Breakfast Recipes

Buckwheat Granola with Coconut Oil, Cherries, and Cacao

This granola is simple to make and packs a nutritional punch with lots of superfoods.

Ingredients:
1    cup buckwheat groats, soaked
1\4 cup almonds
1\4 cup cashews
3 tablespoons raw honey
2    tablespoons expeller-pressed coconut oil
1    teaspoon cinnamon,ground
1\4cuporganic cherries,dried 1\4 cup pumpkin seeds
2    tablespoons organic raw cacao nibs
1 tablespoon coconut, shredded

Non-dairy milk, as desired

Place buckwheat groats in a large bowl. Process almonds and cashews in a food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs. Add almond and cashew mixture to buckwheat groats, along with other ingredients, except milk. Stir to combine.

Place mixture on a dehydrator tray and dehydrate for about four hours, or until dried. You may also heat on a low temperature (150°F/65°C) in an oven for about thirty minutes, or until dried.

Quinoa Porridge with Coconut Oil and Cinnamon

Serves 2

Ingredients
 1 cup quinoa
1\2 teaspoons Celtic sea salt
1    teaspoon cinnamon
2    tablespoons of organic maple syrup
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Almond milk to serve

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a wide saucepan. Add quinoa, Celtic sea salt, cinnamon, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Cover and reduce heat and simmer for twelve minutes. Remove from heat and scoop into a bowl add almond milk and enjoy.

Coconut French Toast

Serves 2-4
Buckwheat Granola with Coconut Oil, Cherries, and Cacao

This granola is simple to make and packs a nutritional punch with lots of super foods.

Ingredients:
1    cup buckwheat groats, soaked
1\4 cup almonds
1\4 cup cashews
3 tablespoons raw honey
2    tablespoons expeller-pressed coconut oil
1    teaspoon cinnamon,ground
1\4cuporganic cherries,dried 1\4 cup pumpkin seeds
2    tablespoons organic raw cacao nibs
1 tablespoon coconut, shredded

Non-dairy milk, as desired

Place buckwheat groats in a large bowl. Process almonds and cashews in a food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs. Add almond and cashew mixture to buckwheat groats, along with other ingredients, except milk. Stir to combine.

Place mixture on a dehydrator tray and dehydrate for about four hours, or until dried. You may also heat on a low temperature (150°F/65°C) in an oven for about thirty minutes, or until dried.

Quinoa Porridge with Coconut Oil and Cinnamon

Serves 2

Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
1\2 teaspoons Celtic sea salt
1    teaspoon cinnamon
2    tablespoons of organic maple syrup
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Almond milk to serve

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a wide saucepan. Add quinoa, Celtic sea salt, cinnamon, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Cover and reduce heat and simmer for twelve minutes. Remove from heat and scoop into a bowl add almond milk and enjoy.

Coconut French Toast

Serves 2-4
Buckwheat Granola with Coconut Oil, Cherries, and Cacao

This granola is simple to make and packs a nutritional punch with lots of superfoods.

Ingredients:
1    cup buckwheat groats, soaked
1\4 cup almonds
1\4 cup cashews
3 tablespoons raw honey
2    tablespoons expeller-pressed coconut oil
1    teaspoon cinnamon,ground
1\4cuporganic cherries,dried 1\4 cup pumpkin seeds
2    tablespoons organic raw cacao nibs
1 tablespoon coconut, shredded

Non-dairy milk, as desired

Place buckwheat groats in a large bowl. Process almonds and cashews in a food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs. Add almond and cashew mixture to buckwheat groats, along with other ingredients, except milk. Stir to combine.

Place mixture on a dehydrator tray and dehydrate for about four hours, or until dried. You may also heat on a low temperature (150°F/65°C) in an oven for about thirty minutes, or until dried.

Quinoa Porridge with Coconut Oil and Cinnamon

Serves 2

Ingredients
    1 cup quinoa
1\2 teaspoons Celtic sea salt
1    teaspoon cinnamon
2    tablespoons of organic maple syrup
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Almond milk to serve

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a wide saucepan. Add quinoa, Celtic sea salt, cinnamon, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Cover and reduce heat and simmer for twelve minutes. Remove from heat and scoop into a bowl add almond milk and enjoy.

Coconut French Toast

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:
3 organic free-range eggs
1\2cup rapadura
1/2 cup almond milk
1\3teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons coconut oil
Cinnamon for dusting
2    slices sourdough bread per person

Option One

Mix eggs with almond milk, baking soda, and coconut oil. Pour mixture over bread and refrigerate 24 hours.
Place in oven at 450°F (232°C) for twenty-five to thirty minutes. Top with a mix of cinnamon and rapadura.

Option Two

Mix eggs with almond milk, baking soda, and coconut oil. Soak bread in mixture and place a single piece in a heated frying pan with % cup coconut oil.
Fry until golden brown, top with a mix of cinnamon and rapadura.

Cheesy Bacon Muffins

Ingredients:
6 strips bacon
3    eggs
1\4 teaspoon salt
3    tablespoons coconut flour
1\4 teaspoon baking powder
4    oz (115 g) cheddar cheese,shredded/diced
Coconut oil (for greasing muffin tin)

Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Fry bacon in a frying pan until crispy. Set aside and save the bacon drippings.

Blend eggs, 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add coconut flour and baking powder. Mix thoroughly until there are no lumps. Crumble bacon and add to batter along with cheese. Mix until well combined. Grease your muffin tin with coconut oil. Pour batter into muffin tin and bake for fifteen minutes.

Harvest Fruits with Cashew Butter and Coconut Oil

Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 juicy pear, cored
1 juicy apple, cored
1 tablespoons chia seeds 3 dates
3 tablespoons cashews
1    teaspoons vanilla
1\2  teaspoon Himalayan        sea salt
Coconut water, to thin
2    tablespoons melted coconut oil 1 pear, cut into chunks
1 red apple, cut into chunks
1 green apple, cut into chunks 1 Asian pear, cut into chunks Shredded coconut for garnish

Place juicy pear and juicy apple in a blender and blend until smooth. Add chia seeds, dates, and cashews and pulse twice to combine. Let sit for at least ten minutes. Add vanilla and sea salt and blend again till smooth (you may need to add coconut water to combine the ingredients). With the blender running, drizzle in oil and continue blending until emulsified. Divide fruit among four bowls and top each with a large dollop of the cashew butter. Sprinkle with shredded coconut.

