...What's Got Me Feelin' So Good (Pt. 1)

O.k., have you ever known one of your parents or grandparents to have a cure for EVERYTHING that ails you? With my father it was alcohol and aspirin. My poor brother almost lost his toe to an ingrown toenail because Daddy kept telling him, "Just put a little alcohol on it, it'll be alright".

I just knew I'd never be this country. I thought I was more sophisticated than this.

Turns out, I'm just a hot, country lie!

For me, it's not alcohol and aspirin though - it's virgin coconut oil. You read me right. Or as one of my friend girls calls it - coconut "grease".

I originally started out using this on my hair and I love the shine it gives and it doesn't leave my hair greasy. But the infojunkie in me just wouldn't leave well enough alone and I wanted to know what else I could do with it. I was pleasantly stunned and immediately went to experimenting.

This is a list I found at http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/ :

Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses. Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases. Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections. Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites. Provides a nutritional source of quick energy. Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance. Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose. Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body. Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis. Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes. Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis. Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth. Helps protect against osteoporosis. Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease. Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers. Improves digestion and bowel function. Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids. Reduces inflammation. Supports tissue healing and repair. Supports and aids immune system function. Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers. Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease. Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease. Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay. Functions as a protective antioxidant. Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease. Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do. Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation. Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement). Reduces epileptic seizures. Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections. Dissolves kidney stones. Helps prevent liver disease. Is lower in calories than all other fats. Supports thyroid function. Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate. Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats. Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems. Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection. Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin. Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking. Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots. Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion. Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun. Helps control dandruff. Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do. Has no harmful or discomforting side effects. Is completely non-toxic to humans.

Now, I can't vouch for all of this but to date I have personally used it to clear up diaper rash and eczema on my baby boy, to clear up my own athlete's foot, I use it for lotion, I mix it with essential oils or use alone on my hair and scalp, I used it put a bad flare up of hemorrhoids in check and I've recently started substituting it for butter when I cook.

It can be a little pricey but like Brill Cream - a little dab'll do ya.

I know my SIL can't wait to chime in because she tells everyone who will listen that I am positively obsessed with this stuff.

And you know what?

For once, she's right.