Anne-Charlotte PasseraOften overlooked, coconut oil can be used in many different ways at home and not just for food!!
Although it’s not something that can be locally grown unless you are reading this from the Philippines or somewhere in Indonesia, in which case it is, coconut oil is usually sold in large quantities which will make you feel less guilty when purchasing this natural oil from overseas.
The benefits that coconut oil provides our skin and bellies outweighs the fact that it has to be outsourced beyond our borders.
Coconut oil is inexpensive and a great ally to have at home for your daily routines. As soon as it comes into contact with the skin, it starts to melt.
Not only coconut oil is a great and natural way to take care of your skin; it can also save you money in the long run, not to mention generate less waste.
From giving a helping hand to our digestive system, preventing dementia or killing a yeast infection, coconut oil has a whole load of benefits to offer. Not all of them will be addressed in this article as we are no experts in the matter. Nonetheless, we will share tips and coconut oil recipes to be applied in your beauty care routine, for cooking and simple treatments.
Coconut oil for hair care
Coconut oil can easily be used as a natural hair and skin moisturizer and be applied daily if need be. Using coconut oil as a hair treatment once every week or 2 weeks will allow your hair to grow healthier, thicker, stronger, longer and nourish the scalp in the process. It will also leave it with a subtle shine. Don’t over do it as it will make your hair greasy.
You can purchase coconut oil in most natural stores. I get mine from CocoEco in Montreal. It’s a great place to shop when you want to buy big quantities of your products for your recipes at an affordable price. If you just want a small quantity to test different recipes, order your products from One Soak, a company I talk about HERE.
Coconut oil can be used as a detangler or a daily moisturizer for very dry hair.
The following treatment can be used as a pre-shampoo to prevent shampoo from stripping all the oils from your hair. It works well on dry or damaged hair.
- Heat coconut oil in the palm of your hand to make it easier to apply.
- Lather on the ends of your hair and where it is driest.
By doing so, the hair cuticles will allow the molecules to penetrate the hair.
- Let it sit for about 20 to 30 minutes after application.
For increase effectiveness, cover your hair with a shower cap or a plastic bag.
- Wash your hair afterward to rinse out the oil.
- Shampoo your hair like you normally do.
Split ends and frizz control
Coconut oil can be used as a quick fix on split ends or to control the frizz on humid summer and winter days. Using it will replenish moisture in your hair.
Only apply coconut oil when you feel your hair lacks moisture or shine.
Simply apply some on your finger tips and lather the ends or where the frizz is happening.
Dandruff
Dandruff happens! Before heading out to the store to buy a specific shampoo to combat dandruff try this first:
- Lather coconut oil on your scalp for 5 minutes. Then, shampoo it.
- Continue this treatment over a few weeks or until you see less dandruff.
For maximized benefits, use cold-pressed virgin coconut oil that is raw and unfiltered.
Conditioner
A no rinse natural conditioner using coconut milk which you can find in most grocery stores.
This is a perfect treatment when you are short on time. You will also save on water in the process. It has to be applied on wet hair first, then dried and then styled like you normally would.
The coconut oil treatment hydrates, softens and detangles the hair.
Because of its lack of preservative agents, only make small batches as its shelf life is short. To make it last a little longer you can add a few drops of either Vitamine E or tea tree oil.
Store it in a dry and warm area – NOT IN THE FRIDGE as it will solidify with cold.
Ingredients to last 1 week
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tbsp of coconut milk for fine hair or 2 tbsp for thick / curly hair
- 10 drops of essential oil such as lavender or citrus
- Few drops of Vitamine E or tea tree oil (optionnal)
Steps
- Boil water for 5 minutes and then let it cool.
- Mix all the ingredients together and pour in a spray bottle.
- Shake well.
With the leftover coconut milk either freeze it in ice cube trays and then put them in a ziplock bag or use it to cook rice instead of just water. It’s delicious.
Note: Prior to each use, shake the bottle.
