In the world of natural beauty and health, coconut oil has a special place. This natural oil has genuine health benefits, and the hype around is not just another fad. The oil is almost 90 percent saturated fat. But its fat is good for health, loaded with nutrients, and helps your body in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, and has amazing antioxidant benefits.
When it comes to beauty benefits, you have cosmetic grade coconut oil. It moisturizes and soothes the skin and can also be used for the hair.
If you thought coconut oil is an ordinary oil, you are wrong. Here are 101 health benefits of this natural oil for your skin, hair and body.
1. Skin Moisturizer
Coconut oil can be used for replacing your normal lotion. It offers miraculous healing and rejuvenating benefits for your skin. Use on any part of your body. It can also be used along with essential oils for aromatherapy. Apply a coin-sized amount and leave it for a minute.
2. Face Mask Application
You can bring about amazing changes in your complexion by making your own homemade face mask.
– Take 1 tbsp each of coconut oil and raw honey
– Mix and apply on your face
– Wait for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water
3. Reduce Wrinkles
Apply a bit of the oil on your wrinkles and lines. It will rehydrate and soften your skin, and also enhance the texture.
4. Improve Puffy Eyes
If you have puffy eyes in the morning, apply small amount of coconut oil around eyes before going to bed. The puffiness will be diminished when you wake up.
5. Use Coconut Oil as a Conditioner
There’s no comparison to coconut oil when it comes to moisturizing the scalp, repairing split ends, and giving healthy shine to your tresses.
– Put 2 tsp of the oil in a small container
– Put the container in a large bowl with water at 76 degrees
– Apply the softened oil on damp hair
– Massage the roots
– Comb oil throughout the hair
– Use a towel to wrap your head for 60 minutes
– Shampoo (small amount) the hair to remove oil
6. Get Rid of Nasty Dandruff
Use coconut oil in place of spending your money on shampoos and conditioners. It can be used like a conditioner to be free from dandruff.
7. Healthy Hair Growth
It is not only a moisturizer, but this oil can also help in making your hair stronger and minimize breakage. You will grow healthy hair!
8. Sun Shield for your Hair
Apply a bit of the oil on your fingers and run them through the hair and scalp. Brush thoroughly and you will have a layer that provides sun protection.
9. No More Entangled Hair
Detangle your hair by applying coconut oil on damp hair and using a comb. No more pain or annoyance in dealing with tangled hair.
10. Use as a Shaving Cream
Shaving cream can leave your skin dry. But coconut oil will moisturize your skin and help hair to stand straight. There’s no more any need to worry about razor burn and dry skin.
11. Use as an Aftershave
Use it not only as a shaving cream, but also as an aftershave. It soothes, and even heals your skin if there are razor burns.
12. Coconut Oil Lip Balm
Yes you can also use it to moisten your dry/cracked lips. It is best for use in dry weather. It shields against sun damage too. Apply in solid form just like your normal lip balm.
13. Body Scrub Exfoliator
– The oil is also a good base for face/body scrubs.
– Take 1/2 cup of coconut oil and melt it
– Add 2 to 4 tbsp white/brown sugar and stir
– Add the mixture into muffin tins/soap mold and keep in refrigerator
– Remove from mold when fully solidified
– Dampen your skin using water
– Slice a piece and scrub and exfoliate gently on dampened area
– Rinse and then apply a moisturizer
14. Face Exfoliator
You can also prepare a face exfoliator by mixing coconut oil and baking soda in equal amounts. It will help in removing all dead skin cells and dirt. You will have a brighter complexion.
15. Feet Exfoliator
Mix coconut oil and coarse sea salt in 1:2 ratio and scrub your feet soles.
16. Lips Exfoliator
You can also use coconut oil to get rid of the dead skin over your lips. Mix 1 tsp of the oil with 2 tsp of brown/raw sugar and it will help in softening your lips.