French Banana Toast

Serves 4

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
    1 banana
    1 cup milk
    1 cup coconut milk
     1 teaspoon vanilla
     1\4 teaspoon nutmeg
    1\4 teaspoon cinnamon
     1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
     1\2 teaspoon salt
    12+ slices bread Coconut oil

Heat a frying pan and add coconut oil. Blend banana, milk, coconut milk, vanilla, spices, and cornstarch in a blender until smooth. Pour into a shallow dish. Coat each slice of bread with the mixture and place in the pan.
Cook until golden brown and then flip over to cook other side. Serve with maple syrup.

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1\4teaspoon baking soda
1\2 teaspoon salt
1\4 teaspoon cinnamon
4 eggs
1 cup whole milk plain yogurt
1\4 cup milk
1\4 cup chopped walnuts
1\4 cup shredded coconut
1\4cup apple topping (recipe below)
Coconut oil

Apple Topping
4 medium sized Fuji apples, diced small, but not fine
1-2 tablespoons whole sugar, as desired
 1\8- 1\4 teaspoons cinnamon, to taste
1\2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon butter

Topping: In a small saucepan, combine apples, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Set aside 1\4 cup of
the raw apple mixture, and add water and butter to the rest and simmer on low heat while you make the pancakes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil. The apples are ready when they are soft but still firm and aromatic.

Pancakes: Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and cinnamon.

In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then blend in yogurt and milk until smooth. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients, stirring only until moistened. The batter does not need to be completely smooth and should still be lumpy. Add the extra apples, the walnuts, and coconut and gently stir to combine.

Preheat a frying pan to medium-low heat and grease lightly with coconut oil. Ladle batter to the desired pancake size, spreading it gently and evenly to about 1\3-inch thick. When tops start to bubble, flip to cook the other side. Flip only once and do not press or otherwise disturb while cooking. Re-grease pan with more coconut oil as needed.
Serve with maple syrup, coconut shreds, and/or stewed apples.

Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

Ingredients:
2 cups hazelnuts
1\2 cup dark chocolate, cut into chunks
1\2 cup powdered sugar or honey
55 g cocoa powder
1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
1\2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1\2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 355°F (180°C). Place the hazelnuts on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Roast the nuts for fifteen minutes. Meanwhile, melt chocolate with coconut oil in the top of a double boiler. When nuts are done, place them between paper towels and rub to remove skins.
Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.

Store in an airtight container, either in the fridge or pantry, depending on the consistency you desire.

Smoothies

These delicious smoothies will provide you with all the energy and nutrients you need for an optimum start to your day. Best of all, the coconut oil will help you absorb a greater level of vitamins and minerals, as well as soothing your digestive tract.

Green Coconut Dream

Serves 3-6

Ingredients:

 3 cold, organic granny smith apples,sliced or diced

1/2 cucumber, thinly chopped

3 tablespoons coconut oil 

1 cup coconut water 

1 cup apple juice 

1 avocado, pitted 

1 cup fresh organic spinach leaves 

1 cup chopped pineapple

1 cup crushed ice

Place the apples, cucumber, spinach, and avocado in the blender with the apple juice. Blend until smooth.

Add 1/2  cup crushed ice and pineapple, blend well. Add coconut oil, coconut water, and the rest of the crushed ice. Serve chilled with fresh mint.

Mixed Berry Smoothie

Blend the following ingredients in a blender: 

1 cup of frozen mixed berries: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries

1/2  frozen banana

1/2 cup coconut milk 

1\2 cup orange juice

1\2 cup water
3 tablespoons protein powder (optional) 

3-4 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, melted 

3-4 ice cubes

Coconut Cream Smoothie

Ingredients:

1    1/2 cups coconut milk 

5 large eggs
2    tablespoons virgin coconut oil, melted 

2 tablespoons coconut butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 

1\4 teaspoon sea salt 

4 or 5 frozen ripe bananas

Blend all the ingredients except the bananas, until thoroughly mixed. Add the bananas and blend until smooth. Serve with nutmeg sprinkled on top.

Banana Coconut Smoothie
Serves 2-4
Ingredients: 

2 frozen bananas
2    tablespoons virgin coconut oil

1 /2 cup almond

1\2coconut milk
1    teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup crushed ice

Place the bananas, vanilla, and almond milk/coconut milk in the blender. Blend until smooth.

Add the crushed ice, followed by the coconut oil. Be sure to blend it fully to avoid chunks of ice or coconut oil.

Serve immediately.

Coconut Orange Vitamin Kick
Serves 1-3
Ingredients:
3    full oranges, peeled, chopped, seeds removed
2    full peaches, pitted
4    tablespoons coconut oil

1\4 cup shredded coconut
1 cup organic orange juice, chilled 

1/2 cup crushed ice Add orange juice, oranges, and peaches.

 Blend until smooth.

Slowly add the crushed ice, shredded coconut, and coconut oil; these will take some time to fully blend into the current mixture. Serve as cold as possible.

Coconut Strawberry Smoothie

Serves 1-3

Ingredients:

10-15 frozen strawberries 

1\2 cup full fat natural yogurt or coconut milk yogurt
3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil 

1 cup coconut milk cup crushed ice

Place the yogurt and coconut oil in the blender first. Add a couple strawberries at a time, blending until smooth between each addition. Add the coconut milk, especially if and when the blending becomes difficult. Add crushed ice until completely smooth. Serve immediately.

