Coconut Oil, The Multi-Tasking Essential Oil
Essential oils are liquid oils, extracted from plants, that carry a plant’s scent (essence). Some commonly known essential oils are lemongrass, lavender, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil. A lesser known essential oil, often overlooked, is the multi-tasking coconut oil.
Coconut oil is not as well known, but can be more widely used than the better known essential oils. It is a powerhouse and has many practical applications: cooking, aromatherapy, as a sunscreen, as a hair conditioner, skin lotion, and for cuts and scrapes.
In cooking, coconut oil is a healthy fat. It contains no trans-fats, making it very heart healthy. It adds an exotic sweetness that is reminiscent of Asian Rim cooking. A little goes a long way. Place a little over rice or potatoes and you’re serving up a healthy, lower fat dish that tastes absolutely yummy! Replacing your butter or margarine with this oil can help you lose weight and never feel deprived! And it is very nutritious…look at a can of baby formula you will probably see coconut oil as an ingredient.
Coconut oil is one of many oils used in the practice of aromatherapy. Coconut oil is used in preparations for people who need help relaxing and to alleviate stress. Its scent draws you in to an island fantasy, and is reminiscent of dreams of the beach and exotic locations. It smells slightly spicy, slightly like vanilla, slightly nutty, and all around fabulous!
In a pinch, you can use coconut oil as a sunscreen. If you look at your suntan lotion bottle, it is probably one of the top ingredients. The essential oil from the coconut is thick enough to provide a barrier from the sun.
Coconut oil is a fabulous hair conditioner. Skip the commercial preparations…they are pricey and may contain harsh chemicals and preservatives. Coconut oil is all natural and it actually helps your hair retain moisture. It nourishes your hair with Vitamin E and Lauric Acid; both are essential to healthy hair. Coconut oil contains fatty acids that will help to eliminate embarrassing dandruff. And in case you haven’t gotten the point yet, it smells great! It will leave your hair shiny, healthy, and good smelling.
Ditto for using commercially prepared skin moisturizers. They are expensive. They contain unpronounceable chemicals. Coconut oil eliminates free radicals that make your skin look unhealthy! Slather on a little bit of coconut oil before bed. Your skin will look healthy, fresh, and well-moisturized by the morning.
Coconut oil can also be as a topical treatment for cuts and scrapes. Like tea tree oil, it contains natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition to keeping your cut from getting infected there’s an added benefit – coconut oil’s protective fatty acids will help reduce scarring!
When you are looking to invest a budget friendly, healthful natural product, consider essential oils. In particular, remember the multi-tasking, often overlooked coconut oil. Once you have it, you won’t know what you ever did without it!