17. Safe Makeup Remover
Yes, you can also remove your makeup using this safe ingredient. It’s safe and doesn’t cause any irrigation to your skin or eyes. Apply using fingertips. Massage in circular motion and rinse using water.
18. Highlight your Cheekbone
Use the oil to highlight your cheekbones and look younger. Apply after your makeup.
19. Lotion Bar Moisturizer
– Take a quart size glass mason jar having a lid
– Put one cup each of shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax into the jar
– Put in a small saucepan having water
– Boil until the 3 ingredients are melted
– Once melted, remove from heat
– Add 1 tsp vitamin E oil
– Stir gently with hand for mixing essential oils thoroughly
– Pour the mixture into molds
– Let them cool and form the lotion bars
20. Natural Deodorant
– Take a glass mason jar having a lid
– Mix half cup each of shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax in the jar
– Put the jar in a saucepan with water and boil to melting
– Remove and add 1 tsp vitamin E oil, half cup arrowroot powder, and 3 tbsp baking soda
– Stir to mix all the ingredients
– Pour mixture into muffin tins/molds and allow cooling
21. Prepare Massage Oil
Coconut oil can be the perfect massage oil. It is a great moisturizer and rich in antioxidants, which make it perfect for your skin and muscles.
22. Soften Your Elbows
Many people have elbows which crack or remain dry. rub small amount of the oil 2 times daily and they will become smooth and soft.
23. No More Cracking Heels
Start using coconut oil for your cracked heels and this natural moisturizer will not only prevent it, it will also soften your heels.
24. Treat your Nail & Cuticle
Daily manicure can be an expensive affair. Rub small amount of coconut oil into your cuticles before going to sleep. It soaks in and stimulates the nails.
25. Diminish the Stretch Marks & Surprise Everyone
Regular application of the oil can help in reducing stretch marks and improve your looks.
26. Clean the Mascara Brush
Soak your mascara brush in the oil for 5 minutes and all the buildup on it will be gone.
27. Beautify your Eyelashes
Whenever your eyelashes seem a little limp, just apply small amount of the oil and bring them back to life.
28. Skin Wax Remover
Removing wax from your skin can be a difficult job. But if you apply some of the oil, you can easily wipe it off using a warm washcloth.
29. Use as a Safe & Natural Personal Lubricant
Coconut oil can be a natural and safe option for your intimate moments. It is better than the commercial lubricants. Avoid use with condoms because coconut oil and latex are incompatible.
30. Reduce Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can be reduced by applying thin layer of the oil on a regular basis.
31. Fight Cellulite
You can also apply the oil on the areas with cellulite and notice big difference within months.
32. Use as a Bath Oil
Add a bit of the oil into your bath and you will have a refreshing natural coat on your skin. Make amazing bath melts and add to the tub:
– Take 1 cup coconut oil and put on low heat for couple of minutes
– Add 15 drops of essential oils after removing from heat
– Mix thoroughly and pour into molds
– When cooled, remove them from the molds
– Put on in the bath and allow to dissolve
33. Moisturize & Heal your Tattoo
New tattoo can be itching. Use coconut oil to moisture and soothe it. The oil will also bring out the tattoo ink.
Food, Drinks & Cooking Applications
34. Best Cooking Oil
Coconut oil is probably the best cooking oil you can find. It can be used even for high-temperature cooking because it has higher saturated fat content. It also makes your food delicious and gives good texture.
35. Use for Greasing Pans
It is a healthier alternative to Crisco and vegetable oil for greasing the pans.
36. Your Tea/Coffee Creamer
Yes, you can also add this oil into your tea or coffee for that creamy treat.
– Put 2 tbsp coconut oil, 2 cups hot coffee, and 2 tbsp unsalted butter into a blender
– Blend them to ensure that the butter and oil are melted and the coffee becomes frothy
37. Coconut Oil as the Sweetener
Yes, it can also be used as a sweetener and as healthier replacement to sugar.
