What you need to know about coconut oil

Photo curiosity of Pixomar /
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I love coconut oil. I could definitely say that I'm addicted
to it. I was looking for some new ways of using it and I found this quote on my beloved Wellness Mama's website - " (...) I am with coconut oil like the dad in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is with windex". That's me. And for all those who haven't seen this classic rom com, well...let's say I use
it for pretty much everything. There's nothing you can't fix with a bit of breast milk and
a coconut oil. And as much as I would love to go into details of 101 uses
of breast milk, I will stick to the coconut oil for now :) 

When I say I use it for everything, I really mean it. It's great for cooking and baking, fantastic
for frying veg with rice! and absolutely amazing on toast (instead of butter). It can easily replace majority of the content of your first aid kit, boost your immunity system and supplement your diet and, of course, it's a main ingredient in many beauty products. 

So I put together this list of my favourite uses for coconut oil...

BEAUTY

1. In a bath melts and bath bombs
2. As a body moisturizer
3. As a shaving cream ( it's better than any 'real' product I have ever used )
4. As a make up remover
5. As a hair conditioner
6.  In homemade toothpaste ( yes, you read it right, here  is a reciepe )
7. As a natural sunscreen ( SPF 4, not very high, but I've been using it on Son pretty much all summer and it worked great )
8. As a nightcream
9. As a nappy rash cream
10. In body scrubs (like this one )
11. To soften cuticles 
12. To prevent stretch marks
13. As a lip balm 

HEALTH

1. To help with baby's cradle cap
2. To help heal several skin diseases, including acne, fungal infections and eczema 
3. To kill candida fungi
4. To support immune system
5. To lower cholersterol

And I've recently discovered myself another great benefit of this 'sort of' liquid gold - it's great for treating cold sores. Just put it on few times a day and it will get rid of it quicker than any other commercial cream  or patch ( believe me, I've tried many of them ;) )

There are loads more uses of that amazing oil and on top of them all....it smells heavenly! 

To start benefiting from goodness of coconut oil, you can try this easy and delicious recipe for Strawberry and Vanila Coconut Smoothie, courtesy of Free Coconut Recipes:

1 serving

Strawberry Vanilla Coconut Smoothie
Prepared by Sarah Shilhavy
Photo by Jeremiah Shilhavy

 2/3 cup coconut or organic whole raw milk*

1/2 cup plain organic yogurt (Greek or goat's milk is best!)

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

8 large strawberries, fresh or frozen (if using fresh add ice cubes to taste)

1-2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

Blend everything except coconut oil. Slowly pour coconut oil in while blender is running. Pour into a glass, garnish with some dried coconut or a fresh strawberry if desired and enjoy!