Better Living uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no cost to you.
Coconut oil is truly an amazing superfood. Not only does it taste good, but it has a multitude of benefits for the body on the inside and out. It can help to burn fat, speed up the metabolism, suppress appetite, lower cholesterol, and can heal our guts. It’s also antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal and has many other uses that you may not be aware of.
Here we present 14 ways you can use coconut oil to improve your health, beauty, and home. Many of these tricks will not only save you money from buying unnecessary products but will help you eliminate toxic chemicals from products your home.
When using coconut oil, be aware that it comes in a few different forms. Coconut oil, in its purest form, is solid at room temperature but melts easily when slightly warmed. For some applications like homemade bug repellent, we’ve suggested using coconut oil that comes in a liquefied form so you don’t have to worry about it solidifying at room temperature when using it on the go.
Let’s get started!
1. Use Coconut Oil As A Natural Energy Booster
Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fatty acids that are easily absorbed by the body and used for energy for your brain and cells!
When you can use a quick and healthy pick-me-up that doesn’t involve caffeine, try mixing 1 tablespoon coconut MCT oil with ½ tablespoon of chia seeds. It’s perfect for late afternoons or even after a workout. You can eat it straight from the spoon or blend it into your smoothie.
If you’re looking to kick the coffee creamer habit, you can even add a spoonful of coconut oil or raw coconut whole food to your coffee with your favorite natural sweetener for a boost of energy without the high-calorie, high-sugar versions from the store. Put it in the blender for an unbelievably super creamy texture!
Recommended Products: Nature’s Way Coconut MCT Oil From Coconut
2. Make Homemade Movie Theater Style Popcorn
The smell of freshly popped popcorn is simply irresistible. But they often make movie theater concession popcorn with inflammatory partially hydrogenated GMO soybean oil filled with chemicals, preservatives, and artificial flavors.
Next time you’re having a movie night, make your own healthy movie theater-style popcorn right at home. All you need is coconut oil, popcorn kernels (preferably organic), salt, and butter.
Coconut Oil Movie Theater Popcorn Recipe: Add 3 tablespoons of coconut oil to a heavy-bottomed pot and heat on medium-high. When the coconut oil has melted, add 1 kernel of the popcorn to the pot.
Once that kernel pops, add ½ cup of the popcorn kernels to the pot. Gently swirl the pot to ensure all the kernels get coated with the coconut oil. Put the lid on the pot and gently keep it moving back and forth over the heat to ensure the kernels don’t burn.
When you hear the popping of the kernels slow, turn the heat off. When all the kernels have popped, spread out thinly over a baking sheet. Using a cheese grater, grate ¼ of cup cold butter evenly over the popcorn. Bake for 12-15 minutes in a 275 ℉, degree oven tossing after about 8 minutes to ensure all the popcorn is covered with butter. Season with salt to taste and enjoy!
Recommended Product: Nature’s Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
3. Use Coconut Oil When Sauteing or Baking
Coconut oil has a smoke point of about 350℉ making it a great cooking oil for when you’re sauteing on the stovetop. Try using it when making dishes like scrambled eggs, stir-fries, curries, or French toast. You can even replace it with butter or vegetable oil in your favorite baked goods recipes, like quick bread, muffins, brownies, and cakes. It works wonderfully in recipes with chocolate as it brings out the flavor.
It’s not surprising that some coconut oils have a mild coconut flavor that may not pair well with what you’re cooking. Instead, try neutral-tasting coconut oil with no coconut flavor like Spectrum Culinary Organic Coconut Oil which can be used in any medium-high heat dish (up to 365°).
Recommended Product: Spectrum Culinary Organic Coconut Oil
4. Use Coconut Oil For Dental And Oral Health
As strange as it may sound, coconut oil is actually amazing for the health of your teeth and gums. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties and is especially effective in killing Streptococcus mutans, bacteria found in the mouth that can cause plaque, cavities, and gum disease.
Oil pulling, an Ayurvedic practice where oil is swished around the mouth and then spit out, is believed to draw out toxins, remove plaque, fight bacteria, reduce tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease (gingivitis) can be done with coconut oil.
While more scientific studies on oil pulling need to be done, there are thousands of anecdotal stories around the web from “oil pullers” who swear by its benefits and believe it can increase energy, improve skin conditions, eliminate headaches, balance hormones, and more.
How to “Oil Pull” With Coconut Oil
First thing in the morning, after you brush your teeth, put 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth. Once the oil has melted, swish the oil gently around your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes. Spit it into a lined garbage can so you don’t clog your drain. Rinse with a natural mouthwash or lightly salted water and go about your day.
Make Your Own Toothpaste With Coconut Oil
With just a few inexpensive ingredients, you can make up a healthy coconut oil toothpaste that can be used every day or alternated with your favorite toothpaste.
This DIY coconut oil toothpaste recipe also includes activated coconut charcoal, a fine powder made from coconut shells that has cleansing properties.