Sun treatment
During the Summer, your hair can take a beating due to salt water and too much sun. You can apply coconut oil to your hair and leave it in with the heat from the sun penetrating it even more. The oil acts as a natural protectant from sun damage and prevents it from getting brittle from sea salt and chlorine.
Coconut oil has natural SPF which protects the hair from the rays of the sun.
Sun treatment recipe
Mix the following ingredients in a spray bottle. Apply it at the beach or at the pool.
- 1 tbsp of coconut oil
- 2 cups of warm water
- 1 tbsp of salt
- 1 tbsp of conditioner
Skin care
Coconut oil is a natural antioxydant and smoothens the skin. Although it’s not recommended on already oily skin, it will work wonders on dry and regular skin. You can either apply a few drops to your daily moisturizing cream or apply a few drops directly onto the face.
Some other useful application:
- Relieves mosquitos bites
- Calms bruises
Coconut oil is a natural ally to combat against acne. Simply apply a drop of it on the zit.
Here are some recipe ideas to keep your skin silky smooth and away from harsh chemicals.
Hydrating mousse
Whip some coconut oil with Vitamine E oil. Apply it to your face or use it as a shaving cream.
Makeup removal
There is nothing easier than using coconut oil to remove makeup. Apply a few drops to a reusable makeup pad and remove the make up. Rinse with a warm cloth.
Hand treatment
This little hand exfoliating treatment can make a nice Xmas gift for your mother-in-law’s Christmas stockings or you can keep it for yourself.
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients, mix them all together and put in a small jar. Store it in your kitchen or bathroom. Don’t forget to label your jar!
- 1 tbsp of coconut oil
- 2 tbsp of honey
- 1/4 cup of sea salt
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 tbsp of lemon juice
Body exfoliants
The following recipes are simple to make. All you have to do is just mix all the ingredients together and place them in a jar. Keep it in a warm place, not in the fridge. It should be good enough to use between 6 to 12 months.
- 1/2 cup of coconut oil
- 1/4 cup of sea salt
- 1/4 cup of epsom salt
- A few drops of your favorite essential oil
Another alternative comes from Les Trappeuses with their Coffee-Mint exfoliating cream.
- 1 1/2 tbsp of coconut oil
- 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp of coffee grounds
- 1/8 cup of sugar
- 8 drops of peppermint essential oil
Melt the coconut oil in a double boiler and then pour it on the dry ingredients. Mix and then add the peppermint. Les Trappeuses recommend gently applying it in a circular movement in the shower.
If you don’t want to make your own, try the ones made in Canada by Bulles et Compagnie.
Natural hygiene with coconut oil
Coconut oil can be ingested and is known to kill the bacteria and dangerous pathogens that are a common source of yeast infections.
Toothpaste
In the blink of an eye you can easily make your own toothpaste. You need 1 dose of baking soda for 2 doses of coconut oil and a few drops of mint essential oil for a better taste and breath.
If you want to make it a little more complete, Les Trappeuses has a good toothpaste recipe on page 152 of their book À Fleur de Pots.
Mouthwash
- 250ml of boiled water
- 1 tsp of sea salt
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 4 drops of antiseptic essential oil such as lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint or tea tree.
- 4 drops of refreshing essential oil such as bergamot, grapefruit, lavender, orange or frankincense.
- 1 tsp of Coconut oil
Shake before each use, store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
How to use: Gargle with it each day. It helps to prevent bacteria build up and bad breath. The coconut oil has a whitening effect on the teeth. Make sure to spit it out into the toilet or trash and not in the sink as it could clog it.
Deodorant
Generally, a deodorant bought in store costs about 4$ when you can get a decent deal. By making your own, you can cut the cost by two. You’ll have to buy a container to put it in which cost between 2$ or 3$, roughly. However, you’ll be able to reuse the container over and over again.
One thing worth mentioning is that baking soda it’s not for everyone when it comes to deodorant. It can cause some irritation, but you won’t know until you try it. However, it’s possible to make your own natural deodorant without baking soda but I have yet to find a recipe.
Simple Green Smoothies has a simple recipe you can try to make your own recipe with only 4 ingredients, most of which you should already have at home. Try THIS RECIPE.
