25 Uses for Coconut Oil

IT’S THE LATEST, IT’S THE GREATEST: IT’S COCONUT OIL AND HERE’S HOW TO USE IT

As I write this, I’m drinking a cup of coffee flavored with coconut oil and my hair is slathered in coconut oil and securely encased in plastic wrap. I smell like a pina colada – and I don’t mind. I’ve been reading about the benefits of coconut oil as a deep conditioner and I look forward to seeing the results on my own uber-dry, aging and sometimes frizzy hair.

Remember when coconut oil was considered an enemy of the people? It wasn’t that long ago that we were told to avoid this saturated fat at all costs and today, the powers that be (whoever they are) have done a complete 180 and coconut oil, coconut milk and coconut water are everywhere. The fact is that hydrogenated saturated fats, also called trans fats, those that have been artificially manipulated into a saturated state, should be avoided. Saturated fats that occur naturally, like coconut oil, are good for you. Scientists who’ve studied the effects of coconut oil on heart disease and obesity found that people whose diets were high in coconut products were healthy and trim. So, go ahead, indulge in coconut products – avoid shredded coconut that’s heavy on the sugar, though – and read on for more uses of this household product. My pick is raw, organic, virgin coconut oil.

Coconut Oil as a Beauty Product

1. Use coconut oil to moisturize dry hands and skin. Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and antifungal so slather a little bit on after your shower or after you wash your hands.

2. Coconut oil’s great for removing makeup and cleansing your face. It’s non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores so, even if you’re acne-prone, you can use it.

3. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft more readily than other oils so it’s a great deep hair conditioner. Simply melt a few teaspoons of coconut oil in the palms of your hands and apply to dry hair. Use enough to completely saturate the hair. Then, if you have time to spare, cover your head with a disposable plastic shower cap and let the coconut oil do its magic for about three to four hours. Coconut is drippy as it melts; wrap a towel around your neck to protect clothing. Shampoo well – you may have to shampoo twice to remove all traces of the coconut oil – and blow dry and style as usual. Pressed for time? Sleep on it. Apply coconut oil to hair, wrap it in a plastic shampoo cap, place an old towel over your pillow and, when you wake up in the morning, shampoo and style as usual.

4. Have you heard of oil pulling? This ancient Ayurvedic remedy is currently the rage and is supposed to help detoxify your body by “pulling” harmful bacteria out of it. It’s also been said to whiten teeth and cure headaches. Aficionados say coconut oil is better for this than other oils because of its antibacterial properties. Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes or until it turns milky white. Discard the bacteria-laden coconut oil in the trash since it may clog pipes. If you have certain health concerns about oil-pulling, check with your health-care provider before trying it.

5. Apply a bit of coconut oil to the ends of dry hair for a quick moisture boost.

6. Use a little coconut oil as a yummy lip balm to soothe chapped lips. (Just don’t lick it off!)

7. Use coconut oil to soothe sunburns.

8. Rub it into skin to help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

9. Rub a tiny bit into your hands and then onto your hair to help prevent “frizzes.” (“Tiny” is the operative word here. Too much and your hair will look greasy.)

10 The anti-bacterial properties of coconut oil make it useful in helping to fight athlete’s foot.

11. Use it in the shower as a natural shave cream. (Just be careful as it can make the tub or shower floor slick.)

In the Home

12. Use it as a replacement for vegetable oils in your recipes.

13. Flavor your coffee with a tablespoon of coconut oil. It’s said to boost metabolism, increase energy and help you lose weight.  (See Tip #20.)

14. Use coconut oil to polish patent and other leathers. (Test a small area first.)

15. Have a kitty? Cut down on hairballs and make them easier to pass by coating your cat’s paws with about half a teaspoon of the oil. It lubricates your cat’s digestive system to eliminate hairballs and works similarly to over-the-counter hairball remedies. (If your cat’s condition doesn’t improve, see your veterinarian.)

16. Use it to lubricate squeaky hinges.

17. Coconut oil is a healthy alternative when you’re cooking at high heat.

18. Melt a little coconut oil over popcorn as an alternative to butter.

19. Use coconut oil as a natural lice remedy and a healthy alternative to chemical treatments. First, rinse hair with apple cider vinegar. Once that’s dried, slather the entire head in coconut oil until it’s liberally coated. Let it sit for 24 hours or at least overnight. Comb hair with a fine tooth comb and shampoo as usual. Repeat in three weeks.

20. Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides, fatty acids that boost your metabolism and are thought to increase your energy expenditure by about 5%. This amounts to burning about 120 extra calories per day. Some studies say consuming one to two tablespoons of coconut oil per day can lead to weight loss.

21. Use coconut oil as a natural diaper rash cream.

22. Use coconut oil on a rag to season cast iron pots and clean shower scum.

23. Substitute coconut oil in brownie recipes for a hint of flavor and health benefits.

24. Instead of peanut butter, use coconut oil to remove gum from hair.

25. Use it on toast instead of butter. And for even more of a treat, sprinkle with cinnamon.

Shop the Post

Following, some beauty products that rely heavily on coconut as a key ingredient plus choices for raw coconut oil too.

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