Coconut oil is the edible, wearable, and all-around amazing result of extracting oil from the meat of mature coconuts. It can be used as a substitute for different ingredients in cooking and baking, or harnessed for common beauty and health ailments. Because of its high saturated-fat content, it is slow to oxidize and can last up to six months on your shelf without spoiling. But with so many ways to use it, we bet it won’t last that long!
Pamper Your Piggies
Scour away dry skin and soothe cracked heels with this easy homemade foot scrub. Just mix together the following ingredients and indulge.
- 1 cup course salt (or sugar)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup vitamin E oil
- 5–10 drops essential oil of your choosing
*Note: coconut oil does become solid when cold. Just heat the jar in warm water before using.
Furniture Finish
Instead of using a toxic, phenol-containing furniture polish, just mix two parts coconut oil to one part fresh lemon juice and apply with a soft cloth for an all-natural shine.
Season a Skillet
Cooks swear by a smidge of food-grade coconut oil to season cast-iron because unlike lard or shortening, it doesn’t add fat to the pan.
Cuticle Care
Conquer cuticles with the moisturizing prowess of coconut oil. Massage a dab of it onto your nail beds to soften them, then push those cuticles back. Transfer some of your coconut oil into smaller travel-sized containers and never be without it!
Pearly Whites
Did you know coconut oil has antibacterial properties? That’s why it’s great for making your own, all-natural toothpaste! Mix the following ingredients into a light creamy texture and seal in a mason jar until ready to use:
- 6 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 6 Tbsp. baking soda
- 25 drops essential oil of your choice (spearmint, eucalyptus and grapefruit are all great choices!)
- 1 tsp. stevia (optional)
Hair Softener
Hair feeling dried out? A moisturizing mask is just the answer-it improves scalp health, repairs styling damage and adds volume and shine. Just follow these easy steps:
- Melt 2 Tbsp. coconut oil until liquid.
- Add 1 Tbsp. local honey and 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar.
Section your hair into four equal parts, and apply the hair mask with a pastry brush or old toothbrush, starting at the roots and moving to the tips of your hair. Once you finish all four sections, massage scalp with fingertips, pile hair into a bun and let sit for 15–20 minutes.
* Finish by washing with a mild, natural shampoo.
*If your hair is very dry, wrap your hair in a shower cap and leave the mask on for an hour or more before rinsing.
Look for these brands in our health and body care department and grocery aisles:
Alaffia, Nature’s way, Nutiva, Dr. Bronner, Spectrum, Field Day, Coconut Secret