It’s highly probable that you already have a jar of coconut oil in your kitchen that you use occasionally when a recipe requires it. However, solely using it for cooking purposes means you’re neglecting its other advantages. By continuing to read, you’ll discover over 40 innovative ways to incorporate coconut oil into your daily routine and make the most of your investment.
Natural Boost for Your Metabolism
It is believed that coconut oil can enhance metabolism due to the substantial quantity of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) present in it. MCTs are easily assimilated by the body and may lead to an upsurge in the daily calorie expenditure.
Easily obtain your MCTs by incorporating just a little bit of coconut oil into your morning coffee or using it as a cooking oil in the preparation of your breakfast. You can also add a spoonful of it into a smoothie or protein shake to get an added boost of fatty acids.
Polish and Restore Wood Furniture
Coconut oil can be used to rejuvenate wooden furniture that has lost its shine or appears dry. To restore the furniture’s original shine, apply coconut oil directly onto the wood using a soft cloth and polish it until it shines.
One can create a spray for furniture maintenance using a mixture of melted coconut oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and gently shake before applying it to chairs and tables that look dull or dirty. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the surfaces after spraying and see the revived appearance of your furniture.
Support Brain Health
MCTs, also known as medium-chain triglycerides, are assumed to provide health advantages that promote brain activity. The liver metabolizes MCTs and converts them into ketones, which make an excellent energy source for the brain.
Although further investigation is required, specialists have already observed the advantages of increasing MCT consumption in individuals who experience conditions like epilepsy or Alzheimer’s. To conveniently access the MCTs found in coconut oil, you can use it while cooking or incorporate it as a supplement into your preferred coffees, shakes, or smoothies.
Promote the Increase of Good Cholesterol Levels
Many people believe that coconut oil can help maintain healthy levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. Even though it is mostly a saturated fat that may elevate levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, the increase in HDL is often highlighted as a key advantage.
To benefit from the health advantages of coconut oil when cooking your preferred dishes, it is recommended to use a modest quantity without extravagance. Since a small amount can achieve significant results, it’s easy to keep it in stock in your cupboard.
Homemade Shimmer Body Butter
Making body butter using coconut oil is an excellent method to take advantage of this natural moisturizer. Additionally, you can feel good about cutting costs on pricey creams and staying informed about the elements contained in your own product.
Mix together softened coconut oil, shea butter, and mica powder to create a body butter with a natural shimmer. Heat up the mixture until it is evenly combined, then let it cool. Once cooled, apply the body butter to your arms and legs for an all-day moisturized glow. This is ideal for summer!
Make Healthy, Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate
Coconut oil is a versatile ingredient that enables you to create many nutritious snacks in the comfort of your home. If you are fond of sweets, you can prepare dark chocolate by combining coconut oil with other natural components. Additionally, there are numerous sugar-free recipes available that cater to diverse dietary needs, making this snack an excellent choice.
If you intend to use coconut oil in making these chocolates without sugar, make sure to keep them in the fridge or freezer. Although pure coconut oil solidifies at room temperature, during any mild temperature increase, it can quickly start melting and causing a considerable mess.
Healthy Alternative to Everyday Cooking Oil
Consider replacing your usual cooking ingredients, such as butter or vegetable oil, with coconut oil. Many sources suggest that coconut oil contains beneficial fats that are beneficial for cardiovascular health and may even boost levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol.
Coconut oil has a subtle flavor and can be used in various meals including frying and baking, and a small amount is sufficient for preparing your dishes.
Maintain Healthy Nails and Cuticles
Due to its innate ability to hydrate, coconut oil is highly effective in moisturizing your nails and cuticles. Following your manicure, apply a small amount of coconut oil onto each nail bed and massage it in completely. You can repeat the process as frequently as necessary.
In no time, you will notice a glossy and robust appearance of both your nails and cuticles. As you use the product consistently, your cuticles will be less susceptible to dehydration and your nails will gain more durability, reducing the likelihood of cracks and breaks.
Relief From Itchy Bug Bites
Bug bites that cause itchiness can ruin a lovely summer experience. Luckily, the use of coconut oil, which has antibacterial qualities, can provide a temporary remedy for the itching or pain caused by the bites and also act as a protective layer over the affected skin.
