The (Coconut) Oil Spill

So there was a large oil spill the other day. In my kitchen. More than half a large (54 ounce) jar of organic, raw, extra-virgin coconut oil was wasted on the kitchen floor. I scooped up as much of it as I could by the handful and managed to save about 8 ounces. The rest I rubbed all over my body...my skin still feels so soft.

Coconut oil is a favorite skin-care ingredient. It contains medium-chain fatty acids which helps it to moisturize, soften, and smooth skin. Due to its lauric acid content, which is converted by the body into monolaurin, it has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxident, and anti-aging properties. The vitamin E and proteins in coconut oil aid in recovery of skin damage, such as scars, cuts, burns, dry, chapped or cracked skin, and wrinkles. Besides that, it smells so tropical!

It is said that indigenous people in tropical climates used coconut oil to help protect their skin from the sun. Coconut oil screens about 20% UV exposure. It can also be used after spending time in the sun, to replenish moisture and soothe and heal a sunburn. It is best to not use coconut oil the first day you get burned, though. Coating a fresh, hot sunburn in oil can lock in the heat. It is better to cool the sunburn first with aloe, cool water compresses and other natural remedies, and wait until the next day to apply coconut oil.

(Disclaimer: These statements have not been approved by the FDA and this information is for educational purposes only)

So now I have a jar of coconut oil which is not fit for consumption, after bathing the floor...what to do with it? Make coconut oil lotion bars, of course!

Coconut Oil Lotion Bars

They are so simple to make. You will need:

• Coconut oil (raw, extra virgin, and at room temperature...if yours is solid, warm it until it is pourable)
• Essential oil of your choice

• Silicone cupcake molds 

Here are the recipes for the bars I made this week:


Vanilla Coconut Lotion Bars (makes two bars)         
1/2-2/3 cup coconut oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Lavender is also lovely for soothing sunburned skin

 Lavender Coconut Lotion Bars (makes two bars)

  1/2-2/3 cup coconut oil
  10 drops lavender essential oil

        

 If your coconut oil is solidified, place the jar in a bowl of hot water to liquify it first. Measure the coconut oil and pour it into a bowl. Add the vanilla extract or lavender essential oil. Mix well. Pour into silicone cupcake molds and place in the freezer until solid. You can either store them in the refrigerator or freezer once they are hardened. Rub the bar on your skin whenever you want to moisturize and soften your skin. It feels so refreshing, especially after being out in the hot sun!
                             

They start to harden right away in the freezer.