101 Uses for Coconut Oil Wellness Mama 101 Uses for Coconut Oil
I’ve said before that I am with coconut oil like the dad in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is with windex… I use it for everything. Right now, I have a five gallon bucket of it sitting next to my desk because we use so much and I don’t have anywhere else to keep it…
I love this organic virgin and fair-trade coconut oil from Thrive Market (which is like Costco online but for healthy products). Their coconut oil is 40% off retail. (And Thrive Market sells many other of my favorite products at 30-50% off normal prices!)
Today, I’m sharing my top 101 (yes 101!!) uses for coconut oil:
Uses for Coconut Oil
In cooking as a great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-frys or as a dairy free replacement to butter.
Added to foods or drinks daily for energy
As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee (The only way I’ll drink coffee)
On the skin as a basic lotion (or coconut oil lotion bar)
In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin
In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars
As an eye-makeup remover
As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom)
In making your own Remineralizing Toothpaste
To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
To support healthy thyroid function
In homemade Mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils
To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning
As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen
In homemade lotion recipes
To get rid of cradle cap on baby- just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with a warm wash cloth
Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections
As a delicious tropical massage oil
It’s high Lauric acid and MCFA content helps boost metabolism
A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of frizz
In homemade soap for laundry
Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)
Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick
Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth
As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours
In homemade slow cooker soap
In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to sooth irritation (also great for baby!)
Can help sooth psoriasis or eczema
There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers
With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works
In natural Homemade Sunscreen
In healthy brain boosting snack for kids like Coconut Clusters
In a filling and energy boosting Brain Power Smoothie
Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms
Nursing moms often take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients
In homemade shampoo bars
Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon of chia seeds for an all-day energy boost (do NOT take this at night!)
Can help improve insulin levels
Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health
Can help improve cholesterol ratios
Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu
In Homemade Natural Bug-Off Lotion Bars
As a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe or in cooking
In coconut based grain free granola
Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins
After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing of sunburn
Is an immediate source of energy when eaten that isn’t stored as fat
As a natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora
To make a simple homemade soap
In natural homemade diaper cream
As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite
To season cast iron skillets
It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis
Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites
Can help resolve acne when used regularly
Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
I’ve used in kids ears to help speed ear infection healing
In clay and charcoal soothing soap
A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (shiny leather only… test a small area first)
By itself as a great tanning oil
Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet
Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily
Can help improve sleep when taken daily
To dilute essential oils for use on skin
A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat
To help sooth the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium
Internally as part of the protocol to help remineralize teeth
Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
By itself as a natural deodorant
By itself or with baking soda as a naturally whitening toothpaste
For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally
In coconut oil pulling chews
In homemade vapor rub
In homemade peppermint lip balm
In magnesium body butter
In coconut oil dog treats
As a completely natural baby lotion
On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
Mixed with catnip, rosemary, or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent
In homemade meltaways (like candy)
Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer
Use to make coconut cream concentrate for a brain boosting snack
Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs
In a salve for cracked heels
When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production
Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
On cuticles to help nails grow
Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows
To help avoid chlorine exposure when swimming
Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development (especially when taken with Fermented Cod Liver Oil)
With other oils as part of an oil cleansing regimen for beautiful skin
Whipped with shea butter for a soothing body balm
One reader swears by using coconut oil to treat yeast infection. She suggests soaking a tampon in it and inserting the tampon for a few hours.
Naturally clears up cold sores
Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms
Ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness
You can also check out my recipe list for many more recipes that use coconut oil!
What Kind of Coconut Oil?
Coconut 300x224 101 Uses for Coconut OilFor external uses, expeller pressed or other types of refined coconut oil will work, but for internal use, an unrefined virgin coconut oil is best. Here is a great discount source I’ve found from one of my favorite new companies, Thrive Market, which helps bring real foods to families on a budget (think Costco meets Whole Foods online).
Another thing I love about Thrive is that for every new membership, they give one away to a family in need.
A Great Coconut Oil Resource
If you are new to coconut oil, I highly recommend this in-depth guide to using coconut oil to boost health. It addresses using coconut oil for thyroid health, heart health, improving skin and more. Use this link to get 89% off today and you’ll also get two bonus books.
How many of these uses for Coconut Oil have you tried? What did I miss? Share your favorite uses for coconut oil below!
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