By: Xeng Zulueta
With the recent craze for VCO (virgin coconut oil), it’s no wonder that it’s been dubbed as the tree of life. Every single part of the coconut tree has a use and nothing (and I mean NOTHING) goes to waste. Virgin coconut oil, just like the tree it came from, has a myriad of uses. Here are seven of my personal favorites that I do at home:
1. Oil pulling. Upon waking, take a big tablespoon of VCO and swish around in the mouth. Many hardcore oil pullers can go up to 20 minutes of swishing, so try to do this for as long as you can. Be careful not to swallow, though, as toxins get released from the body when you do an oil pull. Gingivitis, plaque, bad breath is taken care of, and it neutralizes the tongue at the start of the day. Everyday use also leads to whiter teeth.
2. Low glycemic food snack. I recently started the Slow Carb diet where I’ve given up carbohydrates and all sources of sugar. VCO is my go-to “good fat” which I take in a shot glass before breakfast, between lunch and dinner, and before bedtime. The good fat from the VCO burns my stored fat and kills any carb or sugar craving I may have as long as the diet is done correctly. When taken orally, VCO is known to lower cholesterol, improve circulation and acts as an antibacterial supplement for the body. Aside from helping with weight maintenance, it does wonders for skin as well.
3. Hair mask. I had bleached blonde tresses for about 3 years. People often ask how I keep my hair soft despite all the abuse and this is my secret weapon. Forget all those expensive salon treatments and wonder oils, VCO is it! Fill a tiny mason jar with some VCO and store in the fridge. You want it to harden or turn into lard so you can scoop it out easily in the shower when it’s time to use. Shampoo hair as usual, skip conditioner, and squeeze out excess water from your hair. Scoop out some hardened VCO and apply liberally. Gather all your hair into a knot if it’s long and then cover with a shower cap. This allows the VCO to really soak into your tresses. The oil does wonders to your scalp as well as it has natural antibacterial properties which remedy eczema and dandruff. Shampoo and then rinse.
4. Lip balm and cuticle oil. Dip a q-tip or clean finger in coconut oil and apply.
5. Under Eye cream. Use the same mason jar from #3 and dab a few dots under the eye before going to bed. You can also use this as a makeup prep to get rid of wrinkles and dry patches.
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