38. Replacement for Butter
Coconut oil is also a healthy alternative to the butter used on your toast and morning bagel. It also tastes amazing.
39. Enrich your Smoothies
Everyone loves smoothies and they are so easy to make. Add some of the oil and you will have even better consistency.
Mix the following ingredients:
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 2 tbsp Gelatin powder
– 1 tbsp cocoa powder
– 1/2 tsp vanilla
– 1/2 cup strawberries
– 1 tsp cinnamon
Blend everything and you will have a great smoothie.
40. Dressing your Salad
When you add coconut oil as a salad dressing, it will offer you two main benefits:
– It will add seven better taste to the greens
– It will make it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients in your greens
41. Mayonnaise
When it comes to mayonnaise, you must be worried about the health concerns. But use coconut oil and you will be better and healthier.
Mix all these ingredients:
– Coconut oil – 2/3 cup
– Mustard – 1 tsp
– Olive oil – 2/3 cup
– Lemon juice – 1 tbsp (alternative = apple cider vinegar)
– Egg yolks – 4
42. No More Freezer Burn
What do you do when your ice cream has a layer of freezer burn over it? Coconut oil can help you prevent it. apply a thin layer of the oil on your food item before you place it in the freezer. The oil seals it and there will be no freezer burn.
43. Preserve the Eggs for Longer
Apply a coat of the oil on the eggshell, and your dozen eggs will last longer because coconut oil preserves their quality.
44. Popcorn Topping
Add coconut oil as a topping over your popcorn. Sprinkle it with salt and you will have a healthier snack.
45. Remove Food Easily from Dishes
Lubricate the tough spots on the dishes to make them easy to clean. No more need for elbow grease!
Health & Home Remedies
The high percentage of caprylic and capric acids make coconut oil a potent antioxidant and disinfectant.
46. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
According to studies capric acid and lauric acid in this oil have inflammation suppressing properties. You don’t have to worry about the side effects that come with anti-inflammatory medicines.
47. Heal Your Cuts & Wounds Faster
It can also be used for healing small cuts faster due to its natural antifungal and antibacterial benefits. Make sure the wound is first cleaned and then the oil is applied.
48. Lose Weight
As mentioned in the beginning, this oil is not a fad. It is also not a miraculous or 1-week weight-loss formula. But if you replace the other fats with this oil, it will help you in losing weight.
49. Control Appetite
Is overeating a big problem for you? Just take 1 spoonful of this oil before your meals and you will start eating smaller portions by making you feel fuller.
50. No More Bad Breath
Bacteria cause bad breath but coconut oil, with its antibacterial properties, can help in eliminating this problem.
51. Improved Aromatherapy
You can improve aromatherapy by adding coconut oil. It works as a carrier oil and makes it easier for the body to absorb essential oils and herbal extracts. Now you will feel more relaxed with your aromatherapy. Use fractionated coconut oil for best results.
52. Improved Energy Levels
Whenever you feel exhausted, coconut oil can give you an energy boost. The kind of saturated fats in them (medium-chain triglycerides) are great source of energy.
53. Stronger Immune System
Yes, coconut oil can also help in making your immune system stronger when added to your daily diet. Your body will develop stronger defense against infections and viruses.
54. Improved Blood Circulation
Apply coconut oil on your body and it will help in improving your blood circulation.
55. Supports Thyroid
According to researchers, consuming the oil is beneficial for healthy thyroid function.
56. Get Relief from Constipation
This oil also works as a natural laxative for softening the stool. It helps in speeding up your metabolism.
57. Stronger Bones
Coconut oil is a fat and helps in the better absorption of vitamins and nutrients such as calcium. This means stronger bones!
58. Improving Arthritis
Yes, the anti-inflammatory of coconut oil also help in fighting arthritis pain. Arthritis is caused due to inflammation of the joints. Start taking 2 tbsp of the oil every day.