Food recipes
Coconut oil can replace butter in the kitchen and is a healthier option but we don’t always think of it. There are a few ways to use coconut oil in the kitchen, such as:
- Cleaning wooden utensils.
Just rub the oil in. Let it sit a few minutes. Clean it off with a dry and clean cloth.
- Grease the baking pan.
- Fry vegetables or cook with coconut oil.
Have you ever had coconut rice? It’s delicious. Simply replace all or part of the cooking water for the rice with coconut milk. Cook as usual. Serve it with a spicy chili or salmon.
Original salad dressing
Prepare a salad dressing with coconut oil, vinegar and lemon juice or replace the vinegar with maple syrup. It’s perfect in a fruit salad.
Exotic mayonnaise
Who doesn’t love mayo? Here is a little spin on you typical homemade mayo or store bought mayo. It can be served on chicken burgers, with crunchy coconut prawns or as a dip for your French fries.
- 150ml of Coconut oil
- 1 Egg yolk
- 1 tsp of Cucurma mustard
- 1/2 tsp of pepper
- 1 tsp Mango vinegar
- A pinch salt
In a bowl, put the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of oil and the mustard.
Using a hand whisk, combine the mustard with the egg yolk. While whisking, gradually add the oil. Continue until the oil is well incorporated.
As soon as the mixture thickens, season with salt and pepper. At the last moment, pour in the vinegar.
Recommendation: All ingredients should be at room temperature. Homemade mayonnaise has a shelf life of 48 hours.
Option: For a more airy mayonnaise, use the whole egg.
Coconut Balls
If you’re looking for a quick morning snack either for yourself or the kids, try the following recipe that Nathalie Levesque was kind enough to share with me.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of oatmeal
- 1/2 cup of chopped raw nuts
- 1/2 cup of ground raw almonds or almond powder
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut + extra for rolling the balls
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon whole chia seeds
- 3/4 cup of frozen raspberries or a frozen fruit of your choice
The steps
- Place all the ingredients in a food processor except for the raspberries.
- Blend for a few minutes.
- Add the raspberries and blend again. Don’t worry if there are chunks left of raspberries, it doesn’t have to be smooth.
- Shape into balls about 1 tablespoon in size and roll in the shredded coconut.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Coconut oil treatments
As mentioned above, coconut oil can help treat mosquito bites or bruises. It can also help repel fleas and ticks for your dogs. You can rub it in the dog’s coat before going for a walk in the woods or put it in a spray bottle.
Paws
Coconut oil is safe for dogs to ingest and can be applied on their paws if they are chewing on them. I’ve tested it on my dogs.
Also, you can make your own winter balm for your dog’s paws. This is perfect when you live somewhere where it gets really cold and also icy. It can really damage your dog’s paws. Store this balm in a cupboard and dispose of it after 3 months. The recipe is by LES TRAPPEUSES.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. coconut oil
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil
- 3 to 4 tbsp of beeswax
- 1 tbsp of vegetable glycerin
Melt the wax and coconut oil in a double boiler and add the sunflower oil and glycerin.
Mix well, pour into a small ointment jar or Mason jar, let cool completely. Apply preferably before going for a walk in the cold and if need be after the last walk of the day.
Lice problems
It’s almost unavoidable. At one point in your parenting life, you might have to deal with a lice problem. Usually, it happens when your child enters kindergarten, but it can happen anytime really.
For a natural remedy before having to consult a doctor for a more drastic treatment, here is what you can do:
- Mix coconut oil with a few drops of tea tree oil. Rub this ointment from the root to the tip of the hair to kill the lice.
- Rinse with apple cider to kill all the eggs and nits left behind.
- Comb through the hair to make sure nothing is left. Repeat treatment or seek help from the doctor.
Do you use coconut oil as part your beauty care routine or in meals? Share your story and ideas in the comment section below.
[…] that your dogs have all their shots, especially for ticks. For extra protection, you can try THIS RECIPE to make your own natural flea and tick repellent with coconut […]