In the past few years, coconut oil has developed an almost cult following. People use it for all sorts of things-from beauty to cooking to health. But what exactly are the different uses of coconut oil? You’ve heard people say, “You can coconut oil for that” almost a million times, but how are you supposed to keep track of all of it? A list. A list of twenty one uses for coconut oil-the miracle that’s been hiding in your pantry for years.
1. Whiten your teeth.
Oil pulling is where you swish oil in your mouth to clean it. It “pulls” out harmful bacteria and whitens your teeth, among other things.
2. Deep condition your hair.
Slathering your hair in coconut oil is an excellent way to moisturize it. It takes forever to get all of the oil out, but it’s totally worth the end product (soft angel hair).
3. Wash your face.
A mixture of coconut oil and baking soda makes an excellent natural face wash.
4. As a replacement for shaving cream.
It’s an oil, which means it will lubricate your skin enough to prevent razor burn and nicks. You’ll also get a much closer shave than you would with shaving cream.
5. As an aftershave.
Coconut oil can also be used as an aftershave. It will soothe any irritation, which helps to prevent razor burn.
6. On your cuticles.
Coconut oil will condition dry, flaky nail beds.
7. As chapstick (or lip gloss).
A little bit of coconut oil straight from the jar works wonders on dry or chapped lips. Plus, it gives them a glossy sheen before it soaks in.
8. To remove your makeup.
A little bit of coconut oil on a cotton ball or cotton round will remove makeup without drying out your skin.
9. To relieve bug bites.
Just put a little bit on your bite and the itch should soon stop.
10. To relieve poison ivy or poison oak.
Coconut oil should help to relieve itchiness in rashes from poison ivy or poison oak, just spread it over the rash like you would with the bug bites.
11. Treat your canker sores.
If you have an irritating canker sore that won’t go away, putting some coconut oil on it with a cotton swab can help to fight the infection causing the sore.
12. Stop hot flashes during menopause.
Some women have said that taking one or two tablespoons of coconut oil daily helps to prevent hot flash symptoms.
13. As a carrier for essential oils.
Essential oils have TONS of uses, but you have to dilute them in a carrier oil before you can safely apply them to your skin. Use refined coconut oil if you don’t want the coconut smell mixing in with whatever scent of essential oil you are using.
14. To make a smoothie.
Adding one or two tablespoons to a smoothie can give in a nutritional boost.
15. Instead of vegetable oil or shortening.
Coconut oil is a much healthier alternative to vegetable oil and shortening. You can use it as a replacement in just about any recipe.
16. As a lotion.
You can use coconut oil as a super simple lotion. You just slather it all over and you’re good to go!
17. As a toothpaste.
Some people make their own toothpaste out of coconut oil and baking soda. They swear by it.
18. As a safe and natural personal lubricant.
It seems safer than something that was processed or factory made. Au natural, all that jazz. Plus it’s cheap, so why not give it a shot?
19. As a cradle cap solution.
Just rub a little bit on daily.
20. As an all natural, safe diaper cream.