To alleviate the itchiness from a troublesome bite, gently rub a small portion of coconut oil onto the affected area and its nearby surroundings. By doing so, you’ll be able to relieve some of the itching promptly and guard against potential infections. It’s also a useful technique for children to hinder them from constantly scratching the afflicted area.
DIY Shampoo Bar
Shampoo bars offer a cost-effective solution with the added advantage of reducing plastic waste, as compared to conventional store-bought hair products. Moreover, crafting shampoo bars at home empowers you to incorporate the ideal ingredients tailored to your hair needs. Many shampoo bar formulas highlight the remarkable benefits of coconut oil.
Making your own shampoo bars can be a worthwhile DIY endeavor by adding moisturizing ingredients like hydrating coconut oil and other elements, along with your desired essential oils to provide a natural fragrance.
Stave Off Hunger and Reduce Calories
If you want to prevent feeling hungry before meal times, you may want to incorporate coconut oil in your diet. This is because coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides, commonly known as MCTs, which can promote a feeling of fullness and satisfaction, helping you feel satiated for an extended period of time.
Incorporating a small quantity of coconut oil into your breakfast can result in feeling satiated for an extended duration. This could potentially decrease the urge to snack in between meals, leading to a reduction in the overall amount of calories consumed during the day.
Natural Makeup Remover
It’s important to use a makeup remover that is both effective and safe when it’s time to take off your makeup at the end of the day. Coconut oil is a fantastic option as it is natural and serves as a great alternative to makeup removers found in stores.
Get a jar that comes with a lid. Into the jar, pour some water and then mix in eight drops of lavender oil, four tablespoons of coconut oil, and two tablespoons of witch hazel. Give it a stir, and dip your cotton pads into the mixture until they are well soaked. Finally, put the lid on the jar to allow the oils to blend together.
Make Your Own Hydrating Lip Balm
If you want to create your own beauty products that can effectively moisturize your lips, you can utilize coconut oil since it is an excellent component for it. You just need to gather some extra elements, including beeswax, honey, and essential oils to make it.
You have various choices when it comes to making a lip balm at home, but remember that coconut oil is an essential ingredient due to its excellent moisturizing properties and subtle aroma and flavor. Just melt all the ingredients, fill them in your preferred container(s), and wait until it solidifies before you can apply it!
Heal Cuts and Scrapes Faster
Coconut oil possesses excellent properties that fight against microbes and inflammation, which makes it highly effective in accelerating the healing process of small wounds, bruises, and cuts. Additionally, studies suggest that coconut oil can significantly increase the production of collagen, leading to improved skin health.
To expedite the healing process of minor scrapes and cuts, apply some pure coconut oil on the affected area and place a bandaid on it.
Potential Bone Health Benefits
Aside from its numerous other health advantages, coconut oil is thought to have the potential to enhance and sustain bone health. Virgin coconut oil contains a great quantity of antioxidants that can be effective in combating harmful free radicals that we encounter on a daily basis.
Free radicals can have various negative impacts on our body, including the weakening of our bones. To enhance your antioxidant protection, it might be helpful to increase your daily intake of coconut oil.
DIY Restorative Hair Mask
Due to its conditioning properties, coconut oil has become a well-liked ingredient in hair care products. By combining it with other beneficial elements for hair health, it’s possible to create a budget-friendly and effective hair mask in your kitchen.
To make this mask for your hair, blend liquefied coconut oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar together. Begin applying the mixture from the tips of your hair and work your way upward until the hair is covered. Allow the mask to remain for the desired amount of time, then rinse it off thoroughly. Revel in your glossy tresses!
Natural DIY Stain Remover
You may not be aware of the potentially harmful chemicals that are present in commercial cleaning and stain-removing products. As a healthier alternative, it is recommended to include coconut oil in your shopping list, which can be used to create a stain remover at home.
Create a mixture by combining equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda until it turns into a paste. Spread the paste over any carpets, upholstered furniture, or other affected areas. Wait for five minutes for the paste to work its magic on the stains. Once the time is up, wipe off the paste and observe the cleaner surface.
DIY Face Mask for Extra Hydration
If you need a super hydrating facial mask, don’t worry about picking out the right one from the store. If you have coconut oil at home, you can easily make your own DIY face mask. Simply add honey and lemon juice, both of which have excellent healing properties for the skin.
