25 Ways to Use Coconut Oil

Yesterday I posted about my experience with using coconut oil as a hair mask to moisturize my color-treated hair.  Today I wanted to go a little more in depth with the whole coconut oil thing and give you a list of 50 ways to use coconut oil from my research online and experiences using the product itself.  Feel free to share the ways you use coconut oil in the comments section below!

1. As a hair mask.  Read more about that on my blog post here.  Be sure to wet your hair thoroughly to pre-rinse some of the oil out before you shampoo or else you might have problems getting your shampoo to lather.  Also, if you're worried about it getting all over your pillowcase, wrap your hair in a towel instead.  Don't worry about it getting onto your skin, because it's actually really good for your skin!  It won't cause you to break out.

2. Skin moisturizer.  Let a scoop melt in your hand and apply liberally to your skin.  It will absorb and keep your skin hydrated with a sweet nutty scent.  Safe for even the most sensitive of skins.

3. Skin protectant. A few years ago when my youngest was suffering from a particularly bad bought of diaper rash while on vacation in Florida, my aunt suggested putting coconut oil on it.  She had some at her house, and while I was there I used that instead of Desitin on his bottom.  It cleared it up so quickly I was amazed!  I've read that you can also use coconut oil on scrapes and cuts to provide a protective barrier.

4. Lip Moisturizer.  Rub some on your lips for an all natural sweet way to keep your lips from drying out!

5. Body Scrub.  Mix coconut oil with some salt or sugar to create a paste and massage over your skin.  The salt or sugar will buff away dead skin cells while the oil absorbs to moisturize.  Plus, your skin will be left smelling amazing and no extra lotion needed!

6.  Massage oil.  Use a tablespoon melted in the palm of your hands to massage sore achy muscles.

7. Scented Bath Oil.  Warm up about a quarter cup of oil on the defrost setting in your microwave for 10 seconds then add to warm bath water.  Soak and enjoy the softening benefits and let the delicious scent relax you after a long day!

8. Sexual Lubricant/Feminine Moisturizer.  All natural all the way.  As with any oil, do not use in conjunction with a latex condom, as oils can cause them to break.

9.  Fight Age Spots.  I've found claims that coconut oil used on a regular basis will fade age spots on your skin.  Haven't examined this claim yet, but thought I'd at least pass it along!

10. Remove Eye Makeup.  Use it to remove your eye makeup, and you won't have to worry about it clogging your pores.  Also moisturizes the delicate eye area with each use.

11.  All Natural Eyelash Growth.  It's been claimed to increase your eyelashes.  While I'm not sure if this is true, I'm in the process of testing this out by applying a bit to my eyelashes every night.  Either way, they'll break less, because they'll be ultra moisturized, which should make them appear thicker and longer even if it's not actually stimulating growth.

12. Shave Oil.  Use this to lubricate your skin and provide a barrier against razor burn.

13.  Bake Brownies.  Replace the vegetable oil in your regular brown recipe with coconut oil for health boosting benefits!

14. Reduce Your Cholesterol.  According to an article on the Dr. Oz website, coconut oil can help raise your levels of "good" cholesterol and burn stubborn belly fat.

15. Kills Bacteria And Fungus.  Along the lines of applying to scrapes and cuts, sources like CoconutOil.com say that it actually kills bacteria and fungus.

16.  Energy.  One of my Facebook Fans posted that they put a scoop of it in their coffee and it gives her energy for hours.  More from the Dr. Oz website, "Coconut oil can boost thyroid function helping to increase metabolism, energy and endurance."  It is said to help maintain glucose levels, which is why it keeps energy up when you would otherwise crash from low blood sugar mid-day.

17.  Skin Ailments.  My eldest has severe eczema, and coconut oil is one of the only few things that soothes his skin without burning when he has a bad breakout.  I had never used the pure coconut oil, but a mixed balm that contained it and some other natural oils along with beeswax, and it was the only that didn't make  him scream other than his steroid creams from the dermatologist.  Other people use it to treat psoriasis.

18.  Cooking.  There are recipes abound for using coconut oil in food.  Everything from frying, to buttering your toast, to salad dressings.  Here are some favorites from my Facebook community:

• Spread on Ezekiel toast, drizzle with honey and then sprinkle some cinnamon on top. (From Anna.)
• Paleo Coconut Chicken (From Kim)
• Boneless Chicken Thighs- Melt about a quarter cup coconut oil and add roughly half a tablespoon mustard to it and half a table spoon rosemary. Spread the mixture over boneless skinless chicken thighs (4-6) and bake for 25- 30 minutes at 350, delicious!  (From Sara.)
• Chunk up sweet potatoes and covered them in coconut oil and salt and bake for an hour to get sweet potato "fries" (From Sara) ~  I'm totally trying this one!
• Vegan, Gluten Free Platain and Rice Pancakes (From Sandhya)

19.   Reduce Stretch Marks.  Here's a recipe from Molly Sims!

20.  Flavor Your Smoothies.  Add a scoop to your fruit smoothie and pretend you're in the islands!

21.  Fry Eggs.  Instead of butter or cooking spray, use melted coconut oil for delicious healthy eggs.

22.  Popcorn Topping.  Cut out the salt and fats from butter and use coconut oil instead!

23.  Deodorant. Yes, you read that right.  The stuff that goes under your arms.  Lush sells a powdered version and this website has a recipe for homemade.

24.  Hair Serum. You don't have to slather it all over your scalp and head to get the hair benefits from coconut oil.  Just a little bit warmed in your hands will help tame frizz, flyaways, and static.

25.  Condition Your Cuticles.  Massage a few drops into your cuticles to soften the nail bed and promote growth.