Known as a super food, coconut oil has so many benefits, some of which are not widely known. I started using coconut oil in August last year, when my sister recommended it to me as a hair and body moisturiser. I buy mine from Dischem for less than R80 which I think is a steal for the amount of value it offers. Here are some of it’s best uses:
BEST USES FOR BABY/CHILDREN:
- Boost immunity during pregnancy – coconut oil contains lauric acid, an important fatty acid, which protects the immune system of your growing fetus and new born baby. Take a spoon for your daily immune dose.
- Teething pain – use it to rub onto your baby’s gums when they are teething. It contains natural anti-inflammatory properties that can ease the discomfort.
- Cradle cap/Eczema– rub into baby’s face/scalp to soothe and treat the dryness.
- Hair detangler – apply a small amount of coconut oil to the hair while it’s still damp then comb out or apply at night and wash off in the morning.
- Nappy rash treatment – coconut oil relieves pain, redness and itching caused by nappy rash.
- Nipple cream for mom – it will heal and repair sore, cracked nipples and you don’t have the stress about cleaning it off before a feed, because it is a natural, chemical-free product that is safe for baby to consume.
- Massage oil – children of all ages love massages, rub into their damp skin after an evening bath, as part of a soothing bedtime routine.
BEST USES FOR BEAUTY:
- Moisturising body butter/ body oil– this is moisture magic!! Use as an oil or mix with shea butter for a thicker texture.
- Face moisturiser – I use it about 3 times a week after my evening shower. When used under the eyes, it helps to reduce wrinkles and puffiness.
- Make up remover – apply to your face, avoiding eye area. It’s great for removing those mascara/eyeliner stains and offers instant moisture at the same time.
- Lip balm – it quickly softens and treats dry/cracked lips.
- Cold sore treatment – coconut oil quickens the healing and helps avoid scarring. This is a big one for me because I’m prone to cold sores all year round.
- Stretchmark treatment – mix with olive oil, almond oil and vitamin E oil.
- Sunburn treatment – soothes inflamed skin and rehydrates the skin.
- Cuticle treatment – the coconut oil will make your cuticles softer, which will make it easier for you to cut them off. Yay to no more achy cuticles!
- Hair conditioner/treatment – I moisturise my hair/weaves in coconut oil. You can also use it to treat your hair before a wash. For a deep-care hair treatment, apply it generously to your hair and scalp, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes before washing your hair with shampoo.
- Massage oil – mix it with your other favourite oils to make a massage oil that will leave your skin feeling softer and smoother. Best after a bath/shower.
Be warned, it melts very quickly, so keep it in a cool place during the day in summer. Conversely it hardens when it’s cold so you may need to melt it a little on colder days 🙂
All this for under R100 for a tub? AMAZING!!
Modern Zulu Mom
6 Comments
Hey Thando
Thanks for the tips on coconut oil especially as a hair detangler for mini-me’s hair. been using it for a month and now we can plait hair with no tears.
Thanks 🙂
Tumi
Yaaaaaaaay!!!! So glad to see that you’re seeing some great results Tumi.
Love love coconut oil it’s the best.Found that since using it for cooking my family hardly gets sick
It’s divine. I’m currently using it for my baby’s rash and it’s been so good
I need to start using it more for cookong
I have a dry skin especially in winter, this winter was different I hardly saw myself scratching myself because coconut oil came in very handy. Thanks for the tips,I’m addicted to it ??????? I use it for everything