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on an E-Book that I believe will help anyone who wants to make a lasting change in their life. The title is 21 Day Total Life Transformation. All you have to do is go to JasonBracht.com enter your email address and I will deliver it directly to your inbox. This resource will help you get the most out of life – It lays out step by step techniques that can help dig you out of any rut. To get instant access to these incredible tools and resources, click the link below:Click here for the FREE 21 Day Total Life Transformation Book TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1.........History of Coconut Oil Chapter 2.........Coconut Oil Before, During, and After Pregnancy Chapter 3..........Using Coconut Oil For Your Health Chapter 4.............Coconut Oil For Personal Hygiene and Home Use. Conclusions on Coconut OilCHAPTER 1 THE HISTORY OF COCONUT OIL For over 5000 years coconut and palm oils have been used in tropical countries for their restorative and healing properties. The scientific name for coconut is Cocos Nucifera and was first written about in 1555 by the English. These plants have been around since the dawn of time and most historians believe that they Polynesians brought the plants with them to the pacific Islands. Although, some believe that coconuts were brought by more natural means because of their tendency to float and the fact that they are water tight. They have been used mainly in tropical regions of Central and South America, Asia, Africa, and India. Coconuts were so valuable that at times they were used as currency until the early part of the 20th Century. After that, coconut oil began to be important to Egypt, England and the United States. England called coconut oil “margarine”, while the United States called it “Coconut Butter”. During World War II the Japanese occupied the Philippines and other islands in the South Pacific. Coconut supplies were cut off from the United States and new oils for cooking and home use had to be manufactured. This is where vegetable oil and polyunsaturated fats began becoming the staple oil in the home. People have used coconuts for everything from medicine, to food, to cosmetic purposes. For example, the use of coconut oil can be found in writing regarding Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic medicine was practiced in India and became a type of alternative medicine as time progressed from 1500 BC through the medieval times. This system is one of the oldest medical systems in the world, and the practice is based on the overall health of the person including mind, body and spirit. After being used for thousands of years for many different purposes, it call changed in 1954. Doctors had decided that since there was an increase in coronary artery disease in the United States that saturated animal fats were to blame. People began using polyunsaturated fats and that trend has swept all over the world who didn't even eat a diet consisting of meat, potatoes and milk. It is believed that this change in diet over the past 40 years has caused an increase in obesity and heart disease. The use of coconut oil in modern medicine has been lost over the years even though its medicinal, nutritional, and functional properties have shown to be positive. Coconut oil is different structurally, functionally and behaves differently than other saturated fats, making it a very healthy alternative to polyunsaturated fats. For example, Canola Oil (short for Canada Oil) was processed in Canada from the rapeseed plant beginning in the late 1970's. Originally, rapeseed plants were used to make oil for lubricating products for ships, just as any other vegetable oil can be used. The rape oil goes bad very quickly unless it is cold pressed and used immediately. Canola oil is produced by using chemicals such as hexane and others to strip the oil from the seeds using very high heat. When heated, the oil has a putrid smell and the omega-3 fatty acids are turned into trans-fatty acids. When it is solidified it can contain over 40 percent trans fats. Coconut oil is gaining new ground today as a healthy oil Coconut oil is natural and has so many wonderful uses for the overall health of you and your family, both inside and out. It can also be used in your home as a chemical free alternative to cleaning products. Extra virgin coconut oil that has not been refined has a pleasant aroma, a pure, white color and is solid. It also has a sweet taste. Coconut oil that has been refined will not have these characteristics. Be sure you pick an extra virgin coconut oil. Below we will give you 101 reasons to love coconut oil. CHAPTER 2 COCONUT OIL BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER PREGNANCY Coconut oil is 100% safe to use before, during and after pregnancy. There are many uses for coconut oil for both you and baby. They are healthy alternatives to over-the-counter remedies as well. We will begin our 101 uses for coconut oil by looking at the ways that it is beneficial to you (and baby) before, during and after pregnancy. 1.Coconuts have long been used for pregnancy and fertility. Before pregnancy if you regularly consume coconut oil, it will help balance hormones. Balanced hormones make it much easier for a woman to ovulate and conceive. 2. Coconut oil can be a wonderful thing for women who are breastfeeding. There have been recent studies regarding the environment of the womb and diet during pregnancy. The studies have been related to food allergies, autism, asthma and other conditions. Coconut oil provides a boost of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats that can be beneficial to baby. Coconut oil has been used in formulas for quite a while because of the benefits. 2 acids in coconut oil are included in breast milk. Lauric acid and capric acid make up about 20% of human breast milk. These acids have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti- parasitic properties and support the immune system. This can help boost the immune system of the baby as well, allowing them more protection against illness and disease. Coconut oil is also high in Vitamin D carrying anti-oxidants that can help maintain a healthy cell structure. Coconut oil is also easy on baby's digestive system, and contains medium chain fatty acids (acids that are easily digestible by the body) that aid in growth and development. When lauric acid and capric acid is introduced into a woman's diet while pregnant the fatty acid content of breast milk will increase and will be stored in the body for 1-3 days. The first 10 hours is when the levels are at their highest. The acids will be stored in the adipose fat in the body and will be used during lactation, along with what her diet consists of. (fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, raw coconut oil and lean meats) Remember, coconut oil is not only good during pregnancy but after pregnancy since nutrients are passed on from you to the child. 3.Coconut oil can also be helpful during breast feeding when nipples become raw and sore. Use coconut oil on the nipples to ease the pain of breastfeeding. Since it is safe for you and baby, you can use it during nursing in order to get some relief while baby is getting the benefits. 