Coconut (C. Nucifera) is a member of the Arecaceae (Palmae) family and the subfamily Cocoideae. Nowadays, it seems that all that surrounds us is made of coconuts! There is coconut milk, cream, coconut flour, coconut butter, coconut oil, coconut water, and coconut soy sauce.
The coconut flesh is extremely rich in healthy fatty acids. The composition of fat can be different as a result of the various types and processing methods of the oil.
Yet, about 90% of the coconut oil is made of medium-chain saturated fatty acids, and the rest is a combination of monounsaturated fatty acids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids.
Medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCFA’s) are easily digested, absorbed, and used by the body, and they support neurological health and as an energy source, as they easily cross the blood-brain barrier in its unbound form.
The virgin (unrefined) coconut oil is pure, natural, delicious, affordable, and readily available, and has numerous beneficial qualities, like:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-microbial/ Infection-fighting (bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, parasites and protozoa)
- Antioxidant (protects against free-radical formation and damage)
- Anti-carcinogenic (inhibits the spread of cancer cells and boosts the immune system)
- Boosts the nutrient absorption (ie. vitamin A, D, E, K)
- Nontoxic to humans and animals
Due to these amazing properties, the coconut oil offers a myriad of ways to use it. We reveal 127 of them, and there are more!
Personal Hygiene and the Body
- Eye Cream
To reduce wrinkles, puffiness, and bags, apply it under the eyes and on the lids at bedtime.
- Age Spots
You should apply this oil on the age spot daily and it will fade.
- Bruises
Coconut oil will accelerate healing and reduce the redness and swelling. Just apply it directly on the bruises.
- Bug Bites
You should apply it on a bug bite, and it will soothe the burning and itching, and accelerate healing.
- Baldness
You should mix it with jojoba, lavender, rosemary, castor, thyme, cedarwood oil and a bit of cayenne pepper, and apply the mixture to the affected areas and massage it in. This will support cell regeneration and reduce hair loss.
- Body Scrub
Mix coconut oil with some salt, and rub the skin to make it soft and shiny.
- Burns
You should apply it on the burnt area immediately and continue applying, to prevent scars and accelerate healing.
- Chapstick
You should rub a bit onto the lips, to soften them, and protect them, as it an SPF of about 4.
- Toothpaste
Mix it with baking soda and dab a little of the mix on the toothbrush.
- Wrinkle Prevention and Wrinkle Reducer
Rub coconut oil on sagging skin and wrinkles to strengthen the connective tissues and rejuvenate the skin.
- Cradle Cap
This oil will nourish the dry skin on the scalp of your baby, and treat cradle cap. All you need to do is to rub a teaspoon onto the area daily.
- Makeup Remover
To clean the makeup, just use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil.
- Diaper Salve
It soothes the rashy bum and you can freely use it for cloth diapers.
- Healing
Coconut oil accelerates the healing process by repairing damaged tissues, and when applied to cuts and scrapes, it creates a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from dust, bacteria, and virus.
- Face Wash/Soap
Mix equal parts coconut oil with castor oil, olive oil, almond oil, and avocado oil, and apply the mixture on wet face. Leave it to act for 2 minutes, wash it off, and pat dry.
- Hair Gel/Defrizzer
You should rub a bit of coconut oil between the palms and scrunch into hair if you have curly hair, or finger comb in from scalp to ends, if your hair is wavy or straight hair.
- Lubricant
Coconut oil is a perfectly safe, completely natural personal lubricant for masturbation and sex.
- Massage Oil
Use it to massage the stiff and painful places, and it will also leave a pleasant scent and soft skin behind.
- Acne Skin Fix
If you have an oily skin or an oily T-zone, add only a bit of it underneath makeup or alone to reduce oil gland stimulation, as the skin prone to acne is sometimes actually too dry, so the glands produce more oil and clog the pores.
- Pre-Shave
It will prepare the skin for the shaving and help you avoid irritations and damage.
- Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment
For a deeper treatment, you should rub in a tablespoon of this oil onto your dry scalp and work through to the ends. Put a shower cap and leave it to act until the next morning.