Coconut Berry Freeze

Serves 2

Ingredients:

 1 cup blueberries 

1 cup acai berries 

1 cup strawberries

1\4 cup raspberries 

3 tablespoons coconut oil 

1 cup  almond milk 

1 cup crushed ice

Place the berries and almond milk in the blender. These ingredients are plentiful, so cut the recipe in half if necessary. Blend until smooth.

Add coconut oil followed by crushed ice. Blend until smooth. Serve while cold.

Banana Orange Smoothie
Blend the following ingredients in a blender: 

1 banana 

6 strawberries 

1/2 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil (liquefied)
1    tablespoon coconut butter 

3 tablespoons Greek yogurt 

3 ice cubes

Banana Oat Smoothie
Blend the following ingredients in a blender:
2    frozen bananas
1\2 cup rolled oat flakes
1 cup milk (use more or less to adjust to desired consistency)
1\2 cup peanut butter
1-2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

Dash cinnamon

 
1 teaspoon vanilla
Apricot Coconut Smoothie
Blend the following ingredients in the blender: 

1 1/2 cups coconut milk 

4 egg yolks
1    tablespoon virgin coconut oil, melted
2    tablespoons coconut flakes
2    tablespoons honey % cup frozen apricots / cup frozen pineapple
1    teaspoon vanilla extract Dash of salt

Rum Pina Colada

Ingredients:
1\2 cup diced pineapple
3    tablespoons virgin coconut oil
4    cherries (to taste)
2   bananas
1 cup crushed ice / cup good-quality white rum

Place all of the fruit and the rum in a blender, and blend until smooth.

Add the coconut oil, followed by the crushed ice, and blend until smooth being sure to blend the oil in thoroughly. Serve in chilled glasses.

Coconut Oil Recipes

After reading about the health benefits of coconut oil, you might be wondering how to incorporate sufficient coconut oil into your diet. The good news is that you have countless options besides swallowing a spoonful of straight coconut oil three times a day. Not only can you use coconut oil as your cooking oil, there are also countless delicious and nutritious recipes that incorporate it.

Note: The coconut butter mentioned in some recipes refers to organic whole coconut meat in concentrated form It is also known as coconut cream concentrate and is generally watered down in recipes. Coconut milk works as a substitute for coconut butter if you eliminate some of the fluid content from the recipe.

Beverages
Coconut oil can be a natural addition to your favorite daily beverage, whether it is adding some cream to your cup of coffee or a new take on hot chocolate!

Coconut Cocoa

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon melted virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Pinch Himalayan salt
1\4 teaspoon organic whole sugar
3\4 cup boiling water

To melt the coconut oil, swill boiling water around a mug to heat it, and then tip out the water. Swill the virgin coconut oil around in the mug and it will melt quickly. Stir in the cocoa powder and salt. Add sweetener of choice, then pour boiling water into the cup. Stir and add cream or milk to taste.

Dairy-Free Coffee Creamer

This delicious creamer will lighten your coffee and tea while providing your daily dose of nutritious coconut oil.

Ingredients:
1 cup cashew nuts, soaked overnight, rinsed
1\4 cup honey
1\2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1\2 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

Place cashews, honey, vanilla, and coconut milk in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, while pouring a steady drizzle of coconut oil into the mix.

The coffee creamer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Coconut Latte

Ingredients:
1-2 tablespoons coconut butter
1-3    tablespoons coconut oil
2\3 cup whole milk
1    cup espresso
2    tablespoons coconut flavored syrup

Brew espresso and add coconut butter. Pour into cups. Using an espresso steamer, steam the milk and coconut oil and add to the cups of espresso.

Iced Coconut Mochaccino

Ingredients:
    3\4 cup cold, strong coffee (partly frozen if desired)
    1\2 cup organic coconut milk
     2 tablespoons fudge sauce, cold
     2-4    ice cubes
     1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

Place all ingredients except coconut oil in a blender and blend until well combined, pouring coconut oil into the cappuccino in a steady stream Top with freshly whipped cream

Hot Fudge Sauce

Ingredients:
    3\4cup sugar
    1\2 cup cocoa powder
    3\4 cup heavy cream
    4 tablespoons butter
    1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
    1 1\2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients except vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat.

When butter is melted, increase the heat and bring fudge to a boil, whisking constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Possible Negative Effects of Coconut Oil

It is possible that you may feel some negative physical effects when you first start taking coconut oil regularly. There are two possible reasons for this—either you are having an allergic response or a detoxifying response.

If you are allergic to coconut oil, you may experience a cough, a rash, hives, or swelling in your face, eyelids, throat, tongue, and eyes. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking coconut oil until you can establish exactly what has caused the allergic reaction. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms appear suddenly or severely.

However, other symptoms may simply be your body's reaction to the detoxifying effects of coconut oil. Since coconut oil works as an antiviral and anti fungal agent, you may feel feverish and/or flu-like symptoms after taking it for a few days. You may also experience some nausea, gas, and/or soft stools. These symptoms are caused by the release of toxins into your blood stream in response to the cleansing power of coconut oil. Drink plenty of water to help flush out the toxins and cut down on your dose of coconut oil if you experience vomiting or diarrhea.

If the symptoms are mild, try lowering the dose or incorporating the coconut oil into food rather than eating it undiluted.

In time, these symptoms will subside and you will start to feel the amazing effects of this wonderful oil!