4. Coconut water hydrates the body better than most sports drinks by adding additional nutrients, minerals and vitamins to the body. It has also been used to reduce vomiting and nausea due to tropical diseases like malaria and typhoid. Coconut oil can cause the same results because it also helps relieve the nausea and vomiting from morning sickness. You can mix the oil with a soup, a hot drink, or other drink or small meal. But, if your up for it, you an always try to take it without mixing it. 5.Coconut has long been used in many lotions, soaps and other products. During pregnancy you can use coconut oil as a moisturizer. It will ease itchy, uncomfortable skin that can become prevalent during pregnancy 6.Coconut oil can also be used during pregnancy as a personal lubricant. Many times the perineal area can become dry and irritated during pregnancy and cause great discomfort. Coconut oil can ease the dryness and irritation. After pregnancy, if you had an episiotomy, coconut oil can be used to help heal the perineal area. 7.Coconut oil can also be used to treat stretch marks that occur during pregnancy. If you use coconut oil as a moistener, simply rub the oil on your stretch marks. This will keep the skin soft and lessen the chance that the tissues beneath the skin tears. Many believe stretch marks are genetic, however, many women have had great results with coconut oil preventing stretch marks. You can rub it on your belly, legs, or other places where you see stretch marks beginning. 8.Coconut oil can also be used on baby's skin. It will keep the skin smooth naturally and massaging baby with coconut oil can also help improve sleep. When baby is sleeping, mom is sleeping. That is a good thing. 9.Since coconut oil is an anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal, it can be used as a treatment for thrush. Some babies get thrush from candida, or yeast. Babies usually get thrush because their immune systems aren't mature enough yet to fight off candida overgrowth. If you apply coconut oil when you are nursing to your nipple, baby can be treated while you are nursing. Also, you can try to use it as a topical agent. 10. Coconut oil is also a great diaper cream for baby, especially if you are choosing to use cloth diapers. Cloth diapers have made a strong comeback since they are environmentally sound and reusable. Many mothers have chosen cloth diapers and they believe that they are much better than the disposable ones because they save money, can be used by other children, and can be re-sold after you have gotten your little one past potty training. The cloth diaper industry has changed since early years. They now come in designer patterns, colors, and are sewn like a disposable diaper so you don't have to fold them, you can simply slip them on. Some name brand diaper rash creams can't be used with cloth diapers such as ones that include cod liver oil. Coconut oil is a perfect accompaniment to cloth diapers. Rub a little on baby's bottom during diaper changes. It has a nice smell as well. 11. Cradle cap is a common skin condition with newborns. It presents as an oily, scaly, or crusting with a yellow color on a newborns head. It is easily treated and isn't harmful in any way. It is simply the natural build of of oil, dead skin cells. There are many ways that cradle cap can be treated. However, many people swear by coconut oil to treat cradle cap. You simply massage the oil into baby's scalp and rinse with warm water. CHAPTER 3 USING COCONUT OIL FOR YOUR HEALTH We will continue our 101 uses for coconut oil with how good coconut can be when it is introduced into your daily diet. Also, coconut oil can be used as a remedy for certain ailments, and, as we discussed above, it can be great for the skin. 12. We discussed candida earlier when we talked about thrush. Thrush is an oral yeast infection that is caused by candida. Candida is a bacteria that lives in our bodies. It is good bacteria. It is simply a small amount, however, if the immune system is weak, and your diets consists of a lot of sugar and carbohydrates the candida can grow out of control and cause yeast infections. Most people will reach for the over-the-counter methods of treatment, however, coconut oil will do just as well. Coconut oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti- parasitic properties, therefore it is good for treating fungal infections. If you ever experience a vaginal yeast infection, simply apply coconut oil to a tampon and insert it in the vagina for a couple of hours. The anti-fungal properties will kill excessive yeast growth. 13. Coconut oil is also a good remedy for cold sores. Cold sores are also called fever blisters and they are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause cold sores on the genitals and the mouth. The herpes simplex virus enters the body through a break in the skin and contact with infected fluid. For example, sharing utensils, kissing or touching an infected persons saliva, and sharing razor blades. Most cold sores begin with pain around the mouth and then the symptoms of sore throat and swollen glands. There are over- the-counter remedies for this, however, coconut oil is a natural alternative. Since coconut oil has anti- viral properties it can help take care of the virus. You can use it topically, or you can ingest coconut oil through food or take a tablespoon. 14. Coconut oil can be used to help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. Springtime brings renewal and an allergy outbreak for some people. If your nose is stuffy you can put a bit inside your nostrils before you go outside. This will keep the nose moist and the airway clear. Also, if you are ingesting coconut oil you can up your dose during allergy season as it will help build your immune system up, and cut down on any yeast that may be troubling you. 15. Mental alertness is something that most of us these days are looking for. Coffee, energy drinks, soft drinks and sweet treats are what we usually reach for when we need a pick-me- up. Coffee isn't just for breakfast anymore. However, you can use a bit of coconut oil to jazz up your day and make you more alert during the day. Add coconut oil to your morning coffee or tea. Because coconut oil is a medium-chain triglyceride it reduces hunger, it increases ketone that boosts your energy and your brain power, and it is quickly and easily digested by the body which, in turn, makes the body use it quicker for energy. 16. Another great boost is to mix coconut oil with chia seeds. Chia seeds are an ancient food that was used extensively by the Mayan and Aztec cultures. You can use coconut oil and chia seeds in your morning pancakes (there are some great recipes that can be found online), or sprinkle them over a hot cereal. The chia seed is full of minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, anti-oxidants and minerals which makes it a perfect accompaniment to your morning beverage. One caveat, don't use chia seeds and coconut oil at night. This will simply keep you awake and you will be losing much needed sleep. 17. Juicing has become very popular since it is a great way to eat clean. Juicing is easy and it can be done ahead of time. When you are making up your juice, or smoothie, give it an extra boost by adding coconut oil and chia seeds. It's a healthy alternative for people who aren't into coffee in the morning. 