RawFoodBlog

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8730/how-to-make-a-better-version-of-coconut-oil.html

12 Magnificent Ways To Use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is highly beneficial for health as it boosts your energy and endurance. Besides, it stimulates the metabolism, controls cravings, aids in digestion, facilitates nutrient absorption, and improves thyroid function.

Furthermore, it protects against heart disease, controls diabetes, and promotes weight loss. Hence, you can consume about three to four tablespoons of coconut oil per day. When consuming or using coconut oil for other purposes, it is best to opt for extra virgin coconut oil.

Here are some fabulous ways to use coconut oil.

1. It can be used as a toast spread. You may look for recipes for delicious yet healthy toast spreads that you can create using coconut oil.Besides, you can replace butter with coconut oil while baking brownies, cookies, muffins, etc. It also makes a healthy substitute for vegetable oil used for cooking. You may add a little coconut oil (molten) in your smoothies, too.
2. Coconut oil works as a fabulous eye makeup remover. For this, you just need to dab a little coconut oil on a cotton scab and use it to remove your makeup. In addition, you can use it to clean your mascara brush.
3. Application of coconut oil helps in getting rid of lice infestation. For this, you need to massage your hair and scalp with organic coconut oil and then, comb through the hair with a lice comb at least twice.Next, shampoo your hair. After drying your hair, again apply coconut oil liberally and leave overnight. Comb your hair in the morning. Finally, shampoo and condition your hair.
4. You can even feed organic coconut oil to your pet as it can improve your pet’s skin and hair coat. Plus, it controls fleas and fights fungal infectionsbecause it contains caprylic acid.Moreover, it relieves arthritis, and works as a natural internal deodorizer, thereby eliminating bad breath in dogs. Thus, you can add a teaspoon of coconut oil in your pet’s food or water.
5. You may also use coconut oil for preparing a variety of homemade productssuch as homemade soap, deodorant, insect repellent, lip balm, body scrub, and even toothpaste.
6. It can be used as an after shave to relieve razor burn and heal the skin. You can use it as a pre shave as well.
7. Coconut oil can be used as a sunscreen, especially for those with dark skin. It has an SPF of about 4 to 6.
8. It is excellent for managing frizzy and flyaway hair.
9. Interestingly, coconut oil works as a leather moisturizer. Hence, you can put a small amount of coconut oil on a clean cloth and work it into your leather shoes to moisturize and increase their shine.
10. You can rub a little coconut oil on the inside of your nostrils to prevent nosebleed due to dry, cracked skin on the inside of your nose.
11. Expectant mothers can regularly apply coconut oil on the abdominal area (from the seventh or eight month of pregnancy) to prevent and reduce stretch marks.The oil is great for newborns as well, because it works as a natural diaper cream that moisturizes the baby’s soft skin and fights bacteria.
12. Coconut oil can be used to remove chewing gum from hair, clothes, shoes, etc. You can leave it on the sticky area for about 30 minutes so that it becomes easier to remove the gum.

Read more about 12 Magnificent Ways To Use Coconut Oil at Speedyremedies.com

6 Amazing Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, also known as Melaleuca oil, is an essential oil derived from the leaves of an Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia through the method of steam distillation. The oil is clear to pale yellow in color and has a fresh, woody, camphoraceous odor.

It is highly beneficial for health because it has several medicinal properties. For instance, it has antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, expectorant,stimulant, and insecticide properties. Furthermore, it is usually considered safe as it is non irritant and non-toxic in nature.

Given below are 6 wonderful benefits of using tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is useful for fighting infections because it works as an immuno-stimulant. Thus, it increases the body’s ability to get rid of infections.

Tea tree oil, in particular, is considered good for treating eczema, athlete’s foot, ringworm, boils, warts, etc. and relieves itching caused by these problems.

Thus, when dealing with these infections you can either dilute tea tree oil in water, or mix about ten drops of this essential oil in carrier oil such as almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, etc., and then apply on the affected area.

It is suggested to avoid applying tea tree oil directly on sensitive skin, or else it may give rise to redness, itching and irritation.

Besides, pure tea tree oil can be used to heal cold sores. You can even apply dilute tea tree oil (one part oil and one part water) on the affected area several times in a day. Plus, you may mix about six drops of tea tree oil in your bath water and soak in it for a while.

