image via The Beauty Gypsy
I became intrigued by the health benefits of coconut oil after Dr. Oz featured a segment on it last year. I’ve stopped watching the Dr. Oz show because I felt like it was becoming an infomercial. I have nothing against Dr. Oz personally. I feel like he has a lot of good things to share, it’s just hard trying to determine which ones are right for you. The show I saw was of reports of people improving and even reversing the effects of Alzheimers by using coconut oil. My memory seems to have declined since the birth of my children and I have a fear of Alzheimers so this got my attention. I rushed out to Trader Joes and bought my coconut oil and there it sat for almost a year with the exception of using a spoonful once or twice in my coffee, that is until recently.
According to Coconut Oil.com some other reports of health benefits are
1.positive results from people with type 1 and type 2 diabete
2.health benefits from those suffering from hypothyroidism
3.health benefits to those with skin diseases by applying directly on skin. It’s an antibacterial and anti-fungal
4.healthy hair and skin
5.helps in fighting off bacterial infections and viruses
I recently came across several ideas for coconut oil on pinterest. Wellness Mama lists 101 uses for coconut oil. The Beauty Gypsy lists 50 Amazing Beauty Tricks with coconut oil and recommends buying organic virgin and preferably unrefined and cold pressed coconut oil. I found mine at Costco which I wrote about here. I decided to try using it as a shaving cream because my friend Tracy had tried it and it works great. I whipped about 2 cups of coconut oil in my Kitchen Aid mixer until it became soft and fluffy and put it in a container with a lid which I keep in my shower.
I followed the instructions on the Coconut Mama’s website for DIY coconut oil moisturizer. I don’t think I would like it as a moisturizer though. It’s somewhat greasy when applied to your skin, but after showering and drying off it leaves my skin soft and smooth. Plus I get a really close shave. The oil will be hard, but once it’s applied to the warmth of your skin it melts. I have also used some on my lips as a Chapstick. The benefits and options are endless. Please leave a comment if you’ve been using coconut oil and have other suggestions.
Just looking at the picture of that coconut fudge makes my mouth water! It is so yummy!!!!! I could NEVER make it though because I would eat it all!
I think Katie’s fudge looks better than mine did. I will have to make it again with the correct measurements!
It sounds like we have both been having nurse duties! I can’t wait to check out all the links you posted on coconut oil and it’s benefits. We could have used a gallon of it in LasVegas …..I’m not a fan of the desert climate. Paul is feeling better and with fingers crossed, I hope I have escaped the flu. What is your thoughts on argan oil? I so enjoy your blog and loved Lauren’s picture receiving her concert tickets.
I don’t know much about argon oil, but I do have a body spray I bought with argon oil and I like it.
WHAT? that list from Wellness Mama is shocking! I need to buy a jar for every girl in my family.
I especially liked the idea of using a teaspoon of it with a cup of tea to soothe a sore throat. I love (not) when my kid calls me and says “my throat hurts” as if i can help from two hours away. I tell them the same old thing. Now I’ll have something NEW to tell them.
I have put some in my tea before and it just gives it a hint of coconut taste. I love the taste and smell of coconut. The only thing it is you can see the oil floating on top sort of like when you mix oil and water. I don’t know if that bugs you or not. It’s a visual thing for me.
This looks wonderful. I would prefer to rub on my skin. I wonder if this oil would work with a homemade sugar scrub I found and posted about. It is worth a try and if not, I can still make great fudge. I found your site on the bloggy moms February Blog hop.
~Sharon @Sharon the Moments
Hi Sharon, Thanks for visiting my blog. I have seen a few sugar scrub recipes on pinterest that use the coconut oil. I haven’t tried it yet, but it is on my to do list 🙂
I will certainly give it a try. I made a batch for Christmas gifts (and had to gift myself) 🙂 Kind of like testing the food in the kitchen. Enjoying your site too! ~Sharon