There is a new love in my life, and her name is Coco

Doing some of my carrier oil research led me to stumble upon the wonders of coconut oil. Coconut oil is good for all kinds of things, from hair and skin care, to cooking, to preventing diseases. It’s good for the teeth, bones, liver and kidney and is effective in treating certain infections, due to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Do I feel a 5 uses post coming on?!?

So, when I was getting my vitamins at the supplement/health food store last week, I decided to see what all the coconut hype is about. The first thing I tried it on was my skin.

The first thing I noticed when I dug a chunk out to use was the scent. It has a pleasantly delicate scent of coconut, that is almost non-existent, making it ideal as a carrier for other fragrances.

I was pleasantly surprised by the feel of it. Coconut oil has a lip-balmish consistency, but is not sticky at all. It is solid that melts at body temperature – it feels cool as it melts, but warms up to an oil worthy of any massage. It’s not too greasy, but hydrates skin immediately.

Next, I tried it on my little girl’s VERY curly hair. Of course, I melted it first. This can be done with your hands, like I did (‘cuz it feels so great!), or just put the jar in some warm water.

Not only did it make her hair super shiny, but it worked almost like a pomade. I even gave her ringlets! Naturally, I wouldn’t use it on straight or thin hair, and it should be used sparingly, at least until you get the feel for how it works in your hair.

Other things  that are awesome about coconut oil:

• It has a long shelf-life
• You can mix your favorite essential oils into it when it’s melted
• It makes a GREAT lip  balm – even all by it’s lonesome

I will definitely be coming back with more uses for this awesome carrier oil and more. There’s just so much…

Do you use coconut oil for anything around your home? Let me know – I’m ready!

Many of the essential oils used in aromatherapy can be quite irritating, and even harmful to the skin if used full strength. For this reason, they must be diluted with carrier oils. Carrier oils are mild oils, made from the kernels, nuts and seeds of different vegetables. Like essential oils, carrier oils each have their own properties, which are suited for different purposes.

Here are a few of the most common types of carrier oils:

-Sweet Almond Oil-This carrier oil absorbs fairly quickly and has a light, sweet, nutty fragrance. It is clear with a yellowish tinge. This is a great all-purpose carrier oil, with a moderate price tag. One of my favorites!!!

-Cocoa Butter-Is actually a vegetable “butter” and is excellent for use in lotions and creams. It is more solid in texture and has to be heated or mixed with other oils in order to be “workable”. Cocoa Butter has amazing moisturizing properties and a very sweet, rich scent.

-Jojoba Oil-Has a distinctly pleasant aroma. It is a silky, light oil that absorbs very well, making it ideal for massage. It is actually a wax. Jojoba oil has a very long shelf-life, a fact reflected in its price tag. Jojoba oil is similar to the oil naturally found in skin, called sebum, and is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, it is often recommended for people who are prone to acne or oily skin.

-Olive Oil-Is used a lot for hair care purposes. It is a relatively heavy oil, with a greasy feel. This makes it useful for people with very dry hair. It must be used sparingly, or blended with another carrier, and has a 1 to 2 year shelf life.

These are only a few of the carrier oils out there…If I were to list them all in one post, it may be more of a chapter of a book than a blog post I wasn’t planning on it, but this has led me to the conclusion that more than one post is necessary for carrier oils. Be prepared for Part 2 later this week! Also coming up: “Common Essential Oils for Relaxation” – something I know we are all in need of