In addition, it helps soften corns and calluses. Moreover, tea tree oil can be used for cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites, scabies, minor wounds, ingrown hair, razor burns, skin tags, chicken pox, candida, ear infection, and so on.

This oil is not meant to be ingested, but you can massage your gums with it or use tea tree oil toothpaste to cure mouth ulcers and gum infection.

Alternatively, you can add three drops of tea tree oil a cup of warm water and gargle with this solution twice or thrice daily to get rid of gum inflammation, bad breath, laryngitis, etc.

Tea tree essential oil works as a great beauty aid. It removes excess oil and fights off bacteria causing acne and pimples.

In fact, it is considered as effective as benzoyl peroxide, which is often used for eliminating acne and blemishes.

Hence, you can prepare a solution by mixing equal amounts of tea tree oil and water, and apply it regularly on your face two times in a day (morning and night) with the help of a cotton swab.

Make sure you wash your face before putting tea tree oil. Before applying it on your face though, it is recommended to conduct a patch test on the inside of your forearm to check your sensitivity. This essential oil can be used for treating nail fungus, as well.

Tea tree oil is helpful in preventing and treating head lice. Therefore, you can simply mix it in your shampoo (put two drops of the oil per ounce of shampoo).

Besides, you can 20 drops of tea tree oil in two ounces of carrier oil, apply this solution on your hair and leave for a few hours before shampooing.

Alternatively, you can use a mixture of a pint of water and 25 drops of tea tree oil, three times in a day. These remedies, however, are not a substitute for combing.

Hence, you will still have to comb out the lice and remove their eggs. Furthermore, you can combine two ounces of vodka, one ounce each of water and glycerin, half an ounce of tea tree oil, and soak your lice comb in this mixture to kill the lice and eggs.

Moreover, in case you are bothered about lice in your clothes, you can put 12 drops of tree oil in your washer along with the detergent while washing your clothes.

This is yet another benefit of using tea tree oil on your hair. You can mix this essential oil in your regular shampoo (one drop of tea tree oil per ounce of shampoo) or use a specific anti-dandruff shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil.

Furthermore, you may apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly on your scalp before shampooing to cure scalp problems and get rid of dandruff.

Besides, you can use a combination of tea tree oil and rosemary oil to treat dry, flaky scalp. You can also mix tea tree oil with water and spray it on your scalp throughout the week as a hair spritz.

When dealing with sinusitis, bronchitis, cold, flu, sore throat, cough, whooping cough, asthma, and other respiratory ailments, you can add tea tree oil to a vaporizer to get rid of chest congestion.

Plus, you can put several drops of tea tree oil in boiling water, cover your head with a paper towel, and inhale the steam. In addition, it can be mixed with some carrier oil and massaged on to the chest.

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties and flushes out uric acid build-up. Hence, it helps heal sore muscles, mild sprains, and arthritis pain by desensitizing irritated nerve endings.

Moreover, it relieves wrist pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Thus, you can massage the affected area with some carrier oil mixed with two drops of tea tree oil.

If you are not sure where to get tea tree oil from, them you can purchase it from a drugstore or a health food store. It is usually available in the health and beauty section of the store.

Though this oil is mostly safe, still it can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals, especially those who are allergic to eucalyptus, cloves, etc.

Read more about 6 Amazing Benefits of Tea Tree Oil at Speedyremedies.com

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8108/13-common-ailments-you-can-treat-with-peppermint-oil.html

13 Common Ailments You Can Treat With Peppermint Oil

By Ashley Turner

Peppermint (Mentha piperita), like lavender, is another incredibly versatile essential oil! Known as one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion, scientists have researched its effects on the liver and respiratory system, as well as its ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy. The fragrance of peppermint is purifying and stimulating for the mind, which makes it a great natural pick-me-up. Here are some common ailments that may benefit from treatment with this essential oil:

1. Indigestion/Diarrhea

Place 4-6 drops of peppermint oil in the palm and rub over the stomach and around the naval to relieve indention, gas and diarrhea.

2. Heartburn

Add a drop of peppermint oil to herbal tea (with agave or honey to emulsify/blend the oil and the tea) to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn.

3. Nausea

Massage several drops of peppermint oil on the abdomen, or place 2-3 drops in hands, gentrly rub together, cup palms and deeply inhale to relieve nausea.

