**Disclaimer:** I am not a medical professional. The following information is based on my research as I seek to heal my body. Please consult with your doctor before making any medical decisions.
Coconut oil is a natural product used for many purposes, from health to household tasks. There are three main types: unrefined (virgin), refined, and fractionated.
Unrefined coconut oil is the least processed, made from fresh coconut flesh, and can be extracted using heat or cold pressure. Refined coconut oil comes from dried coconut meat and has a higher smoke point of 450°F, making it suitable for cooking. Fractionated coconut oil is liquid oil created by heating coconut oil and removing solid fats.
There is ongoing debate about its benefits, with some considering it a valuable home product and others disputing its claims. Regardless, below are some of my favorite uses for coconut oil.
coconut oil for skin & body care.
Coconut oil is beneficial for skin and body care. For example, you can create a homemade deodorant by mixing it with baking soda and cornstarch. The combination of coconut oil and baking soda helps control odor, while the cornstarch absorbs moisture. If you are sensitive to corn, you can use arrowroot powder as an alternative.
It is also versatile when it comes to haircare. For example, it makes great hair oil. Use it nightly for hair oiling to reduce split ends and frizz, or as a hair mask prior to showering.
Make shampoo by combining it with water and castile soap. Add your favorite essential oil to create your own customized scent. A 2021 study 1 Saxena, R., Mittal, P., Clavaud, C. et al. Longitudinal study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals. Sci Rep 11, 7220 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-86454-1 suggested that coconut oil may alleviate symptoms of dandruff by improving the scalp microbiome and helping to maintain a healthy scalp.
There are many oral care uses as well. For centuries, people have been using coconut oil for “oil pulling.” People claim that oil pulling helps eliminate bad breath, prevent cavities, maintain healthy gums, and even whiten teeth. To oil pull take a teaspoon of oil in your mouth prior to brushing your teeth, and swish it around for up to twenty minutes. When the time has elapsed, make sure you spit out the oil from your mouth to prevent reintroducing bad bacteria into your system.
After oil pulling, you can make toothpaste by combining coconut oil with mint essential oil and baking soda. For longer-lasting results, store your homemade toothpaste in the fridge. Finally, during those cold winter months, use it as a natural lip balm.
Coconut oil can even be used in your daily skincare routine. For example, it makes a great makeup remover. Slather some on your face at the end of the day, and you will be surprised how quickly your makeup melts away.
It can also be used as a facial cleanser. The “oil cleansing method” may sound counter-intuitive, but is surprisingly effective. Take some oil and gently rub it into your face. Then, use a warm washcloth and remove the excess. It will leave your skin feeling hydrated and clean, unlike any other commercial products.
Also, it is great for a weekly face mask. Add some oil to your favorite homemade mask recipe and enjoy its antioxidant and hydrating properties. You can also mix coconut oil with sugar to create a DIY body scrub to use while you wait for your face mask.
Some people even claim to have success treating their acne with coconut oil due to its inherent antioxidant properties. This is controversial because it is said to be comedogenic, but it is worth a shot!
It may aid in the production of collagen, which means it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, stretch marks, and under-eye puffiness. Also, the antioxidants in coconut oil may help diminish the appearance of age spots.
Furthermore, use it as shaving oil. Just rub some on and shave as normal. You will be surprised by how smooth it leaves your skin feeling and how long your shave lasts. Also, apply the oil as an aftershave. Finally, you can use coconut oil as a body oil any time you get out of the shower. Remember, oil absorbs best on slightly damp skin.
coconut oil for health care.
Coconut oil has many uses for health care, so it doesn’t hurt to have some in your medicine cabinet. For instance, it has anti-viral properties, making it beneficial for cold sores.
Furthermore, because it is antibacterial and antifungal, containing a substance called lauric acid, it may help treat infections, such as yeast infections, athlete’s foot, and candida.
Skin infections may also benefit from the use of coconut oil. Again, because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it may help with symptoms associated with poison ivy, poison oak, bug bites and stings, and chicken pox by helping to relieve symptoms such as itchiness.
Also, some suggest using it to speed up the healing of sunburn. Just make sure that you wait twenty-four hours before applying the oil to ensure that the heat has left the burn and doesn’t get trapped. In the same way, it may help speed up the healing of bruises.
