Some of us are familiar with the amazing benefits of Coconut Oil, and if you aren’t, here’s a list of a few benefits:
- Skin Care
- Stress Relief
- Weight Loss
- Immune System
- Diabetes
- Digestion
Recently, coconuts have become a household staple with various products including oils, body and hair moisturizers, cooking sprays, and the most popular, coconut water. Which in fact, is a made using a “green coconut” and is a great source of antioxidants.
All of these items can be found at every local and national grocer. But did you know how easy it is to make coconut oil at home? No? Neither did I.
According to Wikipedia, the term coconut was derived from the 16th century Portuguese and Spanish word, coco meaning “head” or “skull.” With the three circular indentations on a coconut resembling facial features.
G and I went on a hunt to find some raw Shea butter in our area a few weeks back. We found some for a relatively great price. $7.99. Living in such a small town, that’s not expeeensive, but it certainly isn’t the cheapest price I’ve seen. Considering the size of the container the price could have been slightly cheaper.
To my surprise, G had this ingenious idea of combining homemade Coconut oil and the Shea butter to create a body butter of sorts. We’ve made coconut oil plenty of times before, but we’ve never combined it with anything else. So this shall be interesting. *evil laughter*
Shea butter is relatively popular within all communities, but it is especially popular within Afro communities (areas with people of a darker complexion), but definitely benefits everyone. Shea butter possesses natural anti-inflammatory and aging properties, and is a natural moisturizer. Shea butter’s popular uses include: treating acne scars, stretch marks, dry scalp, natural sunscreen, dry skin (eczema and psoriasis included) and is used as a lip balm.
If you have the time and don’t mind getting a little messy, you can make this coconut oil and body butter at home for much cheaper than $8 a container. We used two brown coconuts ($1.50 each) and made about 1/3 cup of oil. The recipe is featured below. Any questions? Leave them down in the comment section!
[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:10]
