25 Uses for Coconut Oil
Coconut oil isn’t a “catch all” health solution, but it has so many health benefits that allow it to be used in numerous ways. One of the most common questions that we get from customers in the store is, “How do I use it?” So, I’m going to share 25 ways to use coconut oil to help you get started.
Food & Drink/ Kitchen
1. Taste Tester Approved
Consider using coconut oil instead vegetable, soybean, corn, or canola oil the next time a recipe calls for it. It’s a healthier oil to cook with, especially at high heat with foods such as stir fry. Some oils emit harmful free radicals when used to cook at high temperatures, but coconut oil is more stable. You can also use it to cook your eggs, roast veggies, the list is endless.
2. Coffee and Tea Lovers
A teaspoon or two will do. Add the coconut oil according to your taste buds. Some like to blend the solid form of coconut oil in their coffee for a creamy blend, and some just stir it right in hot cup of coffee. You may find it easier to stir it in your coffee or tea in its liquid form. The bonus for all of you ‘committed’ coffee and tea lovers, is that this is a nice way to get an extra boost of energy. Here are a couple of recipes for the blended coffee.
*Note: Coconut oil comes in a solid form when purchased. But you can liquefy it by placing it around the stove, so the heat will melt it.
3. Top It Off
Spread on your toast instead of butter the next time you make some. You can even add a bit of cinnamon—delicious!
4. Let the Bake Off Begin
Use coconut oil where ever a recipe calls for vegetable oil, for example baking brownies. What a sweet treat!
5. Smoothie Lovers
You can add one tablespoon to your smoothie for nutritional energy boost.
6. The Difference a Spoonful Makes
Eat a spoonful each morning as a nutritional supplement. I usually use the liquid form.
Beauty and Skin Care
7. Tropical Bath
You can put the liquid form in your bath with Epsom salt or other bath salts and oils. Soak, and enjoy the moisturizing, relaxing benefits of your homemade tropical paradise.
8. Makeup Remover
Coconut oil works as an excellent makeup remover, especially for stubborn waterproof mascara. It also leaves your skin soft.
9. Moisturize From Head to Toe
Face:
On a daily basis, you can use directly on skin (face or body) to help improve skin, age spots, and acne over time. Using more doesn’t mean better, a little goes a long way.
or
Mix with honey for an antibacterial mask. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. You’ll love the clean, hydrating feel of your skin.
Body:
Apply after a bath or shower for hydrated, soft, and supple skin.
10. Scrub Away
Face:
Mix with baking soda or himalayan crystal salt for a nice exfoliant. Rub in circular motions, then rinse.
Body:
Mix with salt or sugar, and essential oils (your choice) for a body scrub that makes your skin feel wonderful.
11. Smooth Shaving
Coconut oil is a great way to get a close shave and moisturize your skin at the same time.
12. K.I.S.S. (Keep It Super Soft)
That is exactly what this oil does to your lips. It helps keep them soft and hydrated with regular use, so you can say goodbye to those chapped lips that feel like pumice stone.
13. Unwanted Stretching
I don’t know anyone that absolutely loves their stretch marks. Most want to get rid of them or at least make them somewhat fade. Coconut oil can be used to help minimize stretch marks.
14. Too Much Sun?
Sunburns can be painful. Aloe is a known aid to help in the healing of sunburn. Coconut oil also helps in the healing process by helping to soothe & moisturize the burn area.
Hair Care
15. Scalp:
Massage into your scalp to help improve dandruff and stimulate growth. Determine the frequency according to what’s best for your hair type.
16. Conditioner:
Massage into your scalp and hair as a stand alone or with another conditioner. Leave on for 15-30 minutes or even overnight, then rinse. Also, you can massage into your scalp and hair, cover your hair with a shower cap, plastic bag, or plastic wrap (some people get creative with what they have), and add heat with a blow dryer or sit under a hooded hair dryer for 15-30 minutes to use as a good hot oil treatment pre-shampoo.
17. Natural Hair:
You can use as I mentioned above and increase the length of time you leave the oil in your hair. But you can also use as an ingredient in your homemade hair butters, or mix with other natural ingredient products you use to moisturize your hair. Coconut oil is a unique oil when it comes to black hair care. It acts as a sealant to help the hair retain its moisture, and strengthen the hair fibers. Also, its ability to reduce hair porosity makes it a great oil to use on natural hair as well as hair that’s chemically relaxed, permanently colored, or regularly heat straightened.
18. Lice Isn’t So Nice
Evict those pesky critters from your hair with a one, two punch—coconut oil and apple cider vinegar.
Maternal and Baby Care
19. Baby:
Coconut oil is a great diaper rash cream by itself or used with other natural ingredients to use on your baby’s sensitive and irritated bottom.
20. Mommy:
Nursing moms are comforted in knowing that using this natural choice for a nipple cream during breastfeeding are great for both her and baby.
Other Uses
21. Look at Those Pearly Whites!
Mix equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda (eg: 2 tablespoons for each) depending on how much you want to make. Add you favorite essential oil such as peppermint or myrrh. You can use xylitol to sweeten your homemade toothpaste if you desire.
22. Something Bugging You?
Rub on the area to help relieve itching, and also use as an ingredient in a bug repellent.
23. Pet Lovers
Who knew coconut oil would provide another bonding moment between a pet owner and their pet. One tablespoon for you and one (mixed in food, of course) for your dog, Wiley or cat, Bella. Coconut oil may boost your pet’s overall health.
24. Seasoning
Season your cast iron cookware. Learn how here.
25. Rock It Out
Rub a bit into your leather clothes to condition and restore the sheen, then rock it.
As you can see, there definitely are a lot of ways to use coconut oil. Some people get very creative with it. I wanted to at least point you in the right direction as you explore various ways to use coconut oil to benefit you and your family. Some of our favorite ways to use it is in a nice cup of coffee, in hair products, as a nutritional supplement in liquid form, in cooking, in baking brownies, and as a moisturizer. I’d love to hear about some of your favorite ways to use coconut oil.
And to answer another question that some of you may be wondering about—yes, we do carry extra virgin coconut oil in both stores. Check out some of the other ways this versatile oil can be used.
Genius Ways to Use Coconut Oil
*Disclaimer
These statements are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.
**References
http://paleomagazine.com/67-proven-uses-for-coconut-oil/
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