50+ Uses for Coconut Oil

Why all the hype about Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is a major moisturizer that can help with any dryness or itching. But did you know that coconut oil has anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties and so much more! Plus, it is perfectly safe for people and animals. Wow!

There are tons of suggested ways to use coconut oil. It is known to have many amazing qualities and a lot of people love it! In fact, some people are borderline obsessed. It is all the rage these days! I have used coconut oil in some cooking, as a makeup remover, and recently as my face cleanser. It is working just as well as the heavy-duty acne wash I using before, except my skin is not dried out. After doing this research on the many other uses, I am going to start adding it to more foods and using it in even more ways. I would love to hear if some of these coconut oil remedies have worked well for you! Feel free to share your experiences in using coconut oil in the comments.

Know Your Coconut Oil

From what I understand, the best kind of coconut oil to buy is food grade virgin or extra-virgin (unrefined) coconut oil. But there are also refined , fractionated, and hydrogenated coconut oils available.

• Refined coconut oil is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. Some benefits are lost in the process though. Keep in mind that not all refined oils are created equally.
• Fractionated coconut has the fatty acids removed so it can be used in liquid form. Good for diluting essential oils and creating massage oil blends.
• Hydrogenated coconut oil is processed further into partially or fully hydrogenated oil to increase its melting point. This oil contains trans fatty acids and can actually be bad for you. Avoid this oil.

Note that the suggestions below have not been evaluated by the FDA and it is wise to consult your physician in medical matters.

Coconut Oil Uses in the Kitchen:

• Fat substitute – In many, but not all, recipes you can sub coconut oil for butter or other oils. 1:1 ratio for replacing butter or oil. When replacing oil I melt my coconut oil in a liquid measuring cup to make sure it is the right amount. Here’s a great recipe for a popcorn treat.
• Energy Boost – Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides, and these unique fats provide energy instead of being stored by the body. Add a tablespoon to your morning smoothie, or spread some on toast for a quick boost.
• Non-stick coating – Use solid coconut oil to grease pans instead of Crisco or Pam and more.
• Nutritional Supplement – Melt and add to soups, drinks, smoothies, oatmeal, etc.
• Appetite Suppressant – It is the last nutrient to get digested, so you feel full for longer.
• Vitamins – Consuming coconut oil aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Specifically helps with magnesium and calcium.
• Oil wood cutting boards
• Prevent Water Stains – Clean and dry kitchen sink. Then apply a small amount of coconut oil with a cloth along the inside of sink and faucet.

Beauty and Coconut Oil:

• Moisturizer – Natural moisturizer for chapped skin and eczema. It absorbs quickly and a little goes a long way. Take it a step further by whipping it in a cold bowl for several minutes, then adding essential oils like lavender and melaleuca.
• Lip Balm – Dab coconut oil on your lips with your finger.
• Leave-In Conditioner – Apply a teaspoon of coconut oil to the ends of your hair and then use fingers to distribute throughout.
• Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment – Rub a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your scalp and gently work it down to the ends. Put on a shower cap and leave on overnight.
• Hair Gel – Warm up a small amount of coconut oil in your hands and run your fingers through your hair to tame the frizz and fly-aways or scrunch into hair.
• Makeup Remover – Dab a little coconut oil on a cotton ball or makeup pad and wipe around your eyes and skin until clean. Rinse.
• Sugar Scrub – Mix coconut oil with sugar for an exfoliating scrub.
• Face Wash/Oil Cleansing – Oil dissolves oil! Try pure coconut oil or combine equal parts coconut oil and olive oil. Massage a small amount of oil into dry skin for a minute or two. (Or leave on for up to 10 minutes for a deeper clean.) Place a clean wash cloth under hot water until soaked, wring it out, and place over your face for about a minute for the steam factor, or until cooled. Use wash cloth to gently remove oil. It is normal for the skin to take a week or so to adjust to this new method. A lot of people also use 1 part castor oil mixed with 2 parts olive oil or coconut oil. It might take some experimenting to come up with the best combination for your skin. See more info about oil cleansing.
• Deodorant – Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which kills odor-causing bacteria. Dab a little oil under your armpits to stay fresh and smell good all day. Or try this coconut oil deodorant recipe.
• Reduce Wrinkles – Use coconut oil as an eye cream to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles. It also encourages the production of collagen.
• Shaving Cream – Coconut oil is slick enough for a close shave and it is moisturizing.
• Tanning Oil – It doesn’t provide SPF protection, but it will help your skin tan faster while keeping it moisturized.
• Age Spots – Applying coconut oil regularly will help spot to fade.
• Wax Remover – Swipe coconut oil over wax residue to remove.
• Dying Hair – Apply coconut oil along the hair line and ears before dying your hair to avoid staining the skin.

