath or tub, I slather coconut everywhere, similar to how I would do lotion. Now don’t get me wrong, I still have all the nice-smelling Bath and Body Works stuff, but the coconut oil is always used first. It is a great moisturizing agent,.

Here are other great uses for coconut oil:

• Lip balm: Coconut oil can soothe chapped lips.
• Oil Pulling: To “Oil Pull”, swish oil between teeth for 5-20 minutes to kill bad bacteria and freshen your breath,
• Natural Deodorant: Excellent as natural deodorant and can be used for deodorant recipe by mixing with baking soda and essential oils.
• Face Wash: Coconut oil can be used to cleanse and moisturize face.
• Wound Salve: Perfect to use as wound ointment because of anti-microbial properties. Put on just like you would neosporin.
• Hair Conditioner: Add to hair as conditioner to repair split ends. Rub in hair and leave in for 30  minutes, then rinse.
• Body Lotion: Use coconut oil by itself as a natural body lotion.
• Cellulite Solution: Use as cellulite-reduction cream with grapefruit essential oil. Mix 1 tbsp. coconut oil with 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil then massage into area after getting after the shower.
• Eye Makeup Remover: Use with cotton swab as eye makeup remover instead of chemicals.
• Shaving Cream: Excellent replacement for shaving lotion that provides a gentle glide for a razor and soothes skin.
• Bath soak: Mix 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, with 1/4 cup epsom salts for an incredible healing bath.
• Sunscreen/Sunburn remedy: Coconut oil is an SPF 4 and can soothe and moisturize skin from sunburn.
• Anti-Aging Skincare: Put coconut oil on skin before bed to reduce age spots and wrinkles.
• Massage Oil: Coconut oil works as the perfect massage oil and when mixed with lavender and peppermint essential oils can relax and heal sore muscles.
• Insect repellent: Mixing coconut oil with essential oils with peppermint, rosemary, tea tree and citronella are effective at keeping bugs away.
• Aromatherapy: Used as perfect carrier oil when making home remedies with essential oils.

As you can see, coconut oil could very well be a staple in most households. Just as you would make sure your cabinets are stocked with vaseline or peroxide, coconut oil should also make its way on your shelves! It’s wonderful!