Coconut

Cocos Nucifera

Coconut Oil is a thick, creamy and fatty carrier oil that is solid at room temperature. It can be ingested and used to boost your health internally, as well as help with healthy teeth, gums, hair, nails and skin. In the essential oil world it blends incredibly well to create hair masks, massage oils and more!

History of Coconut Oil

Coconuts, and Coconut Oil can be dated back to thousands of years ago. The flesh, water, milk and oil of the coconut have influenced many cultures across the globe, however initially it was considered a necessity in tropical countries that could grow the coconut in such a climate. It was widely used in central and southern America, as well as Africa, India and Asia. Known as Cocos nucifera, the Coconut belongs to the palm family, and its origin is in Asia as well as the French Polynesia. It was originally used as a moisturiser, in soaps as well as a skin and haircare treatment. It has been a staple since as early as 1500BC, with its first uses being as a medicinal treatment. Over time, the use of Coconut Oil has grown exponentially, and today, it is considered one of the most powerful and beneficial oils that you can own.

Coconut Oil can be used for a number of things, and is one of the few carrier oils on the market which is safe to ingest. It can be used as a carrier oil with essential oils in aromatherapy, massage and skincare, but it can also be used to fry meat, vegetables and fish, as well as baking sweet treats and goodies. Within the vegan community, Coconut Oil is one of the main staples used as it is packed full of amino acids and vitamins that our bodies need to thrive. It’s incredibly hydrating and can work on its own or blended with other ingredients to create moisturisers, lotions, conditioners, sauces, supplements and dental products such as mouthwash and tooth whitening agents. Arguably, it’s one of the most in demand and popular oils in the world.

So, why is Coconut Oil so popular?

Due to its extensive use throughout history, Coconut Oil has embedded itself into multiple cultures and general practices due to its versatility and now, worldwide accessibility. The main reason why Coconut Oil is so popular is because it’s an affordable ‘superfood’ which can be used for practically everything you need! - cooking, cleaning, skincare, haircare, dental care, makeup removal, soaps, candles - the list goes on. It’s truly a jack of all trades and master of ALL of them. Overall, it’s an oil which is also affordable for many, and a little goes a long way. We don’t see Coconut Oil being overthrown by another oil anytime soon, and we’d recommend this as an essential carrier oil to have in your collection.

Extracting Coconut Oil

There are a few different methods for extracting Coconut Oil, all of which are used on a commercial scale. Coconut Oil can be made using the cold pressing method, which involves first drying the coconut meat, for around 2.5-3 hours. It can then be pressed and the oil will then be separated from the meat. The second method is using a solvent to extract the oil, which is a method that is believed to yield the highest amount of Coconut Oil overall. Hexane is used to extract the oil, and within this it dispels some of the fatty acids within the raw Coconut Oil, extending its shelf life and preventing it from going rancid.

The final method is using the fresh coconut meat and milk and fermenting it for around two days, which enables the ‘cream’ and the oil to separate. The methods of extracting Coconut Oil can vary, depending on the distributor and the type of Coconut Oil that they’re looking to make. Overall, it’s an oil which can be produced in many ways, and arguably has the most methods of extraction in comparison to other oils on the market.

Can I make Coconut Oil at home?

Yes, you can! If you’re looking to create an all-natural Coconut Oil in the comfort of your own home (as some distributors can bleach their oil, too) you can do this all within two days. Firstly, you’ll need around two to three large coconuts. Remove the meat from the inside and cut into small chunks. Put in a blender with very warm water and blend for around 30 seconds until it forms a pulp.

Strain through a sieve, separating the coconut water from the pulp. Repeat the process again with the pulp, again adding some more warm water to the blender. When you strain the whole mixture again, put through another smaller sieve to get rid of any grit. Leave the mixture overnight in the fridge to cool, and in the morning you’ll have a hard layer on the top (the oil) and the layer below will be the water.

Separate slowly, putting the hard mixture in a stainless steel pot over a very low heat. Warm for 2-3 hours. You’ll see that the mixture will be golden yellow with black grit inside. Strain the whole mixture through a cheesecloth and voila - you have 100% natural, pure Coconut Oil.

Can I make Coconut Oil at home?

Yes, you can! If you’re looking to create an all-natural Coconut Oil in the comfort of your own home (as some distributors can bleach their oil, too) you can do this all within two days. Firstly, you’ll need around two to three large coconuts. Remove the meat from the inside and cut into small chunks. Put in a blender with very warm water and blend for around 30 seconds until it forms a pulp.

