Coconut Oil Uses
When most people think of coconut oil, they think of it as a cooking oil. However, the uses of coconut oil extend far beyond cooking; coconut oil is an extremely versatile oil that can be used for a variety of purposes. What is coconut oil used for? Coconut oil uses range from hygiene, health, cleaning and so much more. When using coconut oil for cooking and for health or hygiene purposes, it is best to use an unrefined, virgin, organic oil that is cold pressed. Most refined coconut oil is processed in a way that removed most of its healthy benefits.
Cooking
The most common use of coconut oil is in cooking and baking. Coconut oil can be used as a healthy replacement for butter, lard, shortening, Crisco and other similar products. When using coconut oil as a substitute it is a one cup to one cup ratio that is used. It is excellent for greasing cooking sheets, muffin tins and pie plates. Coconut oil can be used as a cooking oil; it is especially good when frying thing at high temperatures as it is more stable than the other types of cooking oils.
Deodorant
Coconut oil uses include using it as an all natural deodorant. The lauric acid in the oil helps to eliminate the bacteria that causes odor, and does not stain clothes the way many commercially made deodorants do. People can use coconut oil straight as an all natural deodorant, or it can be combined with baking soda and/or arrowroot powder. If you would like a scented deodorant, several drops of an essential oil like tea tree oil, orange, lavender or ylang-ylang can be added.
Nursing mothers
Coconut oil use can be a great benefit to nursing mothers. It can be used by nursing mothers to help increase milk production and to help soothe and heal sore and cracked nipples. To use coconut oil to increase breast milk production, mothers should take 2-4 tablespoons a day. Coconut oil can be taken straight or added to food and/or drinks. Only unrefined organic virgin oil should be used by nursing mothers.
Babies
More great uses for coconut oil include using it for babies. Coconut oil makes a great diaper rash cream helping to soothe and heal the condition. Coconut oil use for diaper rash is safe for both cloth diapers and disposable diapers. This remarkable oil can also be used to help treat and eliminate cradle cap in babies. To treat cradle cap, parents should gently rub about a teaspoon of oil on the baby’s head daily. Unlike many other baby lotions, coconut oil does not contain any harsh chemicals, and is safe and nourishing for the baby. Only unrefined organic virgin oil should be used on babies.
Insect Bites
Coconut oil uses also include it being an excellent insect repellent and bite and sting healing agent. This oil can be applied straight to bug bites and stings to help soothe them, stop their itching, and to hasten the healing process. Coconut oil can also be used as an insect repellent when mixed with a few drops of tea tree oil or peppermint oil. Coconut oil bug repellent is said to be just as effective as bug repellent with Deet in it, but is far safer, especially for children.
Sunscreen
Another great use for coconut oil is as a sunscreen. Coconut oil helps to naturally protect skin from the dangerous UV rays; it offers sun protection that is equal to a SPF4 . Coconut oil sun protection is not extremely high so is best for days with a low UV rating. Using coconut oil has the added benefits of protecting the skin from dangerous free radicals as it contains no harmful chemicals and preservatives like many commercially made sunscreens do.
Skin
Uses for coconut oil also include using it for skin care. Coconut oil can be used as a wrinkle cream, shaving cream, after shave lotion, make up remover and a massage oil. It can also be used to make body scrubs and soaps, and to soothe rashes. In addition, it can be used to treat ring worm and other fungal infections.
Hair
Coconut oil uses for hair include it being an excellent deep conditioner, hair styling gel and a hair defrizzer. Coconut oil can also be used to remove gum from hair; simply coat the offending gum with oil, leave thirty minutes, and then remove.
Lips
The uses for coconut oil also include lip care. It can be used as an excellent lip moisturizer and chap stick. It also makes a great lip gloss and a mild sun block for lips. Coconut oil gives sun protection that is equal to a SPF 4. To receive all the healthy benefits of coconut oil for lips, an unrefined, virgin oil should be used.
Feet
Coconut oil is great to use on feet, especially during warm weather when feet sweat a lot and tend to get odorous. The lauric acid found in the oil kills odor causing bacteria and helps keep feet fresh smelling and feeling. Coconut oil uses for feet also include helping to heal cracked heels, and helping to soothe and heal conditions like athlete’s foot and other feet fungi. To use coconut oil on feet, people should simply apply it straight 1-3 times a day or as needed.
Hemorrhoids
Coconut oil uses also include helping to soothe and heal hemorrhoids; the healthy medium chain fatty acids, and antibacterial and antiviral properties it contains help to cure hemorrhoids. To use coconut oil for hemorrhoids, people should simply apply it topically to the inflamed area several times a day. The coconut oil will both soothe and alleviate the itching caused by hemorrhoids, and it will also help to heal and eliminate them.
Nose bleeds
For those who suffer from regular nose bleeds, especially nose bleeds caused by dry air, coconut oil can be used to help decrease their frequency. People who suffer from frequent nose bleeds should apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the inside of the nostrils regularly. Not only, does the oil help to decrease the frequency of nose bleeds, it helps to heal and moisturize the inside of the nose.
Teeth And Gum Care
Great coconut oil uses also include teeth and gum care. Coconut oil helps with the absorption of calcium and magnesium, which keeps teeth stronger. Due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties it helps to deep clean the teeth and gums, and also helps to fight gum disease and gingivitis. To use coconut oil for teeth and gum care, it can be used as a base for a homemade toothpaste, used in an oil pulling and/or rubbed gently into the gums.
Metal And Furniture Polish
Another great use for coconut oil is as a metal polish, particularly for bronze and wood furniture. When used to clean bronze, coconut oil helps to deepen its color and leaves it sparkly clean. To use coconut oil to polish bronze or other metals, simply put a little on a soft cotton towel and give the metal a good wipe down and buffing. To polish wood furniture with coconut oil, just mix a splash of lemon juice with the oil, and then use as a polish with a soft cotton towel. Using coconut oil as a metal and furniture polish is far better for the people and animals in the household than using a commercial polish that is full of harsh chemicals. Coconut oil is also far safer and better for the environment than a commercial furniture polish.
Remove Adhesive Residue
Coconut oil mixed with a little baking soda is excellent for removing the sticky residue left behind from stickers, price tags and other similar things. To use coconut oil to remove adhesive residue simply mix with baking soda, apply and let sit for a minute or two, and then rub off with a rough sponge or an old toothbrush.
Leather
Coconut oil uses also include cleaning and moisturizing leather. To use coconut oil on leather simply put a small amount of it on a soft cloth and wipe the leather down. The oil will not only clean the leather, it will help moisturize it and help to prevent cracking. Coconut oil is great for leather jackets, pants, skirts, vests, shoes, boots and even furniture. It can also be used on drum skins that are made from animal skins.
Remove Rust
Another great use for coconut oil is to remove rust from scissors, knives and other similar things. To use coconut oil to remove rust, simply coat the rusty utensil in a light layer of oil, let sit for an hour or so, and then rinse clean with warm water.
Dogs
Coconut oil uses also include using it to help improve and maintain good health in dogs and cats. It is recommended that ¼ teaspoon for every ten pounds the pet weighs be added to their food and/or water daily. Coconut oil for dogs has much the same benefits as with people.
We Recommend
#1 Best Rated Coconut Oil Overall
 |
Nutiva OrganicExtra Virgin Coconut Oil
|