18.Coconut oil can support healthy thyroid function. The medium-chain fatty acids, and lauric acid in coconut oil are known to boost metabolism and promote weight loss. 19. Coconut oil can also help increase blood circulation. It raises basal body temperatures while it boosts metabolism. Basal body temperature refers to the body's lowest temperature of the day. Your overall body temperature goes down overnight while you sleep. Your core temperature rises as soon as you wake up in the morning. The coconut oil will help your Basal Body Temperature rise quicker and will elevate any problems you may have with cold hands, feet, or other extremities. 20. Since coconut oil is natural and safe you can take it daily for energy and the other benefits it provides such as boosting the immune system, and raising the metabolism. 21. Coconut oil makes a pretty good coffee creamer as well. If the coffee is emulsified with grass-fed, unsalted, organic butter and the coconut oil, it makes a hearty creamer. Add a dash or two of vanilla and stevia and you have a pretty good cup of coffee. Don't worry, it doesn't taste like butter. Herbal coffee and teas can be used as well. Chai tea is also an alternative that can be used. Be sure you take a look at your brand of coffee and see if it is organic and how it is processed. In many cases it is processed too harshly and can cause toxins to be released. For more information on how to fix up your coffee check out www.wellnessmama.com 22. If you love mayonnaise, coconut oil can be used to make your very own at home, without any vegetable oils. Making your own mayonnaise is easy and it stays fresh for about a week in the fridge. You only need a few ingredients, egg yolks, olive oil, coconut oil, Dijon mustard, spices, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. The process takes about 5 minutes. For the full recipe visit www.wellnessmama.com 23. Coconut oil has also been used to aid in digestion while killing parasites and yeast in your gut as caused by candida overgrowth which we discussed earlier. Taking it daily can help with a multitude of other digestive problems such as acid reflux disease (also called GERD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastritis, Constipation, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative colitis. Studies today show that vegetable oils like, soy, canola and corn oils are causing people with digestive disorders more stress because they are longer chain fatty acids. These can cause inflammation and when eaten regularly, inflammation can stick around for a long time. As we talked about before, the medium-chain fatty acids are easier for the gut to digest. 24. Coconut oil is a much healthier choice when you are deep frying. Virgin coconut oil is the best to use because it isn't refined and is shelf stable. When other oils are refined they are sent through a high heat purification process that filters and deodorizes the oil, because the refining process causes the oil to smell really bad. Chemical such as bleach and other chemicals are used to stabilize the oil. 25. Coconut oil is the best alternative to vegetable oil. It can replace any vegetable oil that is called for in any recipe. Your meal will be much healthier when you substitute coconut oil in place of heavily refined vegetable oils. 26. If you are cooking at a high temperature coconut, oil is better than olive oil or vegetable oil. High temperature cooking is standard today. Many of our meals are cooked at over 450 degrees and grilled at over 1000 degrees. Extra virgin coconut oil that has not been hydrogenated (made shelf stable) is the best pick for high heat cooking such as baking and deep frying. Leave your olive oil, hemp oil, and flax seed oil for use in dressings that are cold or cooking that can be done over low heat. 27. Another great thing about coconut oil is the fact that it can boost your energy levels and not be stored as fat when it is used daily in cooking or as a supplement daily. 28. Coconut oil has been shown to improve insulin levels. Since coconut oil increases metabolism and improves energy, and increased metabolic rate can better regulate insulin. It can also help combat Type-2 Diabetes linked diseases like heart disease and obesity. 29. High cholesterol is on everyone's mind. It began years ago with the Framingham Heart Study. It was concluded that the American diet should change. People began to incorporate vegetable fats, hydrogenated fats, and take out saturated fats such as animal fat. It has recently been said that this diet has caused the skyrocketing numbers of heart disease. Trans-fatty acids and vegetable fat may actually be to blame for increase in the disease. For more information on the Framingham Heart Study visit www.framingham.com, or www.framinghamheartstudy.org. Also check out the opposing side by looking at some differentiating research at www.wellnessmama.com or The Journal of the American Medical Association at www.jama.jamanetwork.com. 30. Oil pulling is part of Ayurvedic medicine. It is a cleansing technique that has been used for centuries. You simply swish oil in your mouth for a few minutes every day. If you use coconut oil and a drop or 2 of oregano oil you can improve your mouth and gum health. It has been shown that coconut oil and oregano oil both have anti- bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic properties. This can help balance candida in the body. You may also notice that your teeth become whiter, your gums will stop bleeding and will become a healthy shade of pink, your breath is better and tooth decay becomes diminished. 31. Coconut oil can be mixed with baking soda and used as a natural toothpaste. You can add essential oils to give it a better flavor. 32. If you feel a cold or the flu coming on mix a tablespoon of coconut oil in with a hot tea to help you recover quicker. The tea will be soothing and you will get the benefits of the coconut oil in your body. 33. A tablespoon in hot tea will also soothe sore throats whether its from a cold, or simply from overuse of your voice. 34. When taken before a meal, your food will digest better. As we talked about before, vegetable oils can cause inflammation. Coconut oil can balance your digestive system. 35. Many people who suffer from acid indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux must take medication to keep the problem controlled. When someone misses a dose, the heartburn, or acid reflux returns with a vengeance. Mix coconut oil with a hot tea, or another beverage and drink it to calm stomach acid. 36. There has been very good news lately that coconut oil can help Alzheimer's patients and patients with Parkinson's Disease, and patients that suffer from dementia. Alzheimer's patients brains cannot metabolize sugar the way it used to. Insulin helps the brain take up sugars from the blood, however insulin isn't very helpful. Generally, brain cells simply starve to death over time. Insulin stimulates brain cells to take sugar and metabolize it for energy. Insulin is also important in making neurotransmitters, the pathways that neurons travel on. The major breakthrough is the fact that the brain becomes insulin resistant. A substance in coconut oil and palm oil called MCT. When the oil is metabolized, it created ketones which could protect the brain from Alzheimer's, it may reverse the disease. It has been tested as possible treatments for Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and amotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as ALS, or Lou Gherig's disease). There have been some positive results with coconut oil. With further research, there may be a cure for disease that takes so much away from those stricken with the diseases. 