You’ve made your list and checked it twice. But if coconut oil isn’t at the top, you simply aren’t ready for the upcoming holiday season.
Coconut oil offers a bevy of benefits for the body, mind and soul. In addition to having antibacterial and antifungal properties, the tropical staple is chock full of healthy saturated fats. It’s also incredibly moisturizing.
We’ve identified some wonderful ways to use coconut oil this holiday season. Just think of them as our gift to you!
1. Holiday fare
Want your recipe to stand out from all the others at the holiday cookie exchange? Substitute equal parts coconut oil for vegetable oil or butter or 3/4 cup coconut oil for one cup of shortening. Friends and family will love the subtle nutty flavor!
Coconut oil also makes a great addition to your favorite seasonal smoothies. Add it to a cranberry spice or pumpkin smoothie, eggnog protein shake and more. Just a couple spoonfuls of the tropical oil adds essential nutrients!
You can also use coconut oil in many of your favorite holiday dishes. A quick internet search will yield mouthwatering recipes for roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, stuffing, turkey and more with—you guessed it—coconut oil serving as an ingredient!
2. Holiday shopping
Heading out into the wintry winds to shop for holiday gifts? First, warm a dime-sized amount of coconut oil in your hands and run it through your hair to help relieve dryness and prevent frizz and flyaways. Then dab a drop of coconut oil on your lips to help thwart chapping and flaking. Be sure to reapply the all-natural lip balm to your parched pucker as needed!
After you’re all shopped out, unwind with a soothing massage. Just be sure to ask your masseuse to use emollient coconut oil in lieu of traditional massage oil. Mix in a few drops of peppermint essential oil for seasonal fragrance!
Another relaxing option? Enjoy a calming bath composed of 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of Epsom salts and warm water.
3. Holiday parties
Want to look and feel your best at holiday parties? Replace your chemical-laden personal care products with organic coconut oil! Use it to whiten your teeth, moisturize your skin, condition your hair (let the oil rest for four hours for best results) and shave your legs. You can even use coconut oil in lieu of deodorant!
After the festivities come to an end, use coconut oil to wash your face, remove your makeup and moisturize your skin overnight. Is there anything this tropical oil can’t do?!
4. Holiday gifts
Did you know that coconut oil makes an incredible body scrub? Simply combine it with some sugar (to aid in exfoliating) and package the mixture in a pretty container. Voilà—the perfect homemade stocking stuffer for friends and family!
You can also make a moisturizing honey and coconut oil hair mask by adding two parts melted coconut oil, two parts honey and one-part apple cider vinegar to an attractive microwave-safe jar. Be sure to instruct gift recipients to melt the mixture prior to each use.
Or, you can buy your friends and loved ones containers of coconut oil and let them decide how they would like to use the incredible ingredient!