4. Travel sickness

Rub 4 drops of peppermint oil on the chest and stomach to relieve travel sickness. I always carry it with me while flying or during long train and car rides!

5. Hiccups

To stop hiccups, apply a drop of peppermint oil on each side of the fifth cervical vertebra (up three notches from the large vertebra at the base of the neck).

6. Inflammation (unbroken skin)

Massage several drops of peppermint oil on an area of injury or chronic inflammation.

7. Bruising (unbroken skin)

Apply peppermint oil immediately to an injured area (not broken skin) — bruised shin, hit on the foot or hand — to relieve pain. If skin is broken, apply around but not on the open wound.

8. Fever

Rub several drops of peppermint oil on the bottom of the feet to reduce fever.

9. Itching

Apply a drop of peppermint oil topically on unbroken skin to stop itching.

10. Poison Ivy/Poison Oak

For poison ivy or poison oak, apply peppermint oil directly or dilute with vegetable mixing oil (coconut, sesame, etc).

11. Headache

To relieve a headache, rub a drop of peppermint oil on the temples, forehead, over the sinuses (stay away from the eyes) and on the back of the neck.

12. Trouble with alertness/concentration

Place 2 drops of peppermint oil on the tongue and rub another drop under the nose to improve alertness and concentration. Diffuse in your office or home.

13. Congestion

Place a drop of peppermint oil on the tongue and inhale into the nose and sinuses to relieve congestion from a cold. Diffuse in your room.

Peppermint is one of my favorite essential oils — never leave home without it!

Please leave a comment below with any essential oil questions, and be sure to share how you use your favorite essential oil!

Published March 15, 2013 at 7:01 AM

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8017/10-ways-to-use-tea-tree-essential-oil-for-health-beauty-cleaning.html

10 Ways To Use Tea Tree Essential Oil For Health, Beauty & Cleaning

By Jessica Cooper

Tea tree oil comes from the evergreen leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree. It has been known for its healing and disinfecting properties for over a century and a wealth of scientific evidence¹ exists to support its effectiveness. It is one of nature’s finest antibiotics because it is so effective at killing bacteria.

Health and Beauty Uses:

1. Aromatherapy

Use a drop or two of the oil on a warm washcloth and inhale to treat colds, viruses, coughs, sunburn, toothaches, or problems caused by bacteria.

2. Acne

Avoid using those expensive, unnatural, chemical-ridden acne treatments. Dab a drop of tea tree oil on a damp cotton ball or q-tip and apply to trouble spots. Make sure you dampen your applicator with water; do not use the tea tree oil alone, as it would be too potent on your delicate skin. You don’t want to deal with super dry spots on top of acne. However, mixed with water, your blemishes will be significantly reduced in a day… and, naturally.

3. Dandruff

Tea tree oil is very effective against dandruff. It’s amazing that it can be used to combat acne, which is thought of as an oil issue, and dandruff, which is viewed as a dryness issue. To combat against dandruff, the key is the mix of oil to shampoo. Use 5% tea tree oil to shampoo. About 3-4 drops of oil into a whole bottle of your natural, scentless shampoo should do the trick. Do not put the oil directly onto scalp.

4. Nail infections

Have a hangnail or a nail irritation? Dabbing a bit of oil onto the nail will act as an antibacterial but without causing irritation to the skin.

5. Sinus infections

Tea tree oil is antiviral and antibacterial, making it great for any sort of infection of the respiratory system. Boil water and add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water. After removing the pot from heat, put a towel over your head and breathe in for 10-15 minutes.

Cleaning Uses:

6. General tea tree oil cleaning spray

You get the gist: Anything that needs disinfecting, cleaning, or balancing can benefit from tea tree oil. Combine 4-5 drops of oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Use to clean household surfaces like countertops and kitchen floors.

7. Household antiseptic spray

Similar to above, but add double the drops (10 drops of oil) to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle for tough areas like the bathroom and sink. Even use to clean the bottoms of shoes for an antibacterial purpose.

8. Mold remover

Use the concentration of antiseptic spray in #7 above, and spray on moldy areas, but do not wipe up or rise. Let it sit and it will take care of any problems.

9. Laundry detergent

Add 3-4 drops of oil to your detergent for mold-prone items like chunky sweaters and wool. Tea tree oil is a powerful mold fighter.

10. Air freshener

To make your own essential oil gel air freshener, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of clear gelatin powder, tea tree oil, a ½ cup of hot water, and clean, clear jars of your choice.

