In case you haven’t heard, coconut oil is amazing. Seriously, it’s not only good to cook & bake with, it has numerous health benefits, which is why I travel with it everywhere I go. PLUS it’s cheaper than buying all those tiny travel-sized items. So, what are these health benefits and how do I use coconut oil while traveling?
- Oil Pulling – Oil pulling is an ancient aruyvedic technique used to pull toxins and bacteria from your mouth (most vulnerable to toxins and bacteria because, breathing). Oil pulling has a slew of health benefits including detoxification, clearer skin, whiter teeth, and overall improved oral health. How do you do it? Take 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil first thing in the morning before drinking or ingesting anything and swish around your mouth for 10-20 minutes. I honestly have a difficult time doing it for 20 minutes unless I’m working on something while pulling (like cleaning or doing the dishes). I often only make it for 10 minutes because of the time I have and have still witnessed amazing results: whiter teeth, less plaque, and fresher breath.
- Moisturizer – Because coconut has anti-bacterial and ant-viral properties it works as an amazing skin moisturizer after exfoliating, or just washing, your face. The best time to do this is at night before bed to allow your skin to fully absorb the oil.
- Make-Up Remover- Just lather it on and wipe off with a tissue. It’s that easy.
- Hair Conditioner – Let me preface this by saying that I’ve definitely gone overboard on coconut oil in my hair leaving me a greasy mess, so use this technique lightly. Dampen your hair and apply a small (pea-sized) amount of coconut oil to your hair (using no conditioner). If you have dandruff apply to the scalp, if not, apply halfway down the length of your hair. Using a comb, comb the conditioner through to the tips and let it sit in a bun for 30 minutes. Rinse your hair and shampoo 1-2x to completely get the coconut oil out.
- Energy-Boosting Additive – This is a great way to give your body an extra boost of energy by adding it to your coffee or tea in the morning. Although coconut has a decent amount of fat, it is quickly metabolized, absorbed and used as fuel and speeds up your metabolism. Plus, it tastes delicious and acts as a natural sweetener.
- Boost Your Immune System – We all know that it’s easier to get sick while you’re traveling. Add a little coconut oil to your morning tea or coffee to help your immune system stay strong and ready to fight off any germs it comes into contact with.
So how do I travel with coconut oil? I have convenient travel-sized packs that I purchased at Trader Joe’s for less than $5, but I’m sure they have them at Whole Foods and other Organic Grocery Stores too. Or you can make the packets yourself by putting the coconut oil in a small sandwich bag! Living holistically does not have to be more expensive especially if you know what foods/herbs/oils are versatile, like coconut oil.
What item do you need when you travel? I’d like to know!
Health in Bloom 