The Wondrous Coconut oil & Helpful Life Hacks
The elixir called virgin coconut oil’s and its popularity hasn’t ceased in recent years and has in fact, secured itself as a household arsenal. Known for its versatility, coconut oil can be used in a myriad of ways and we break down its functions and simple life hacks below.
Rids dark circles and puffy eyes
Waking up to unsightly eye bags and puffy eyes is the last thing anybody wants. To reduce its effects, pat a thin layer of coconut oil to your under eyes to moisturise and make you look more awake.
Bye-bye wrinkles
Similar to removing dark circles, rub a tiny bit of coconut oil twice a day to reduce your fine lines.
DIY your own organic toothpaste
While the minty fresh feeling exuded by the toothpaste is welcomed, you don’t know the chemicals used in it to clean your pearly whites. Solve this by making your own organic toothpaste by mixing coconut oil and baking soda into a paste.
Make pure, coconut oil soap
Sometimes, using the run-of-the-mill commercial soap can cause some skin irritations, especially for someone with skin allergies. To solve this, choose an organic soap with coconut oil and without all the harsh chemicals that are bad for the skin.
Switch out your shampoo for coconut oil
Beauty gurus stand by pairing coconut oil and apple cider vinegar as a natural hair cleanser. Employing these ingredients would spare your hair from discolouration and dullness.
Use it to defrizz and detangle your hair
It’s well established that coconut oil works wonders on the crowning glory. Those who have thick, uncooperative and coarser hair, use a thin layer of coconut oil to the ends of your hair for shine and softness. Coconut oil moisturises and smoothens the hair, all while helping with your split ends.
Use it to moisturise
Coconut oil has a well-known moisturising effect. The skin can be instantly rejuvenated when you apply it on your body, right after a shower. So instead of lathering expensive lotions, substitute for nature’s moisturiser instead.
Coconut oil instead of creamer
Switch out your high calorie creamer to coconut oil, a healthier substitute. Practically tasteless, you can bid dairy and sugar goodbye and kickstart your day on a healthier note.
Healthy butter on toast
We understand and relate the joy of spreading butter on toast, and its delicious flavour. If you’re embarking on the path of a healthier lifestyle, we recommend lightly drizzling coconut oil on your toast instead. It instantly boosts energy and is equally tasty.
Make your mayo with it
Mayonnaise is delicious, but why not opt for a healthier option like coconut oil?
Season your cast iron
Loved by chefs and at-home cooks, cast iron pans are used for its heat retention, durability, ability to maintain high temperatures for longer time duration and are non-stick when seasoned the right way. This process usually involves coating the cast iron surface with oil before cooking. Many favour using lard for seasoning, which is abundant with unhealthy fats, so try replacing it with coconut oil instead.
Incorporate in cooking
Ever so versatile, coconut oil can be used as an alternative to vegetable oil, olive oil, or butter. You can use it to bake, stir fry and pretty much any kind of cooking.
Apply it as natural deodorant
Given our country’s perpetual sunny weather, heading out without deodorant is almost unimaginable. Known for its antibacterial characteristics, coconut oil can help rid bacteria in the underarms and leave you feeling clean and refreshed.
Reapply as sunscreen
Did you know that coconut oil has the inherent ability to block up to 20 per cent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays? While that doesn’t mean you completely forego your conventional sunscreen, you can apply a layer of coconut oil in between your reapplication of sunscreen (which is very important). It prevents you from getting toasted while also infusing hydration.
Chapstick replacement
This natural moisturiser can be used on your lips just as well as your body. To treat chapped or dry lips, apply some coconut oil as a natural lip balm.
Coconut oil bug-repellent bars
Research has found that coconut oil compounds have the ability to repel bugs such as bed bugs and flies. This is great especially since it can be used to replace commercial insect sprays that are loaded with chemicals.
Use it as makeup remover
Ladies, we all know the importance of removing your makeup at the end of day. Go the natural route and use a teaspoon of coconut oil on a cotton pad to remove all that you’ve layered on. Rinse it with warm water.
Expedites wound healing
Beaming with anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil serves as a first aid kit for sunburns, rashes, cuts, and even arthritis. Apply it on your wounds or joints to relieve pain and any itch.
Moisturises your foot
Having an athlete's foot, fungal infection or a cracked heel can be very uncomfortable especially since we use our feet to walk. To get rid of fungus and salve dryness, diligently apply coconut oil to the affected area.
Promote healthy nail growth
Keep your cuticles healthy and promote nail growth by applying a drop of coconut oil on each finger bed. You might also appreciate the reduced risk of salon-borne bacteria and viruses.
Massage oil or carrier oil
Coconut oil works great as a carrier oil. Depending on what you fancy, make your own essential oils or fragrance concoction. Warm the oil up and you’re ready to diffuse or use it for massage.
Consume as health supplement
A teaspoon of coconut oil a day infuses your body with all the good fats you need.
Aids in digestion
The natural compounds in coconut oil makes it easily digestible and effective in destroying bad bacteria. All the while, it also promotes the growth of good gut bacteria.
Improve thyroid function
While there isn’t conclusive data to support the relation between coconut oil and improved thyroid function, there’s no harm trying.
Great lubricant
Coconut oil works just as well as other lubricants in squeaky-smoothing door hinges and bike chains.
Polishing leather
Anything leather requires frequent maintenance such as polishing and repair if need be after some time. Grab the coconut oil from your pantry and use it to add some lustre to your shoes, belts, boots, or even the inside of your car (dashboard and seats). Circular motions of rubbing will polish it and keep the leather from cracking.
Conditions your wooden household items
Interestingly enough, you can care for your aesthetic wooden items at home like your wooden salad spoons or wooden rocking chair by applying coconut oil liberally and letting it soak into the wood. In addition to cleaning the wood after treatment, this will help prevent rot and other damage.