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

antiviral - Coconut oil is made up of medium-chain fatty acids, giving it a deceptively similar structure to viruses. When a virus encounters coconut oil, the virus assumes it is simply bonding with a fellow virus, but once the virus has absorbed the coconut oil, the medium-chain fatty acids destroy the structure of the virus from the inside. The virus disintegrates and becomes harmless without any damage to human tissue.

antimicrobial - Monolaurin is as powerful as bleach at removing unhealthy miroorganisms from the body. However, unlike bleach, monolaurin can differentiate between healthy, vital miroorganisms and unhealthy organisms, so it will only "clean out" those miroorganisms that disrupt the body's equilibrium, providing a healthier balance to the blood stream and digestive tract.

antibacterial - One of the problems with taking prescribed antibiotics is that they tend to destroy healthy bacteria along with the invaders. The lauric acid in coconut oil will destroy lipid-coated "invasive" bacteria, although it allows the probiotics to thrive. Probiotics are not lipid-coated, which is how lauric acid and monolaurin can identify invaders from the healthy probiotic community. Coconut oil is an effective antibacterial whether it is taken internally or applied externally.

antifungal - The three fatty acids in coconut oil—caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid—can all fight yeast, which is the base of a fungal infection. In fact, caprylic acid supplements are sold as commercial antifungal treatments. But why buy a pill if you can take your medication straight from nature?

fuel - When you hear the term "fatty acids," you probably concentrate on that fatal first syllable —fat. But the fatty acids in coconut oil are not stored by the human body as fat. Rather, they are converted into an important energy source, called ketones, which are vital for the repair and maintenance of bone tissue and brain cells.

Tea Tree and Coconut Cradle Cap Treatment

Ingredients: 

2 tablespoons melted coconut oil 

2 drops tea tree oil 

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 

1 drop lavender oil

Combine all ingredients and apply a small amount gently to a small section of skin. Check that the combination does not cause extra irritation. If this occurs, add more coconut oil to reduce the amount of essential oils. Use a small amount daily to cover the baby's scalp and rinse off in his or her daily bath.

Apple Coconut Lice Treatment

Lice are insidious, contagious creatures with strong survival instincts. They travel from person to person through direct contact and can lay hundreds of eggs a day. Within ten days of hatching, they are ready to start their own families. So eliminating lice completely takes two strategies—you need to remove the lice themselves and you must remove all their eggs so you don't have another infestation two weeks later.

Just washing your hair won't get rid of them, as they instinctively close up to protect themselves from water. Their eggs are attached firmly to hairs with a type of natural concrete, so simply combing won't remove the eggs. Their breeding cycle is so rapid that they soon become immune to the toxic commercial treatments available.

However, lice do have their vulnerabilities. They breathe through their bodies, so the best way of removing the lice naturally is by applying a hair mask that suffocates the lice. The acetic acid in vinegar will dissolve the concrete substance attaching the eggs to hair.

It is very important to continue the treatment for at least two weeks, even if you use commercial products, as you will face a reinfestation after ten days if you miss a single louse egg. Commercial products can become very irritating to the scalp and damaging to the hair, so coconut oil and apple cider vinegar are ideal natural alternatives, as they will cleanse and nourish the hair.

Ingredients: 

20 oz (600 ml) apple cider vinegar 

14 oz (425 ml) melted coconut oil, cooled

Equipment: 

Metal fine-tooth comb 

Cup of boiling water 

Cloth for wiping comb

Rinse hair with vinegar and comb for at least twenty minutes, dipping the comb into the boiling water if you encounter a louse. Wipe the comb on the cloth to clear it of any eggs. For best results, comb your child's hair in front of the television so they are distracted from what you are doing.

Allow the vinegar to dry on the hair, and then apply the cooled coconut oil thickly to the scalp and hair, ensuring all hair is covered thoroughly. For best results, ask your child to wear a shower cap as this will contribute to the elimination process. Keep the mask on for at least three hours (not overnight, as the process will disturb your child's sleep).

Rinse coconut oil thoroughly from hair, then repeat the vinegar treatment, combing the hair with apple cider vinegar to remove lice and eggs.

Repeat the complete treatment three days later and another three days after that. If you are no longer seeing lice, then stop the coconut oil treatment and continue with the vinegar treatment every few days for another two weeks. If you see any small lice, repeat the coconut treatment at least once more.

Lemon Pepper Anti-Dandruff Mask

Equipment:

Double boiler Muslin straining cloth

Ingredients:
2    tablespoons coconut oil 

1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3    drops lemon juice 

3 drops lavender oil

Heat coconut oil in the top section of a double boiler over low heat until it melts. Remove from heat and add black pepper. Strain the mixture by pouring it through a muslin cloth, then add lemon juice and lavender oil. Stir until well combined. Set aside until the coconut oil is warm but still liquid.

Massage the oil deeply into your scalp. Apply any remaining oil onto your hair by stroking downward. Rub the tips so they are thoroughly covered with the oil. For best results, wear a shower cap over the mask and keep it on for a minimum of thirty minutes, or overnight if possible. Rinse off in cool water under the shower.

Lavender Scalp Cream

If you suffer severely from eczema or dandruff, this scalp cream will remove the dead skin while soothing and healing irritated areas. This recipe also works well as a rejuvenating mask for dry hair.

Ingredients:
3    tablespoons coconut oil 

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 drops lavender essential oil (for dry hair mask, replace lavender with peppermint)

Melt coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat, and then add olive oil. Once well combined, pour into bowl and add lavender.

Apply to dry hair, ensuring all hair is thoroughly covered. For best results, cover your hair with a shower cap. Keep the treatment on for a minimum of twenty-five minutes. If the scalp is severely inflamed, you can wear the mask all night.

Rinse hair under the shower. Repeat the mask every few days until scalp is healed.

Replenishing Conditioner Treatment for Dry Hair

Ingredients: 

1 banana
1 avocado
3  tablespoons coconut oil
2  tablespoons mayonnaise

Mash the banana and avocado thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Stir in the coconut oil and mayonnaise.

Apply treatment to dry hair, ensuring all strands are covered. Keep treatment on for thirty to forty-five minutes. For best results, wear a shower cap. Rinse treatment thoroughly in the shower. Shampooing your hair afer the treatment is optional.

Deep Conditioning Mask for Normal Hair

Ingredients:

2  tablespoons Manuka honey
2  tablespoons coconut oil 

1/4 cup coconut milk
Aromatic essential oils (optional)

Blend coconut oil and honey until well combined. Then fold the coconut milk into the mixture. Apply conditioner to dry hair until all the hair is covered. For best results, wear a shower cap over your hair. Keep the conditioning mask on for thirty to forty-five minutes, then rinse off thoroughly in the shower.

