Coconut Oil Craze continued.... Adults included

So I don't really pride myself on being a follower, but I have to say when there is a ton of research that says something is good for ya I normally follow suit and try it.  Coconut oil has been one of those things.  I bought my first tub of coconut oil right after my first daughter Bryten was born 4 1/2 years ago.  And have to say, that there has probably only been a few times ever that is was not in our pantry since!  It is great for skin, cooking, some cleaning, and I am sure several more things that I have not yet explored!  Due to the season I felt it was fitting to bring you some great ways to use coconut oil to make sure your baby and kids skin stay soft and moisturized in the cold winter months!!!!  But first! 

Why coconut you may ask?

Some of the most recent research has come from people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, with reports of people improving or even reversing the effects of Alzheimer’s by using coconut oil. Alzheimer’s is now seen as a type 3 form of diabetes, and for years we have seen positive results from people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in using coconut oil. We have also seen a lot of reports of coconut oil health benefits from those suffering from hypothryroidism, as coconut oil helps boost metabolism and raise body temperatures to promote thyroid health. Restricting carbohydrates and increasing coconut oil in the diet has also led many to report losing weight with coconut oil. Candida sufferers also report health benefits with coconut oil as research now confirms, and those suffering from various skin diseases are also seeing tremendous health benefits by applying coconut oil directly on the skin. The benefits of coconut oil for healthy hair are also well known, and other healthy benefits of coconut oil included fighting off bacterial infections and viruses. Coconut oil is also increasingly being seen to benefit athletes and fitness trainers giving them an advantage in sustaining energy levels longer without drugs or stimulants.

Several more health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and soothing properties.


Coconut oil is used extensively in tropical countries especially India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Phillipines etc, which have a good production of coconut oil. The oil was also once popular in western countries such as United States and Canada; however, there was a strong propoganda in 1970s spread by the corn oil and soy oil industry against coconut oil. Coconut oil was considered harmful for the human body due to its high saturated fat content till the last decade (2000s) when people started questioning this propoganda. Let us get into some details of how coconut oil works for our body.

The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia. As a result of these various health benefits of coconut oil, though its exact mechanism of action was unknown, it has been extensively used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicinal system. The Coconut Research Center has compiled various benefits in both traditional and modern medicine.
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

Enough said…  Making skin care products at home is the way to go period.  You are wasting less money, less natural resources and you are not supporting testing on animals if you are making concoctions at home.   Although pricey this magical substance is worth buying mostly for your children.  This is the recipe section for all things that will help your babies and children’s skin.  And I know you may say that doing all this at home takes too much time away from your already busy life.  I can assure you that all these recipes take the same time it would for you sit and watch a horrible reality t.v. show!  Which if you are making skin care items for your child v.s. watching reality t.v. your brain will grow….. !!!  Promise!!!

Coconut  Chamomile  Oil

Use as a lotion, or moisturizer, massage oil, or add to baths! Helps with eczema, cradle cap, dry skin! Great to have on hand in winter…  This mixture has been a god send for my Daughter Daphne’s eczema! 

Dried chamomile ¼ cup

Dired calendula  ¼ cup

Coconut oil 2 cups

Small Mason jar!

Fill your jar half full with a combination of the chamomile & calendula.
Fill the rest of the jar with the coconut oil, leaving about a one-inch space at the top.
If using a metal lid, place a piece of plastic wrap over the opening of the jar, then cap.
Label, date and store in a cupboard or pantry for 6-8 weeks shaking gently on occasion!
At the end of 6-8 weeks, use cheesecloth to strain the oil and discard the herbs. Be sure that the oil is free from all tiny herbal particles.

Oatmeal coconut Baby Bath
Again a great thing for Eczema.
1 cup of whole oats

1 tbs coconut oil

Whirl oats and oil in a blender or food processor until they are reduced to powdery paste.

Sprinkle powdery paste into the bath and swirl. You will be amazed at the softness of the water and of your baby's skin..

Coconut Hand Sanitizer:

This is great for toddlers! 

1/4 cup aloe vera gel

1/4 cup witch-hazel

10 drops coconut fragrance oil

Combine ingredients and shake, Store in a spray pump bottle

Babies shouldn't be exposed to the chemical concoctions being marketed specifically for babies these days. Pure coconut oil will soothe dry baby's skin just as it would an adult and leave them smelling lovely. It will also give their skin that added protection from bacteria.  Coconut oil is completely safe to use while nursing.

Coconut Butt Balm:

After changing baby’s diaper apply this to prevent diaper rash or help heal diaper rash! 

Ingredients:

16 oz Sweet Almond Oil

8 oz Shea Butter

4.5 oz Virgin Coconut Oil

2 Drops Tea Tree essential oils

2 Drops Lavender essential oils

Add all ingredients to small wide out Mason jar or a small Tupperware tub!  Mix well and make sure to store at room temperature!!!

Medicated Diaper Rash Balm

This is the do it yourself diaper rash recipe!  Instead of buying!

Ingredients:

1 tsp mineral oil

1 tsp cornstarch

1 tbs coconut oil!

2 tsp zinc oxide ointment can usually get at natural food stores!

2 tsp antibiotic ointment. Such as Neosporin or any other generic brand!

Instructions:

Mix ingredients together to form paste. Apply as normal baby diaper rash treatment cream. Store in a tight glass jar or plastic container.

Mommas Coconut lavender diaper solution:

This is what I use for diaper changes…  Squirt on a wash cloth and proceed with wiping!!! 

4 drops  lavender oil

4 drops coconut oil

4 drops orange essential oil

And mineral water

Add all ingredients to a spray or squirt bottle your choice and shake.