Coconut oil is an amazing leave-in hair conditioner as well. You should apply a teaspoon of coconut oil to the ends and run the fingers through the hair to distribute the rest.
- Skin Conditions
It relieves skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis.
- Dandruff
It will hydrate the skin on the scalp, and relieve dandruff symptoms. Moreover, it also targets another leading cause of dandruff, by controlling the oil secretion.
- Moisturizer
Apply it on the entire body and face to hydrate the skin and leave it soft and radiant.
- Nipple Cream
Apply it to a cotton ball and leave it on the cracked, sore or dry nipples between feedings.
- Deodorant
For best effects, mix it with baking soda and cornstarch/arrowroot powder and prepare your homemade, natural deodorant.
- Stretch Marks
Its nourishing properties will reduce the visibility of stretch marks.
- After Shave
It will soothe the skin after shaving and won’t clog the pores.
- Sun Burn Relief
Rub coconut oil into the affected area to relieve the sunburns.
- Sunscreen
It has an SPF of around 4.
- Swimmer’s Ear
Mix it with some garlic oil, and put a couple of drops in the affected ear for about 10 minutes. Repeat a few times daily, and you will feel the relief in a day or two.
- Tattoo Healing and Moisturizer
Continued use of this amazing on tattoos will prevent the fading of the pigment. Moreover, it will speed up the healing of new tattoos, and reduce the risk of infection. Yet, note that you should use it in a very thin layer, up to twice daily.
General Health and Wellness
- Asthma
It treats asthma in children as well.
- Autism
- Nose bleeds
Nose bleeding is often caused by sensitivity to weather like extreme heat and extreme cold, as the nasal passages become dry due to the cold or dry air, leading to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes.
Apply coconut oil in the nostrils to strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages and prevent nose bleeding.
- Gum Health
Oil pulling is an extremely beneficial method which will prevent gum infections and make your teeth white and healthy.
- Digestion
The saturated fats in it control parasites and fungi that lead to digestion issues. It also helps the absorption of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
- Vitamin and nutrient absorption
It helps the absorption of fat-based nutrients, like vitamin A, D, E, K.
- Fitness
This healthy oil stimulates the metabolism, energizes the body, and improves thyroid function, all of which help reduce fat and muscle mass.
- Insulin Support
It is excellent for diabetics and non-diabetics, as it helps the secretion of insulin and the utilization of blood glucose.
- Candida Albicans
A 2007 study, found that this oil is 100% effective against the Candida microbe species.
- Nausea
To calm the upset stomach, just rub it on the inside for the wrist and forearm.
- Stress Relief
To reduce mental fatigue, apply it to the head in a circular, massaging motion.
- Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding moms should take 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily to enrich the milk supply.
- Weight loss
The saturated fats in coconut oil help weight loss and prevent food cravings.
- Cancer
Studies have found that coconut oil prevents breast and colon cancer.
- Mental Cognition and Productivity
Coconut oil can serve as an alternate energy source and enhance cognition, as its medium-chain triglycerides freely pass through the blood-brain barrier.
- Acid Reflux/ Indigestion
Take it after meals.
- Adrenal and Chronic Fatigue
- Allergies
It will help you treat seasonal hay fever.
- Alzheimer’s/Dementia
- Bowel function
It is of great help in the case of constipation, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), gut infections
- Thyroid Function
Coconut oil regulates the function of the thyroid gland.
- Bones and Teeth
It helps the absorption of calcium and magnesium, and thus improves the development of bones and teeth.
- Bronchial Infections and Cystic Fibrosis
- Cholesterol
Coconut oil effectively improves HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) to LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol levels.
- Poor Circulation
To treat poor circulation or edema, you should apply it to the skin in a light circular pattern towards the heart.
- Colds and Flus
Its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agent treat colds and flu.
- Mild Depression and Cognitive Disease
Coconut oil gives positive effects if combined with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), fish oil and other treatment strategies.
- Diabetes
It stabilizes blood sugar and prevents food cravings.
- Epilepsy
This oil effectively reduces epileptic seizures.
- Menstruation Relief
It treats heavy blood flow and soothes pain and cramps.
