Happy Saturday! Just in time for self-care Sunday, we have a very informative guest post the lovely folks over at The Coconut Company. With my transition over to more natural and organic skincare products, I’ve noticed that the bulk of them contain coconut oil. This is because coconut oil has a large array of benefits and today, you get to read all about it. I hope you enjoy this post. I know I certainly did and I will definitely be testing out that homemade foot massage oil this weekend!
Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil
Natural plant oils can be used to benefit and improve our health. Many of us, encounter natural plant based oils in our daily lives without our knowledge. In recent years coconut oil has become an increasingly popular ingredient in food.
As coconut oil is a sustainable product, it is a natural ingredient we should try to include in our daily diet regularly. That particularly applies to organic coconut oil. When coconut oil is used for cooking, it will contribute to our well-being. Needless to say, it tastes great as well!
Coconut Oil Health Benefits In Our Diet
If you are trying to manage heart disease and a weight loss problem, cooking with coconut oil is not a good idea. It has a rather high saturated fat content. As we all know, saturated fats are associated with the current obesity crisis.
However, if you have a normal health lifestyle, there is no reason you shouldn’t consider coconut oil for cooking and baking. Unlike other fats, it lasts longer and is packed with microminerals and vitamins which benefit our health.
If you suffer from skin related allergies such as dermatitis, it can help to reduce the inflammation. Coconut oil is one of the few natural oils which will not trigger an allergic reaction when you suffer from a nickel allergy. One of the main reasons for that, is that most coconut oils are sourced from organic plantations.
Agrochemicals used to produce other oils including sunflower and olive oil, are packed with nickel that can trigger an allergic reaction. Once you have developed a nickel allergy, it is with you for life.
Popular cuisines which involve the use of coconut include Thai, Indonesian, African and Indian.
Topical Skin Benefits Associated With Coconut Oil
We can trace the use of coconut oil in skin care back for many years. The oil contains a medium chained fatty acid which is known to remedy health conditions.
Today, it is hard to pick up a skin care product which does not contain coconut oil. Almost all natural skincare products contain oil of coconut. There is a good reason for that. It is one of the few oils which help to extend the life of a skincare cream or soap.
If you are not already using organic coconut oil as part of your skincare routine, you should put in on your shopping list.
Here’s why:
- Helps to reduce wrinkles.
- Increases the production of collagen in the skin.
- Adds long lasting moisture content to mature skin.
- Few allergic reactions are associated with organic coconut oil.
Coconut Oil As A Massage Carrier Oil
Carrier oils are what you use when you blend essentials oils. Aromatherapy using essential oils is now so popular that many of us practise it at home. If you have not tried it as part of a back massager experience, you certainly should.
Popular carrier oils include almond oil, jojoba oil and wheatgerm. Coconut oil is often overlooked, but for mature skin, it is one of the best oils. Used on a regular basis, it will help to improve skin quality.
Popular essential oils that work well with coconut oil includes:
- Patchouli
- Lotus
- Neroli
- Frankincense
The active compounds contained in these rather exotic oils work well together with the lauric acid in the coconut oil.
How much should you use? If you are using coconut oil for a home massage, add one drop to 5 ml. That is about one table spoon.
Make Up Your Own Skincare Treatments Using Coconut Oil
Making up your own skincare treatments if you have organic coconut oil available is easy. Lotus is one of those essential oils which has over the last few years become a bit of holy grail as far as skincare is concerned.
Don’t hesitate to use coconut oil on the face. Giving yourself a facial massage with lotus blended coconut oil is a real treat. Just make sure the oil is cool before you put it on your face.
You can easily make this treat for the skin at home. Melt a couple of table spoons of organic coconut oil, add a drop of lotus oil per table spoon and allow to cool. Place in a glass jar. The blend will keep for at least three months.
When you want to use your home-made skin care treat, simply allow to warm up and use for massaging your face.
A Home Made Foot Massage Oil
This is the one home-made foot massage oil your feet will thank you for using.
Both Patchouli and Frankincense have anti-fungal qualities. They also help to stimulate blood circulation which is great for better skin health.
This blend will also keep for about three months. Simply add one drop of each oil to organic coconut oil, place in a clean glass container and allow to infuse for about two weeks. Once ready, rub on your feet just before you go to sleep. Put a pair of socks on, and you will wake up with lovely soft feet in the morning.
You can also put the blend on any problem areas of your feet or hard skin on the elbows.
Infusing Roses In Coconut Oil
Burning oils are very popular. There is no reason why you can’t use coconut oil as a burning oil. After all, it does not contain any parabens or artificial compounds associated with plug-in airfreshners.
You can use essential oil of rose, but it is very expensive. Why not pick your own? Light coloured roses are packed with natural scent boosting compounds.
Pick the freshest petals and cut them up into smaller pieces. Put them into a glass jar and put the lid on straight away. You don’t want any of that scent to escape.
Heat up enough coconut oil from The Coconut Company to cover the petals, pour it over the petals and let set. Leave for about a month.
When you are ready to use it, simply take a table spoon out and place in a burner. Remember that coconut oil has a pretty high melting point.
Also, it is best to use a deep bowled burner with the candle a longer distance from the bowl itself. A heavenly natural scent will soon fill your home.
Would you like to know more about coconut oil? In that case, carry on reading our blog.
Until next time,
Mikayla
Mikayla Cherise 