Apply the mask once a week or when your skin is in need of extra moisture — and enjoy soft, hydrated skin.
Support Healthy Eyelash Growth
Virgin coconut oil has tons of uses as a beauty product. In addition to moisturizing, oil cleansing, and makeup removal, coconut oil can be used to support healthy eyelash growth. Its antimicrobial properties are thought to protect lashes from bacteria that can be acquired through makeup application, and the fatty acids promote hydration.
The extra hydration from coconut oil can help your lashes stay protected from mascara and other eye makeup. And with consistent use, your hydrated eyelashes should feel fuller and stronger.
Natural Conditioner for Your Dog’s Skin and Coat
Coconut oil is known as a generally safe moisturizer for your dog’s skin and coat. Not only can it help with dry skin, but it doubles as a relief agent from bites, stings, and natural odors. Keep pure organic coconut oil on hand to use on your pup as needed.
Once weekly, apply a moderate amount of coconut oil to your dog’s coat and paws and let it sit for a few minutes, adjusting for your dog’s specific needs. Rinse well, following with a shampoo if the coat remains greasy. Rest assured that the oil’s soothing properties will benefit both you and your four-legged friend.
Give Your Coffee a Healthy Boost
While it may seem strange at first, adding coconut oil to your morning cup of coffee has many potential benefits. Because of its omega fatty acid content, coconut oil in your coffee can provide a nice boost for your metabolism, promote healthy digestion, and satiate hunger.
Plus, it feels decadent and rich. A tablespoon of coconut oil blended into your warm coffee will result in a deliciously creamy, frothy texture and a mild buttery taste. Add your cream and other ingredients as usual, or go without — coconut oil on its own can be quite satisfying.
Healthy Substitute for Butter
You likely already use coconut oil for cooking, but it’s also a great substitute for butter or vegetable oil in baking recipes. You can count on light, delicate textures in your baked goods when you make this substitute, and you don’t have to worry about the coconut flavor shining through — coconut oil is generally very mild.
When you substitute this healthy fat for butter while baking, you can rest easy considering the extraneous health benefits of coconut oil, such as its properties that promote higher levels of good cholesterol, hunger control, healthy digestion, and more.
Natural and Healthy Homemade Deodorant
Looking to save money on store-bought deodorants? Try making your own at home with just a few simple ingredients. You will surely enjoy not only the money saved but the assurance that your deodorant is full of natural products only that can be just as effective, if not more, than store-bought alternatives.
Simply combine softened coconut oil, baking soda, cornstarch or arrowroot powder, and essential oils for your preferred fragrance. Mix well, pour into a small jar, and refrigerate until set. You will end up with a soft deodorant bar that will warm to your skin upon application.
Help Get Rid of Bad Puppy Breath
If your pup’s breath is getting offensive, consider adding coconut oil to your dog’s diet. The oil’s antimicrobial and immunity-boosting benefits can promote healthy breath from the inside out, as well as support overall teeth and mouth health.
Start incorporating a small amount of coconut oil into your dog’s food, slowly to prevent any stomach upset. You can also use a bit of coconut oil on a doggy toothbrush or piece of clean gauze around your finger to brush your pup’s teeth after meals and prevent plaque buildup.
Healthy Homemade Dog Treats
Coconut oil is known to have many health benefits for dogs. In addition to supporting sleek coats, healthy joints, and better smelling breath, this natural oil is thought to aid in healthy digestion for dogs.
There is a wealth of dog treat recipes to choose from, but a simple one to start with consists simply of organic virgin coconut oil and blueberries. Melt your coconut oil, pour into a mold or ice cube tray, and add a single blueberry to each treat. Freeze and treat your pup to a healthy, tasty snack!
Take Care of Your Leather Shoes
Your favorite leather boots deserve consistent cleaning and conditioning in order to stay looking their best. For best results, use coconut oil on a monthly basis as a deep conditioner for your leather boots and shoes.
After gentle cleansing and drying, use a soft cloth dipped in coconut oil to massage the boots. Let the coconut oil sit for 20 minutes and use another cloth to massage the remaining oil into the boots and buff away the excess.
Remove Pesky Residue From Sticky Labels
Peeling labels from bottles, cans, or other items often leaves a stubborn sticky residue that can seem impossible to remove entirely. Fortunately, coconut oil can be used to quickly and efficiently clean this residue from your favorite containers so that you can safely repurpose or recycle them.
