Many of you must have used coconut oil to deal with frizzy, dry and weak hair and to help healthy growth of hair. Massaging coconut oil on the scalp helps hair to grow strong, by increasing blood circulation, while moisturising the entire hair length recovers split ends. If you have dandruff, the best way to deal with it is to apply coconut oil on your scalp every night and leave it overnight — or at least for two hours — and then shampoo in the morning.

Heavy workload, poor sleep and bad eating habits lead to stress. The soothing smell of coconut oil has the ability to fight with stress. Gently massage coconut oil on head in circular movements and you will get instant relief from mental fatigue and feel peace of mind.

However, that is not all the benefit that you can derive from this natural, affordable and easily available edible oil. Coconut has a unique combination of saturated fatty acids and can be used in a lot of ways.

Another superfood comes to the rescue of hair, skin and body

The need for creams and lotions increases in winter. Most of us do not know that coconut oil is great for making skin soft and fresh. It not only removes dryness from face making it smooth to touch, but it is also effective in removing freckles. Gently massage lukewarm coconut oil on the face, hands and other body parts after a shower in winter to avoid itches and dry skin.

Cracked and chapped lips are a painful condition. In this situation instead of using a chemical -based balm, coconut oil is an excellent natural option. Apply coconut oil two to three times a day to treat chapped lips and after a few days you will notice that your lips are soft and smooth.

Most teenagers and young adults are faced with acne and scars that are not only awkward but often painful as well. When it comes to treating acne and scars, coconut oil is the best natural product as it is rich in fatty acids, Vitamin E and has anti-inflammatory properties. These attributes help proper functioning of sebum glands and clear blockage. Coconut oil can be applied directly on the face; massage softly for two to three minutes, let stand for five minutes, and then clean it with a tissue paper. Alternately, you can mix one teaspoon oil in one tablespoon aloe vera gel, apply this mixture on the face and leave for 10 minutes. Now gently massage in circular motion with wet finger tips about five minutes and then wash the face with normal water. The cooling effect of both ingredients will sooth the skin, erase scars and make your skin acne free.

Coconut oil is also good for the teeth. You can make homemade tooth paste by mixing equal quantity of baking soda and coconut oil. Applying this tooth paste strengthens the teeth and helps in controlling tooth decay.

Need a good and affordable makeup cleanser? Apply coconut oil on your face and let it stay for a few minutes then wipe off with cotton pad or tissue. Makeup will come off quickly than your makeup cleanser. You can also use coconut oil as daily cleanser. For this rub a small amount of coconut oil on your hands then spread it on your face and neck; gently massage in circular movements for a minute. Now dip soft wash cloth in warm water and wipe off oil from your skin. This cleansing routine makes your skin glowing.

Applying a night cream is an essential part for most of the women’s skin care regimen. Coconut oil night cream is hydrating and gives you maximum benefits. Add one cup coconut oil in a bowl and beat with electric mixture until fluffy. Stir in half-a-cup tea tree oil (or any other essential oil) and half a cup Vitamin E oil. Store this cream in glass container and use at night before going to bed. Coconut oil will surprisingly rejuvenate the skin and pamper it all night long.

Coconut oil has healing properties and leaves a cooling effect on cuts and scrapes. Coconut oil makes a protective layer on the infected part of the body and cures the wound from external dust, bacteria and virus. Due to its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties it stops burning and itching on bug bites.

So go ahead and get yourself some pure coconut oil.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, February 28th, 2016