The uses for coconut oil have become a topic of interest in many health-related conversations. Coconut oil contains a lot of saturated fat, approximately 90% of its entire composition, which is the main reason why nutrition experts advise using it in moderation.
But coconut oil also helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and it is a very versatile product for the skin, the hair, the kitchen, and the home. Below you will find 101 ways people commonly use it.
101 Uses of Coconut Oil
Body and Skincare
Coconut oil can be a part of your beauty routine. Fractionated coconut oil is often recommended for the face because it is lighter and less likely to clog the pores. Coconut oil also contains antioxidants, which is one reason it is so popular in skincare.
1. Skin moisturizer: Coconut oil can be applied all over your body. It can also be combined with essential oils for a pleasant aromatherapy effect.
2. Face mask: Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash your face with warm water.
3. Fine lines and wrinkles: Rub a little oil on each line and wrinkle. Many people find this leaves the skin feeling softer and smoother.
4. Puffy eyes: Some people gently rub a little coconut oil on the area around the eyes before they go to sleep.
5. Conditioner: Mix 2 teaspoons of coconut oil with a bowl of warm water. Apply the solution to your hair. Let it stand for 1 hour and wash.
6. Dandruff: Use it the same way as in point 5. Many people use this method to keep the scalp moisturized and reduce flakes.
7. Hair care: Apply coconut oil regularly and massage it into the scalp. It helps keep the hair and scalp nourished.
8. Protect your hair from the sun: A thin layer of oil can help keep hair from drying out in the sun.
9. Detangle hair: A small amount of coconut oil makes hair smoother and easier to comb, and helps tame frizz.
10. Shaving cream: Apply it on the area to be shaved.
11. Aftershave: It can serve as an aftershave and helps soothe skin that feels irritated after shaving.
12. Lip balm: It serves as a lip moisturizer for dry lips.
13. Exfoliating body scrub: Mix half a cup of coconut oil with 4 tablespoons of white sugar. Freeze the mixture and, once frozen, slice it into small pieces and use them as a scrub.
14. Exfoliating your face: Mix coconut oil with baking soda in a ratio of 1:1 and apply it on the face to remove dirt and dead skin.
15. Exfoliating your feet: Mix it with sea salt in a ratio of 2:1. Rub on the feet.
16. Exfoliating your lips: Mix it with brown sugar in a ratio of 1:2. Apply on the lips.
17. Makeup remover: Apply to the face with circular motions.
18. Cheekbone highlighter: After applying makeup, you can highlight your cheekbones with a few drops of coconut oil.
19. Lotion bar: Mix coconut oil with shea butter and beeswax. Place the mixture in a bowl over a pot of boiling water until it melts. Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Let it cool to room temperature and you will get a kind of paste. Pour it into a mold and use it as a lotion.
20. Deodorant: Coconut oil can be used as a deodorant. Applied on the underarms, it helps reduce body odor. Combine 1/2 cup of coconut oil with shea butter and beeswax. Place the mixture in a bowl over a pot of water. Heat it and add a teaspoon of vitamin E oil, half a cup of arrowroot powder, and 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Stir and pour into muffin tins. Cool to room temperature.
21. Massage oil: Coconut oil combines a good moisturizer with antioxidants, which makes it a pleasant massage oil for the skin.
22. Smoothing elbows: Rub a little coconut oil on your elbows to soften dry skin.
23. Cracked heels: Apply coconut oil on dry, cracked heels. Apply regularly.
24. Nail and cuticle care: Rub the oil into the cuticles and leave it to soak in. It keeps the cuticles and nails moisturized.
25. Stretch marks: Many people apply coconut oil regularly on stretch marks to keep the skin soft. Results vary from person to person.
26. Mascara brush cleaner: Soak your brush in coconut oil for five minutes to clean out any residue.
27. Eyelashes: Apply a small amount of coconut oil on the eyelashes.
28. Removing wax from the skin: Apply a small amount of coconut oil on the skin and leftover wax will come off more easily.
29. Personal lubricant: Some adults use it as a lubricant, but do not combine it with latex condoms, because oil can damage them.
30. Varicose veins: Some people massage it into the skin over areas with visible veins to keep the skin soft.
31. Cellulite: Some people massage coconut oil into areas with cellulite as part of their skincare routine. Results vary.
