Brilliant Uses For Coconut Oil… Besides The Obvious!

Now that the experts are beginning to wise around the benefits of coconut oil, I feel it is time to share some of its great uses. Besides cooking of course!

Something for my skin
Recently I was in Thailand and was offered to use up a friend’s coconut oil as she didn’t realise it would leak in her chosen container (hot weather = liquid coconut oil). 

​As I was quickly running out of my sun screen I began lathering up in coconut oil first before applying sunscreen and noticed a couple things; my sunscreen went farther, and my thirsty skin was quenched. Win – win. Plus coconut oil carries an SPF of 7 AND acts as a bug repellant. BONUS
When I returned home, I kept applying coconut oil to my skin each time I jumped out of the shower. Not only has my skin not pealed at all, it is moist and fabulous, and it smells GOOD!

Something for my pits?
The most awesome thing I found to do with it is make deodorant. Yes deodorant!
I have been applying coconut oil under my arms to heal a shaving mishap and then I took a closer look at the AWESOME deodorant I am currently using. Main ingredient: coconut oil.
Here is an easy recipe that will mimic this awesome deodorant for you to make at home.
I will guarantee; this will be the most effective deodorant (not antiperspirant) you have tried to date and it nourishes your skin and smells terrific.

Deodorant Ingredients
1/2 cup virgin coconut oil
4 tablespoons of beeswax pastilles (you can purchase these in your local honey shop or online)
1/2 cup non-gmo cornstarch (or tapioca or arrowroot, a little less if you add the clay)
1/2 cup baking soda (Bob’s Red Mill works great)
1 teaspoon of shea or coconut butter (optional for moisturizing properties)
1 teaspoon of kaolin clay powder (optional for smooth texture)
30 drops of tea tree or rosemary essential oil
10 drops of essential oils of choice (lavender, lemon, rose -if desired)
1 vitamin E softgel (optional for extended shelf life)
2 little glass jars (in case you want to give one away)
 
Disclaimer –notice the colour of the essential oil you are using as this may be the colour that ends up on your white blouse’s arm pits L Fear not, before tossing in the laundry, give the pits of your shirt a quick scrub with cold water and a stain stick and it will come right out.

Directions

• Like using a double boiler, place a bowl over a simmering pot of water with the coconut oil
• Once melted, stir in the beeswax pastilles until they dissolve into the coconut oil
• Remove the bowl from the heat
• Quickly add corn starch and baking soda, whisk until a paste forms and the clumps dissolve
• Add the essential oils (& contents of vitamin E softgel if desired) and mix to combine
• Pour this into your jar and allow it to cool before putting on the lid
• Scoop with your fingers and apply

If you decide to make this, please feel free to share with us how it worked for you and how much you enjoy using it :) Have fun

​Renee RHN