The more I learn about the bounty and beauty of creation, the more I want to apply its principles to my life. Sometimes this can be figurative: The birds don’t worry or store food away in barns, yet God takes care of them (Matthew 6:26). And oftentimes this can be a literal interpretation of His care for us. God gives us what we need for sustenance and daily life, in Him and from His gifts of creation. We can look to God’s green earth for natural solutions to our ailments or for our daily needs.
One example is coconut oil. Coconut oil is the edible oil extracted from the meat of mature coconuts, harvested from the coconut palm, which grows in tropical regions.
Did you know coconut oil has hundreds of uses? There are so many benefits to this versatile oil. The most well-known are applicable to cooking, beauty care, home, and natural remedies.
Here are 60 of the most popular uses and applications of coconut oil. See how many of these you’ve used or may want to try! Note: Research best recipes and be sure to speak to your doctor (where necessary) before trying.
COOKING
1. Smoothie ingredient
2. Homemade coffee creamer
3. Homemade mayonnaise
4. Dairy-free butter replacement
5. Vegetable or canola oil replacement
6. Energy boost when mixed with chia seeds
BEAUTY
7. Facial moisturizer
8. Lotion
9. Eye makeup remover
10. Natural SPF
11. Massage oil
12. Natural lip balm
13. Body scrub
14. Soap
15. Shaving cream
16. Aftershave lotion
17. Tanning oil
18. Foot scrub
19. Diaper cream
20. Deodorant
21. Homemade whitening toothpaste
22. Nail emulsifier
23. Anti-frizz hair treatment
24. Conditioner
25. Shampoo bars
26. Lotion bars
27. Remineralizing toothpaste
HOME
28. Season your cast-iron skillet
29. Laundry soap
30. Condition leather
31. Carrier oil to dilute essential oils when applying directly onto skin
32. Pet care—moisturizes skin and prevents flaking
33. Bug repellent
34. Hand moisturizer
35. Homemade dog treats
NATURAL REMEDIES
36. Oil pulling for oral health
37. Rub on the inside of your nose for allergy symptoms
38. Anti-microbial and anti-fungal—topically kill yeast or yeast infections
39. Soothe psoriasis or eczema
40. Reduce the appearance of varicose veins
41. Cold remedy
42. Sunburns
43. Acne
44. Bug bites itch-reducer
45. Sore throat
46. Remineralize teeth and reverse decay
47. UTI
48. Support hormones and sleep
49. Cracked skin salve
50. Homemade vapor rub
51. Cold sores
PREGNANCY, BABY, CHILDREN
52. Ear infection
53. Soothe itchy skin
54. Stretch marks in pregnancy
55. Mother’s milk supply aid
56. Cradle cap on baby
57. Diaper cream
58. Soothing cream for nursing moms
59. After-birth healing
60. Lice treatment
With so many options, which uses are you most keen to try? Before you run to the store to buy some coconut oil, let’s look at the different types.
REFINED COCONUT OIL
This is the most widely used and common form of coconut oil you will find at the grocery store. It is also known as RBD coconut oil, which stands for refined, bleached, and deodorized; this is not a pure coconut oil as it’s been processed. Processing involves filtering and bleaching the oil, which is then heated to a high temperature. The high heat deodorizes the oil and kills germs and any other bacteria. If you are looking for health benefits, do not choose this one. It is usually tasteless and has no smell.
UNREFINED COCONUT OIL
In a process called “wet milling,” the oil is extracted from coconuts and spun in a centrifuge. It is not bleached, as refined oil is, and undergoes no additional processing before packaging. This makes it unrefined, also known as “virgin” or “pure.”
FRACTIONATED / MCT COCONUT OIL
This is coconut oil that has been distilled, leaving a light, odorless oil that stays in liquid form at cooler temperatures. MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides, which references the fatty acids, some of which are removed, leaving the oil liquid at room temperature, and extending its shelf life. It is more easily absorbed by the skin, and less likely to clog pores.
For internal use (cooking, ingesting, natural remedies, use in pregnancy or with babies and children), an unrefined, organic oil is best. For external use fractionated or refined organic oil is best.
What makes coconut oil so beneficial is that it has a unique nutritional profile. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is a beneficial fat. Our bodies convert lauric acid to monolaurin, which aids in healthy immune function. Coconut oil also contains caprylic acid, a healthy fat that has antibacterial properties. Additionally, coconut oil is high in capric acid, which has high immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties.
Coconut oil is an incredibly versatile substance which should be in everybody’s pantry cabinet, and even bathroom, for everyday uses! It replaces everyday care products for the home and family, is a healthy substitute in recipes, and is a natural alternative to many over-the-counter remedies. God created all you see around us—including plants, and yes, coconut oil. It’s of great value it to look to the principles we find in His creation for a variety of natural solutions. After all, it’s simply another way God provides what we need each day.
Coconut oil is an incredibly versatile substance which should be in everybody’s pantry cabinet, and even bathroom, for everyday uses!
HOMEMADE MAYONNAISE
2 egg yolks, room temperature
1 teaspoon mustard
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
½ cup olive oil
¾ cup coconut oil, liquid
Pinch of sea salt and black pepper
- In a blender, add egg yolks, mustard, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, and blend on the lowest setting.
- Slowly drizzle in the oil while the blender is still on low speed.
- Once the oil is well incorporated, add the remaining lemon juice.
- Add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Place in a jar and store in the refrigerator.
HOMEMADE CITRUS HAND AND BODY SCRUB
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ cup coconut oil, liquid
20 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil (optional)
10 drops Lemon Essential Oil (optional)
- Mix all ingredients together and store in a glass jar.
- Use in the shower or at the sink.
HOMEMADE DOG TREATS
1 cup all-natural peanut butter
1 teaspoon unrefined coconut oil, liquid
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Silicone mold tray
- Heat coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat if need to melt to liquid form.
- Add peanut butter and cinnamon.
- Stir until mixture is completely smooth and thoroughly mixed. It should be thick, but pourable.
- Pour mixture into mold tray and freeze until it sets.
- Carefully remove from tray and store in an air-tight container in the freezer until you are ready to feed your dog a tasty treat!
- Rule of thumb: these are made for dogs in the 10-15 pound range. Use 1 teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight—adjust accordingly.
Some notes were taken from an article that was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD, appearing on the Wellness Mama blog.
Mayonnaise Recipe: DrAxe.com
Dog treat recipe: LiveLaughRowe.com
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