32. Bath oil: Mix coconut oil with a few drops of essential oil. Warm the mixture and then let it cool. Put the mixture in a mold. Cut it up into small pieces and use them as a bath oil.
33. Tattoo moisturizer: Apply coconut oil on a fully settled tattoo to moisturize the skin and make the colors look brighter.
Food, Drink and Cooking
Coconut oil can be used to add flavor to food. In addition to adding flavor, coconut oil can be used as follows:
34. Cooking oil: When used as a cooking oil, coconut oil is stable at fairly high temperatures. This is due to its saturated fat content. Like any fat, it is best used in moderation.
35. Greasing pans: Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil or Crisco.
36. Creamer in coffee or tea: Add coconut oil to coffee or tea for extra flavor. Some people blend coffee with a little coconut oil and unsalted butter.
37. Flavoring instead of sugar: Some people use a little coconut oil for a mild, naturally sweet coconut taste instead of adding sugar. People with diabetes should follow the eating plan agreed with their doctor.
38. Butter replacement: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter on toast.
39. Smoothies: Combine 2 cups of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of gelatin powder, ½ teaspoon of vanilla, ¼ cup of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, ½ cup of strawberries, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Blend them.
40. Salad dressing: Try this recipe and you can create a delicious salad:
41. Mayonnaise: Mix 1 cup of coconut oil, 1 cup of olive oil, a teaspoon of mustard, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and four egg yolks to make a homemade mayonnaise.
42. Preventing freezer burn: Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to form a seal that helps protect food from freezer burn.
43. Keeping eggs: Some people coat eggshells with coconut oil to help the eggs keep longer.
44. Popcorn topping: Spread it on popcorn to improve the taste.
45. Removing food from plates: Use coconut oil to loosen greasy, stuck-on food and then wash with soap.
Health and Home Remedies
Coconut oil is a traditional home remedy for small everyday complaints and for oral care. Here are some of the ways people use it. These are folk uses, not medical treatments, so see a doctor for anything that is painful, infected, or does not go away.
46. Lauric and capric acid: Coconut oil contains lauric acid and capric acid, fatty acids that researchers are studying in connection with inflammation.
47. Minor scrapes: Clean a small scrape with warm water and apply a thin layer of coconut oil to keep the skin moisturized. Deeper wounds need medical care.
48. Appetite: Some people take a small amount of coconut oil before a meal and say it helps them feel full.
49. Fresh breath: Swishing coconut oil in the mouth (oil pulling) is a traditional practice many people use to freshen their breath.
50. Aromatherapy: Use fractionated coconut oil as a carrier oil for essential oils and herbal extracts.
51. Energy: Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides, which the body can use as a source of energy.
52. Immune system: The lauric acid in coconut oil is being studied by researchers for its possible role in supporting the body's defenses.
53. Circulation: A massage with warm coconut oil is a pleasant way to stimulate the skin and help you relax.
54. Thyroid: Some sources claim that coconut oil supports thyroid health, but the evidence is limited. Talk to your doctor about any thyroid concern.
55. Constipation: Some people take a small amount of coconut oil to help keep the stool soft.
56. Bone health: Dietary fat helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin D, which matters for calcium and bones.
57. Joints: Because of the fatty acids it contains, some people with stiff joints like to use coconut oil as a massage oil.
58. Fatty acids and microbes: The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil have shown activity against some bacteria in laboratory studies. This does not replace proper hygiene or medical care.
59. Hemorrhoids: Some people apply it externally to moisturize and soothe the area. See a doctor if the discomfort or bleeding continues.
60. Athlete's foot: Some people combine it with tea tree oil and apply it to the feet. A pharmacist can advise on antifungal products.
61. Nails: Some people rub coconut oil into the nails regularly, several times a day, to keep them moisturized. Nail fungus should be checked by a doctor.
62. Cholesterol: Lauric acid raises HDL ("good") cholesterol, but coconut oil can raise LDL cholesterol too, so use it in moderation.
63. Cold sores: Some people dab a little coconut oil on the lips to keep the skin soft and comfortable.
64. Scratchy throat: Dissolve one tablespoon of oil in a glass of warm water and drink. Some people find it soothing for an itchy, sore throat.
65. Cough: Mix coconut oil with honey in a ratio of 1.5:1. Add hot water up to half a cup. Stir and drink. It is a traditional soothing drink.
