You might be surprised by how many natural remedies for our bodies can be found in your kitchen cupboard. Take vegetable oils, for example. From olive to coconut to castor, these simple oils can moisturize your skin, strengthen your hair, and yes, even prevent sickness. Here are three oil uses and their many benefits.

1) Clear Up Your Skin with the Oil Cleansing Method

It may seem counter-intuitive to clean your face with oil, but the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) is actually an excellent way to balance the skin's sebum and moisturize. Essentially, the OCM sloshes away the dirty oil that your skin produces and replaces it with clean, moisturizing oil. Castor oil is the general base oil that works for most skin types because it is anti-bacterial and definitely economical. But since it can be slightly drying, you will want to add an additional carrier oil to your mix, like jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed and avocado.  For oily skin, mix 2/3 castor oil with 1/3 carrier oil; For normal skin, mix equal parts castor and carrier oil; and for dry skin, mix 1/3 castor oil and 2/3. Make sure both oils contain only all-natural ingredients.

To do the OCM, all you need is your oil mix, some hot water, and a wash cloth. Rinse your face with warm water. There's no need to wash off make-up first with this method. Massage the oil into your face for up to two minutes, using circular motions to stimulate your skin. Dunk your washcloth in hot water and let it sit on your face for 30 seconds. The heat will continue to pull out impurities. Then take the cloth and wipe off the remaining oil, rinsing the cloth with hot water each time you wipe.

Figuring out which mix works best for your skin and how often you should do OCM is key, and may take a few tries; so do not get discouraged if your first week of OCM does not produce immediate results. What you can expect is glowing, soft, clear skin. Many people who have acne use OCM to lessen blemishes.

2) Strengthen thinning hair with castor oil.

Castor oil is highly anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and when rubbed into the scalp, will improve circulation. Massage a few drops of regular or Jamaican Black Castor Oil into your thinning edges. Though not scientifically proven, many people have sworn by castor oil's ability to thicken and strengthen their hair. When used regularly, you should see results in about a month. Castor oil is also a great growth stimulator for eyebrows and eyelashes. Again, make sure to by an organic brand free of chemicals.

3) Detox with the Oil Pulling Method

Oil pulling is an ancient, detoxifying method from Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medicine of India. The method involves simply swishing unrefined oil in your mouth the same way you would with mouthwash, for 2-5 minutes. If this seems like a long a time, a great way to help the time pass is to put the oil in your mouth before your morning shower and keep it in there until you finish washing. Suggested oils include sesame or coconut oil. This method should be done before brushing your teeth and your first meal of the day. While the oil sits in your mouth, it is pulling out all of the bacteria and viruses that we often suffer from without even realizing it until we are sick. In addition to fresher breath, many people have also said that the oil pulling has helped clear their sinuses and skin, and ease headaches. Give it a try and see how it can help you!