Applying Natural Solutions: 60 Everyday Uses for Coconut Oil

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.