Coconut Beer Shampoo

While coconut milk is a very popular shampoo ingredient, coconut oil is usually found in conditioners. However, this shampoo recipe combines coconut oil and beer to give your hair some extra shine and bounce!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup water
1/4 cup liquid Castile soap 

1/2 teaspoon melted coconut oil

1 cup beer

Blend water, soap, and oil until well combined. Place beer in a saucepan and bring to the boil over medium heat. Reduce until only % cup remains. Fold beer into soap mixture until well combined.

Store in a screw-top bottle and keep in a cool place. Use a small amount on hair when showering, and rinse thoroughly

Coconut Oil as Beauty Therapy

Coconut oil is a unique and effective all-in-one beauty tool, ideal for your skin, your hair, and even your teeth! The beauty industry is well aware of the cleansing and moisturizing properties of this versatile substance, so it is a regular ingredient in expensive lotions, soaps, and shampoos. However, commercial beauty products also include chemicals acting as preservatives and artificial fragrance— so why spend enormous amounts when you can achieve a better result for the small cost of coconut oil?

We will show you how coconut oil can replace all those little jars and bottles in your bathroom cabinet to soothe, nourish, and cleanse your whole family.

How to Make Your Own Fresh Coconut Milk or Cream

While coconut milk is always available in the supermarket, nothing beats the nutritious and delicious value of your own freshly made coconut milk.

Ingredients:

A fresh coconut (preferably an organic one) or 1 cup dried shredded coconut 

A good quality grater (or food processor with grater attachment)

A cheesecloth, fine mesh strainer, or nut milk bag (you can easily find these in a health food shop) Hot water (preferably purified) A good-quality blender

If using fresh coconut, grate all the flesh. Be sure to remove the brown outer skin. If using shredded coconut, put equal parts of coconut and purified water in a bowl and let it soak and rehydrate.

Place 1 cup of your grated/hydrated coconut in a blender with 2 cups of warm water and blend until smooth. For a creamier texture, use less water.

Pour through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag.

Repeat the process with the remaining coconut in the strainer. Do not repeat too many times, as the milk will be weaker each time. Leftover coconut meal can be baked in to cookies.

Enjoy this fresh coconut milk or coconut cream in your smoothies, curries, healthy desserts, or anywhere a recipe calls for coconut milk or coconut cream.

Storing Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream

As fresh coconut milk/cream has a short shelf life, you should use it immediately or freeze in BPA-free food containers, ice cube trays, or baby-food storage containers. Ice cube trays give you the correct portions and temperature for fresh smoothies!

Grow your hair 1 inch in 7 Days

Vitamins and Supplements

Several factors can control the rate at which black hair grows and some of those factors are based on nutrition. As a matter of fact, deficiencies in particular nutrients can directly have an effect on the health of your hair. Having shiny, long and healthy hair makes us feel confident and beautiful so, if you are suffering from brittle, dry or thinning hair, taking certain type of vitamins and supplements may help your locks look smooth and attractive and address vitamin deficiencies associated with your hair problems.

A balanced diet high in vitamins and essential fatty-acids can combat hair damage, and help to retain its length. Vitamin and supplements can fill up nutritional gaps in your regular diet, so that the body replenishes the nutrients it requires to encourage hair growth. An effectual hair care regimen with regular protein or moisturizing treatments can help to enhance the hairs condition. Vitamins can also aid to fortify and thicken black hair, alleviate its breakage and extending the growth phase.

However, while choosing supplements and vitamins for hair growth, you need to consult a professional nutritionist to determine the dosages that will be effective as well as safe.

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM is a type of sulfur that is found in foods like eggs, cabbage, broccoli, dairy products, meat and grains. This vitamin expands the anagen cycle (hair follicle's active growth phase) and allows your hair to grow for a prolonged period before the onset of resting and shedding phases. MSM other benefits include rejuvenating and brightening the skin, helping with joint pain and strengthening nails. Although sulfur can be found naturally in the body, research shows that there is less sulfer in our coily hair than there is in straight hair, so eating foods or taking supplements that contain MSM can help to speed the growth of our hair. Cooking foods containing MSM will deplete its potency so in many cases a vitamin supplement will be more effective.

Biotin and the B vitamin Complex

Vitamin B complex assists in metabolizing protein, which is a necessity for hair health. Supplementing one of the B vitamins, biotin in particular, helps to improve splitting, thin and brittle hair. Biotin is essential for healthy hair growth and it functions to prevent baldness. In fact, deficiency of biotin often leads to hair loss. Please be aware that biotin can be found naturally in foods such as seafood. If you opt for the supplement version, keep in mind that larger doses may cause acne.

Vitamins A, C and E

Vitamins A, C and E are abundant in green vegetables such as, citrus fruits, berries and nuts. These vitamins fights free radicals and keep the skin, including the scalp, nourished and healthy. They also assist your scalp in producing sebum to keep the hair strands shiny and tensile. You can get these vital nutrients by eating salads on a daily basis, but if you happen to fall short of your nutritional goals, vitamin supplements hold up your defenses to maintain the good health of your hair as well as the rest of your body.

Vitamin D

Research has shown that many African-American women suffer from vitamin D deficiency that affects the body's capability to absorb calcium. Calcium impacts numerous body functions, which includes hormonal functions and blood circulation that can stimulate hair growth. Most U.S based dairy products have added calcium, while vitamin D is generated in skin when it is exposed to sunlight. If you don't ingest dairy products, or don't receive enough sunlight then you may most certainly benefit from taking daily supplements.

Minerals

Zinc, selenium and copper are all imperative to black hair growth. Deficiencies in zinc and selenium can lead to hair thinning and slow down the rate of hair growth while, deficiency in copper can bring about premature graying.

Iron
Iron deficiency often causes hair loss in females. However, doctors caution that if iron supplements are taken when it's not needed, it may do more harm than good. Due to this risk, you must first get tested by a physician to ensure that you are deficient of iron. Based on the result of the test, your physician can recommend an iron supplement to help prevent hair loss.

