Coconut oil has become commonly used for cooking at high heat. Below are some additional uses, medicinal and other, that I have discovered over the past few years.
Please note that I use organic, extra virgin coconut oil.
Natural Skin Moisturizer – For your face: Before bed, wash your face, and pat dry. Warm a dollop the size of a pea in your hands and rub in a circular motion into your face. Let sit for 5 minutes, and then wipe off what is still on the surface. For your whole body: After your shower, apply coconut oil liberally all over your body. Coconut oil will hydrate dry skin, and helps to soothe skin after shaving. As a bonus, coconut oil has a natural SPF, level 4, and is great to protect your skin from sun damage.
For extra dry hands and feet, rub them liberally with coconut oil and put on socks before getting into bed.
Natural Throat Lozenge – Use coconut oil in place of store-bought lozenges that are usually made using artificial flavors and colors. Try swallowing ½ to 1 teaspoon of coconut oil up to 3 times daily to ease the pain of a sore throat or cough. Stir some into licorice root tea for a natural throat soother. You can add honey, and lemon to this tea for an extra immunity boost again viruses and colds and to help with coughing.
Insect repellent – Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil with a couple of drops of peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree oil to repel flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and bees. This is a non-toxic alternative to DEET and can be applied safely on all areas of the body.
Anti-Fungal Cream – Due to its antibiotic capabilities, coconut oil can be used topically to treat athletes foot and skin fungus. Apply some to the affected area and either leave it on or wipe off with a paper towel after it has time to set in.
Cold Sore Treatment – If you experience cold sores in or around your mouth, try dabbing them with coconut oil several times per day to reduce healing time and pain.
Baby Ointment and Diaper Rash Guard – When your baby experiences painful diaper rash, rub some coconut oil around the affected area to sooth swelling, redness, itch, and burn. Try using 1 tablespoon to start and allow it to seep into the skin.
Toothpaste – Mix equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda and then add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for homemade toothpaste.
Non Health Related:
Help Unzip a Caught Zipper or Stuck Bike Chain – Apply coconut oil to chains or zippers that are jammed. The oil acts as a natural lubricant, allowing these parts to move. Restore an old bike or a favorite pair of jeans by finally getting the chain or zipper to give!
Remove Gum From Hair or Furniture – If you’ve ever had gum stuck in your hair or on your coach, you know how frustrating this can be. Apply coconut oil to help the gum separate from the surface where it is stuck.
Shoe Shiner – Rub coconut oil into your leather boots or patent heels to give them shine, disguise blemishes, and make them look fresh and new again.
There is some research that suggests coconut oil may:
- Balance Hormones
- Kill Candida
- Improve Digestion
- Balance Blood Sugar and Improve Energy
- Improve Alzheimer’s
- Increase HDL and Lower LDL Cholesterol
While research is ongoing, it may be prudent to add a little (remember moderation) coconut oil to your diet.