Unconventional uses for coconut oil

Coconut oil has long been lauded for both its beauty and health benefits. Our mothers and grandmothers would often use this oil on their hair and skin. More recently, we have discovered more than 100 uses for coconut oil. Here are some less well known benefits of coconut oil.

1. Shaving cream - To keep your skin soft and smooth, use coconut oil in place of your normal shaving cream. Rub a generous amount on your skin and shave, and this will leave your legs feeling moisturised, shiny and smooth. It can also be used as an after-shave lotion as it heals and moisturises the skin without clogging pores.

2. Make-up remover - Rub the coconut oil in the palm of your hands until it liquefies. Gently rub the oil over your face and eyes and then wipe away with a damp cloth. It is a very effective eye make-up remover even on waterproof mascara.

3. Cuticle oil - Massage coconut oil into your nails and cuticles before you go to bed. This helps to strengthen and hydrate them, leading to healthier nails. It also prevents hangnails and soothes any that may be present.

4. Massage/anti-stretchmark oil

- Use in place of massage oil for a healthy alternative. You can make a scented version by mixing it with a few drops of an essential oil of your choice. It can prevent stretch marks or help to reduce the visibility of those that may be present. The vitamins and natural acids in coconut oil improve skin elasticity, which helps to prevent stretch marks.

5. Eye-cream/lash strengthener- Rather than spending money on an expensive eye-cream, rub a little oil under your eyes and at the base of your lashes.

Coconut oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles as it fights against the damage caused by free radicals and can help your eyelashes to grow. If your eyebrows have stopped growing, apply some coconut oil before you sleep.

6. Gum health and whiter teeth - Brush your teeth with one part coconut oil to one part bicarbonate of soda for whiter teeth and improved gum health. Alternatively, you may choose to swish the coconut oil around your mouth (also known as oil pulling). Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which works against plaque and yellowing, and anti-fungal properties that lead to fresh breath.

7. Reduce spider/varicose veins -Apply coconut oil daily on varicose veins to noticeably reduce their appearance. The oil penetrates into the tissue and heals broken capillaries.

8. Vapour rub - Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to make your own vapour rub. This is extremely safe to use even on babies. Ensure that you buy organic unrefined extra-virgin coconut oil which is available in supermarkets and health food shops.