Simply take a small amount of coconut oil and apply a layer to the sticky area, let it sit for five minutes or so, and wipe with a damp cloth to remove the residue. Enjoy!
DIY Hydrating and Exfoliating Body Scrub
Especially in the fall and winter months, the skin on our hands and bodies can get extremely dry. And if you want to both save money and ensure that you’re using natural ingredients, making your own hydrating and exfoliating body scrub at home is a great fix for dry skin.
Combine 100% pure organic virgin coconut oil with granulated sugar in a 1:2 ratio, mix well, and let sit until ready to use. Apply the mixture to hands and body, scrub, and rinse for fully moisturized and smooth skin.
Natural Organic Moisturizer for Babies
Coconut oil is a great alternative to store-bought lotions for babies’ sensitive skin. As long as no allergies exist and the product is 100% organic and virgin, coconut oil is typically known to protect and hydrate delicate skin as well as ease symptoms of eczema.
Whether it’s cradle cap, eczema, or just dry skin, coconut oil can provide natural, safe hydration for relief. Simply massage gently into trouble areas and anywhere that could benefit from extra moisture. Rest assured that you are using a natural alternative to other baby lotions.
Get Gum Out of Hair and Carpet
Getting chewing gum stuck in your hair can be both quite uncomfortable and a daunting task to remove. Fortunately, coconut oil is a cheap and effective ingredient that helps to remove it quickly. Apply coconut oil to the hair where the offending gum is stuck, working it in to fully lubricate the strands, and from that point you should be able to gently pull and remove the gum without damage to the hair.
You can also use coconut oil to remove gum from carpet or other similar fabrics. The same method can be used; apply liberally to the area (after a spot test to see if the oil will stain or otherwise affect the material) and massage the gum out of the fabric’s fibers.
Season Your Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets are a wonderful investment, and will last you forever if they are properly cared for. When you first get your new pan, take the time to season it so that it will stay nonstick. To do this, apply a liberal amount of coconut oil to the entire pan and set in a cooled oven.
Preheat the oven, place the pan inside, set the oven to 300 degrees, and leave in for thirty minutes after the oven reaches the set temperature. Let the oven and pan cool completely before removing and you will have a perfectly seasoned skillet.
Clean and Condition Cutting Boards
If you frequently use a wooden cutting board, it’s important to clean and condition it regularly for best use and to promote its longevity. And because coconut oil is both antimicrobial and extremely hydrating, it makes perfect sense to use this inexpensive ingredient as a conditioning and cleansing agent.
After each use, wash thoroughly and then rub a significant amount of coconut oil across the board. It will help to revive any dulled wood as well as reduce the appearance of scratch marks.
Easily Get Rid of Soap Scum
To keep your bathroom and shower clean and free of buildup from soap and other products, use coconut oil as the base to an inexpensive cleaning solution. Simply mix with baking soda in equal parts until it forms enough of a paste to cover the dirty areas.
Apply mixture where needed and let sit for 10-15 minutes, even longer for heavily soiled areas. Then wipe clean with a damp cloth and enjoy sparkling tile, countertops, faucets, and more!
DIY Play-Dough for the Kids
For a safer alternative to traditional play-doughs, use coconut oil as the base of your recipe. Melted coconut oil, salt, flour, water, cream of tartar, and food coloring are all you need to whip up a batch of homemade play-dough. Mix ingredients until they form together to the proper consistency, then let cool before playing.
Little ones will love this DIY play-dough just as much as the store-bought kind, and you can rest easy knowing exactly what’s in it. Let the crafting begin!
Improve Poor Digestion
If you struggle with constipation or related digestive issues, coconut oil might be an effective addition to your diet. To relieve uncomfortable constipation, start by ingesting a tablespoon of coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach and continue daily until you find relief.
Additionally, the hydrating properties of coconut oil can make it a great relief for discomfort from hemorrhoids. Consider consulting with a doctor to find out the best ways for incorporating coconut oil into your treatment plan.
Help Stimulate Eyebrow Growth
Not only is coconut oil believed to stimulate eyelash growth, but it’s also known to nourish eyebrows. Regular application of coconut oil to the brows will hydrate the skin under and around the area, moisturize the hair, and help to protect and condition against regular makeup use.
