Coconut oil is obtained from the from the dried nut (fruit) of the coconut palm made up of 52 - 85% medium-chain fatty acids commonly used as a moisturizer or conditioner for skin or hair.  Topically, coconut oil is used for psoriasis, eczema, dry skin, and preventing hair damage, and current research suggests it might possibly be effective for eczema treatment as well. Application of virgin coconut oil 5 mL twice daily for 8 weeks results in two-fold more patients and reduces symptom severity by about 30% more than mineral oil in children (1). Preliminary clinical research shows applying coconut oil twice daily improves skin moisture and skin lipid levels in patients with mild to moderate dry skin. They also found coconut oil to be comparable to mineral oil. The results for psoriasis are mixed, suggesting more evidence is needed (1).

What about "virgin" coconut oil? 

Unlike olive oil, there is no industry standard for the meaning of "virgin" or "extra virgin" coconut oil. It is, however, meant colloquially as unprocessed, that which has not been bleached, undergone refinement, or deodorization.  

And "cold pressed"? 

This generally means the process of extracting the oil is done without any external heat source.

Instead, look for brands that are "unrefined", which means the oil is from fresh coconut meat, not dried. When oil is extracted from fresh and is unrefined, the process is quick and simple without requiring high heat, bleaching/deodorizing, or additives. There are many to choose from, but if you're looking for an ethical, fair trade brand with all the bells and whistle's, then choose ​Nutiva. There are few other notable brands, but this is the easiest to find.  

Matcha is a high-grade green tea ground into a powdered form. Originally, it was consumed in China and later brought to Japan in the early 12th century by Chinese Buddhist monks. Unlike in China, it quickly gained popularity as ceremonial drinking tea in Japan, developed as a spiritual practice of the practice of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. 

Topically, green tea is used to soothe sunburn, as a compression for headaches or tired eyes, used as a poultice for bags under the eyes, and to prevent skin damage from the sun and other environmental causes (3).  Additionally, it's shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in human skin with anti-aging effects by decreasing inflammation and scavenging free radicals (4). When green tea is combined with traditional sunscreens, there may be an additive or synergistic protective effect. Also, found to improve wound healing (3, 4).

Lavender belongs to the family of Lamiaceae and contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which are responsible for sedative and narcotic actions. Together, they can promote anti-anxiety effects, help with sleep disturbance, improve the feeling of well being, support mental alertness, suppress aggression, and promotes wound healing (5).

Lavender Coconut Body Scrub

1 cup coconut oil at room temperature
2 cups sugar
10-20 drops lavender essential oil

In a food processor, add the sugar and process until sugar breaks down into a fine powder. You can omit this step, but your skin would prefer for you follow this suggestion.
Then, in a stand mixer, whip the coconut oil with the sugar. While the machine is running, add the lavender essential oil. 
Pack in jar - optional - top with dried lavender flowers and fit with a lid.

Use: This can be used every 1-2 weeks on your face, neck, hand, legs, arms... everywhere! Allow to sit on the skin after scrubbing for up to 5 minutes, then rinse.

Storage: Keep away from moisture and have a spoon handy to scoop out the body scrub to avoid contact with water.

Matcha Moisturizer

1 cup coconut oil at room temperature
2 tablespoons matcha powder

In a bowl, mix coconut oil with matcha until uniform. Pack in a jar with a fitted lid.

Use: This can be used daily on your entire body. It will not turn your skin green, despite it's dark green color. 

Coconut Hair Mask 

(makes 1)
2-4 tablespoons coconut oil at room temperature
5-8 drops essential oil*

Mix ingredients thoroughly and apply to hair (not scalp). Leave in for 30-60 minutes, then rinse. 
It may take several days for the oil to come out, and it entirely depends on your hair. Some say warm water while others use an egg wash OR a combination of shampoo and conditioner.

*Essential oils for the scalp will depend on the condition of your hair.
Here's a list to help navigate:
Tea Tree Oil - for flakiness and dandruff
Peppermint Oil - for greasy and dry hair with cooling effect, promotes hair growth
Lemon Oil - for oily hair
Lavender Oil - for all types
Rosemary Oil - for all types

Like what you see? Check out more body care by exploring citrus for the skin as well.

Food waste is a huge problem. This has been true for years. In fact, we waste 150,000 tons of food per day here in America. But, the good news is, there is plenty we can do, as we cook and create, to help mitigate the effects of food waste, and cut back on the things we throw away.

For example, there are benefits hidden amongst the food scraps you might normally toss in the trash. Today, we're going to focus on one specific ingredient that is especially potent in winter: Citrus. We'll learn not only how to keep those special extra bits from ending up in landfills, but also how they can be turned into delicious treats sure to impress your friends and family.

No need to toss the peels after cooking with citrus, because you can save the peels to make your own skin care line. ​​Vitamin C helps protect your skin while also giving it that glow, renewing damaged skin. Additionally, the citric acid from citrus kills bacteria and pathogens present on the skin, which leaves you feeling fresh and clean. 
​

1. Dry your peel by removing the pith (white part of citrus) from the rind (the colored part) using a knife. Dehydrate for several hours using a dehydrator or oven (150F) for about 8 hours.
2. Grind when completely dry.
3. Combine 1 tbsp with 2 tbsp plain yogurt and 1 tsp honey until thoroughly mixed. 

To use:
1. Massage into wet, damp skin.
2. Rinse. 
3. Pat dry. 
4. Store citrus scrub in refrigerator.

Makes 12 ounces
​This will deep clean your skin and tighten your pores after cleansing, and is especially good for those with oily skin.

Ingredients: 
3 tbsp fresh mint leaves
Peel of 1 medium orange
2 cups boiling water
1 tsp witch hazel

Directions: 
1. Place mint leaves and peels in a ceramic bowl and pour boiling water over. Allow to steep and cool completely.
2. Strain out mint leaves and peels and stir in the witch hazel. Pour into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid.

To use:
​Apply toner to your skin after cleansing with a clean cotton pad OR put in a spray bottle to spritz after bathing.

Great for those with sensitive skin, frequent rashes, and sunburned skin. The yogurt helps reduce inflammation and irritation, while the lemon lightens the sin tone and acts as an astringent.

Ingredients:
1 tsp yogurt
1 tsp lemon peel (dried and ground)
2 drops rose water
1 drop sandalwood oil

Directions:
1. Add all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply to skin evenly. Allow to absorb in skin for 10 minutes. 
​3. Rinse with cold water. 

Still hungry? Check out other amazing recipes here, like my DIY mint, honey elixir or homemade vanilla extract.