37. Consuming coconut oil daily can help with insomnia. Depending on your body weight, the doses vary. People who suffer from sleep apnea can also benefit from coconut oil. A mixture of specific essential oils along with coconut oil can be rubbed on the throat and neck before bedtime. The mixture of citrus, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense and coconut oil will reduce inflammation and movement in the soft tissues in the mouth and sinus area, and in turn, reduces snoring. 38. Coconut increases the body's absorption of magnesium and calcium. This increases the health of bones and teeth. Coconut oil should be used daily by women who are at risk for osteoporosis, a bone thinning disease that occurs mostly in women who are past the age of menopause. Men can also get osteoporosis as well and need to be checked periodically. 39. Millions of people in America suffer from anxiety and depression. People with sluggish thyroids can have symptoms of depression and anxiety. When coconut oil act with the thyroid to boost metabolism it can help eliminate anxiety and depression. This is a natural way of combating depression and anxiety instead of using the multitude of medications that are out there. 40. We have discussed the benefits of coconut oil for your teeth, and It is possible that coconut oil can remineralize your teeth. There are many homemade remineralizing toothpaste recipes out there. Coconut oil can be used alone or with baking soda as we said before. However, it can also be made with other ingredients such as calcium magnesium powder, essential oils, the aforementioned baking soda, and Xylitol which is sugar alcohol and also good for re-mineralization, it also gives your toothpaste a sweeter taste. You can also use Diatomaceous Earth in a toothpaste recipe as well.. Diatomaceous Earth is a sedimentary, soft rock that can be broken down into a powder very easily. It contains silica and is made by the fossils of diatoms which is a type of algae. It is used in store bought toothpaste and other products. Check the internet for mineralization toothpaste recipes that you may be comfortable starting out with. 41. Coconut oil has also been studied as a natural treatment for Autism. Kids with autism have excess glutamate in the brain which decreases the amount of ketones. Much like sugar does with Alzheimer's disease. Coconut oil being a medium-chain triglyceride could improve general understanding by making the brain go into stasis, meaning a state of stability, or a state of balance. Coconut oil could prevent glutamate in the brain from attack healthy cells. Keep in mind that these studies are in the early stages, however, some parents of autistic children have added coconut oil to their diets and they have shown some minor changes. Another exciting breakthrough that brings hope. 42. Boost your kids brain power also with recipes that are sweet and healthy. There are many recipes that use coconut and coconut oil and they have less sugar than the usual after school snacks like candy and cookies. 43. Coconut oil can be used as a treatment for roseacea. Roseacea is a skin disease that causes discomfort and some self consciousness because your face is consistently red. It also causes bumps on your nose, chin, cheeks and pimples. I can also effect your eyes by causing them to burn and be sore. It tends to effect people who are fair skinned or are easy to blush. It also seems to run in families. There are a few protocols out there for treating roseacea with coconut oil, however, it seems that massaging the coconut oil on the effected areas helped keep the burning, hot sensation at bay. Daily treatment can help the skin lose its redness and make it soft again. 44. When coconut oil is uses regularly it can reduce acne on the skin. Acne is caused when glands on the skin that secrete beneficial oils become clogged with bacteria and dirt. The beneficial oils become trapped and that causes the red, puffy, inflamed skin. Store bought acne medications can cause beneficial oils to be stripped from the skin. These are antimicrobial oils that defend against infections. Because of the lauric and capric acids in coconut oil, the antimicrobial agents can be put back on the skin. Without infection acne cannot grow. Both topical application and taking coconut oil orally can help rid the skin of acne. 45. We had talked about earlier putting coconut oil on an episiotomy after giving birth to help the healing process. You can also use it on other types of injuries such as burns, and cuts to help jump start healing. 46. Urinary tract infections, or UTI's are quite common for women. Men and children are subject to them as well. Coconut oil can help treat UTI's. The symptoms of a UTI can include a vaginal discharge in women, urgency to urinate, burning sensation when urinating pain in your bladder or in your kidney area (lower back), blood in urine, high fever and can cause diarrhea in newborns. E. Coli is the primary culprit for causing UTI's . Antibiotics are usually prescribed which can be harsh on the good bacteria that is working in your body as well. Coconut oil will kill only the bad bacteria because of its antimicrobial properties. Coconut water can also be consumed. Coconut water has been used for centuries to treat the urinary tract. The water contains the same properties as the oil. It helps prevent bladder and kidney infections. It also mixes with urine, causing it to become diluted. When this happens kidney stones can't form as easily and the ones that have already formed can be expelled from the body. 47. Because of coconut oil's moisturizing properties, it can be used to soothe skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Eczema is a blanket term for conditions that cause inflammation and irritation of the skin. Atopic Dermatitis is the most common type and it is seen mostly in people who have inherited allergies such as asthma or hay fever. The disease can be controlled and most babies who have the disease outgrows it by the age of 10. Some adults have to deal with it the rest of their life. The skin can appear thick, dry, and scaly. Dark skin can cause the area to become lighter or darker, and in people with fair skin the area can become red or brown. The itchy rash appears in infants scalps and face causing crusty, runny patches. Coconut oil is a natural treatment for eczema. The oil will stop the flaking and itch of eczema. Massage it deep into the effected area. Apply it at least 4 times a day and at bedtime. Keep the area moist by applying a bandage. You will have to make sure that you see your doctor regarding the cause of your eczema and avoid the allergic causes. They could be certain materials, perfumes, or foods. Psoriasis is a skin disorder that is persistent and hard to be treated. When you have psoriasis your skin cells grow 10 times faster than they usually do causing the cells to die when they reach the surface of the skin. The skin then becomes raised and red sometimes cracking open, becoming scaly, painful and irritated. The patches can cover larger parts of the body when they merge together. Other symptoms include discoloration of fingernails and toenails, and scaly, crusty patches on the scalp. The cause of psoriasis has been hard to pinpoint. Some believe that it is associated with psoriatic arthritis that causes painful, swelled joints. The condition comes and goes and it is frustrating when someone is trying to treat the condition. Psoriasis can be caused by streptococcal infection, emotional stress, or even problems with the immune system. Psoriasis tends to be genetic such as dermatitis. Again, the essential fatty acids in coconut oil help boost the immune system. It also can be used topically on the skin as a treatment. Consume the oil as well. It is recommend that 3 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil should be taken per day. Use topically after a shower or bath. The patches will begin to dry up, and, in the mean time, they will be softer and less irritated. 48. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States today. Finding a good anti-inflammatory for arthritis these days can be hard to do. Drug companies have been in the news recently for putting medicines on the market that aren't safe and cause other health problems. Arthritis is a joint disorder that causes pain and inflammation in one or all of the joints in your body. There are different types of arthritis such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and genetic types of arthritis that causes the disease to attack the joints of children and adults alike. Damage can also be done to your cartilage causing stiffness as well. The damage and stiffness can cause you to have problems handling basic daily chores such as brushing your teeth, typing, and walking. As we have discussed, coconut oil is an anti-inflammatory. You can use coconut oil along with aloe Vera to reduce inflammation in the joints. Simply massage into the effected area. It also strengthens bones and can help soothe sore, stiff joints. Use coconut oil with camphor as a pain relieving agent. Massage the mixture on the joints that are effected. The camphor will help increase blood supply and the warmth of the coconut oil will relieve the pain. Coconut oil can be used after a bath or shower to help with stiff joints. It also increases circulation and can be used before exercise. Mix a bit of essential oil in and it smells much more pleasant than some store bought arthritis medications. 49. Hemorrhoids are common and you can use natural coconut oil to relive the discomfort. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external and are caused by a variety of reasons including pregnancy, heredity, and chronic diarrhea or constipation. They are very painful, and can become so bad that surgery may become an option for relief. A hemorrhoid is caused by too much pressure being placed on the rectum. Tissues inside the rectum will fill with blood to help with bowl movements, however, when pressure is placed on them, they swell and stretch causing pain. They can be identified by itching, pain in the rectal area, and bleeding while having a bowl movement. Blood will appear on the toilet paper if that happens. Coconut oil can relieve the inflammation when used topically. You can put the oil on a cotton ball and place it against the hemorrhoid 2 or 3 times a day. This should give relief from itching and inflammation. 50. When your little one has an ear infection it hurts you to watch him hurt. Coconut oil can be a very good natural remedy for an ear infection. Because coconut oil is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, antimicrobial, and anti- protozoa, it kills just about everything. Some parents may be concerned with the over use of antibiotics and the risk that they cause for candida overgrowth and other side effects. Warm the oil until it becomes a liquid. Make sure it isn't too warm. Draw the oil into an eye dropper or syringe and put a few drops into the ear. Make sure they are lying comfortably and let them stay there until the oil is absorbed into the ear. Put a bit of a cotton ball in the ear to keep the oil from running out. If for any reason you believe that the eardrum is ruptured, or if the earache is accompanied by a high fever, check with your healthcare provider immediately. 51. A blend of coconut oil and garlic oil can help clear up swimmer's ear. Dropped into the ear for 10 minutes 2 or 3 times a day will help it clear up in just a couple of days. 52. We discussed before how coconut oil can play a role in relieving digestive disorders such as GERD and heartburn. Not long ago it was discovered that peptic ulcers were caused by a bacteria called Helicobactor pylori, or H. pylori. The bacteria generally digs down deep in to the wall of the stomach or esophagus causing the ulcers. Since this type of bacteria is known to cause ulcers, just as herpes, and strep causes other health problems, taking coconut oil orally can defeat H. pylori because of the medium- chain fatty acids in coconut oil. 53. Coconut oil can relieve itchy skin as we discussed before. It can also relieve the itch from spring and summer time plants that we come in contact with. Itching from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can be relieved by rubbing a bit of coconut oil on the effected area. 54. Chicken pox is something that can be horribly itchy, uncomfortable, and painful. Chicken pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Today, there is a vaccine to protect against the chicken pox virus. Many years ago, mother's would take their children to someone's house to get chicken pox so they would become immune to the virus. When the itching starts you don't want to be scratching too much as deep scabs can come off an cause deep scarring and pain. Coconut oil can relieve the itch of the chicken pox virus and can help boost the immune system before you or your child gets chicken pox. Remember, if your an adult and you get chicken pox, expect the virus to be much harder on you because of your age. 55. Tinea Pedis is athlete's foot and many people suffer from in. It's caused when fungus invades the skin on the feet. It is highly contagious and can effect other parts of the body like under the arms, and your toenails. Usually, it is itchy, stinging and burning and causes the skin to flake and become red. Coconut oil has all the anti-fungal properties to help stop athlete's foot. If your looking for a natural remedy massage your feet with coconut oil and any essential oils such as tea tree, peppermint, garlic oil, or clove oil. These all have anti-fungal properties as well. 