The Many Uses for Virgin Coconut Oil

This post will be a work in progress as I investigate and test all the things that coconut oil can be used for. The first thing to note is that, as one can expect, all coconut oils are not created equal. You need to find a quality virgin coconut oil that made from the first pressing of fresh, raw coconut without the addition of any chemicals. The brand I use right now is Nutiva. I buy it by the gallon for around $48. A GALLON, you say?!? Brittany, what am I supposed to do with a gallon of coconut oil?? Well, that's what I'm about to tell ya!!

THE OBVIOUS: COOKING

• Baking
• Sautéing
• Frying
• Popping popcorn

THE LESS OBVIOUS: MOISTURIZER & LIP BALM
        I put some oil in a small tupperware container, that I leave in my bathroom. Since the oil is semi solid at room temp, but melts at just 76 degree, I just use the back of my finger get some out of the container. Then I simply rub my hands together a couple of seconds to melt it before applying it to my body. The Nutiva brand has a nice, light, coconut scent that I find delightful. If it's not your thing, however, then you can add a few drops of any essential oil, using a mixer (preferably with a whisk attachment) for a few minutes to whip it in. You could also do this with just your plain coconut oil. It creates a light, airy, whipped "lotion" that's even easier to apply that the oil straight from the tub.

        Making your own chemical free lip balm takes about 10-15 min, but if you knew what all was in the store bought ones, you would know that it's worth the time. Plus, you can make around 8-9 tubes for the price of one those popular store brands.

        What’s more, some dermatologists believe that the shiny, iridescent composition of certain lip glosses actually make the lips more vulnerable to sun damage with carcinogenic effect. As for “medicated” salves, the allegedly helpful tingling sensation you get from phenol, menthol or salicylic acid is actually the burning of the outer protective layers of your lips- hardly a helpful process if you are already uncomfortable. Many "organic" lip products still contain the rancid oils from canola or soybean, which may cause free-radical formation.

        Experiment with different blends to get the right moisture formulation for the season or to incorporate a variety of aromatherapeutic oils customized for family and friends. Just be sure to check that the essential oil variety you select is appropriate for ingestion before you use it. 

Ingredients

1 Tablespoons Organic Coconut Oil

2 Tablespoons First Cold Pressed Olive Oil or Organic Sunflower Oil

1 Tablespoon & 1 teaspoon Beeswax

Approx. 10 drops Essential Oil of your choice (or less depending on the oil and your taste) *OPTIONAL*

1. Prepare a double boiler with about 1-2” of water in the bottom of your pot.
2. Measure out beeswax and carrier oils into a small pot or glass pyrex measuring cup. Place in the top of the double boiler. 
3. Melt mixture gently over heated water making sure that water does not boil over into blend.
4. Once melted together, immediately remove from heat and add drops of essential oils. Start with 5-7 drops then add more if you desire a stronger scent
5. Pour the hot mixture into lip balm containers. Use tubes or tubs to your preference.

Leave the lip balm in open containers to cool overnight. Once set, give it a try! Then cover containers and enjoy for later. 

**IF YOU WANT TO DO THIS, I HAVE DONE QUITE A BIT OF PRICE COMPARING AND CAN GIVE YOU THE WEBSITES I FOUND TO HAVE THE BEST PRICES.**



THE LEAST OBVIOUS: DEODORANT & SUNSCREEN

 I know you are all thinking I'm crazy for these last two, but I have tested both of them and THEY WORK!

        While we strive to keep our appearances neat and body odors under control, the truth is that blocking the sweating response completely by smothering our armpits in antiperspirants is altogether unnatural. This glandular system was built to keep the body in a state of balance and should thus not be completely smothered or shut down. Deodorants, which just work to mask the odor, are a better option but come with their own share of concerns as many of the lusciously scented commercial preparations are loaded with harsh chemicals. Here is a list of some concerning chemicals commonly found in commercial deodorants and antiperspirants:

Aluminum- Aluminum is a heavy metal that blocks sweat from escaping from pores. The form found in toiletries, aluminum zirconium is disruptive to the nervous, reproductive and endocrine systems. While several studies have found it to be carcinogenic and linked with Alzheimer’s disease, it remains on the market. 

