Coconut Oil

I know we have probably all heard about this coconut oil craze that everybody has been talking about, but hey, you can never hear too much. This past year I was constantly hearing and reading about it and all of the wonders it has to offer, but I just wasn't sure if it was worth it or if it was something I needed. Mind you, that college budget doesn't give you much room for splurges. My roommate came up to me and told me about this teeth whitening trick called oil pulling using coconut oil and she said that we had to get it. We would be splitting it so I was on board. We purchased a jar of organic coconut oil (as seen in the picture) from the health food store here in Cedar City. This is when I realized that you could use coconut oil for almost anything. Here's a list of what I use it for, how, and the benefits:

• Hair treatments
• Oil pulling
• Chapstick
• Shaving cream
• Moisturizer
• Cooking

1. Hair treatments- Take a small handful of the oil and spread it around your unwashed hair. Try to cover as much as possible focusing more on the ends and put it in a bun. Wait about 30 minutes or an hour (depending on how long you have or just how long you want to wait). Then you can rinse it off in the shower using shampoo and conditioner. This helps keep hair healthy and I noticed that mine is shinier after doing this. 

2. Oil pulling- Take two fingers and get a scoop of the coconut oil (it should dissolve once in your hand from the warmth) and put it in your mouth. Swish it around and keep it in there for up to 20 minutes. It is a bit of a jaw workout and you feel like you want to spit it out but just keep doing it. After 20 minutes you can spit it out but try to avoid spitting it out in the sink so it won't clog. Oil pulling helps whiten teeth as well as making gums strong and helping with bad breath. 

3. Chapstick- Simply putting a little bit of coconut oil on your lips can act as a chapstick replacement. I noticed that my lips were so smooth and hydrated when I used it. 

4. Shaving cream- I had never had the smoothest legs until I used coconut oil instead of shaving cream or soap. All I do is grab a little handful and rub it all over my legs and shave. Now this might clog up your razor a little bit so just tap it out ever so often to clean it out and continue shaving. I noticed that my legs were seriously so soft and I feel like the shave lasts longer as well!

5. Moisturizer- I use coconut oil sometimes after I shower and just rub a little bit all over my arms and legs like a moisturizer. I feel like it keeps my body hydrated and it even gives off a little glow! 

6. Cooking- Instead of butter, Pam or other oils, you can use coconut oil for cooking. Just place a little spoonful on the pan as it starts to heat up and begin cooking! It is so easy and it is considered a super food and a "good fat" for you body when digested. Just make sure you are not allergic! 

There are many other uses for coconut oil and many more tricks, however these are just the tips and tricks that I like to use and what I think works. I hope this list is easy to follow and that it even gives you all the inspiration to try it! I do recommend that you find out whether or not you are allergic to it before trying it.