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 10 drops of essential oil should be rubbed into the feet 2 to 4 times a day. To keep the risk of developing athletes foot again, use coconut oil a couple of times a day after showers to make sure it doesn't come back. 56. You never want to get the call from your child's school that there has been an outbreak of head lice, even though it is something that happens every now and then. Usual remedies are shaving heads, and using over-the-counter head lice treatments that are harsh. Using a simple and all natural mixture can take care of head lice without the extremes. Coconut oils and apple cider vinegar can take care of the head lice. You will need a full bottle of apple cider vinegar and a jar of coconut oil. Rinse the hair with the vinegar. Leave it in until it dries. This will help the eggs release from the hair follicle. The eggs have a sticky substance on them that cause the eggs to stay firmly planted on the follicle. When the vinegar is dry don't wash it out. Put the jar of coconut oil on the hair. Make sure you cover the head completely and cover the hair with a shower cap. Leave the mixture in all day. I know that may be an inconvenient practice but it will be worth in the long run. The coconut oil will kill the lice by smothering them. When your done comb the hair and get as many lice and eggs out of the hair. Shampoo as you normally would. Your lice problem will be taken care of and the hair will be shiny because of the coconut oil. 57. Vapor rub has been around for a lot of years and has helped many people. However, if you would rather take a natural approach, make your own vapor rub with coconut oil. For the type that you rub on the chest for congestion use 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil and a container with a plastic lid. Simply add your coconut oil and 7 drops of the essential oil of your choice. If you prefer a stronger scent use more essential oil. Mix together and you have your very own homemade vapor rub. Some people tie sprigs of eucalyptus on their shower head. The warmth of the shower releases the smell of the eucalyptus. If you don't have sprigs you can make your won vapor rub for the shower. All you need are the same ingredients plus a shower gel that contains a natural eucalyptus or peppermint blend. Add your coconut oil to the container along with the soap and the essential oil of your choice. Massage the mixture into your chest and breathe in the vapors to help clear congestion.CHAPTER 4 COCONUT OIL FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE AND HOME USE As you can see, coconut oil is a pretty amazing thing and can be used a multitude of ways. We have a few more uses for you. Coconut oil is great for personal hygiene and is an all natural alternative to store bought products that contain so many chemicals. It can also be a handy little helper around the house so you can have a home that is free of toxic cleaners and other products. 58. Finding a good body lotion can be hard with all of the different brands that are out there. Exfoliating, anti-aging, and many others are flooding the market. If you want a simple solution use coconut oil as a basic skin lotion. Many people do and they find it very versatile. Some women use it on their face before they put on their make -up for extra moisture. 59. Eye make-up is not an easy thing to remove. Use coconut oil on a cotton ball and you can remove it quickly without any harsh chemicals. Your skin will be soft and not irritated. 60. You can also clean your mascara brush with coconut oil. Mascara brushes can become clumpy and globby. Put a bit of coconut oil on a cotton swab or make-up remover bad and the oil will clean the clumpy globs off of the brush. 61. Speaking of eye make-up and mascara, coconut oil is a great way to moisturize your eyelashes. It will keep them soft and clean 62. There are many recipes on the internet that show you how to make your very own coconut lotion bars. It will be easy to find a recipe that is right for you. They are basically the same but the differ in small ways. Simply add essential oils, coconut oil, and beeswax. Melt your ingredients in a sauce pan and add your essential oils when the coconut oil and beeswax are melted. You then pour the mixture into a mold of your choosing. It can be a muffin pan, bar molds, or decorative molds. Simply rub the bars until they become warm and rub on your body like lotion. 63. If you prefer an actual lotion rather than a bar you can make a regular lotion. The same basic ingredients are used along with Shea butter, mango butter, or Cocoa butter, plus almond oil or olive oil. Melt your ingredients together in a jar that is placed in a saucepan filled with about an inch or two of water. Then transfer your lotion into another jar , such as a mason jar when your done. You can then have it ready on your bathroom counter when you are done with your shower. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive and all it take is a little of your time to make it. 64. Deodorants have been linked to breast cancer and some other diseases and aluminum and other ingredients have been blamed. Coconut oil can be used for deodorant and works well. It cuts down on the odor and the wetness, even better than some store bought brands You can use baking soda and coconut oil mixture and mix in arrowroot, or a bit of cornstarch and essential oil if you prefer. and simply lather under your arms. 65. If you prefer a regular type of deodorant you can make deodorant bars. You basically use the same ingredients as you do with the liquid deodorants that we talked about above. You will add Shea butter, cocoa butter, or mango butter, which ever you prefer, probiotics and Vitamin E. Melt your ingredients as we talked about before and add your others into the mixture until smooth. You can then mold them the same way. Place them in bar mold or a different type of mold and you have a deodorant bar that you can simply rub under your arms until warm and it covers perfectly. 66. Even using coconut oil by itself can be a good deodorant. Because it contains the anti-bacterial properties, it can take care of odor causing bacteria. 67. Age spots can be lightened when you use coconut oil. Simply apply coconut oil to your hands, face or other body parts that may have age spots showing. Massage the oil into the skin and make sure that you use coconut oil on your skin when you come in from being in the sun. The coconut oil will help your age spots by reducing damage the sun may have caused. 68. Being in the sun can be fun, but it can also be painful and deadly. Too much exposure will cause burns, damage to the skin, and , in some cases, skin cancers. Coconut oil can be used to help with sun tolerance and avoid burning in some cases. Many who have changed their diets and added coconut oil have noticed that they have a higher tolerance for the sun than they did before since they were fair skinned. 69. Coconut oil can also be used to treat sunburns if you get one. Sunburns immediately dry out your skin. When used on a sunburn, the oil is immediately soaked up. It relieves the pain associated with sunburn and reduces redness. With continued use, you won't peel at all. Check out www.coconutoilcooking.com for more information on the benefits of coconut oil and sunburn relief. 70. Coconut oil can be used as a sunscreen that has an SPF of 4. Many people who are fair complected have tried using just coconut oil as a sunscreen and they have reported that they didn't burn, but did turn red in some areas. However, the red areas turned tan without any pain. It doesn't seem possible especially to someone who is fair skinned and has dealt with excruciating sunburns. There are many recipes on the internet that incorporate more ingredients into a natural sunscreen. Check out www.coconutoil.com for more information or 71. Coconut oil is used in all types of summertime products and in massage oils. Using coconut oil as a massage oil can help with stress and soften skin with a pleasant relaxing scent. Many spas use coconut oil and essential oils. 72. An all natural body scrub can be made with coconut oil. Body scrubs help exfoliate the skin and with the nutrients that coconut oil provide can help keep skin healthy. Sugar is actually good for your skin as well, just don't eat it. You can mix white or brown sugar with coconut oil, almond oil and essential oil to make a shower scrub. You can add Vitamin E and many other types of herbs, spices and oils to make a body scrub that smells just the way you want it to. It is all natural and less expensive than body scrubs that you can get at bath stores. 