Strain through a sieve, separating the coconut water from the pulp. Repeat the process again with the pulp, again adding some more warm water to the blender. When you strain the whole mixture again, put through another smaller sieve to get rid of any grit. Leave the mixture overnight in the fridge to cool, and in the morning you’ll have a hard layer on the top (the oil) and the layer below will be the water.

Separate slowly, putting the hard mixture in a stainless steel pot over a very low heat. Warm for 2-3 hours. You’ll see that the mixture will be golden yellow with black grit inside. Strain the whole mixture through a cheesecloth and voila - you have 100% natural, pure Coconut Oil.

Coconut Oil Varieties

Coconut Oil Varieties

There are many varieties of Coconut Oil, in fact, there are 10 different types of coconut overall. The two main types of oil that we know is refined Coconut Oil and unrefined Coconut Oil. The refined oil is usually put through various levels of processing, whereas unrefined Coconut Oil is also known as “virgin” Coconut Oil. Both types of oil are suitable, however unrefined Coconut Oil has more of the nutritional fatty acids and compounds that are great for our overall health. The only downside with unrefined Coconut Oil is that it can perish quicker, as it hasn’t been treated or bleached or mixed with other liquids to extend its shelf life.

So, which variety of Coconut Oil is best for me?

As Coconut Oil is widely accessible and can be bought for very cheap, we recommend owning both varieties, particularly if you’re looking to integrate Coconut Oil into your diet, not just your skincare routine for example. However, if you’re buying unrefined Coconut Oil, buy it in smaller amounts and make sure that you store it in a cool, dry place so you can extend its life. If you prefer to not purchase Coconut Oil, you can make it at home using fresh coconut meat, however it’s important to note that this method may not be the most cost effective way to own Coconut Oil as commercially there are so many different options out there. We love Coconut Oil and would recommend it as an essential in your collection.

What do you think of Coconut Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the team loves to hear how you’re using your oils and getting the most out of them. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of the team today.

So, which variety of Coconut Oil is best for me?

As Coconut Oil is widely accessible and can be bought for very cheap, we recommend owning both varieties, particularly if you’re looking to integrate Coconut Oil into your diet, not just your skincare routine for example. However, if you’re buying unrefined Coconut Oil, buy it in smaller amounts and make sure that you store it in a cool, dry place so you can extend its life. If you prefer to not purchase Coconut Oil, you can make it at home using fresh coconut meat, however it’s important to note that this method may not be the most cost effective way to own Coconut Oil as commercially there are so many different options out there. We love Coconut Oil and would recommend it as an essential in your collection.

What do you think of Coconut Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the team loves to hear how you’re using your oils and getting the most out of them. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of the team today.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is an incredibly popular and beneficial carrier oil which can be used topically as well as ingested to deal with a number of health issues. It is packed full of fatty acids which can nourish you from inside to out, and it is arguably one of the most commercialised and popular oils in the world!

So, what are the benefits of Coconut Oil?

Antibacterial

Coconut Oil is a natural antibacterial, so, when used topically it can work well to combat bacterial skin infections or fungal growths. The antibacterial properties make it perfectly placed to boost your immune health too.

Moisturising

Topically, Coconut Oil is deeply moisturising and can work well on dry, irritated skin. You can either massage it into the area or add a tablespoon of the oil to your bath, where it’ll absorb into your skin - which is great if you feel irritated by massaging it in. It can work on eczema and other mild skin conditions, however you should always consult with a dermatologist before use.

Reduces acne and soothes skin conditions

Similar to its moisturising qualities, Coconut Oil is an excellent oil to use on your skin, even if you’re struggling with acne. The antibacterial and soothing qualities that the oil possesses makes it excellent for removing makeup, or being a part of your evening skincare routine to inject moisture into the skin, particularly if your skin is naturally dry.

Boosts gum and dental health

Along with working as a natural breath freshener, Coconut Oil is excellent if you’re looking to boost your gum and dental health overall. You can use it as a mouthwash or use a soft bristled toothbrush and gently massage in as a part of your teeth cleaning routine.

Conditions hair and scalp

If you’re struggling with dry, damaged hair or a flaky scalp, integrating Coconut Oil into your routine is a great (and natural) way to condition your hair and scalp, whilst seeing results quickly. Try doing a hair mask twice a week overnight and you’ll see the results within 2-3 weeks.

