USES OF COCONUT OIL

coconut oil is said to rev up your energy and keep you healthy from head to toe. Many claim that it can also help hydrate skin, smooth frizzy hair, and boost your well being, because  of   its high content of lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid, and antioxidant properties.
Coconut oil is a lower-cost natural option for many common skin, hair, and wellness concerns and a good alternative to dairy-free and vegan cooking.  Some  ways to use this multi-tasking ingredient every day.

• To  sooth   a  Sun  burn

 Soothe a mild sunburn by applying aloe vera gel to the skin. After it has dried, gently apply a tiny amount of liquefied coconut oil over it. Place an old sheet over your bedding to avoid oil stains. Lifestyle blogger Michelle Phan has this DIY sunburn soothing recipe using coconut oil

• As  massage  oil  to  sooth  muscles

 For an easy massage oil, warm some coconut oil between your hands. Although most massage oils are liquid, the heat of your hands will melt the coconut oil.

• Prevent  Stretch  Marks

 There are many reasons why stretch marks develop (including genetics), but keeping skin hydrated, moist, and supple may help to prevent them.

• For  Bug  bites  And  Itchy  Skin 

 When applied directly to a small, non-infected bug bite or other areas of itchy skin, coconut oil may help to ease the itching sensation. Some people also swear by apple cider vinegar to stop the itch.

• To Prevent   Nose  Bleed

 Dry air and allergies are among the common causes of nosebleeds. To keep nasal membranes hydrated, a humidifier can keep the air moist. Applying a thin coating of a moisturizing ointment like coconut oil to the inside of your nose may also help. Dab it gently with a finger just inside the nostrils.

•  Dairy   Free  Cooking

Coconut oil can be used in many dairy-free recipes as a substitute for butter. It makes a flaky crust and is great over popcorn as an alternative to butter. Whole Foods Market has some ideas on cooking with coconut oil. Other recipes to check out are 101 Cookbooks Healthy Cookies Recipe, this Coconut Maple Granola, and Gluten-Free Goddess' Dark Chocolate Brownies.

• In  Vegan  Cooking

 Coconut oil can be whipped into a fluffy texture and used as a delicious alternative to buttercream. Also, use it to sauté greens and try Thomas Keller's chocolate shell ice cream topping (using vegan chocolate) and drizzle it over frozen coconut or almond dessert.

• As  Body  Moisturizer  

Known for being hydrating, coconut oil is sometimes used as a body moisturizer. Smooth it over elbows and other areas where the skin is rough. It can be used right out of the jar (try applying a quarter-sized amount after you step out of the shower), however some people find coconut oil on its own too greasy or waxy and prefer to mix it with other ingredients (one part coconut oil and one part aloe Vera gel is a popular combination).

• As  a  Liquid  Hand  Soap

 If you have an extra, unused bar of soap, Pop Sugar has an easy, three-ingredient recipe for liquid coconut oil hand soap. The coconut oil adds a little extra moisturizer. If you add essential oils, use them very sparingly.

• Hand  Cream  For  Dry,  Chapped   Hands

 For dry skin that can result from frequent hand washing and a lack of humidity, try mixing one part coconut oil and five parts hand cream or lotion in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be sure to see your doctor if there is persistent cracking, redness, scaling, or other symptoms.

• As  A  Salt  Scrub

 A salt scrub can help to exfoliate tough skin. This coconut salt scrub recipe by Wonky Wonderful on The Frugal Girls website calls for mixing salt and coconut oil in a 2:1 ratio.

• As  a  Body  Butter

 For a simple body butter, place one cup of coconut oil into a bowl and mix it with a wire whisk (a blender tends to melt the coconut oil, resulting in a thin consistency). Spoon the mixture into a container or jar.

• As  Facial  Cleanser  

 Place a dime-sized amount of coconut oil into your hands and rub it on your face in gentle circular motions, giving a massage as you go. Use a cotton pad to remove the excess coconut oil, rinsing any remaining coconut oil off with warm water. Be sure to do a patch test on sensitive or acne-prone skin. For a double-cleansing, follow it up with your favorite cleanser to remove any residue.

• As  a    Face  Mask

 Best suited for dry skin, a weekly coconut oil and honey mask may help to keep skin hydrated and soft. Make a simple mask by mixing one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of coconut oil in a small cup or bowl. Spread the mixture on the face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for 15 minutes, wipe it off with a cotton pad, and then gently rinse it with warm water.

•  FOR  CHAPPED  LIPS

Fight chapped lips with a coconut oil lip balm. Use it right out of the jar, dabbing it on chapped lips. Also try this easy DIY lip balm by Daily Mom, made from beeswax, coconut oil, vitamin E oil, and honey.

• To Soften Tough Skin on the Feet 

For an easy overnight treatment, exfoliate feet and then apply coconut oil to tough skin on the feet. Coconut oil can stain sheets, so be sure to put on an old pair of thick socks after using the oil to prevent the oil from getting on the sheets. For an exfoliator that can be used all over the feet, mix together one cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Combine thoroughly and then massage it into the feet and allow the abrasive action to exfoliate tough skin.

• The skin under the eyes is thin, making it prone to fine lines. For a DIY hydrating eye cream, try gently patting some coconut oil underneath the eyes. Apply it very sparingly and avoid getting it in the eyes.

• To smooth flyaway or frizzy hair and add some shine, rub a tiny amount of coconut oil in between the fingers to warm it up. Smooth it onto the bottom couple of inches of hair and also use it to tame stray flyaway hairs. Don't use too much or it will make hair appear limp and greasy.

• As a Hair Conditioner

 For a hydrating conditioner, try mixing together two parts coconut oil and one part jojoba oil. Apply a small amount to wet hair, allow it to sit for several minutes, and then rinse it out with warm water. Shampoo as normal.

•  As   Deep  Conditioning   Hair  Treatment

 Add shine to hair with a weekly hair treatment. Smooth a small amount to the ends of your hair (running your fingers through your hair to distribute it) and then cover it with a shower cap for at least 30 minutes. It can be kept on overnight, but be sure to cover up pillows with old towels. Rinse it out with warm water and then shampoo as normal.

• To  Soften  Cuticles

Rub a bit of coconut oil onto nail beds and cuticles. For a more intensive treatment, dab coconut oil on nails before bed and put on gloves to prevent the transfer of the oil onto bed sheets.