Happy Super Bowl Sunday Everyone! I hope you are enjoying the day whether you are watching the big game or not, hosting a big party or keeping it low key. I am choosing to spend the evening blogging and crafting!
Tonight we are going to focus on the uses for coconut oil for health and wellness. I make a large variety of self-care products using coconut oil as the base and it is one of my favorite products to use.
Extracted from the meat of mature coconuts, coconut oil is an edible oil popular for cooking and baking. And while it is tasty, its uses go far beyond the kitchen. The antibacterial properties make it a versatile substance that can benefit your health. Coconut oil is a good option to treat a variety of skin complaints. In many countries around the world, coconut oil has been used to maintain good oral hygiene and to keep hair and skin healthy.
TREAT DIAPER RASH. The moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil make it a natural and efficient means of curing diaper rash in babies. You can use coconut oil alone by thoroughly washing and drying your baby’s bottom and applying 1 teaspoon of coconut oil directly to the affected area. You can also make your own coconut oil diaper cream.
DIAPER CREAM. Take 1/2 cup of virgin coconut oil, 1/4 cup of shea butter, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 3-4 drops of tea tree oil. In a small pot, combine the coconut oil and shea butter and heat over a low flame until the mixture is liquified. Maintain the heat and slowly mix in the cornstarch while stirring. Once the cornstarch is mixed thoroughly, add the essential oil and stir. Store the finished product in a lidded glass jar or bottle.
COMBAT A COLD. If you have a cold, you can make your own chest rub to combat congestion, headaches, and stuffy noses. Combine 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 5 drops eucalyptus oil, and 3 drops of peppermint oil in a small bowl and stir. Apply the mixture to your chest with your fingers for quick symptom relief.
COCONUT WATER FACE MASK. Take 2 tablespoons coconut water, 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon honey. Combine the coconut water, lemon juice, and honey in small bowl and stir well. Using a cotton ball or cotton round, soak up the mixture and massage it into your skin using gentle, circular motions. Let the concoction sit for 30 minutes and then rinse with cold water. If you find that the level of lemon juice is too drying, try reducing to 1/4 teaspoon. Alternatively, if you find that the level of honey is too rich for your skin type, you can lessen it or leave it out all together.
SALT SCRUB. One of my most favorite uses for coconut oil is to make salt scrubs. The best recipe is to take 2 cups of softened coconut oil with 1 cup of Epsom salt and combine and add several drops of either tea tree essential oil or lemon essential oil. Store in a lidded jar. To use, rub 1 tablespoon of the salt scrub into damped feet. Let sit on your feet for 5 minutes then rinse thoroughly and dry.
LIP SCRUB. Combine 1 teaspoon coconut oil, 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon honey in a small bowl. Apply to the lips with a finger and gently rub in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water. This can be made in a larger batch and stored in a small jar. During the winter months, I will add 2 drops of peppermint essential oil for a cooling sensation for irritated lips.
Have a great week ahead.
Please visit my Etsy store where I offer several handmade self-care products using coconut oil as a base. https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistrybyElaine My chocolate-mint lip balm is a best seller along with my handmade acne cream and green tea foot scrub. I am always happy to provide small samples free to anyone who is interested! Reach out to me on this blog for help with any item.
Lemon and Rosemary 