Coconut oil has recently become a topic of conversation among health junkies and medical experts alike for its myriad beneficial uses. Coconut oil has been used in other countries for centuries as an elixir of health for many issues from skincare, to detoxification, to fighting infection! Below are the top 10 awesome uses for coconut oil (but there are many more!).
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10 Awesome Uses for Coconut Oil
1. Oil Pulling
Ayurvedic medicine has for centuries used this method of detoxifying the body. Leave a heaping tablespoon of raw coconut oil in your mouth first thing in the morning. Allow it to melt, and swish the liquid around your mouth, through your teeth, and on the roof of your mouth for about 20 min. Then spit out the oil and rinse your mouth.
This method is said to rid the body of toxins, clean the tongue (which gathers harmful bacteria over the day), and whitens teeth, improving enamel strength!
2. Hydrate Your Locks
Coconut oil makes an amazing hair elixir. Use it on the end of your hair to repair split ends, nourish dead hair, and make yourself smell like an island dream. However, please avoid using the oil too close to the face or scalp as it could increase normal oil production in the scalp causing your hair to look too oily.
3. Soothe Dry Winter Skin
Because raw coconut oil is unprocessed and whole, Who can use it on the face and other parts of the body without cause acne? Use coconut oil on the face and hands to soothe dry skin this winter, being mindful of using it in particularly irritated areas like the sides of the nose and tips of the fingers.
4. Healthy Cooking Oil
Switch your usual cooking oil for coconut oil to cut calories, fat, processed chemicals, and increase the tastiness of your dishes. Using coconut oil for cooking is a great alternative to standard cooking since it is usually raw and unpasteurized. It adds flavour without the added fat and chemicals and can be used in sweet and savoury dishes.
5. Natural Bath Oil
Use a tablespoon or so of coconut oil in a hot bath. It will make you smell delicious while soothing and moisturizing the skin and detoxifying the body. The coconut oil will help draw impurities out of the pores while moisturizing the skin and helping to heal any areas of dry or damaged skin.
6. Tooth Whitening
Some people choose to use coconut oil on a toothbrush to whiten teeth and strengthen enamel. This method should be used 2-3 times per week to have maximum results. This will also aid in the health of the gums and tongue.
7. Battle Infection Naturally
With the winter fast approaching, the season for sniffles, sinus infections, and colds is upon us. Constant use of antibiotics can weaken the immune system and throw the digestive system for a loop. Instead, try taking a spoonful of raw coconut oil in the morning and evening at the first sign of cold or infection.
Coconut oil’s cellular makeup allows it to have antiseptic qualities, which can help kill bacteria and infection. If you don’t see an improvement in a few days, consider seeing a doctor and using more conventional methods to healing, but continue to take coconut oil to soothe the intestines.
8. Use It in Coffee or Tea
Some people swear by using coconut oil in coffee or tea to extract benefits from the oil. It gives a nutty, coconut flavour to beverages while not over sweetening and can be an amazing addition to your morning routine.
9. Neti Pot Additive
If you are suffering from sinus issues this winter, try adding coconut oil to your neti pot! The oil soothes the sensitive tissue inside the nose and sinuses, and the antiseptic qualities of the oil help kill any lingering bacteria. Use about half a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon peruse.
10. Faux-Butter
Use coconut oil instead of butter on bread, rolls, croissants, muffins, and other favourites. The oil is nutty, rich, and thick and can trick a serious butter lover. However, it lacks the saturated fats, chemicals, and extra calories of regular butter to create a healthy alternative!
Get creative with using coconut oil daily, whether its for external or internal uses. Coconut oil are incredibly healthy and beneficial for the body and can be used as a healthy alternative to almost any food or body care item. Pick a brand you like and trust (try to stick with organic) and go wild! There are unlimited possibilities!
