Coconut Oil has been used for home and beauty purposes for over 5000 years, but recent studies have shown that it offers an array of health benefits, too. From building a resistance to viruses and bacteria, to increasing metabolism and controlling blood sugar, to helping to reduce cholesterol, coconut oil can almost do it all. It has even become a natural substitute for a plethora of household items. Coconut Oil can be found in most health food and drug stores, and at many online retailers. Look for unrefined, virgin varieties for cooking and health needs. Any type of coconut oil should suffice for household needs. Still not convinced of the versatility of coconut oil? Here are 101 uses for this increasingly popular oil.
Be sure to watch the short video below about the health benefits of non-hydrogenated, unrefined Coconut Oil.
Spectrum Naturals is our favorite Coconut Oil
Health Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil:
-
-
- Lowers cholesterol
- Improves thyroid function
- Aids with digestion
- Stabilizes blood sugar
- Suppresses the appetite
- Treats Irritable Bowl Syndrome
- Improves immune function
- Relieves stress
- Increases metabolism
- Works as a natural energy boost
- Moisturizes dry or chapped nostrils
- Soothes achy muscles
- Prevents dandruff- when used as a shampoo
- Treats eczema or psoriasis- by ingesting and using topically
- Treats ringworm
- Soothes sore throats- when gargled with
- Cures yeast infections- both internal and external
- Promotes weight loss
- Treats cold sores
- Treats pink eye
- Prevents hangnails- when rubbed into the cuticle
- Treats small cuts and scrapes
- Treats minor skin irritations
- Treats bee stings or insect bites
- Treats hemorrhoids
- Prevents and cures urinary tract infections
- Clears up acne
- Assists with menopausal dryness
- Eliminates congestion
- Prevents gingivitis
- Treats rosacea
- Removes warts
- Soothes dry/itchy eyes
- Treats jock itch
- Eliminates head lice
- Eliminates nausea- when rubbed on the inside of the wrist
- Relieves sunburn pain
- Works as a natural lubricant- not to be used with latex
- Treats athlete’s foot
- Prevents swimmer’s ear
- Eliminates bad breath
- Treats hives
-
Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil to New or Expectant Mothers:
-
-
-
- Helps to prevent gestational diabetes
- Assists in removing newborn meconium
- Soothes diaper rash
- Increases milk production
- Soothes chapped or cracked nipples due to nursing
- Soothes pain due to teething
- Cures Cradle Cap
-
-
Beauty and Hygiene Benefits
-
-
-
-
- Eliminates stretch marks
- Smooths wrinkles
- Works as a facial scrub- when mixed with baking soda
- Conditions lips as an ingredient in natural lip balm
- Works as a deep conditioner for hair
- Prevents natural body odor when rubbed under the arms
- Cleanses skin as a natural soap
- Removes makeup
- Moisturizes as a bath oil
- Eliminates dry or cracked heels
- Eliminates and fades ages spots
- Cleans mascara brushes
- Conditions eye lashes
- Moisturizes and firms the skin around the eye
- Works as a natural face wash
- Prevents hair dye from running onto the face when rubbed along the hairline
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
- Strengthens nails
- Improves skin tone
- Prevents sagging skin
-
-
-
See next page for more Uses For Coconut Oil Cooking – including Cooking and Household Benefits, plus more.
I started using coconut oil about a year ago and I love it. I no longer use or buy cooking oils, facial cleansers or moisturizers. I use for cooking, cleaning, I clean my make-up brushes with it. I have noticed a HUGE difference in my skin since I stopped using commercial cleansers and moisturizers. It is softer, smooth and seems to have more natural color! I give my two cats one teaspoon a day with their food, it has helped their coats, making them shiny and silky. Also helps with shredding! I also use it on my friend who has cancer and is going through chemo, it helps him with dry skin, nausea and seems to smooth his tummy a bit. I wish I had known about this much earlier in life. I try daily to find new uses for it. Its my go to!
Tammie, Great info…thanks for posting!!! )
I checked with my Vet and she told me NOT to use this on my dogs.
My vet recommended 1 teaspoon a day for my dogs.
He’s been a vet for over 40 years and recommends it to be added to their food and on their coats.
Thanks for the tip, Susan.
Tammie- I am curious how you use it as a face cleanser. Would you mind sharing?
I put a small amount on my palm, wait for it to melt, rub all over my face and then remove with a warm , wet face cloth. No need for moisturizer. My skin feels incredible and my acne is gone. It seems counter-intuitive to use oil, but soap removes oil causing the skin to be dry and therefore produce more oil. This stuff is great!
I tried taking coconut oil and after 2 days of taking it ,,, it gave me the juicy squirts …. does this pass after taking it for awhile?
Tish, Everyone is different. Be sure to check with your doctor before continuing.
This needs links to HOW to use this in many cases. 🙂
I'd like to try this with my mother in law who I have started taking care of due to Alzheimer's early on set…but how in cooking? or like a added to vitiams?
Thanks I agree we need a link on HOW to use in many cases!
Bonnie, We have several recipes that contain coconut oil. Try adding a little to cook with scrambled eggs, to your morning smoothie and anywhere else in place of vegetable oil. Here’s my recipe for oatmeal cookies: https://skinnyms.com/chewy-oatmeal-cookies-with-bi…
Bonnie, did you see the doctor oz show on 5/8/14 where a doctor shows a link between Alzheimer's and gluten? Very interesting! Just wanted to share
I have thyroid issues. Do you drink just a teaspoon of it daily?
Tammy, I actually add about 1 tablespoon to my morning smoothie.
Interesting tips. I knew some of these, but others were quite a revelation!
Interesting stuff!
My family have used it in our hair ever since I can remember…tradition handed down to us from past generations. Smells great and leaves hair healthy and shiny.
with shampoo, or after it's dry? Thanks!
It depends on the hair type. People with curly hair can use a bit of coconut oil like a leave-in conditioner, applying when hair is wet from the scalp to the ends and leaving it in. People with straight hair should definitely rinse it out, unless their hair is very dry, in which case it can be left in.
thanks for information
Nice Research
and thanks for posting it.
thanks for sharing,nice articles
thanks for sharing
Great resource share! Coconut oil has so many uses! Its just amazing! Thanks for the wonderful share!
Whao, that's a lot of different things to use coconut Oil! I am impressed.