Apply oil with a clean finger or cotton pad to the entire brow, making sure the skin is properly saturated. Sleep with the product on and gently rinse before washing your face the next morning. Repeat nightly and reap the benefits of consistent use.
Natural Sun Protection
Though conventional sunscreen products typically block a higher majority of UV rays from the sun, coconut oil can be a great alternative, whether in a pinch or for those who are sensitive to store-bought sunscreen ingredients. Apply coconut oil to your skin and let it absorb before sun exposure — it’s known to block about 20% of UV rays.
Additionally, wearing coconut oil on the skin while out in the sun can greatly aid your skin’s hydration levels, keeping you looking and feeling smooth and soft.
Cat Treats to Prevent Hairballs
If you’re getting tired of cleaning up hairballs from your beloved cats, try using coconut oil. A small amount of coconut oil daily will help them better digest the hairballs and let them pass through without the need to cough them up.
It only takes about half a teaspoon to promote this healthy digestion in cats. If they do not respond well to mixing it into their food, you can simply apply the same amount of oil to their paws so that they will lick it off.
Shine Your Stainless Steel Appliances
To keep your stainless steel appliances shiny and new, use a small amount of coconut oil to buff away any streaks or splotches. Dip a soft cloth or cotton t-shirt (avoid paper towels or other materials that could shed), into a bit of coconut oil and use long strokes to buff out your stainless steel surfaces.
Doing this regularly will keep your kitchen looking new and fresh. Use on any stainless steel finish, but avoid finishes that are exposed to heat, such as the stovetop — the oil could cause discoloring in these instances.
Make Your Own Coconut Butter
Coconut butter, a delicious spread that’s often used as a vegan alternative to dairy butter, can be expensive to buy in-store. However, it can be quite easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. There are many recipes, but coconut oil is a star player in all.
With a food processor, a couple bags of desiccated coconut, and coconut oil, you can make the mixture right in your kitchen and be done in less than 20 minutes. Use it as a spread or in baking, and enjoy the health benefits as well as money saved.
Prevent Ear Infections in Pets
If your dog or cat struggles with ear infections, try using coconut oil after cleaning their ears. After cleansing, apply just a small amount of melted — and cooled — coconut oil in the ear with a cotton swab.
It is both hydrating and antimicrobial, meaning it will provide relief to your pet’s sensitive skin in the ears as well as prevent infection from ear cleanings, mites, or other irritants.
Boost Your Shampoo and Conditioner Routine
Not only does coconut oil make a great hair mask, but it can also be used to amplify the benefits of your regular shampoo and conditioner routines. If you have extra dry or curly hair, apply coconut oil to the ends of your hair about an hour before washing and it will help to protect each strand from potential drying effects of your shampoo.
Coconut oil can also help your conditioner work more effectively. After applying conditioner, follow with a layer of melted coconut oil all over. Let sit for a few minutes while it seals in the conditioner’s hydration, and rinse well. Enjoy healthy, shiny hair!
Natural Massage Oil
Next time you’re in need of a massage for sore or tired muscles, try using coconut oil as a safe and natural alternative to other massage oils. This oil is great for massage because it melts quickly with body heat and doesn’t absorb too quickly, giving you plenty of time to enjoy its soothing qualities.
When you’re done with your massage, your muscles will be relaxed and your skin soft, hydrated, and glowing.
Oil Pulling for Whiter Teeth and a Healthier Mouth
Coconut oil has amazing antibacterial properties. That’s why it’s been used for years in ancient Eastern traditions to improve and maintain a healthy mouth and teeth. With a process called oil pulling, a daily practice can freshen breath and even whiten teeth over time.
Take about a tablespoon of oil in your mouth and swish it around for 10-20 minutes, being sure to push it between your teeth and around your cheeks. When you’re finished, spit into a trash can and brush teeth afterward.
Help Get Rid of Stubborn Belly Fat
The stubborn fat around our midsections is also known as visceral fat and is linked to health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. It is also notoriously hard to get rid of.
However, studies have shown that adding coconut oil to your diet can help promote the loss of this visceral fat. Research has toted results of decreased waist sizes in both men and women who added two tablespoons of coconut oil to their daily diets.
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