Singing the Praises of Coconut Oil

I admit it.  I broke down and bought coconut oil.  I'm glad I did. There has been so much talk about the benefits of this item, I needed to check it out for myself.  I first looked for it when I went on a trip to Trader Joe's a few months back.  The shelf was empty of coconut oil.  Sold out with no word when it was to be replenished.  Is this the only store that carries coconut oil?  I figured if it's such a trend other groceries would pick up on the trend if for no other reason than profits.  I was right.  Of all the places to find 100% pure coconut oil, I found it at the Wal Mart grocery store. For around seven dollars the jar became mine.

This is the container the magic wand item comes in.
 It's good to remember that just a small amount is needed
for most uses.

The consistency of the oil was solid, yet pliable when I opened the jar.  If it goes above 76 degrees in temperature the oil becomes a liquid.  Below 76 degrees and it transforms into a solid.  I've been storing the opened jar in the refrigerator realizing a very solid and hard mass of oil.  It doesn't scrape out well so I looked into the proper storage.  The pantry is the most reliable area to store coconut oil as it can easily be scooped out and used.  I have just transported the jar to the pantry because I am using it for more things than cooking.  Some practical uses of coconut oil are:

Used with baking soda to brush teeth.  I tried this and it works wonderful!

As a lip balm.  It has an SPF of four.

As an eye cream.  Several of the ladies I watch on yoo toob swear by this practice.  Apply before bedtime to see that it relieves puffiness.  I'm going to try this tonight.

As a shave cream to protect the delicate skin on a woman's legs and any other area that's shaven.  Coconut oil does not clog pores.

Deodorant. I made this with peppermint essential oil and it works great for me.  Store bought deodorants contain small particles of aluminum, this oil does not.  I'm not sure if this is enough protection for everyone.  It wouldn't hurt to try it by filling an empty deodorant container with the finished product. (recipe below)

Applied to dry hands and feet before bed then covered with socks.  For those who suffer from dry heels and hands, just a dab on each area will soften skin.

Coconut oil works wonders on a baby's bum before a diaper goes on.  It's pure and natural so there is no concern for an allergic reaction for baby.

As a de frizzer.  Rub a small amount between hands and scrunch into hair.  If you have long straight hair the oil can be run through the strands.

The lay out cost of 14 ounces of pure coconut oil is around seven dollars.  The cost may seem high, but if it replaces the eight separate items needed to perform the above tasks than it's a frugal hack.  Only very small amounts of the coconut oil is needed for most of these hacks.  The largest amount used is for the deodorant, but that lasts a while.

Just to let you know the oil will still be usable if it changes from solid mass to liquid mass.  It will not be harmed even if the changes take place multiple times.

Coconut Oil Deodorant

6 tablespoons coconut oil
4 tablespoons corn starch -Preferably organic
4 tablespoons baking soda
Essential oil of your choice. (Not needed for performance)

Mix all ingredients and spoon into an empty deodorant container.  It will turn into a solid in an hour or so.

Let me know in the comment section if you have tried any of these hacks and how they performed for you.