Coconut oil. It’s been ranted and raved about for the past year, but what’s the big deal? There’s vegetable oil, olive oil, peanut oil—there’s every type of oil one can imagine.
I’ve had a jar of coconut oil sitting in my pantry at home for a while now, yet I never used it up until this past weekend. I went home for the night and decided to look into all of the benefits and ways to use coconut oil and oh man, there’s a ton. Some of my favorites include:
1. Energy Booster
Swallowing a tablespoon of coconut oil may sound absolutely disgusting. However, I promise it is not (if you like coconut). Add some chia seeds for an extra health benefit! Rolling out of bed for an 8 a.m. class is nearly impossible and as one who hates the crash after a morning filled with coffee, coconut oil is a great solution.
2. Relieve Stress
Coconut oil is a natural stress reliever. With midterms coming up in the next couple of weeks, coconut oil has been my best friend. Between studying for tests and completing assignments, I take a small amount of coconut oil and massage it into my temples. After a little while, my head does not pound as much and I feel more relaxed. Until I begin to study for my next midterm. Then I break the coconut oil out yet again.
3. Fight Your Frizz
If your hair can turn into Hagrid’s in just a matter of seconds like mine can, you understand the struggles of immense frizz. A simple solution is spraying liquid coconut oil on your hair. After about an hour or two of the coconut oil working its magic, shampoo your hair. Buh-bye, frizz!
4. Create Your Own Natural Body Scrub
One of my favorite uses of coconut oil is making my own body scrub; it makes my skin so smooth and I always feel so fresh and clean.
All you do need to do is combine one cup of coconut oil with half a cup of brown sugar, two teaspoons of honey and a few drops of an essential oil (I use Young Living essential oils; I love lemon, lavender and peppermint).
5. Combat Oily Skin
According to Dr. Oz, if you combine two tablespoons of coconut oil with two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, you can create an awesome oil control face mask!
6. Hydrate Your Skin With A Face Mask
Winter can be tough on skin, making it itchy and dry. Thanks again to Dr. Oz, you can create a hydrating face mask with two tablespoons of coconut oil, two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of almond milk.
7. Enhance Your Hair’s Health & Shine
A new step in my hair routine is applying coconut oil in the shower and letting it sit for three to five minutes. After, I shampoo my hair and continue with my usual tasks of conditioning and brushing it. The coconut oil addition helps protect hair from daily elements and increases shine.
8. Remove Your Makeup
If you have sensitive skin and eyes like I do, there are barely any products that easily take off makeup without causing some kind of burning sensation or irritation. Have no fear, coconut oil is here. Liquid coconut oil (which can be created by heating it up slightly in a microwave) on a cotton ball easily removes makeup and dirt from your skin and pores.
9. Diminish The Bags Under Your Eyes
Whether you’re in college, you work a 9-to-5 job or you’re a stay at home parent, sleep is scarce and as much as you try to hide your exhaustion, your eyes will show it. According to Dr. Oz, if you rub a small amount of coconut oil beneath your eyes, it will help diminish the dark circles.
10. Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Cleaning makeup brushes is something we all typically forget; I know I do. However, since I found out about coconut oil, cleaning my makeup brushes is simple and easy. Simply rub a small amount of coconut oil onto your makeup brush, rinse with water and pat dry!
11. Tame Your Eyebrows
“Perfect” eyebrows are a huge trend in society today. Girls and women everywhere want the perfect shape, thickness and arch. While coconut oil might not help you in your plucking or waxing routine, it can help keep your eyebrows in place throughout the day. No need to buy eyebrow gel—just rub a small amount of coconut oil on your eyebrows and continue with your day.
12. Boost Your Smoothie
Add a tablespoon of coconut oil to your smoothie to add thickness, energy, a fun taste and texture to your healthy snack!
Coconut oil is now something I like to refer to as pretty-smelling magic and is now an essential staple wherever I go. It’s a little on the pricey side but it is not that bad; I bought my jar from Giant Eagle for around $9.
If you’re looking for a natural way to fix some little irritants in your life or you’re willing to try something new, buy a jar of coconut oil. It is a purchase you will not regret.