A 2019 study 2 Sandeep R. Varma, Thiyagarajan O. Sivaprakasam, Ilavarasu Arumugam, N. Dilip, M. Raghuraman, K.B. Pavan, Mohammed Rafiq, Rangesh Paramesh, In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Volume 9, Issue 1, 2019, Pages 5-14, ISSN 2225-4110, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.06.012. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411017300871). Abstract: Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been traditionally used as moisturizer since centuries by people in the tropical region. Clinical studies have revealed that VCO improves the symptoms of skin disorders by moisturizing and soothing the skin. However, the mechanistic action of VCO and its benefits on skin has not been elucidated in vitro. The cytotoxicity (CTC50) of VCO was 706.53 ± 2.1 and 787.15 ± 1.1 μg/mL in THP-1 (Human monocytes) and HaCaT (Human keratinocytes) cells respectively. VCO inhibited TNF-α (62.34 ± 3.2 %), IFN-γ (42.66 ± 2.9 %), IL-6 (52.07 ± 2.0 %), IL-8 (53.98 ± 1.8 %) and IL-5 (51.57 ± 2.6 %) respectively in THP-1 cells. Involucrin (INV) and filaggrin (FLG) content increased by 47.53 ± 2.1 % and 40.45 ± 1.2 % respectively in HaCaT cells. VCO increased the expression of Aquaporin-3 (AQP3), involucrin (INV) and filaggrin (FLG) and showed moderate UV protection in HaCaT cells. In vitro skin irritation studies in Reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) and NIH3T3 cells showed that VCO is a non skin irritant (IC50 > 1000 μg/mL) and non phototoxic (PIF < 2). Our study demonstrated the anti inflammatory activity of VCO by suppressing inflammatory markers and protecting the skin by enhancing skin barrier function. This is the first report on anti-inflammatory and skin protective benefits of VCO in vitro. Overall, the results warrant the use of VCO in skin care formulations. Keywords: Virgin coconut oil; Non-irritant; Anti-inflammatory; Skin barrier function; Skin hydration; Skin protection shows that coconut oil may also help ease symptoms of eczema and dermatitis, by suppressing inflammation and helping to protect the skin barrier.
It can also be used to treat lice, because its fatty properties create a slippery environment, making it harder for lice to grip hair follicles.
Antioxidants found in coconut oil are incredibly beneficial for our bodies. For example, these properties may help reduce stress. Furthermore, they may help those suffering from chronic and degenerative diseases. A 2017 3Nafar F, Clarke JP, Mearow KM. Coconut oil protects cortical neurons from amyloid beta toxicity by enhancing signaling of cell survival pathways. Neurochem Int. 2017 May;105:64-79. doi: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.01.008. Epub 2017 Jan 23. PMID: 28126466. study suggests that coconut oil helps protect the brain in those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
It can help relieve symptoms of heartburn and reflux for some. Just take a spoonful of oil after meals to help reduce some of those uncomfortable symptoms.
Finally, as previously mentioned, coconut oil is also full of beneficial MCTs. These MCTs and medium-chain fatty acids can be part of a healthy weight loss routine by helping to boost metabolism and encourage fat burning. Also, MCTs are a great source of quick energy when you need a pick-me-up. MCTs may also help raise good cholesterol and control blood sugar by helping with insulin sensitivities.
coconut oil for cooking & Baking.
Coconut oil is useful in the kitchen. First, it makes a great cooking oil. Using refined coconut oil gives you a high smoking point of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Consider using it as a replacement for butter or oil in your baked goods. This comes in handy when you are in a pinch! You are left with a slight and pleasant coconut flavor in your desserts.
Finally, for a while, “bulletproof” coffee was a trend. Use it instead of butter to take advantage of the MCTs.
coconut oil for baby care.
Knowing what I now know, I wish I could go back to those early baby days and avoid as many chemical-filled commercial options as possible. Coconut oil also has an abundance of uses when it comes to baby care. For instance, new mothers can use it as a natural nipple cream instead of the traditionally used lanolin.
It is great for babies suffering from cradle cap. Just gently rub the oil into your baby’s scalp to help lift off the scales. Afterward, wash your baby’s hair like normal, gently continuing to scrub away what is lifted from their scalp. Finally, use a soft baby brush to remove any remaining scales.
Use it for a diaper rash to help speed up the healing due to its antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. The oil will help to wick away some of the moisture and keep your baby’s skin hydrated.
Finally, consider using it as a natural baby lotion. Just make sure to test a small area In case of sensitivities. This will help keep your baby’s skin soft and hydrated.
coconut oil for pet care.
Coconut oil is great when it comes to pet care. It can be used both internally and externally. Use it internally to help with bad breath and overall health. Externally, itl is great for keeping your pet’s coat shiny and healthy.
coconut oil for cleaning.
Coconut oil is an effective tool when it comes to housework. For example, it makes a natural “goo gone” for sticky situations. Also, add it to your cleaning arsenal as a non-toxic wood polish. Finally, in the same fashion, it is a great polish for leather.
Coconut oil is more than just a “health food.” It has so many useful purposes that go beyond the kitchen. This list is not exhaustive, and I’m sure there are many other uses! Regardless, it doesn’t hurt the holistic mom to make sure that she has a container or two around the house should the need arise.