Ingredients
1/3 cup coconut oil
1 tablespoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon activated coconut charcoal
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
8-10 drops peppermint or clove essential oil
2 drops of liquid stevia (optional)
Directions
Warm the coconut oil lightly on the stovetop until just melted. In a bowl, combine with the rest of the ingredients and store in an airtight jar. Brush as usual.
Recommended Products:
Nature’s Way Coconut Charcoal
Nature’s Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
5. Use Coconut Oil As A Makeup Remover
It’s no fun washing off a face full of makeup only to see streaks of mascara and splotches of eyeshadow that just won’t seem to budge. That’s where coconut oil comes to the rescue, which can break down the tough to wash ingredients in makeup like waterproof mascara!
Simply put, a dab of coconut oil on a cotton ball and gently wipe it on and around your eyelids and face. Once the makeup is gone, wash your face as usual.
The coconut oil will not only quickly remove tough makeup stains but will leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Plus, it’s healthy, cost-effective, and won’t leave your skin dry like those makeup removers at the drugstore.
Recommended Product: Nature’s Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
6. Coconut Oil Makes A Lovely Massage Oil
There’s no need to buy expensive massage oils filled with artificial fragrances. Since coconut oil is wonderful for your skin, make your own custom massage oil by simply adding fractionated or liquid coconut oil to a clean empty bottle with a few drops of your favorite soothing essential oils. We love essential oil scents like lavender, frankincense, eucalyptus, and sandalwood.
Recommended Product: NOW Foods Liquid Coconut Oil
7. Use Coconut Oil In Place of Shaving Cream
Have you run out of shaving cream or want a clean product to use? Coconut oil is a great substitute. Simply apply it to the skin you want to shave. It will leave your skin moisturized and feeling super smooth for a nice clean shave. Its antibacterial qualities will treat and protect any nicks or cuts from infection.
Recommended Product: Nature’s Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
8. Use In Place of Over The Counter Antifungal Cream
Since coconut oil is antifungal and antibacterial, you can use it topically to treat itchy spots irritated by a skin fungus. Simply rub some coconut oil onto the affected area and allow it to soak in. Reapply as needed.
Recommended Product: Nature’s Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
8. Balance Your Hormones And Support Your Thyroid
Feeling like your hormones are out of balance? Coconut oil can help. It’s rich in healthy fats that can support the thyroid and adrenal glands to lower cortisol. They can also transform cholesterol into pregnenolone, an essential building block needed for the production of thyroid hormones. Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to support a healthy metabolism, two things that are essential for balanced hormones.
A convenient way to get your coconut oil when you’re on the go is in the form of capsules. Nature’s Way makes coconut oil in 1000mg soft gels that you can take any time of day and keep with you in your bag so you can stay on track with your health goals even when you’re short on time.
Recommended Product: Nature’s Way 1000 mg Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Softgels
Soothe Dry Chapped Lips
Coconut oil is an amazing skin moisturizer with anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it’s edible! That makes it perfect for soothing lips that are dry, cracked, sore, chapped, or irritated.
Take it one step further and combine your coconut oil with dehydrated strawberry, cherry, or raspberry powder for a homemade lip balm with a hint of color and natural yummy flavor. It goes on super smooth and will even provide some protection from the sun, as coconut oil is naturally SPF 7.
Recommended Product: Nature’s Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Tame Frizzy Hair And Flyaways
Having a bad hair day? Coconut oil can help. Just put a tiny amount on your fingertips and massage into the ends of your hair or spots where you’re experiencing frizziness. The coconut oil will leave your strands looking smooth, sleek, and frizz-free.
Recommended Product: Nature’s Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Make A Safe Insect Repellent
Most insect repellents on the market are made with ingredients like DEET that, while effective, are toxic to your body and the environment. To repel bugs safely, make your own natural insect repellent.
Mix a tablespoon of liquid coconut oil with a couple of drops of peppermint, citronella, eucalyptus, rosemary, and tea tree essential oils and rub them into exposed areas of skin. It’s safe for the skin and you don’t have to worry about washing it off when you get home. Make more than you need and store it in a spray bottle for future use.
Recommended Product: NOW Foods Liquid Coconut Oil
Condition And Shine Wood Furniture
Commercial wood and furniture cleaners might be effective, but they contain a lot of toxic ingredients and strong synthetic fragrances that can pollute the air of your home. Next time you’re cleaning your furniture, try using coconut oil to keep your wood furniture looking shiny and beautiful. Coconut oil not only brings out the natural grain of the wood and has a pleasant aroma, but also acts as a dust repellent.
Simply mix 2 parts softened or melted coconut oil with 1 part lemon juice and 1 part white vinegar. Apply to a soft rag and rub on wood furniture with the grain of the wood. Wipe off any excess and enjoy your gorgeous wood!
Need To Stock Up On Coconut Oil? Here’s A Special iHerb Offer.
ALL Customers will get a special discount OFF their order of Nature’s Way products!!!
NEW iHerb customers will get an additional $5 OFF their $40 order!!! Click here to apply the code!