Sometimes I don’t know where my pantry ends and my beauty cabinet begins. Many of the ingredients play an important role in both cuisine and self-care, and coconut milk is no exception.
Although this tropical staple was, at one point, condemned for its high-fat content, we now know that it’s a nutrient goldmine. Not only is coconut milk a healthy food to eat (the saturated fats actually improve cholesterol levels, contrary to conventional beliefs), it’s also a winner for fabulous hair and skin.
So how did this exotic fruit make its way into our supermarkets and pantries, and what’s so magical about it?
What is coconut milk?
Coconut milk is one of many useful products made from the Cocos nucifera tree. The coconut palm grows throughout the world’s subtropical regions but originated in India and Southeast Asia. Some migration of the coconut happened due to the natural flotation ability of the fruit — it literally hitched a ride on the ocean, landed on new shores and flourished there.
Humans have also assisted in the global spread of coconuts, with traders and travelers alike carrying the fruit from India to East Africa 2,000 years ago, and then to Europe via the Silk Road. The coconut gained its popular name thanks to Portuguese traders who likened it to a skull or cocuruto.
The coconut palm has been called ‘the tree of life” because of all the valuable products it can provide to humans for food, craft, housing and cosmetics. Coconut milk specifically is traditionally produced by grating and then straining the flesh of a mature coconut to extract the fatty opaque liquid.
Coconut milk benefits
Coconut milk is rich in nutrients, both when consumed and when used as a beauty product. After water, the majority of the milk is composed of saturated fats, including lauric acid, which supports health and immunity.
The main vitamin and mineral components of coconut milk are manganese, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. It also contains smaller amounts of zinc, potassium and B vitamins.
The best quality coconut milk is made fresh from whole coconuts, but you can also get a pure product in cans. Read the label to ensure you’re buying a full-fat coconut milk with as few additives as possible.
Once you have your hands on some good coconut milk, you can get started with some of these clever natural beauty tricks.
How to use coconut milk for healthy shiny hair
1. Coconut milk hair treatment
Coconut milk can be used as a hair treatment for a gorgeous shine and increased growth. You don’t need to mix it with anything — simply massage pure coconut milk into wet hair and let it sit for a few minutes before shampooing or simply rinsing.
2. Coconut milk hair mask
Another option is to blend coconut milk with a few ingredients to make a rich hair mask. Mash half an avocado with two tablespoons of olive oil and three tablespoons of coconut milk. Apply to the hair and scalp and cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then wash or rinse.
3. Coconut milk shampoo
And for everyday use, why not try making a moisturizing coconut milk shampoo? Grab an empty jar or bottle and blend 1/4 cup castile soap, 1/4 cup coconut milk and 20 drops of your favorite essential oils.
How to use coconut milk for a youthful complexion
4. Coconut milk makeup remover
There’s no need to buy specialized products — why not just use coconut oil to remove makeup. It’s a wholesome natural ingredient that will leave skin nourished and moisturized at the same time so you can multitask and save steps in your beauty routine.
Here’s a recipe to try: mix 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup rose water, one teaspoon of witch hazel, and five drops of rosehip oil. Mix well and store in a tinted glass bottle. Apply gently with a face cloth or cotton ball, then rinse clean.
5. Coconut milk face mask
While you’re making a hair mask with coconut milk, why not make a face mask too? The recipes are similar, with a couple of additives for clear, youthful skin. Start with a tablespoon of coconut milk, and mix in 1/2 teaspoon kefir, 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, and enough raw honey to form a paste. Apply to the face and leave for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
6. Coconut milk facial scrub
If you need a little exfoliation, you can also try a facial scrub made with just two ingredients. Soak a tablespoon of rolled oats in coconut milk for ten minutes, then gently scrub the face and neck before rinsing.
7. Coconut milk acne treatment
If you leave the mixture on for a few minutes, the same recipe also works as an acne treatment!
How to use coconut milk for smooth glowing skin
While your facial complexion will certainly thank you for a little coconut milk TLC, what about the rest of your skin?
8. Coconut milk bath
If you want all-over smooth and glowing skin, make a milk bath. Run a warm bath and mix in one cup coconut milk and 1/2 cup rose water. Enjoy your soak and emerge with gorgeously moisturized skin.
9. Coconut milk sunburn treatment
Coconut milk also works wonders on damaged skin. You can make a simple sunburn treatment by blending three tablespoons of coconut milk, one tablespoon aloe vera juice and one tablespoon fresh cucumber pulp into a spray bottle. If the mixture is too thick, add a little filtered water. Refrigerate until the liquid is cool, then spray on a sunburn for soothing relief and healing support.
10. Coconut milk moisturizing treatment
For chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, coconut milk can be used as a soothing and moisturizing treatment. You don’t have to do much, just apply coconut milk directly on the skin and leave for 20 minutes before showering.
Now that you know so many beautifying ways to use coconut milk, which will you try first?
Learn More: Free book reveals why coconut oil is ‘Mother Nature’s’ #1 healing superfood! =>
— Liivi Hess