Nabeela Vadi
One beautiful day, when the sun shone brightly, the blue sea water glittered and the sandy beach engulfed my thoughts. I knew then, that I had to swim! Afterall, to swim is sunnah. So I hurried into the water and a couple of hours later, I found myself shedding skin because of an angry sunburn. Lo! And behold, coconut oil come to my rescue.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is fatty oil obtained from the flesh of the coconut. Found in many cosmetic products, it can also be used for cooking, cleaning, a home remedy and a beauty fix!
Believed to contain 92% of saturated fats, coconut oil is actually healthier than any other vegetable oil.
With its composition, it has proven to combat bacteria, most commonly acne, eczema and psoriasis.
It can be used as a natural sunscreen, and when applied directly onto the skin after a sunburn, it can relieve the burn and lighten the skin.
The health benefits for adults and children, make coconut oil the awe-inspiring nature’s gift that it is. Alhumdulilah!
With so many uses, find out below how coconut oil can help you;
[Extracted from WellnessMama]
Ingesting Coconut oil
- For cooking, coconut oil is a great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-frys or as a dairy free replacement to butter.
- Added to foods or drinks daily for energy
- As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee
- Substituted in homemade Mayo instead of vegetable oils.
- It’s high Lauric acid and MCFA content helps boost metabolism
- There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers
- Added In healthy brain boosting snack for kids like Coconut Clusters
- Added In a filling and energy boosting Brain Power Smoothie
- Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health
- Can help improve cholesterol ratios
- Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu
- Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon of chia seeds for an all-day energy boost (do NOT take this at night!)
- Can help improve insulin levels
- As a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe or in cooking
- In coconut based grain free granola
- Is an immediate source of energy when eaten that isn’t stored as fat
- Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms
- Ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness
- It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium
- Internally as part of the protocol to help remineralize teeth
- Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
- Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily
- Can help improve sleep when taken daily
- A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat
- When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production
Applying Topically on skin
- On the skin as a basic lotion (or coconut oil lotion bar)
- In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin
- In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars
- As an eye-makeup remover
- As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom)
- To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
- To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
- To support healthy thyroid function
- To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning
- As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen
- To get rid of cradle cap on baby- just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with a warm wash cloth
- Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections
- A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of frizz
- Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)
- Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick
- Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
- Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth
- As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours
- In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to sooth irritation (also great for baby!)
- Can help sooth psoriasis or eczema
- With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works
- Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms
- Nursing moms often take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients
- Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins
- After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing of sunburn
- As a natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora
- As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
- When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite
- It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis
- Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites
- Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
- In kids ears to help speed ear infection healing
- By itself as a great tanning oil
- Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet
- To help sooth the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
- On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
- Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer
- Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs
- Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
- Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
- On cuticles to help nails grow
- Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows
- To help avoid chlorine exposure when swimming
- Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development
- Naturally clears up cold sores