For many, many years, coconut oil and coconut products were “forbidden fruit”  – possessing evil properties that cause weight gain and heart disease.

In the early 2000’s there was a good deal of research touting the healthful properties of coconut and other tropical oils.  Other cultures have been thriving on this “medium chain triglyceride” for centuries.

We were busy discovering the ill effects of hydrogenated oils here in the U.S.A. and coconut oil was rising in popularity.

There are many health and nutrition gurus who consider it to be a superfood.  I am on the list of nutrition pros who think this oil has benefits even beyond its’ incredible shelf life, high heat cooking property and delicious, delicate flavor.

While coconut oil is still the subject of many a debate, I hope you will be adventurous enough to try some of the amazing healing remedies that I am going to set forth in this newsletter.  I have seen some totally amazing results with the use of this fragrant oil as everything from a homemade body scrub to a scrumptious macaroons.  Apply it, scrub with it, massage it or eat it – the uses of coconut oil seem close to limitless.

I have found some fabulous new recipes for home remedies and I’ve narrowed it down to my top four.  There’s a delicious treat you can have for dessert as a bonus!

All you will need is a jar of unrefined, organic, virgin coconut oil and some glass jars for storage.  There are essential oils involved and you can purchase them at reasonable prices in your local health food store, Whole Foods or Fairways Market. A tiny vile of an essential oil will go a very very long way and last for years.

First – this one is knocking my socks off because I have eczema and have not previously had success in getting relief from it.  I even tried steroid creams against my better judgment to get rid of the flaky, red, itchy stuff.  This one took 10 minutes to make and worked like a charm:

Coconut Eczema Cream

The ingredients in this cream reduce inflammation – a key contributor in this troublesome skin condition.  The lavender oil will come in handy for many other formulas and is also delightful for a relaxing bath.

¼ cup coconut oil melted

3 tbs. shea butter

½ tsp. vitamin E oil

15 drops lavender essential oil

10 drops tea tree essential oil

5 drops clove essential oil

5 drops rosemary essential oil

  • In a small bowl stir together coconut oil, shea butter and vitamin E oil until totally blended (about 2 minutes)
  • Add each of the essential oils and blend thoroughly by stirring.
  • Store in glass jar in very cool place or refrigerator up to 6 months.

You can give up the habit of buying expensive shampoos that claim to leave your hair silky and beautiful.  This is absolutely perfect and will cost much less in the long run – at least after you have purchased the oils necessary:

Coconut Milk Ylang Ylang Shampoo

This will lather up with the finest of hair products and leave your lovely locks shiny, detangled and strong.  Ylang Ylang essential oil has been considered an aphrodisiac so not only will you have gorgeous hair – you’re likely to have a “memorable evening”!  This is so simple – only 4 ingredients.

¼ cup liquid castille soap

½ cup canned full fat coconut milk

1 tablespoon coconut oil

15 drops ylang ylang essential oil

  • In a medium bowl whisk together the castile soap, coconut milk and coconut oil until blended, about 1 minute
  • Whisk in the ylang ylang essential oil and pour the shampoo into a jar or bottle with a lid.
  • Store the shampoo for up to 1 month and shake well before using

(If your bathroom tends to be cold, the mixture may solidify – simply hold it under very warm water until it melts, then shake and use)

This one is very intriguing to me – especially since it is summer and many of us would love to sport a beautiful tan (without risking the ill effects of the sun – the prices and risks of a tanning bed – or the chemicals in commercial self-tanners).

Cinnamon Bronzing Body Butter

The cinnamon in this will not only tint your skin but it will bring the blood to the surface creating a extra “glow”.  It also smells divine!

1 cup coconut oil

½ cup shea butter

½ cup sweet almond oil

2 tablespoons raw cacao powder

½ tsp. vitamin E oil

10 drops cinnamon essential oil

  • Set a small saucepan over low heat and add the coconut oil and shea butter
  • Stir until melted and well combined, about 2 minutes
  • Transfer to medium stainless steel bowl and whisk in almond oil, cacao powder, vitamin E oil and cinnamon essential oil until well blended – 2 minutes.
  • Put the bowl in the refrigerator until mixture is just solid enough that you can leave an indent in the top with your finger (about 15 – 20 minutes)
  • Use an electric hand mixer or immersion stick to whip the mixture until it is light and fluffy, about 10 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl once or twice.

Spoon into a glass jar and store at room temperature for up to 2 months.

This body butter will not leave chemical residue on your skin and if you let it dry completely – it will not stain your clothes.

Peppermint-Coconut Toothpaste

Have you ever heard of the centuries’ old health ritual of oil pulling?  It involves swishing coconut oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes a day to remove bacteria and plaque.  Creating your own toothpaste out of coconut oil makes great sense.  Another great benefit – you won’t have the added sugar that appears in many commercial toothpastes!

¼ cup coconut oil, softened but not melted

½ cup baking soda

1 tsp. sea salt

15 drops essential peppermint oil

  • In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until it forms a paste
  • Transfer the toothpaste to a glass container
  • Store up to 1 month at room temperature

Wet your toothbrush and scoop up a small amount of toothpaste.  Brush and rinse out your mouth and rinse your toothbrush thoroughly.  Smile and feel secure that your mouth is clean and fresh!

Exquisite Coconut Macaroons

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups shredded unsweetened coconut

¼ cup almond flour

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

6 tbs. maple syrup

3 tbs. coconut oil melted

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Pinch of sea salt

Method:

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl stir together almond flour, coconut, cinnamon and salt.

In small bowl whisk together maple syrup, oil and vanilla.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and combine.

Refrigerate batter for about 15-20 minutes or until it can be scooped easily.

Drop the batter by tablespoon onto the baking sheet.

Bake for 1 ½ hours until firm and dry on the outside.

Cool on a rack and store in airtight container in a cool place for up to 1 week.

These are just a handful of the beauty bonuses and healing remedies available with coconut oil – and only one of a plethora of treats, main dishes, appetizers, etc.!

Cheers for the amazing versatility of the coconut.