The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family) and the only species of the genus Cocos. The term coconut can refer to the whole coconut palm or the seed, or the fruit, which, botanically, is a drupe, not a nut.
Whether you eat the meat of the fruit, drink the water or milk, or use the oil, you can get some serious health benefits and even improve your appearance with this tropical food.
One of the striking and unusual features of the coconut compared to other fruits is the amount of water it contains. This water has provided important hydration for people for thousands of years. In addition to the water in the young fruits, people have always eaten the meat, or the white part of the fruit. The milk, which is the juice made from the meat has also been consumed.
One of the most important and most commonly used byproduct of the coconut today is the oil. It is used extensively both internally and externally and it is a must-have in all homes.
Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It is best known as a curry ingredient, smoothie additive, and beauty product. It also belongs in the cleaning cabinet as a natural and powerful cleanser and polisher.
Coconut oil is a must-have ingredient to add to the mix. Modern research suggests the oil has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal abilities. It can handle the toughest scrubbing, reconditioning, and greasing jobs. It is handy for so many house-hold uses.
For Stain Remover: Mix one part coconut oil with one part baking soda for a natural stain remover for upholstery and carpets. Apply to stain and let sit for a few minutes before wiping away.
Furniture Polish: Conventional furniture polish is really toxic. Usually it contains phenol which is damaging to your health. Phenol causes cancer. Another chemical that is often contained in furniture polish is nitrobenzene. If nitrobenzene gets on your skin it might cause heart, liver, kidney problems, cancer and even death. Here is a natural coconut oil furniture polish that is safe and very easy to make and it’s so much cheaper!
Coconut oil can be used as a natural wood polish that replenishes dry wood. It helps prolong the life of the furniture by helping it not to crack wood. It brings out the natural color of the wood and re-hydrate the wood plus it's also a great hand moisturizer, so it’s a win-win!
The best part is that it is totally non-toxic (people eat coconut oil) so the kids can help with this chores!
HOW TO POLISH FURNITURE WITH COCONUT OIL
Recipe:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- polishing cloth
How to:
- Combine the oil and lemon juice in a glass
- Apply with a soft polishing cloth.
- Polish the furniture by rubbing briskly.
P.S: Be sure to dust area before applying polish.
- · Coconut Oil Rub
To refinish old dry wood, simply sand and wash with warm soapy water. Let the wood dry out (after washing it). Now using a clean, dry, soft cloth, apply a thin coat of coconut oil. Let it sit for 5 minutes or so, and then buff (wipe in a circular motion). Repeat if the wood is really dry.
SIMPLE WOOD CARE TIPS
-Light degrades wood, so keep it out of direct sunlight for extended amounts of time, if possible.
-Dirt and grime can, over time, also be harmful to wood surfaces, so keep them clean by simply wiping them down.
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Mobolaji Olanrewaju, a guest contributor on HOG Furniture Blog is a travel consultant and a creative fiction writer. She has B.SC in biochemistry and MBA in business administration (Human Resources). She lives and works in Lagos. She loves to read and hang out with friends and family. She is currently working on a weekly series of articles titled "Diary of Olajumoke Davies" on her blog, https://mobolajiolanrewaju.wo
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