Why You Should Start Using Coconut Oil

The current research is showing that coconut oil is pretty amazing. I love how versatile it is and how many different beneficial properties are in this stuff.

I find myself reaching for it several times a day, and have multiple containers throughout my house and car. Because of this, I am cutting way back on personal care products, eliminating unnecessary and harmful chemicals from entering my body, and spending less money as well.

Please research it for yourself. You can click here for an article about the Top 10 Evidence-based Health Benefits of Coconut Oil, to get you started.

I currently use it in these ways:

Personal care/beauty:
As eye makeup remover
As face moisturizer
As body moisturizer (however in the winter, I still use a natural lotion since my skin can get so dry, but this is all my kids need most of the time)
As lip balm (I put it in squeezable containers and stick in my purse)
As deodorant (since it is an antibacterial- I use this and only this and it works great! Note: If you are using a commercial brand of deodorant, and switch to coconut oil, your body will go through a detox period of about 1-2 weeks where you will have pretty bad body odor since your body is releasing toxins that have been built up from your antipersperant. Just remember, "this too shall pass"! And when it does, it feels great to be free of all those chemicals and using something totally natural that actually works. )

Food:
Use to make coconut oil candies
Use instead of butter: On toast (I like to add cinnamon, jam, or a little honey), on brown rice, quinoa or other cooked grains (adding other spices too for a yummy pilaf), etc
Use as cooking oil: To saute vegetables, to grill pancakes, etc
Use in baked goods: Such as in muffins or quick breads (such as pumpkin)

Home remedies:
If I get a cut, a canker sore, or anything like that, I will frequently apply coconut oil. When I have done this, I seem to heal quickly.

What's your favorite way to use coconut oil?

Phasing Out Body Care Products

I have just recently made a goal. This is serious folks. Just like my goal to take out meat & dairy and center my meals around plant based foods.

My new goal is to eventually stop using any and all body care products (such as commercially produced face wash, lotion, shampoo, deodorant, etc), and instead use totally natural, single ingredient substances, such as coconut oil and honey.

Why?
I am so sick of mainstream products containing toxic chemicals, and organic products being so darn expensive. Before people started producing bottles of shampoo in factories, I'm pretty sure human kind did pretty well using the natural elements God gave them in this amazing world.

So, here is what I'm going to start with.

Deodorant- Since my plant-based diet leaves me virtually odor-less (under my arms), I don't even wear deodorant every day and I'm still fine. When I do, it is Miessence Tahitian Breeze certified organic deodorant. But since that is running out, I am starting on coconut oil. Google it, seriously. Since coconut oil (Extra Virgin) is a huge anti-bacterial, in theory, it should kill any bacteria under my arms that would create a nasty odor, right? I'll let you know how it goes!

Face lotion- Coconut oil! I've been using it every night, and using Miessence Rejuvenating Moisturizer during the day. I love Miessence- the first ingredient is aloe vera and all ingredients are completely raw (never heated) so all of their powerful health properties have not been cooked away. But alas, if I want to eat healthy, I can no longer afford to buy expensive body care products, if I can find natural substances that do just as good a job (or almost as good a job). So when my Miessence runs out, I'm going to just use Coconut oil.

Face wash- In the morning, a splash of water. At night, honey: Apply and rub into pores. Rinse with warm water. See more about honey and other natural facial cleansers here.

Body lotion- Coconut oil! Google all the benefits if coconut oil.

Eye makeup remover- coconut oil! I'm so glad I discovered this- it works better than any other makeup remover, even on waterproof mascara.

Hair product- coconut oil! I love putting this  stuff on my hair to smooth it down. It also makes it super soft. A little goes a long way.

Toothpaste- I currently use Miessence certified organic Mint Toothpaste with baking soda as the main ingredient. My teeth have never felt cleaner- I love how the baking soda works so well, and the all-natural mint flavor is great. But when that runs out I will be trying out my own toothpaste recipes, using baking soda and essential oils. When I do, I will definitely share what I come up with.

I am going back to the basics. I love this amazing planet and I believe that when God created it, he consciously provided us with everything we need to be healthy and to take care of our bodies.

Let me know what natural body care you have tried and what you recommend!