Nutritional

Along with topical application, you can ingest Coconut Oil and use it in savoury cooking, baking as well as sauces and spreads. It is packed full of essential acids and vitamins that your body needs.

Please note that although Coconut Oil is safe for practically everybody to use (even small children) that you should always consult with a doctor or dermatologist if you are looking to replace your current medication or creams with Coconut Oil.

Uses of Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil can be dated back to thousands of years ago! The flesh, water, milk and oil of the coconut have influenced many cultures across the globe and integrated into medicinal and cosmetic use. Over time, the use of Coconut Oil has grown exponentially, and today, it is considered one of the most powerful and beneficial oils that you can own. Arguably, it’s one of the most in demand and popular oils in the world! Its commercialisation and popularity means that in our eyes, it’s definitely an essential to have in your collection.

So, what can I use Coconut Oil for?

Skincare

Coconut Oil is an effective oil when used topically, and can work well in a number of ways, particularly for your skincare routine. You can use it as a makeup remover, as well as a daily moisturiser or night oil. It can be used to treat uncomfortable and tender breakouts, and can also be used as a daily moisturiser.

Haircare

Whether you’re struggling with split ends, or you have a dry scalp which is causing flakes and itching - Coconut Oil can be a great natural remedy for this. You can either use it as a part of your hair washing routine, or, we recommend doing a Coconut Oil hair mask twice a week and sleeping overnight with the solution inside. It’s a remedy which yields results within a matter of weeks.

Dental care

Many techniques using Coconut Oil can be implemented to improve your gum and dental health. You can use Coconut Oil as a mouthwash, which is also called ‘oil pulling’. It can draw out toxins in your body as well as naturally whiten your teeth. As a natural antibacterial, using Coconut Oil with the ‘oil pulling’ technique can also help to reduce and in some cases, eliminate bad breath.

Cooking

Whether it’s frying, baking, making sauces or spreads - Coconut Oil is an excellent alternative for other oils as the fat content is beneficial for you overall. Soaps: If you’re looking to create natural soaps which won’t strip your skin of its natural oils, use Coconut Oil instead.

Weight gain

If you’re looking to eat more natural fats in your diet, particularly if you’re looking to gain weight through training, Coconut Oil can be added into smoothies or porridge to help you get extra calories and “good” fats into your diet.

Blends well with

Here at Essentially Yours we love sharing our knowledge and guidance with you, enabling you to get the most out of your essential oil collection. Whether it’s finding the best blends or understanding the benefits of an oil - our website has all the information you’ll need. In this blog we’re going to talk about Coconut Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep on reading.

Essential oils

Overall, Coconut Oil is the perfect mix with practically any essential oil on the market. We’ve named some of our favourite blends for you (as we couldn’t list them all) which can be used as a massage, for your own homemade products as well as in baths, lotions and oils. Remember, Coconut Oil is solid at room temperature, so if you’re looking to pre-make blends, we recommend warming the Coconut Oil first and creating the mixture in a bowl or saucepan on a low heat.

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Lavender Oil

This is an excellent blend to massage in your skin if you’re looking to aid restful sleep. You can also make your own soaps from this blend too. If you are looking to nourish your skin but don’t want to use the oil topically, you can also add it to a bath, whereby your skin can slowly absorb the solution.

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Ylang Ylang Oil

We love this blend if you’re looking to create a sensual massage oil, especially if you’re looking to soothe aching, tired muscles and joints. You can add another fragrant oil such as Bergamot Oil or Rose Oil for an even more sensual scent!

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Rose Oil

This is a blend which is great for skincare routines or if you want to make a nourishing face or hair mask. We also love this blend when creating soaps as it will leave your whole body smelling delicious!

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Jasmine Oil

We love this blend (you can also add rose) for a nourishing body moisturiser or as a massage oil. You can also make homemade soaps and facial oils with this blend. Jasmine works to target fine lines and wrinkles, and Coconut works to target dry patches and fine lines, too.

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Clary Sage Oil

If you are struggling with muscular, menstrual or joint pain, this blend tackles pain quickly, but in a natural way. You can either rub this in topically or soak it in a muslin cloth and apply to the area that is causing you pain.

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Vitamin E Oil

A thick and nourishing carrier oil, mix these two together to create treatments to help nourish split ends, dry skin as well as reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars.

Almond Oil

Another carrier oil that we love here at Essentially Yours, this blend is great if you add a couple of tablespoons to your bath. It’ll leave you with supple, moisturised skin.

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