66. Insect repellent: Some people apply coconut oil on the skin, often with essential oils, to help keep bugs away.
67. Bug bites: Apply to the skin around insect bites. It may help relieve the itching and irritation.
68. Bee stings: After the stinger is removed, a little coconut oil may help soothe the area.
69. Sunburn: Mix coconut oil with aloe vera gel in a ratio of 1:1. Apply on mildly sunburned skin once it has cooled.
70. Eczema: As a moisturizer, coconut oil may help relieve the dryness and itching that come with eczema.
71. Poison ivy: A warm bath with a few drops of coconut oil may help soothe itchy skin after contact with poison ivy.
72. Chickenpox: Some people apply coconut oil on itchy spots to moisturize the skin. Follow your doctor's advice during chickenpox.
73. Heartburn / acid reflux: Some people take a little coconut oil every day and say it is gentle on their digestion. Persistent heartburn should be checked by a doctor.
74. Toothache: Mix coconut oil with clove oil in a ratio of 1:2, and apply the mixture to the gum using cotton. This is only a temporary comfort measure until you can see a dentist.
75. Toothpaste: Combine 6 tablespoons of coconut oil with baking soda and 25 drops of spearmint oil. You will get a homemade toothpaste.
76. Mouthwash: Coconut oil is also used as a mouth rinse (oil pulling) as part of an oral hygiene routine.
77. Mouth freshener: Coconut oil can be used as a mouth freshener.
78. Ear wax: Some people soften a buildup of wax with a few drops of warm coconut oil. Do not put anything in the ear if you have pain or a damaged eardrum.
79. Warts and moles: Some people dab coconut oil on warts. Any mole that changes in size, shape, or color should be shown to a doctor.
80. Dry, irritated skin: Coconut oil is used by many people to moisturize skin that feels dry and irritated during allergy season.
81. Ears: Some people moisturize the outer ear with a little coconut oil on cotton. An ear infection needs to be seen by a doctor.
82. Dry nostrils: Applying a little coconut oil just inside the nostrils helps keep them from drying out, which some people who get nosebleeds find helpful.
83. Lice comb: Dip a fine comb into coconut oil and use it to comb through the hair when checking for lice.
Pregnancy and Infant Care
Coconut oil is popular with many mothers during pregnancy and for baby skincare. Listed below are some of the common uses of coconut oil associated with pregnancy and infant care. Ask your doctor or pediatrician first before using it during pregnancy or on a baby.
84. Nipple cream: Coconut oil can moisturize the nipples and help protect them from irritation.
85. Nursing: Some nursing mothers add coconut oil to their diet as an extra source of fat and energy.
86. Morning sickness: Morning sickness is a common problem for pregnant women. Some women say a little coconut oil helps them; ask your doctor what is suitable for you.
87. Perineal massage: Some women use coconut oil for perineal massage in late pregnancy, on the advice of their midwife or doctor.
88. Moisturizing baby's skin: Baby skin tends to become dry and irritated. Many parents use a small amount of coconut oil as a moisturizer.
89. Diaper rash: A thin layer of coconut oil can act as a barrier between the skin and moisture.
Fixing Stuff Around The Home
You can use coconut oil as a solution for some housework.
90. Removing rust: Coconut oil can help remove rust stains.
91. Getting a zipper unstuck: Rub a little oil on a zipper to make it slide easily.
92. Gum removal: You can remove chewing gum more easily using coconut oil.
93. Fixing a squeaky hinge: Coconut oil can lubricate door hinges.
94. Lubricating kitchen appliances: Cooking equipment can be lubricated with the oil.
95. Furniture polish: Make your furniture shine by rubbing it with coconut oil.
96. Plant shiner: Rub a few drops of oil on the leaves of indoor plants to make them shine.
97. Soap scum: Rub coconut oil on the stains in the sink and the shower. It helps lift them so they are easier to clean.
98. Leather shiner: Rub coconut oil on shoes and handbags made of leather to give them a glow.
99. Leather cleaner: Rub coconut oil on leather to clean it and make it look brighter.
100. Removing rings: Coconut oil can help you slide a tight ring off your finger.
101. Coating snow shovels: Apply coconut oil on a snow shovel so the snow does not stick to it.
We have seen 101 uses of coconut oil for a variety of daily needs. Try the ones that suit you and see how they work for you.
Via Insta Natural
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.