73. Sometimes we forget about how hard our feet work and they can get very dry, cracked and flaky. Coconut oil mixed with salt can help your feet. The salt will act as an exfoliant while the coconut oil will soften the calloused skin that builds upon our feet. 74. Our feet aren't the only part of our body to be neglected. Our elbows can get dry and flaky, especially during the winter months with outside cold and inside dry heat. 75. Stress causes us to bang our head everyday. Coconut oil can be used to relieve headaches after a long day. It can be massaged into the temples and forehead. The smell is soothing and will help you relax. If you are a migraine headache sufferer, try this method as a natural remedy at least once if you are using a prescription medication to deal with your pain. You may be surprised by how it works for you. 76. If you lips are chapped and dry you can put a dab of coconut oil on your lips as a natural chapstick. You can even put some in a small container to carry with you. Just make sure you store it in a place that will keep it solid. 77. Coconut oil used on the face at night can be a very intense moisturizer. It won't clog pores and it helps delay wrinkles and saggy skin. Women from tropical regions have always used coconut oil as moisturizers and lotions. 78. We have discussed the anti-bacterial properties of coconut oil. If you have an infection on your skin such as ringworm, or other skin condition rub the area with coconut oil and let it take care of the bacteria and fungus that is attacking your skin. 79. Another way you can use coconut oil as a lotion is whipping it with a bit of Shea butter and other ingredients to make a rich body balm that is light and fluffy 80. We have talked a little bit about coconut oil and what it can do for the hair. If you have split ends you can apply coconut oil on the split ends of your hair. Let it sit in your hair for at least and hour or longer depending on the amount of damage. You can then shampoo the oil out and condition as normal. 81. Coconut oil can be massaged into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Women in India have used coconut oil for years in their hair and in their diet. The oil will strengthen hair by going straight to the hair fiber. Apply it to the scalp a least 3 times a week and massage it gently so it can get into the roots of your hair. Other oils sit on the surface of the hair. Coconut oil penetrates into the hair shaft. 82. If your looking for an intense hair treatment cover your hair in coconut oil and rub into the scalp. Cover your hair with a shower cap or towel and leave on for a few hours. You can then wash and condition as usual. Your hair will have a whole knew life about it. 83. Coconut oil can be used to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is the build up of fat deposits in the body that appear as pitted and can be caused by hormonal changes, weight changes and the build up of toxins in the body. When used consistently, coconut oil can improve the health of the connective tissues and collagen in the skin. 84. Shaving cream is expensive for both men and women. If you are looking for a more natural approach try coconut oil. It makes a great natural alternative to shaving cream and aftershave. The coconut oil doesn't clog pores or promote skin irritation. It is a great option especially if you dislike the heavy perfumes in some store bought brands. 85. Just as coconut oil can help eliminate the appearance of cellulite, it can help reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are close to the surface of the skin. They are a product of constant pressure on the lower body. Most women worry about spider veins. These are small variations of varicose veins and they are common and are mild in nature. Theses types of veins are simply a cosmetic problem, however, some people suffer pain and they can be a precursor for other cardiovascular problems. See your doctor if you are having pain. If not, you can apply coconut oil to the veins by washing them with warm water. Pat them dry and warm coconut oil to a comfortable temperature. Massage the oil into your skin for 5 to 15 minutes twice a day. Massage gently so you don't irritate the skin. 86. Keep a bit of coconut oil next to your kitchen sink in a container so you can put some on your hands after doing dishes. This will keep your hands soft. 87. Coconut oil can stimulate not only the hair to grow, but the nails as well. Rub the oil into your cuticles and nails daily. It will help with their growth and keep them strong and healthy. 88. DEET is a chemical that has been around for over 50 years in the United States. It has been widely tested as an insect repellant and is used worldwide today as the number 1 chemical in manufactured insect repellants. DEET got its start in the United States military as a synthetic insect repellant. It was used in WWII in the jungles in Africa and Asia. It was used again in 1946 and into the Korean and Vietnam wars. It became available to civilians in 1957 after it was mixed with dithylnetatoluamide which made it a less harsher grade of DEET than what the military was using. There have been many critics of DEET over the years and, in the beginning that was pretty much all we had to defend against insects and ticks. As we learn more about DEET and other chemicals, we have been able to come up with natural alternatives to using DEET and other chemicals as insect repellant. Coconut oil can be used as a natural insect repellant. Mixed with beeswax, Shea butter, cloves, thyme cinnamon, catnip leaf, mint leaves, Vitamin E oil, lavender oil and lemon oil, you can make your own insect repellant lotion bars. These are convenient especially if you have kids, and your an outdoor family. They are easy to carry and you can keep them with you. The internet is full of great recipes for natural bug repellant that you can keep on hand. 89. You can also mix coconut oil with rosemary, catnip, and your choice of essential oil and use it as an oil instead of a lotion bar. There are many other natural herbs and plants that help repel insects such as geranium, citronella, patchouli and tea tree oils. Look into what mixture would be right for you and your family. Check out some recipes at www.coconutoil.com 90. If you do get bit by that wayward, marauding mosquito or other insect while you are outside, don't worry about the itch. Coconut oil can soothe the swelling and inflammation that is caused by bug bites and make the itching go away. 91. You may have heard your grandmother or mother talk about seasoning cast iron skillets. If you have ever cooked in an unseasoned cast iron skillet, you would have found out the hard way that they are not naturally non-stick. Seasoning the skillet is like lining baking pans or using non- stick cooking spray. It keeps your food from sticking to the skillet and adds flavor to your food. Coconut oil is great for seasoning skillets. Simply add coconut oil to the sides and bottom of your pan. You can do this by using a paper towel, and then setting it on a low heat so the oil will become liquid. After that you can keep the skillet on the stove for 5 to 10 minutes on the low setting, or put it in the oven for 1 hour on low heat. 92. Coconut oil can be used on leather to condition it. When trying something like this always try it out on an inconspicuous area first to see if it work on your particular item. It can be used on furniture, leather jackets, shoes, pants, boots, and even on some drum skins that are made of animal skins. 