A Few Secrets From The Power of Nature - Coconuts

Welcome to my blog at The Solid Bar Company here in Oxfordshire - I've been blogging for the last twelve months or more here at The Solid Bar Company so I guess an introduction is a little overdue, so better late than never, "Hello", I'm Rebecca the company owner and founder! 

Nature is so powerful; we are constantly reminded of this with negative news of floods, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions, whilst many of the positive discoveries of plants that help to fight or cure illnesses and alleviate pain go relatively unnoticed. 

Dr Bach an English physician known for his flower remedies once said: ‘.....Nature patiently waits and we have only to turn back to her to find relief from our suffering….’.

So let's take a look at a few positives in the power of nature, starting with the not so humble coconut!

Coconut, found in many of our lotion bars and from which many of our gentle hair care cleaning agents derive, has many listed health benefits both internally and externally. It is naturally antibacterial and antifungal , rich in proteins and vitamin E oil, helps to retain the skin’s moisture levels, soften skin and help fight the signs of anti-aging.

You can find it in our new Kids Vegan Orange Shampoo that has a refreshing scent of organic sweet orange and offers natural anti-inflammatory properties. Not only is it cruelty free and 100% biodegradable, but also it is suitable for ALL hair types including coloured hair. This chemical free, natural, solid, 100% vegan shampoo is guaranteed to leave your child's hair soft, smooth and full of lustre.

It is also one of the key ingredients in our Calendula Nappy Rash Cream which is a gentle and effective nappy change balm created with the purest ingredients to keep rashes, itches and inflammation away from your little one's sensitive skin. 

It’s also good for dry, cracked lips and we occasionally give a pack of three lip balms away as a free addition to special orders  - they each come in a handy size tin so you can apply as necessary.

The first of the three balms is Lemon Balm and Litsea Lip Balm with a delicate lemon flavour. It is made with infused lemon balm used in the treatment of cold sores along with healing calendula and anti-bacterial coconut oil to assist skin nourishment.

The second is a Calendula and Lime Lip Balm with a delicate lime flavour that soothes and protects lips. It contains infused calendula that has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties and anti-bacterial coconut.

The third  is a Peppermint and Chocolate Lip Balm with a delicate chocolate and peppermint flavour, again it contains infused calendula that has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties and anti-bacterial coconut.

Which brings us nicely onto a lip balm recipe for the adventurous among you to try for yourselves…..

Coconut and Lime Lip Balm Recipe.

Be sure to use distilled lime so it doesn’t make your lips more phototoxic (light sensitive),  is useful and good for protecting your lips from harsh climates, whether it’s in an intensely hot and sunny climate or in a cooler, colder climate as experienced by much of the world at this time of year.

This recipe will make approximately five small handy size 7 gram lip balm jars.

The ingredients are:

• 10g (or 1 tablespoon) virgin coconut oil
• 20g (or 2 tablespoon) almond oil 
• 12g Beeswax (or 1 tablespoon & 1 teaspoon)
• a few drops of Vitamin E oil (optional)
• 1 tsp Zinc oxide (optional)
• 15-20 drops distilled Lime essential oil
• 1/2 teaspoon (less than 1g) Zinc oxide powder for extra sun protection (optional)

The simple process is as follows:

• Put the oils and beeswax into a pyrex dish and either place in a pan of bubbling water on the stove or place in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until completely melted.  
• Add the Vitamin E oil and Zinc oxide if using and the drops of lime.  
• Stir. 
• Gently pour into lip balm jars.  
• Leave for a couple of hours to set.  
• Enjoy!

A Delicious, Simple Coconut Biscuit Recipe

Whilst we’re on the subject of coconuts, taken from chef Nigella in the UK here is a simple coconut biscuit recipe to use for very moreish biscuits!

It couldn’t be more simple, quicker and tastier than going all the way to the store to buy them. A couple of local families have asked me for the recipe too, so that’s a good sign:

• 1 cup self raising flour 
• 1 cup granulated or powdered sugar
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 1 egg
• ½ cup melted butter

Combine all ingredients together in a bowl by hand.  Roll into teaspoon sized balls and place onto a greased baking tray.  Bake for 12 minutes on 350f (180c)

Best wishes, and come back again soon for more recipes and fun facts.

The Solid Bar Company Team

PS. Be sure to check out the best UK shampoo bars and all natural conditioner bars here!