Coconut oil is a wonder food that has so many amazing uses. I’m constantly discovering a new way to use it. We use it for cooking, skincare, first aid and more. The reason we incorporate coconut oil into so many aspects of our lives is because it has an abundance of health properties.
It is nature’s most plentiful source of the medium chain fatty acid lauric acid, next to breast milk. lLauric acid is considered a “miracle” nutrient, and it’s what gives coconut oil its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It promotes heart health, thyroid function, weight loss and a strong immune system.
We have recently started using coconut oil more frequently with our kids. Here are 5 ways we use coconut oil with them.
Lotion or Diaper Rash Cream Replacement
In my last article, I talked about the toxic chemicals found in common kids’ bath and body products. Rather than learning how to read a label to choose a safe lotion or diaper rash cream, you can lather your kids up with coconut oil after their bath or during each diaper change. A little goes a long way and it works very well.
A Natural Medicine
Since coconut oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties, I give my daughters about a teaspoon of coconut oil to eat a few times a day when they’re sick. In addition to helping their bodies fight off microbes, it also coats the backs of their throats, which is quite soothing.
Add it to Your Kids’ Snacks
We use coconut oil in place of butter for most recipes since it doesn’t break down when it’s heated. You can also let it come to a liquid (you may need to place the jar in warm water) and add it to smoothies during summer. We also like to replace the butter on our homemade popcorn with coconut oil.
Sunburn Prevention and Treatment
Summer will be here before we know it, and with summer will come the inevitable sun exposure, which can lead to sunburns. During short sun exposures, coconut oil can help prevent sunburn. If you’re out in the sun for too long and happen to get burned, coconut oil can help accelerate healing and take some of that annoying sting away. Just make sure to wait until your skin has cooled down (it should take around 24+ hours) before applying so you don’t trap the heat in your skin.
Make a Salve
I have been making salves for more and more ailments. You can use coconut oil to make a homemade vapor rub, poison ivy salve or general first aid salve. You’ll need to store your coconut oil based salves in the fridge unless you add beeswax to them. Coconut oil can also be used as a carrier oil for essential oils, which take up a fair amount of space in our medicine cabinet.
There are literally hundreds of ways to use coconut oil. What are your favorite uses?