Flax-seed Primrose and Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for healthy nails, skin and hair. They add moisture to the scalp and stimulate hair growth. Dry hair may be a sign of deficiency of these fatty acids which can cause breakage, unmanageability and split ends. Foods like walnuts, salmon, kale and collard greens are all rich in omega-3. Taking Omega-3 oils can increase the shine and enhance the color of your hair. Other benefits are smoother skin, healthier nails, and improved memory.

Beta Carotene

Beta carotene can be found in carrots as well as an assortment of yellow and green fruits and vegetables. Beta carotene gets converted into vitamin A and gets released in the body when required. It supports bone formation, hair growth and offers a protective cover for nerve fibers.

Overall, your health condition as well as the prescription medications that you might be taking can also affect your hair condition. While vitamins and supplements are beneficial, excessive use of any vitamin can have adverse effects on the body. Therefore, get a blood report done to check for deficiencies and use the information to seek advice from a nutritionist so that you can plan the best diet or vitamin and supplement regime to grow healthy and long hair.

The Opposure Method - Grow 1 inch in 7 days!

This is most commonly called the Inversion Method. By use of this method, many have claimed to have grown a half inch to 1 inch in 7 days! To understand it more, this method involves massaging oils into the scalp and then turning your head upside down for 4 minutes every day for 7 consecutive days per month (not a day more).

How Does It Work?

The idea behind it is that by massaging your scalp and turning your head upside down, blood high in nutrients rushes to your head and scalp therefore providing the optimum environment for hair growth. You basically are tricking your body into believing there are plentiful amount of nutrients which then may result in an increase in hair growth.

It works in a similar way as many air growth supplements that contain agents, niacin being an example, that increase blood supply to the scalp thereby boosting hair growth.

How to do the Inversion Method

Step 1: Prepare your scalp treatment

You may choose to use a combination of castor oil, olive or coconut oil and mix it with a few drops of a stimulating essential oil such as peppermint oil or Rosemary. Place your oil mixture into a applicator bottle and heat in a bowl of hot water or place in the microwave for just a few seconds until it is warm not hot.

Step 2: Apply the oil directly to your scalp and massage it in evenly. Move you fingers in a circular motion and move around your scalp.

Scalp massage: Scalp massages are very beneficial for increasing circulation, strengthening hair strands and stimulating growth. Both the combination of scalp massage with inversion are said to increase the flow of nutrients to the scalp.

Step 3: After massaging the scalp invert yourself by either sitting on the edge of a bed and leaning your head forward until it is vertical or standing and doing the same.

Stay in this position for 4 minutes (any longer and you may get dizzy) Make sure to get up VERY slowly, and make sure to repeat this process for 7 days straight then stop. Going any longer than 7 days will not add any benefit since it is said that your body will then adapt and no longer produce much benefit. This method is best performed for 1 week and then no inversion for 3 weeks. This method should not be performed if you are pregnant, sick or have any medical condition. This should only be performed by healthy individuals. Remember that results may vary.

3 Easy Homemade Protein Treatments For Dry and Damaged Hair

Your hair is made up of protein. Everyday styling and environmental pollution can strip moisture out of your hair. The best way to put moisture and shine back  to your hair is  by getting a protein treatment. Protein smooths the cuticle of the hair, creating smoother strands and stronger hair. Protein treatments are expensive at salons. Instead of buying those pricey treatments you can make your own easily at home. Homemade protein treatments are all natural and with frequent use you get a long lasting result.

Here are the 3 easy homemade protein treatments for dry and damaged hair :

Egg Mask :

Egg is the best source of protein for your hair. The yolk is rich in fat and protein which is extremely moisturizing. The white is full of bacteria eating enzymes which cleanses your hair and scalp. Use a full egg for normal to dry hair. For oily hair and scalp, use only whites. Egg alone or mixed with more protein rich ingredients can be applied to the hair. This treatment can be used every two weeks or monthly. Take one egg or two depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Beat until frothy and apply it your hair and scalp. Make sure all your hair is properly covered with egg. Cover with a shower cap and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water and shampoo. If you find the smell of egg unpleasant, add a few drops of lemon juice.

Yogurt :

Dairy products like cream and yogurt contain Lactic acid which gently cleanses while fat moisturizes. Mix egg and yogurt for a deep conditioning protein treatment.

Simply, massage 3 tbsp sour cream or yogurt into your hair. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse and shampoo hair. You can apply this treatment every week.

Mayonnaise and avocado:

                                                       

Mayonnaise is made of oil and egg so it’s very moisturizing for your hair. The high-fat content of avocados makes hair less dry and prone to breakage. Mix two tbsp mayonnaise and half mashed avocado in a bowl until creamy. Apply this homemade conditioner through your hair concentrating on the ends. For even distribution, use a wide tooth comb.

Tips To Repair Split Ends

Split ends means your hair is not getting enough nourishment and lacks moisture. Harsh shampoos, sun exposure , blow drying, straightening, dyes and bleaches dry out the hair and damages the amino acids in your hair. Dry and damaged hair breaks easily while styling or brushing. If you think your hair is not growing fast then split ends could be the possible reason.

Here are some easy tips to cure split ends:

Alcohol Free Shampoo :

Avoid using shampoos that contain alcohol as it dries out hair. Use shampoos that contain natural ingredients. Also, Excessive washing with harsh shampoos makes your hair ends dry. You should not shampoo more than 3 times a week. It is better to wash your hair every alternate day than everyday. ALso, do not use hot water to wash your hair.

Let It Dry Naturally :

Avoid heat as much as possible. Heat is the worst enemy for your hair but its hard to completely avoid hair dryers and flat iron. It is best to apply a heat resistant serum to your hair before using heat. Towel dry your hair before drying,  this way you minimize the damage of heat on wet hair. Also, use flat irons and curlers occasionally instead of everyday.

Get a Trim:

The best solution for split ends is to get a trim. You get split ends when you dont trim your hair for a long time. Always trim your hair once every 6-8 weeks to get rid of dry & weak parks and promote hair growth.