- Flaky, Dry Skin
Coconut oil will also nourish dry skin and fight dandruff.
- Gallbladder Disease
Dietary oils boost the bile flow, which is of great help in the case of gallbladder issues.
- Gas
Foul gas is often a result of the imbalance in the gut bacteria, so the anti-microbial properties of this oil will help you re-establish healthy gut flora.
- H. pylori
You should consume it orally.
- Hot Flashes
- Lung Function
Coconut oil increases the fluidity of cell surfaces.
- Immune System Builder
- Heart Disease
Coconut oil protects the arteries from injury that leads to atherosclerosis.
- Hemorrhoids
You should apply it externally or internally twice daily.
- Kidney Disease and Stones
It helps in dissolving the small kidney stones.
- Liver Disease
- Lung Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The main symptoms of IBS are alternating diarrhea and constipation.
- Jaundice
- Prostate Enlargement
It is extremely useful in the case of BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Periodontal Disease and Tooth Decay
Coconut oil effectively soothes stomach lining and inhibits the growth of H. pylori.
- Stomach Ulcers
- Malnutrition
- Mental Clarity
- Thrush
- Migraines
Its regular use soothes migraine symptoms.
- Pancreatitis
Topical Health Problems
- Allergies/Hay Fever
You should rub a bit inside the nostrils, and the pollen will cling to the oil.
- Athletes Foot
- Toenail Fungus
- Decongestant
You should rub it on the chest and under the nose in cases of congestion due to allergies and colds.
- Ear infection
You should out a few drops of a mixture of coconut and garlic oil inside the ear twice daily.
- Back Pain and Sore Muscles
- Boils and Cysts
- Acne
Coconut oil effectively treats acne.
- Hives
It soothes the itchiness and swelling.
- Pink eye
- Head Lice
You should apply it topically on the hair.
- Cellulite
- Circumcision healing
It may help with its healing.
- Genital Warts
In most cases, genital warts disappear 2 years after the initial infection, but the topical application of this oil for 6 months will accelerate this process.
- Gum Disease, Gingivitis and Canker Sores
Apply it using your toothpaste or rub coconut oil directly on gums.
- Herpes
You can choose to take it internally or apply it topically.
Pets/ Animals
You should consult with your vegetarian, but the recommended dosage for animals is 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight, two times a day.
- Promotes the healing
You should apply it topically to cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings.
- Clears up skin conditions
It treats skin issues like itchy skin, eczema, flea allergies, and contact dermatitis.
- Aids healing of digestive disorders
Its treats digestive issues like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis.
- Helps in the case of arthritis or ligament problems
- Helps the removal of hairballs and coughing
- Helps sedentary dogs feel energetic
Its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) enhance the brain energy metabolism and reduce the amyloid protein buildup that causes brain lesions in older dogs.
- Helps to lose weight
It energizes the body and helps weight loss.
- Great for dogs and cats for general wellness
To support the overall health of your pet, just add a teaspoon to the water bowl every day.
- Helps prevent or control diabetes
- Makes coats shine
Coconut oil will make the coat glossy and sleek, and leave a pleasant smell behind.
- Improves digestion and eases nutrient absorption
- Disinfects cuts and accelerates healing of wounds
- Treats bad breath in dogs
- Regulates and balances insulin and promotes normal thyroid function
- Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections
- Fights allergic reactions and improves skin health
Other Uses for Coconut Oil
- Soap making
You can use it as one of the fats in your homemade soap.
- Oiling wood cutting boards and wood bowls
- Polishing Bronze
Rub a bit of coconut oil into a cotton towel and wipe down the bronze to clean it and deepen its color. 122. Seasoning animal-hide drums
- Remove the Chewing Gum from the hair
Rub it over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for half an hour, and roll the gum between your fingertips.
- Moisturizing and cleaning leather products
- Polish Furniture
Mix it with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture.
- Seasoning cookware
- Goo Gone
Mix it with baking soda in equal amount to create a paste, and apply it on the “sticky” area. After a minute, scrub it off with an old toothbrush or a sponge.
- Insect repellent
Mix it with peppermint oil extract and rub it over the exposed skin to keep insects at bay.
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