Herbs and oils that aid in healthy baby skin:

Tea Tree Oil This oil readily penetrates the skin and is useful for treating burns, scrapes, bites, stings, and various skin irritations. It may also help to prevent or treat yeast infections. Very effective fungicide, antibacterial and antiseptic.

Lavender added to salves and creams promotes healing and as an aroma additive eases tension, tiredness and feelings of depression.

St. John's Wort Helps promote healing and has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Comfrey Helps relieve inflammation and promotes healing.

Calendula This herb commonly used to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. The herb is helpful for people who suffer from skin rashes and sunburn. Calendula helps to soothe inflamed tissues, reduce pain and aids in quick healing of cuts and abrasions.

Aloe Vera The gel from the Aloe Vera leaf is great for healing and relieving burns and rashes.

Where to buy the goods for making baby skin care:
  
Coconut oil~
http://www.amazon.com/Nutiva-Organic-Virgin-Coconut-15-Ounce/dp/B001EO5Q64/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1356023639&sr=8-2&keywords=coconut+oil

Essential oils~
This is the most popular that you can find in stores pretty much everywhere!
http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/aclearn/ar_directory.html 

I really like this company~
http://www.brambleberry.com/Organic-C24.aspx 

Zinc Oxide~
http://www.organic-creations.com/servlet/the-1093/zinc-oxide-blemish-healer/Detail

Glass Jars for storage~
http://www.couronneco.com/glass-jars.htm 

http://www.scenting.com/manufacturers/wyndmere-amber-glass-bottle-with-mist-sprayer/?gdftrk=gdfV26094_a_7c2622_a_7c9953_a_7cOTH231&gclid=CJKO8I7AqbQCFSTZQgodRmkA6w 


Adult skin care recipes:

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels can be helped by rubbing coconut oil into your feet last thing at night and wearing cotton socks. The same can be done for dry hands wearing cotton gloves. For an extra treat add a few drops of your favourite essential oil, such as lavender to promote sleep.

Psoriasis, Eczema and Dry Skin

Rub a little coconut oil for the skin onto areas of psoriasis, eczema or dry skin. A little goes a long way.

Women can often have dry skin on their arms and legs. The next time you come out of the shower while the skin is still warm, apply coconut. Alternatively, apply coconut oil just before you step into a warm bath, and let the coconut oil sink into your skin with the heat of the water. After a few days you will really notice the difference. 

Coconut Lavender Exfoliating Scrub:

1/2 cup oatmeal

1 tea coconut oil melted

5 drops lavender oil

coconut milk

add all ingredients and make a paste...  Exfoliate in circular motions and leave on skin for up to 15 minutes and rinse!

Coconut Cleansing Cream

3 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon vegan glycerin
2 teaspoons water

Melt ingredients together over very low heat until liquid. Remove from heat. Beat as the mixture cools to emulsify. Store in an airtight jar and keep in the refrigerator since coconut oil has a very low melting point.

For vegan glycerin here is a link:

http://capellaflavordrops.com/NaturalVegetableGlycerinVeganFoodGrade.aspx

Herbal coconut Bubble Bath

1 quart water
1 bar vegan castile soap (grated)
2 ounces coconut oil
2 ounces vegan glycerin
4 drops violet essential oil or sandalwood for a manly bubble bath!  Lavender, or lemon whatever relaxes you!

Mix all ingredients together. Store in a container. Pour in running water when you want to use it.

Coconut Oil Sunscreen

¼ cup virgin coconut oil

5 tsp Zinc Oxide you can often find in spice section at a co-op.  (WARNING:

Be sure not to inhale zinc oxide it can damage your lungs.  Grab a cloth napkin and hold over your nose and mouth just while you are done blending!)  You can add up to 7 tbs to get SPF up higher but really not necessary!

3 Tbsp aloe Vera, like cut from a plant style! I just take a clipping and boy do those baby pour man!  Just measure out 3 tbs.   Real aloe Vera, don't have the real deal replace with almond oil!

½ cup filtered water

2-4 capsules of vitamin E oil

And about 3 drops of lemon or tangerine essential oil, I like the smell it is peppy for summer or just everyday use to brighten your mood!

1. Heat oils and aloe until just melted and mixed well
2. Combine oil and additional ingredients except zinc oxide
3. whisk ingredients until thoroughly mixed
4. Combine zinc oxide and essential oils and stir thoroughly,  blender would be great or a hand held blender works just as good!  Again make sure to put a cloth napkin or towel over your nose and mouth while blending!
5. Place in canning jar or bottle until use!  I like to use darker glass bottles with the little pumps!  
   
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Cobalt-Glass-Lotion-Dispenser-Black/dp/B007Y5SW86/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358057472&sr=8-1&keywords=glass+lotion
   
   
   For zinc here is a good place to get it as well:
   http://www.amazon.com/Zinc-Oxide-Powder-Quality-Resealable/dp/B003IGOL8U

*Makes about ½ cup SPF 20 sunscreen. Store in cool place, fridge is great but just cool!  Use within 3 months!

Coconut Make up remover

2tbs coconut oil

2tbs seaseme oil

mix together and make liquid form by running jar under hot water!  Apply to eyes and under eyes and wipe all that darkness off! Keep in small glass jar in your vanity and use for up to 6 months, just make sure air tight lid for when you run under hot water each time you don't spoil the amazing potion.   Followed up by a cleanser of course!  

This will be an updated post, please comment if you have any recipes to add! Have fun exploring with this magical ingredient!  You won't be sorry I can assure you!  Tread lightly!