Treatments:

There are many treatments available which repair hair damage and provide moisture and nourishment. They can seal the split ends but not completely cure them so its better to use  them with regular trimming to keep off split ends and help prevent future damage. Use a deep conditioner twice a week after you shampoo your hair. There are many easy homemade treatments that you can do to repair split ends.

Here are some easy homemade treatments for split ends :

Egg Mask :

Mix egg yolk in 3 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp honey. Gently massage this mask in your hair and cover with a shower cap. Leave it on for half an hour and wash it with a mild shampoo.

Oil :

Message your scalp with oil. Oiling regularly can restore moisture of your hair. Use olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil or a combination of these oils. Apply oil on your hair and message gently. Leave it on for about an hour then wash with shampoo.

Papaya Mask :

Papaya is rich in proteins which your hair needs in order to maintain its shine, moisture and growth. Mash 2 medium slices of papaya with a fork or in a blender. Mix 2 tbsp yogurt in it, apply it your scalp and hair.Cover your hair with a shower cap to lock the moisture. Leave it on for 30 minutes then wash with shampoo.

Honey rinse :

Another easy homemade conditioner for hair is honey. Mix 2 tbsp  honey in 4 cups warm water and apply it to your hair after you shampoo/ condition your hair. Leave it in your hair. It will control hair dryness/frizz.

Proteins for Healthy Hair

Protein is vital for every organ in our body. It is also very important for healthy hair since hair is chiefly made up of proteins. Keratinocytes are responsible for manufacturing keratin, a source of protein necessary for hair growth. If you do not include adequate protein in your every day diet, hair loss may take place or your hair may become brittle and dull. Loss of protein caused by different hair care products or medical conditions can also lead to damaged hair. Deficiency of protein also hampers the hair texture. Moreover, IGF-binding proteins have an effect on whether our hair is straight or curly, so even the shape of our hair depends upon protein. All these factors reveal the importance of protein for optimum hair health, especially for black hair.

Topical use of protein For long hair:

Topical protein treatments fill the gaps in the shaft or cuticle of the hair, leaving it shinier and smoother. They also help to strengthen your hair, so if you have brittle or weak hair, suitable protein treatments may repair this issue. These treatments can allow your hair to be healthier and fuller than before. Protein treatments give your hair added strength and in turn encourage its longevity.

Protein treatments that fortify weak hair generally contain vitamin B5 vitamins, antioxidants, soy, milk proteins and wheat germs that aid to restore the hair's amino acids and enhance its resilience against damage sustained from regular styling, chemicals as well as environmental factors. Available in the form of leave-in or wash-out treatments, these protein-based hair products are highly beneficial for the nourishment of your hair. These products can also go a long way in improving your hair's elasticity and strength. Curly and kinky hair generally tends to be quite fragile and dry even in its natural state. However, by using a protein-based conditioner you can improve the health of your hair immensely and it can be applied to any regimen.

Irrespective of its numerous benefits for hair growth, protein treatments must be used only when necessary, even during the instances of severe damage, as too much protein can cause severe breakage and dryness. Popular intensive protein treatments for hair are typically designed for every four to six weeks while; gentle reconstructing protein products can be used at least once every week.

There are several protein treatment products in the market and most of these treatments are geared toward specific hair types. So, you should select a hair protein treatment that is explicitly made for your hair type. When using a protein hair treatment, make sure that you follow the instructions specified on the bottle or box so that you don't end up overusing it. The very BEST option is to make your own protein treatments using natural products you have around the house.

Consume Protein For Hair GrowthA diet consisting of high quality amounts of healthy protein can promote hair growth. Protein can be obtained from a huge range of vegetarian as well as non vegetarian foods.

Among non vegetarian sources, proteins are abundantly found in eggs, fish, seafood, chicken, cow liver, turkey, etc. While, vegetarian sources of proteins that are recommended for healthy hair growth includes, beans, legumes, almonds, granulated lecithin, milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, tofu, low-fat cheese, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, soybeans, etc.

Dangers of Excessive Protein For Your Hair:

Protein is a highly beneficial ingredient in hair products that repair hair damaged due to heat styling, chemical processing or other abuse. Hair is mainly composed of protein (keratin to be precise), so restoring it can essentially aid to rebuild hair that is stripped of its natural strength. Yet, products containing protein must not be overused and its application frequency should depend upon the condition of the hair.

The breakage is typically caused due to an imbalance in the elasticity of hair. Nevertheless, the stiff, dry feeling or brittle hair linked with protein-based reconstruct treatments can be fixed by adding moisture to your hair. You should opt for a protein treatment that contains rich moisturizing ingredients or choose to follow protein treatments with a deep conditioner to make the hair soft and retain its moisture.

Adding protein to your regime may, in fact, make your hair very strong, which can in turn make it brittle. On the opposite end, extreme moisture can make the hair too soft. So, for "normal" elasticity, there should be a good balance between both protein and moisture treatments.

Check The Status of Your Hair:

If you are not sure about your hair's normal elasticity, you can try the stretch test. While you hair is still wet, gently stretch a few strands. In the case that they stretch and returns to their normal length, your hair's elasticity is normal. However, if your hair snaps and breaks, it implies that your hair contains excessive protein and you must seek a moisturizing treatment. Lastly, if your hair simply stretches quite far before it breaks and never retains its original shape than your hair requires protein and you must seek a keratin-based treatment. Normally, hair with balanced elasticity can stretch up to 50% when it's wet and can effortlessly return to its normal size.

Water and Hydration Facts

 We all know the importance of Hydration, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Coily and curly textured hair has the tendency to become dryer more easily than most. It can often require more effort in order to keep our hair moisturized and prevent over drying and breakage. It's no surprise that breakage hinders hair growth. However, hair problems and dry scalp are also attributed to heat and chemical treatments, so it is imperative that you know how to keep your hair well oiled and hydrated in order to prevent overdrying and breakage.

