80 Uses for Coconut Oil

As promised, here's my post about all the benefits of coconut oil. 

Coconut oil is one of the healthiest fats you can consume.  There are two types of coconut oil: 

Refined and unrefined

Refined coconut oil has been exposed to high heat to deodorize and remove the coconut scent and flavor.  At times, it's been partially hydrogenated, which then the coconut oil could contain trans fat. 

Unrefined coconut oil has been dried and mechanically expressed.  It's often labeled as "virgin" or "pure" coconut oil.  It goes under the least process, which holds its distinct coconut flavor and scent.

Which one to choose?  Choose unrefined if you want the fullest coconut flavor.  Choose refined when cooking at higher temperatures, such as frying or baking.  Either one is good for you, as long as you choose a brand that is non-hydrogenated, however the unrefined and virgin/pure coconut oil is the best option for health benefits.

Remember, coconut oil is still a fat.  It contains the highest level of fat than any other oil but when used in moderation, reaps many, many benefits.  Coconut oil has a shelf life of at least two years.  It doesn't need to be refrigerated.  It improves or reverses Alzheimer's' disease, improves type 1 and 2 diabetes, improves and heals many skin issues such as acne, fungus, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.  It boosts metabolism, energy, and improves hypothyroidism.  Coconut oil strengthens hair, kills lice and improves dandruff.  It is antibacterial, antioxidant, kills viruses, and promotes weight loss.

So here we go, 80 uses for coconut oil.  '*' indicates I've personally tried and/or used coconut oil for that particular use.

1. *Great for cooking and baking.
2. *Spread on toast instead of butter.
3. *Rub into skin as a lotion.  Beat with electric mixer until smooth, add your favorite essential oil and mix.
4. *A natural deodorant
5. Makeup remover
6. *Diaper rash cream
7. *Relieves sun burns
8. *Coffee creamer.  A tablespoon of coconut oil, dash of vanilla, 1 tsp butter (optional), mix in food processor until smooth and runny and add to hot coffee.  Surprisingly very good!
9. *Lighten age spots
10. Homemade mayo
11. *Minimizes/prevents stretch marks
12. Tropical massage oil
13. *Deep nighttime moisturizer
14. *Hair serum to tame frizz
15. *Chapstick
16. *Deep conditioner for hair - Melt oil and massage through dry hair.  Wrap hair in plastic wrap for one hour and wash and condition as usual.
17. Cradle cap on baby - massage oil onto baby's head for a few minutes and rinse.
18. *Rub onto feet after shower and put on socks.  Cures athlete's foot, fungus and cracked heels.
19. In place of Lanolin cream for nursing moms to sooth chapped nipples after breastfeeding.
20. *Reduces scars
21. Make your own toothpaste
22. Topically relieves yeast infection symptoms
23. *Body scrub - mix equal parts with coarse sugar or sea salt
24. Make your own sunscreen
25. 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil everyday will help increase milk supply and fat content in breast milk.
26. Healthy snack for kids - Try Wellness Mama's recipe for Coconut Clusters
27. Kills lice - The process is very long but it works without chemicals.  Coconut oil.com
28. Helps relieve allergy symptoms - rub a small amount inside the nose.
29. *Helps improve insulin levels
30. Homemade bug repellent lotion bars
31. Lower bad cholesterol
32. *Helps digestion
33. May kill intestinal parasites or yeast
34. Reduces appearance of varicose veins
35. Personal lubricant
36. Heals ear infections
37. Softens real leather
38. Tanning oil
39. Sooths itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
40. Increases absorption of calcium and magnesium
41. Whitening toothpaste (or along with baking soda)
42. Helpful with those with autism
43. Homemade vapor rub
44. Very beneficial to pregnant women and unborn child
45. Relieves pain of hemorrhoids
46. Boost circulation
47. *Helps cuticles to grow
48. Sooths heartburn or nausea
49. Add to smoothies
50. *Replace butter with coconut oil in steamed vegetables
51. Heals cold sores
52. Increases mental alertness
53. Baby lotion
54. *Anti-aging facial moisturizer
55. Heals ringworm
56. Improves Parkinson's disease
57. Clears "brain fog" when taken regularly
58. Add to pet's food for a healthy, shiny coat
59. *Eases arthritis
60. Relieves constipation
61. Balances hormones
62. Use in hundreds of recipes, try this link to get you started
63. Coat air-pop popcorn with coconut oil instead of butter
64. Someone posted that coconut oil cured her child's pink eye.
65. Improves Alzheimer's disease
66. Improves hypothyroidism
67. Improves Types 1 and 2 diabetes
68. Heals eczema and rosacea and psoriasis
69. Improves dandruff
70. Helps hair grow
71. Antibacterial
72. Antioxidant
73. *Heals razor burn/bumps
74. Lowers depression
75. Lowers menopause symptoms
76. A tablespoon of coconut oil and 4 drops or more of oregano oil taken twice a day will kill yeast, mold, and fungus infections. Improves dry mouth.
77. Smooths wrinkles
78. Improves thyroid function
79. Possibly helps improves shingles
80. Decreases appetite

Sources:
www.coconutoil.com
www.wellnessmama.com