Propylene Glycol- This petroleum based ingredient helps to soften cosmetics so that they glide onto the skin with ease. While argued to be safe in small quantities, higher concentrations of this substance have been found irritating to the skin and damaging to the heart, liver and kidneys.

Parabens- A group of synthetic preservatives, these chemicals act as estrogen mimickers and have been found to be very easily absorbed into the skin. Their use has been linked in several studies to hormonal imbalance and cancer development.

Triclosan- Classified as a pesticide by the FDA and probable carcinogen by the EPA, this ingredient is still used in some antiperspirant preparations for anti-bacterial effect. It is also found in some antibacterial soaps and gels.

         Coconut oil deodorant is easy to make, serves as an effective carrier for essential oils of your choosing and is phenomenally good for the skin. Coconut oil nourishes and hydrates the skin as well as underlying tissues. Furthermore, it has a unique lauric acid component that works to protect the skin with antimicrobial capability.

        As of right now, I have just been rubbing some of the coconut oil that I use for body lotion into my armpits and it has been working pretty well. It makes it through the day, but I do reapply before going out for the evening. This, however, is more of just a deodorant. If you sweat alot and need some antiperspirant qualities as well, I would suggest using the recipe below. I'm sure most of you have never heard of arrowroot powder, but it's not too hard to find. I use Bob's Red Mill brand and you can find it in the organic section in Kroger or in the flour and spices aisle in Meijers.

Make Your Own Organic Coconut Oil Deodorant

5 Tbsp organic coconut oil

1/4 cup pure, aluminum free baking soda 

1/4 cup organic arrowroot powder

Optional:

9-10 drops essential oil blend of your choice

Sift arrowroot powder into a bowl and mix with baking soda. Add in coconut oil and other essential oils of your choice, blending until a paste-like texture is achieved. Place mixture into preferred container- you can use an emptied out deodorant stick or a small glass container. If you chose to use the plastic deodorant stick, note that coconut oil melts at about 76°f, so you may have to refrigerate to keep it solid in the warmer months. 

Finally, SUNSCREEN....First let me tell you some things about the common off-the-shelf sunscreens:

• SPF values above 50-plus. Higher SPF products are not necessarily best. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration says these numbers can be misleading. There's a concern that high SPF products may give people a false sense of security and encourage people to stay out in the sun for too long without reapplying sunscreen. It's also important to note that the SPF is based solely on UVB protection.
• Sunscreen sprays. They can fill the air with tiny particles that may not be safe to breathe in, according to EWG.
• Most contain oxybenzone and vitamin A. Oxybenzone is a concern because it penetrates the skin, is associated with allergic reactions and is a potential hormone disruptor. Retinyl palmitate is a form of vitamin A that may not be safe when exposed to sunlight.

Of course many companies have caught wind of the trend away from them products and have come up with "safer" products, but they are usually super expensive and still not completely safe.

        Now, please don't think that the coconut oil is some kind of magical elixir that you can just slather yourself in and then play the day away in the sun. You will need to reapply every hour if you're out in direct sun or when you come out of the water. Also, just use common sense. If you have fair skin, only expose your skin for a short period of time (even with the sunscreen on) and increase the length of exposure each time you go out if you're not burning until you have a "base" built up. Even if you have medium or olive skin tones, you will want to reapply often since the coconut oil helps protect you from the harmful UV rays which cause skin cancer.

        Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to sun exposure. If you let yourself burn right out of the gate, then you will peel which exposes sensitive under layers. This makes these areas more susceptible to burn the next time you go out, and you will end up with a splotchy tan.

I hope you find this info helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I would also love to hear any new suggestions, or testimonials on whether these things worked or didn't work for you. 

Thanks again for getting Fit with Britt!