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You’ve heard about the benefits of coconut oil, and you’ve cradled a bottle many a times at a grocery store before putting it down and walking away because you’re still not convinced. We’re here to tell you that the hype is real. We at Sassy HQ love coconut, and its derivatives including coconut oil. So go ahead and purchase a bottle of the good stuff because we’ve got ten uses to make sure your stash of coconut oil goes a long way.
Get luscious locks
Instead of spending too much money
for a hair treatment at a salon, use your coconut oil as a hair mask. After shampooing, apply a generous amount of coconut oil to wet hair and twist it into a bun. Let the oil sit in your hair for at least five minutes – longer if possible – and rinse it off after. You’ll find that the oil will bring hydration and shine to your lifeless locks. Alternatively, you can use it as a hair mask before you go to bed and rinse it off in the morning. Remember to use an old pillowcase in bed when you sleep though!
Body moisturisin’
Yes, this magical natural oil works for your body too. The light, creamy texture makes it a perfect moisturiser, and make sure you apply to skin after a shower so it seeps into your warm skin. The light tropical smell makes you feel like you’re vacationing too!
Cuticle softener
All that typing up a storm in the cold dry conditions in the office are not helping your hands. Seek salvation from coconut oil and bid farewell to ragged cuticles. Apply a small amount with the tip of your finger and rub it in.
As a coffee creamer
Yes, believe it or not. Blend coconut oil and grassfed organic unsalted butter into coffee with a dash of vanilla. Blending the ingredients emulsifies the oils and makes the concoction creamy instead of oily.
A skin saviour
On top of being a moisturiser, coconut oil will also help the skin heal faster if you’ve suffered abrasions, cuts or burns of any kind. Make sure the wound has healed before applying to the affected areas and apply it as often as possible.
Oil pulling
Oil pulling is mentioned in Charaka Samhita, an early Ayurvedic text dating to roughly 300 to 500 CE, and it has been described as a technique capable of improving oral health and treating diseases like diabetes, asthma and eczema. Before you consume anything in the morning, swirl a tablespoon in your mouth starting from five minutes and progressing to twenty before spitting it out. Our editor swears by it and it has help improve her clogged sinuses in the morning and improve her eczema.
Cook up a storm
Coconut Oil has a higher “smoking point” than most oils – meaning it can be used at a higher heat before it starts to lose its flavour – making it great for baking, stir frys or even as a dairy-free replacement for butter.
On toast
If you’re trying to tone down the butter intake, coconut oil is a good replacement. Try it on toast and then topped off with a layer of Nutella. You can send us flowers as thank you when this becomes your go-to snack.
Get “regular”
Take a tablespoon of coconut oil every morning on an empty stomach to keep your digestive track running smoothly. Try 2 tablespoons to work out acute constipation as well.
Cure cracked heels
If your feet are taking a beating from all the stilettos you’ve been strutting around in, slather your foot with coconut oil and throw on a pair of comfy, fluffy socks before bed. Do this often enough and you’ll get enviable tootsies that your manicurist won’t shudder at during your next pedicure session.
Lead image sourced via Pinterest, Image #1 sourced via Pinterest, Image #2 sourced via Pinterest