Water and Hydration Facts:

An important key to healthy, beautiful, shiny and long hair is hydration. A Sufficient amount of water plays a major role in allowing the hair to grow long and fast. Dehydration can make you feel tired but it can also cause drying of your hair shaft and scalp and ultimately cause split ends and hair breakage.

Your hair follicles require ample nutrients in order to produce healthy hair and water is an essential nutrient. By drinking water in the right quantity, you can supply nutrients to your scalp and promote rapid hair growth. 8 -12 glasses per day is the average.

A very important element of hydration is making sure to keep you hair and ends hydrated. The ONLY way to truly hydrate our hair is with water. It is very important that before applying your leave in conditioner or oils that you make sure that your hair is moisturized with water. Hydrating your hair with water and following with an oil will help to lock in moisture throughout the day.

Another way to retain your hair's moisture is to avoid washing your hair every day. Regardless of how gentle the shampoo is, the very act of washing the hair strips natural oils from your hair and can cause breakage and dryness. Many shampoos also include petroleum, sulfate, alcohol and mineral oil that are very drying to the hair.

Things To Avoid To Retain Moisture:

Refrain from wearing hats, if possible, as they absorb the natural oil from your scalp and prevent it from hydrating or moisturizing your hair. Flat irons, blow dryers and other similar heated hair tools can lead to dry hair that eventually becomes brittle and causes breakage. It is advisable to avoid blow drying the hair on high heat altogether. If you must blow dry your hair, use a cool setting.

Water And Hydration Myths:

If your hair is naturally curly, kinky, coiled or wavy, then you have probably heard of the following myths.

Myth 1: Black women can't grow long hair:

The Truth: Black women can most certainly grow long hair! The only challenge is that in the past we had put our hair through a lot of stress that had caused our locks to suffer. Hair dryers, relaxers, harsh chemicals, heat, lack of moisture, over shampooing, over manipulation, etc, have all lead to breakage. These days we are now learning that through proper hydration and hair care, we CANgrow our hair long!

Myth 2: Water and conditioning too often can dry out natural hair:

The Truth: This myth has made many of us deprive our hair of the most crucial nutrient i.e. water. Curls, kinks and waves thrive the most when your hair care regimen is focused towards hydration. Water helps to enhance the hair's elasticity, reduce its breakage and improve curls.

Myth 3: Oil can moisturize natural hair:

The Truth: Oil is good for hair, but it is not a moisturizer! Moisture is hydration, which can be obtained with water as well as water-based products. Oils are lubricants and sealants that can trap moisture in the hair and prevent its depletion. Using oil alone as a moisturizer will only cause dryness over a period of time. Regardless of the fact that many hair product companies promote their remarkable "moisturizing oils" - oil alone as a moisturizer is a myth.

The Greenhouse effect

Another great method for locking in moisture is the Greenhouse Effect. This is a natural and effective way of boosting hair growth due to the fact that it allows the hair to retain moisture more efficiently. The steam effect created penetrates into the scalp to increase the average growth rate. This method should be done at night. The idea behind this method is that by creating warmth and moisture on your scalp, you are also creating the perfect atmosphere to open pores and follicles which allow for growth.

Steps for performing the greenhouse effect:

Step1: Spray you hair with water until slightly damp. 

Step 2: place your hair in a bun, ponytail or braids.

Step 3: Place a plastic cap over your head. To increase the effect add a scarf or additional plastic bags to increase the warmth.

Step 4: Leave your hair covered overnight or leave on for an extended period of time. This will create a green house steam effect in your hair.

Step 5: In the morning, remove the cap and allow your hair to dry naturally or blow dry on a cool setting

Step 6: moisturize, seal and style your hair as usual.

When performing this method, sometimes it's best to avoid using oils to allow for the pores to be open and prevent blockage.

How ofen should this method be performed?

2 times a week should work well. Anymore than that and it is possible that it may weaken the hair and cause breakage. If you experience any unusual breakage due to performing this method, you should discontinue immediately.
  

Humectants are used in skin and hair-care products to promote moisture retention. These hygroscopic compounds posses a chemical structure that attracts water from the atmosphere and binds it to various sites along the molecule.

These ingredients are used in many products that are designed for dry, damaged hair. While they can be beneficial in certain circumstances, weather an humidity in the air can cause less than desired results.

Low Humidity

In low-humidity situations, such as a cold, dry winter air, there is often not enough water in the air for the humectant to attract to the surface of the hair. In this type of climate, you can only hope that moisture is not evaporated from the hair into the environment. Also, under these circumstances, there is some risk of the humectant actually removing moisture from the cortex of the hair itself, creating the problem it was intended to prevent.

That tells us that in dry climates it is important to use conditioning products which rely on strong moisturizers rather than traditional humectants.

High Humidity

In high-humidity conditions, such as the summer, there is a high amount of moisture in the air. This can be very harmful for curly hair. If curly hair is dry and damaged, it is very porous, and easily absorbs water from the air. In high-humidity situations, this can cause curly hair to swell so much that cuticles are raised, making the surface of the hair very rough and dry. The cuticles can then become entangled with cuticles of the surrounding hairs and create a huge, tangled mass, which is prone to breakage. Also, curly hair swollen by excess water can lose its curl pattern, creating the dreaded summer frizz.

As you can see, products heavy in humectants will only aggravate problems with humidity-induced frizz. Some humectants can also leave you hair feeling sticky when they become saturated with water. In tropical and subtropical climates, it is essential to maintain well-moisturized hair that is in good condition (which will be less prone to absorbing water from the hair). But it is preferable to use products containing fewer humectants or humectants with less hygroscopic capacity.

Due to the limitations of humectants in extreme weather conditions, it is evident that these ingredients probably function best for people with curly hair that live in moderate climates, with temperatures and humidity in the medium range.

Glycerine

Glycerin in the most commonly used humectant. Honey is another Humectant that can be used on hair. Glycerine and Honey both can not be applied directly to the hair. They must be combined with water. 1 part Glycerine or Honey and 3 parts water.