59. Treating Yeast/Fungal Infections
Coconut oil has medium-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids work by diffusing into the cell membranes of different organisms. This way the oil helps in fighting viruses, bacteria, parasite, yeast and fungi. Just add 3 to 5 tbsp of the oil into your regular diet. you can also apply it as thin layer on the affected area.
60. Relief from Hemorrhoids
Apply coconut oil and it will give you relief from the pain and give some comfort.
61. Treating Athlete’s Foot
It can also help in fighting athlete’s foot because of its antifungal properties. Rub the oil and tea tree oil on the feet for getting relief.
62. Treating Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus may seem to be difficult to treat, but not with coconut oil. Just apply a small amount multiple times daily and it will start improving.
63. Control Cholesterol Levels
Take just 1 tbsp daily and you can reduce your cholesterol. Coconut oil has high amounts of lauric acid that improves good cholesterol levels (HDL) and reduces bad cholesterol (LDL).
64. No More Cold Sores
Apply the oil multiple times daily and it will help in preventing sores from spread. It will also give a soothing effect.
65. Relief from Sore Throat
Get relief from sore throat and soothe the itches by drinking a spoon of coconut oil. Allow it to roll down your throat slowly.
66. Fight Cough
Your cough will be reduced with the following remedy:
– Mix 1 tsp of honey and 1/2 spoonful coconut oil in a cup
– Pour in hot water to fill 1/4 of the cup and drink
67. Natural Insect Repellant
Coconut oil may taste mild and can be great for you, but not for the bugs. Apply some and the critters will not come near.
68. Get Relief from Bug Bites
If any insect bites you, the area can feel quite irritating and itching. But coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can give you relief from it.
69. Get Relief from Bee Sting
Apply a dab of the oil on the sting after the stringer is removed. It will help in reducing swelling and pain.
70. Get Relief from Sunburn
Coconut oil can also help in soothing the pain due to sunburn.
– Mix coconut oil and aloe vera gel in 1 to 1 ratio
– Keep in the refrigerator for cooling
– Apply it by rubbing on the sunburned area
– It will give a soothing and cool feel.
71. Fight Eczema
Coconut oil can give you relief from the itching due to eczema flare up. It will give a soothe sensation in the area.
72. Soothing Effect against Poison Ivy
The oil helps in soothing the itching caused by ivy, sumac or oak. Apply it directly on the area or have a warm bath with the oil.
73. Relief from Chicken Pox
If your kid has chicken pox, rub some coconut oil on the affected areas and he/she will get a big relief.
74. Fight Acid Reflux & Heartburn
Take just 3 tbsp of the oil daily and your digestive health will get a big boost. It will also soothe the esophagus and give relief from acid reflux and heartburn.
75. Reduce the Toothache
If you have a toothache, don’t use the Advil. Use this natural treatment:
– Mix coconut oil and clove oil in 1:2 parts
– Apply on the gums using a cotton swab
76. Prepare your Natural Toothpaste
Yes, coconut oil can also be used for making your natural and safe coconut oil.
– Take 6 tbsp of coconut oil
– Mix with equal amount of baking soda
– Add 25 drops of essential oil like spearmint
77. Mouthwash
You can also have your mouthwash comprising of coconut oil. It should be used for oil pulling. Don’t swish it but “pull” it for the best benefits.
78. Get Rid of Excess Ear Wax
Coconut oil can help in breaking the buildup of wax. Apply just 2 drops of it using an eyedropper
79. Eliminate Warts & Moles
Rub the oil on the warts and moles. Use a bandage to cover the area. Repeat regularly and the warts and moles will be reduced.
80. Fighting Allergies
When it’s the allergy season, make your life easier with coconut oil. Just dap little bit of the oil on the nostrils and it will give you quick relief.
Read more
Source/Reference: familylifegoals.com
Other included sources linked in Family Life Goals’s article:
instanatural.com – Original Article Source