Contents
Useful properties of cocoa butter
Cocoa butter is a fat obtained from the grains of the fruits of the chocolate tree. At a temperature of 16–18 °C, the oil retains a hard and brittle texture. After heating, it is a clear oily liquid. The oil softens upon contact with human skin. It is a balanced natural product that has a healing effect on the entire body. Its main distinguishing feature is the content of antioxidant substances that can stimulate the immune system.
A high concentration of oleic acid allows you to restore the lost functions of the walls of blood vessels, increases their elasticity, reduces the amount of cholesterol and completely cleanses the blood, and also normalizes the barrier functions of the skin epidermis. Tocopherols (natural vitamin E) have moisturizing properties, increase collagen production.
Polyphenols significantly reduce the release of IgE immunoglobulin, eliminating allergic diseases (dermatitis, asthma).
Cocoa butter for cough
Cocoa butter is used as a cough suppressant. With the onset of cold weather, protective functions decrease, the body is exposed to colds. Giving preference to natural oil in the treatment of bronchitis, you can quickly eliminate cough. Cocoa butter is effective in pneumonia and asthma. A good prevention of influenza and acute respiratory infections is the lubrication of the nasal mucosa with oil. Antiviral, expectorant and antibacterial properties of cocoa butter allow it to be used as a preventive and therapeutic product.
In the presence of a cough, the oil is suitable for chest and back massage, helping to increase blood circulation and normalize blood circulation. Thus, the functions of the capillaries of the lungs and bronchi improve, the respiratory system is cleansed, freed from infection.
Cough Remedy Recipe: in a glass of hot milk, melt 0,5 teaspoon of cocoa butter. The drink should be slightly cooled and given to the patient to drink.
Cocoa butter for hair
Cocoa butter is successfully used in cosmetology, it has an incredible effect on the restoration of damaged, brittle and dry hair. The beneficial properties of a natural product strengthen the hair structure from the inside, nourish the hair follicle. Light, with a pleasant chocolate flavor, the oil returns beauty and shine to the hair after the first application. Cocoa butter can be rubbed into the hair roots, after heating it in a water bath.
There are many recipes for hair treatment. The use of masks with the addition of certain components enhances the beneficial effects of the procedures.
Recipe № 1: 1 tablespoon of cocoa butter must be heated in a water bath and mixed with 1 tablespoon of burdock oil, then add 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of kefir. Everything should be thoroughly mixed and applied to the hair, rubbing into the roots with massage movements. It is recommended to wrap the head with a film and a warm scarf. Wash off the product after 1-1,5 hours. It should be applied 2-3 times a week, the course is 12-16 masks.
Recipe № 2: 2 tablespoons of rosemary are poured into 100 ml of hot water, infused for 40–60 minutes, and then filtered. Add 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter in a water bath. Evenly distribute the mask along the entire length of the hair. The head is wrapped in plastic wrap. Wash off the mask after 2-3 hours using regular shampoo. The mask is used 2 times a week, the course is 10-12 procedures.
Recipe № 3: 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa butter are heated in a water bath, mixed in a 1: 1 ratio with burdock oil, 5 drops of vitamin A and E and 3 drops of grapefruit essential oil are added. The mask is evenly distributed over the entire length of the hair, washed off after 1,5–2 hours. The procedure is carried out 1-2 times a week, the course is 12-14 masks.
Cocoa butter for face
In cosmetics, cocoa butter has earned immense popularity. It is used to eliminate age-related problems of the face. Thanks to its emollient and regenerating properties and pleasant smell, the oil is excellent in use. The content of lauric, palmitic, stearic and other acids, as well as vitamin A, allows the oil to have a high cosmetic effect. The active and beneficial components of cocoa butter nourish, maintain tone, normalize the water-lipid balance, make the skin of the face soft, supple, smooth and protected from external factors.
Cocoa butter eliminates skin pigmentation and spider veins. Healing oil shows its priceless properties during various cosmetic procedures.
Recipe #1: for fading facial skin, mix 1 teaspoon of cocoa butter melted in a water bath and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, apply on the face along the massage lines and leave for 20-30 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
Recipe #2: for dehydrated, wrinkled facial skin, mix 1 yolk, 1 teaspoon of liquid honey, melted cocoa butter, carrot juice, 10 drops of lemon juice. Everything should be mixed well and applied to the skin of the face for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and wipe the face with a piece of ice.
Recipe #3: you need to mix 1 teaspoon of cocoa butter (melted in a water bath), 1 teaspoon of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of fruit or vegetable juice and apply the resulting mixture on your face for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cool water. This mask is suitable for all skin types.
On winter days, the use of cocoa butter will prevent chapping of the face and lips. In addition, it perfectly softens and heals cracks in the corners of the lips. Lubricate the lips with oil at night.
Cocoa butter for the body
By activating the processes of skin microcirculation, cocoa butter strengthens the walls of capillaries, eliminates itching, burning, redness and swelling of tissues. Intensively moisturizing the skin, it relieves any irritation, makes the skin of the body soft, supple and velvety. Cocoa butter gently cares for the skin of hands and feet. It protects the body from the negative effects of direct sunlight, the skin does not dry out, remains young and healthy. The oil has an intense effect on the skin, being a preventive measure that prevents the appearance of stretch marks.
If such skin changes are already present, then the oil will help reduce stretch marks and make them inconspicuous. In addition, cocoa butter has wound healing properties, helps with burns.
Cocoa butter in cosmetology
Cocoa butter has a moisturizing, regenerating, softening effect, it enhances the effect of beneficial components provided in cosmetic recipes. The antioxidant and anti-cellulite properties of cocoa butter make it an excellent product for complete skin care, able to soften the skin, smooth wrinkles, increase elasticity and turgor of the skin. Due to its excellent set of substances beneficial to the skin, cocoa butter is used in cosmetology to combat aging.
Body massage with the use of oil leads to relaxation of the whole body, normalization of the functions of the nervous system, helps relieve stress and eliminates insomnia.
Cocoa butter treatment
The use of environmentally friendly, natural cocoa butter reduces the likelihood of blood clots and blockage of blood vessels. Actual oil treatment for digestive disorders. taking 1 teaspoon of cocoa butter before bed eliminates stool problems. This healing drug is useful for hemorrhoids, it is recommended to introduce (in the amount of 1 teaspoon) into the rectum after defecation. Cocoa butter is also used to treat gynecological problems.
With cervical erosion, you can use the old method of treatment: melt 1 teaspoon of cocoa butter in a water bath, mix with 10 drops of sea buckthorn oil, soak a tampon and insert it into the vagina overnight. The course of treatment is 14-18 days. If you add propolis to cocoa butter in a ratio of 1:10, you get an excellent mixture used for sore throats, pneumonia and tuberculosis. Taking it 0,5 tablespoon 3 times a day an hour before meals, you can eliminate unpleasant ailments. This medicine can relieve itching, achieve pain relief for burns.
Using cocoa butter for applications, you can reduce the swelling of veins with varicose veins. This ointment treats eczema, fungi, heals wounds and cracks on the nipples of nursing mothers. Incredibly useful cocoa butter is recommended for the elderly as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent that prevents or cures atherosclerosis, eliminates dry skin and constipation.
Recipe № 1: 0,5 teaspoon of cocoa butter should be taken 2 times a day, morning and evening, 15 minutes before meals. The tool relieves cholesterol.
Recipe № 2: one tablespoon of melted cocoa butter is drunk on an empty stomach early in the morning. A heating pad with well-heated water must be placed on the right side, hold for 1,5–2 hours. This procedure is carried out on a day off (1 time per week) with cholecystitis, using oil as a choleretic agent.