93. If your drums are in good shape, you may want to try some coconut oil as lubrication for guitar strings. After you put a new set of strings on your guitar you want to keep them in good shape by keeping a good tone and prevent breaking. It will also keep them clean naturally. Most guitar string wax's and and other products have harsh chemicals in them like silicone. Coconut oil is much less expensive than wax that you buy at a music store. It also cleans your strings better than any store bought brand. You can also clean and condition your fret board as well. When you get new strings, put coconut oil on a clean cloth and rub each string individually and let the oil sit for a bit. You can then wipe off any excess and string your guitar. Remember to maintain your strings by cleaning after usage. 94. Pets are family too and we want them to stay just as healthy as we are. Coconut oil can work wonders with your pets too and it's non-toxic. If you pet has a skin issue such as dandruff, or other dry skin problem use it as a topical treatment to help them retain moisture. You can also use it to soothe hot spots on your dog's skin during the summer months. 95. Adding coconut oil to your pets food once a day can help them with arthritis and other joint problems, help digestion and control their weight. Just as with humans, ingesting coconut oil daily can help from the inside out on dry skin and other skin issues. This is both dog and cat friendly. If you won a cat putting coconut oil in their food will help keep their coat shiny and can prevent feline diabetes, and aid in digestion as well. Coconut oil can keep your cat from getting hairballs. If you have a senior cat, coconut oil will help keep their joints lubricated as well. Keeping an elder cat's weight in check is very important also, so give them ¼ teaspoon on a daily basis to keep your cat healthy. 96. Coconut oil has been documented by many as being a great flea repellant. If you want to go all natural and stop using the chemically based flea repellants you can add a tablespoon and a half of coconut oil to some warm water until it becomes liquid and spray your dog with the oil rubbing it into the coat gently. You can also rub the oil by itself directly on the dog's coat, however, if your dog is excitable that might be a problem. Some vets have used this method with their patients and recommend that people try coconut oil, cedar oil or other topical oils before they try a commercial chemical product. Remember, this is something that must be done everyday to ensure the full benefits of the treatment. 97. Coconut oil can be a nice non-toxic alternative to cleaning your dogs ears. Simply drop a bit on a cotton ball or q-tip and clean as usual. This will also help keep their ears moist and healthy. 98. If you have children then, inevitably, gum is going to get stuck somewhere. In their hair, in carpets, in clothes, on shoes, and possibly on the dog. Therefore, when you have a problem that involves getting gum out of something use coconut oil. Butter and peanut butter have long been a mom's go-to home remedy to get the gum out, however, coconut oil is not sticky and is just oily enough that there is little to no pain when getting gum out of hair. It also comes out relatively quickly. To remove from carpet, get as much of the gum or other substance out of the carpet and rub the spot with coconut oil. It will come out easily and then you can clean up the oil with a bit of dishwashing liquid and water. 99. Coconut oil works great as a furniture polish for natural wood. It will give new life to old, thirsty wood and will make the wood grain stand out. It will also keep it from drying an cracking. It also will repel water so your wood won't stain or warp. If you are an antique collector, love refurbishing old furniture, or if your furniture is all natural wood, this is a great tip. If you want to use it as a polish mix coconut oil with a splash of lemon juice for an all natural furniture polish on treated wood. 100. Coconut oil can also help keep any bronze items in your home shiny and clean. It will also deepen the color of the bronze. You simply add some to a cloth and rub into the items. The oil will remove dirt and other staining that may have begun to occur on your item. This is also a great tip for people who collect antiques or have family heirlooms. This is a completely natural way to keep your keepsakes preserved. Rust on scissors, knives and tools can be removed with coconut oil. Rub the item with coconut oil and let is sit for about an hour. You can then simply run it under warm water and the rust will come right off. 101.Finally, you can use coconut oil as a natural leaf polish to make your plants leaves shine instead of using chemically based products to clean them. Simply put a bit on a clean cloth and rub the oil across the leaves. This will remove dust and other dirt from the leaves.Conclusions on Coconut Oil Coconut oil is sustainable resource that is full of so many restorative health properties and treatments. It has been tested by time and repeated usage with positive results. In today's world it's hard to keep up with chemicals, drugs, and other harsh agents that are being used in our medicines, foods, and cleaning products because there are so many that we see and use daily. Many we don't even realize that can be potentially harmful to our health with sustained usage over time. Worries with our health increase daily with the rising numbers of diabetes, heart disease, and cholesterol keeps us confused and guessing as to what information is the correct information. Sometimes it's just easier to turn back to a natural way of living, eating and taking care of ourselves. Many folks have turned to natural remedies because they have had bad experiences with over-the-counter medications or other prescribed medication. They believe that their health should be a whole body health. You should research all of your options and find out if coconut oil usage will help you whether it be with skin care, cooking, or any of the other uses we mentioned above. As with any natural remedy there is the side against it and the side that is for it, so always remember to talk with your physician and do as much research as you can regarding coconut oil. You will find many positive testimonials for coconut oil on the internet with regards to overall health. You will also see statistics that show how our Western diet has trumped other traditional diets in the world causing a rise in heart disease and other health problems in countries that used coconut oil regularly. You can do just about anything with coconut oil, and we could have talked about more than 101 uses for this amazing oil. If you want to give it a try remember to purchase only extra-virgin coconut oil that is organic. It should also stay solid at room temperature. This means that the oil is unrefined and pure. If you're looking for a change in lifestyle, give coconut oil a try and see how many more uses you can come up with for a most amazing oil.