Stir together and heat the clear gelatin powder, approximately 20 drops of essential oil, and the water. Pour the liquid into clean jar(s) once the gelatin has melted. Put the jars in the refrigerator until the gel has set.

When purchasing: Make sure you purchase oil that comes in a dark glass bottle to ensure that the light does not reduce the oil’s potency.

One more note, never ingest the oil orally.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7612/why-you-should-put-down-that-conditioner-and-use-coconut-oil-instead.html

Why You Should Put Down That Conditioner! (And Use Coconut Oil Instead)

By Elizabeth Rocchino

If you’re looking for a deep hair conditioner that’s chemical-free, look no further than virgin coconut oil. It’s one of the best hair conditioners and if it’s virgin and organic, it’s chemical free and natural.

Coconut oil is one of the best natural treatments for hair. It’s been used by indigenous people around the world, from South America, Africa, India and Asia.

It brings back the softness to your hair thanks to its bountiful medium chain triglycerides (or fatty acids).

While other conditioners work from the outside in, coconut oil is able to work from the inside out. It’s an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair as it stimulates blood circulation in the scalp. Here’s why.

Coconut oil keeps your hair full (and won’t make it fall out).

It’s well established that coconut oil is high in antioxidants, which helps to prevent free radical damage to the body, including heat and environmental damage.

Most conditioners on the market use processed vegetable oils that actually create free radicals and are completely stripped of their original antioxidant power, causing hair to lose protein and fall out over time. One of the reasons behind hair loss is microbial action on the scalp and hair roots.

So, to protect hair against them, what we need is an antimicrobial agent. Lauric acid in Coconut Oil is one of them. It’s basically a triglyceride which yields a monoglyceride called Monolaurin, an excellent antimicrobial.

Coconut oil provides relief from dandruff.

Coconut oil nourishes the scalp because the oil is a natural antifungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial and has soothing properties. It can also offer relief from dandruff conditions. Dandruff is often caused by an internal fungal condition that reaches the scalp, called candida overgrowth. With regular use, coconut oil can kill the fungus in the scalp and dandruff issues can be eliminated. Then, you can say get rid of chemically oriented dandruff shampoos that add to your body’s toxic burden of chemicals.

Coconut oil is readily absorbed into the skin and when applied to the scalp, it is absorbed into the blood for a quick dose of a powerful natural antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial which builds immunity. For additional benefits, the oil can be applied to the entire body instead of using chemical-based lotions. Just apply a teaspoon or two from head to toe after your shower, rub it in, and let it absorb a few minutes before toweling off.

Coconut oil provides deep conditioning.

Coconut oil’s fatty acids have a unique molecular structure that penetrates easily into the hair shaft. A hair is just like a hose or a tube. It is hollow from inside. Coconut oil fully penetrates this hollow space (the hair shaft).

This allows the nourishing oil to penetrate your hair’s shaft – and literally brings deep conditioning from within reducing the loss of internal moisture.

For deep hair conditioning, use a teaspoon or two on damp hair and leave it in as long as possible. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature so warm it to liquefy it. Make sure to massage the scalp to allow blood circulation. Once you have saturated all of your hair, wrap a towel or something around your head and leave it for one to two hours to see results right away.

Then fully rinse you hair and wash with shampoo. Note that coconut oil can stain fabric, so be sure to protect your clothes and bedding if sleeping with it on your head overnight. This deep conditioning can be done as often as once a week and you may need to wash your hair a couple times to remove all of it.

Published February 1, 2013 at 4:02 PM

About Elizabeth Rocchino

http://www.vegsource.com/news/2013/02/dr-klaper-olive-oil-is-not-healthy-video.html

Feel free to double this recipe, triple or quadruple it! A little goes a long way, though.

on youtube -: http://youtu.be/SSvpqXDnZjA

For a small container:

2 T. melted coconut oil

1 T. aloe vera gel

2 tsp. kombucha

1- 2 drops essential oil of choice (I used 3 drops lavender oil today and it’s wonderful).

Stir with a whisk until nice and creamy.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5317/8-Awesome-Uses-for-Coconut-Oil.html

The Best Vegetable Oil For Hair Care
via Guide to Herbal Remedies by Carla Fiscina on 4/6/12

http://guide2herbalremedies.com/vegetable-oil-hair-care/