Medical Uses for Coconut Oil:

• Protect wounds – To protect small scrapes or wounds from dirt and bacteria, smear coconut oil on the cut and skin surrounding.
• Baby Thrush – Use coconut oil as a natural anti-fungal that will prevent infection from spreading. Check with your doctor first.
• Acid Reflux – Take coconut oil after a meal to help improve or relieve acid reflux.
• Itch Relief
• Diaper Rash Cream
• Coughing – Mix coconut oil with essential oils and rub onto chest.
• Sun Burn Relief
• Head Lice – Try dousing the affected area with apple cider vinegar. Let it dry without rinsing it out.  Then rub coconut oil into the hair and scalp. Leave oil in overnight to let it smother and kill the lice.
• Burns – Apply to burn area immediately and continue application until healed to reduce the chances of scarring and to promote healing.
• Cold Sores – Try dabbing a bit of coconut oil on the spot as soon as you feel a tingle, and reapply as needed.
• Bruises – Apply to bruise to reduce swelling and redness.
• Sore Throat – Add a spoonful of coconut oil to warm water and gargle to soothe.
• Bug Bites – Apply coconut oil to bite to  help stop the itching or stinging, and to speed the healing.
• Hemorrhoids – Apply internally or externally twice a day.
• Cradle Cap – Rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily to help eliminate cradle cap and nourish baby’s skin.
• Pollen Allergy Relief – Apply a little bit of coconut oil inside the nostrils. The pollen will cling to the oil.
• Nausea – Try rubbing some coconut oil on the inside of the wrist and forearm to calm an upset stomach.
• Oil Pulling – An age-old remedy that uses oil to clean and detoxify teeth and gums. Supposedly whitens teeth too! Swish coconut oil in the mouth for a short time each day. Some people claim to experience these added benefits from oil pulling: help with skin conditions, arthritis, asthma, headaches, hormone imbalances, infections, liver problems and more. See more about oil pulling.

More Uses for Coconut Oil:

• Personal Lubricant – May not be compatible with latex.
• Dandruff – Apply to scalp.
• Massage – Great massage oil and it smells so good!
• Insect Repellent – Mix coconut oil with peppermint oil and rub it on exposed skin.
• Toothpaste – Mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little on your toothbrush.
• Vaseline Substitute
• Lubricant – Use to lubricate nearly anything with moving parts, including clothing rods, ceiling fans, slip and slides, and doors.
• Furniture Polish –  Mix coconut oil with a bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. Test it on a small area first.
• Clean Fake Plants – Rub onto leaves to clean and shine them.
• Grill Cleaner – Rub coconut oil onto the BBQ, let sit for an hour, then wipe clean with rag.
• Remove Gum from Hair – Rub coconut oil over the stuck gum and leave in for about 30 minutes. Then roll the gum between your fingers and it should come right out.
• Skateboard or Snowboard Wax

Get coconut oil HERE!

Sources: Reader’s Digest Coconut Oil Uses, Hybrid Rasta Mama, Wellness Mama

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