Coconut oil (CO) has become a favorite with naturally-minded moms! It has countless uses in the home, for your health, and replaces many expensive products.
The best type to use is Organic Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil. Hydrogenated coconut oil doesn’t function the same way.
Coconut oil has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and it is naturally healing and moisturizing.
Coconut oil for health
Heal wounds and scars
Coconut oil has moisturizing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that might aid in healing wounds and scars. Research has found virgin coconut oil (VCO) healed wounds faster.
Natural remedy for eczema
VCO has been proven to be helpful for people with dermatitis and eczema.
Natural deodorant
Because of its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, virgin coconut oil reduces bacteria in moist areas — like your pits!
Ingredient in vapor rub
Mix coconut with a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to create a homemade vapor rub.
Rub it into your chest to soothe coughs and sore throats, or rub into areas of minor pain for relief. Just don’t apply it where you have open wounds or rashes — the essential oil may cause an unpleasant stinging affect.
Lavender essential oil, however, is also known to relieve pain and aid in wound healing, so it might serve as a better homemade vapor rub in the event of open wounds and/or skin irritations.
Soothe skin irritations
Coconut oil works as a natural remedy for
- Eczema
- Chicken pox
- Shingles
- Sunburned skin
- Bee stings
- Bug Bites
- Other rashes and skin irritations
Natural dandruff remedy
Coconut oil for beauty
Skin moisturizer
As mentioned previously, coconut oil is excellent for moisturizing skin!
It can also be used as an after-shave cream, which is essentially skin moisturizer as well.
Natural makeup remover
Put a dime-sized amount of solid virgin coconut oil on a cotton pad and massage your face with it. Using a fresh cotton pad, gently rub the oil off your face. Repeat as neccesary.
Once your makeup is removed, clean your face with soap and warm water, then rinse and pat dry.
Why it works: Oil, the main ingredient of most makeup removers, cuts through makeup.
Deep conditioning hair mask
Heat two tablespoons of coconut oil gently in the microwave. Apply it to damp or dry hair, then wrap in a towel or wear a shower cap — overnight or for 15 minutes.
I can’t sleep with my hair wrapped up, so I only do it for 15 minutes…but my hair is so shiny afterward! Repeat this process 2-3 times a week.
Lip balm
Dab your finger into solid VCO and apply to your lips! Coconut oil soothes dry and chapped lips.
Ingredient in homemade body scrub, lotions and lotion bars, and hand soap
Coconut oil is the #1 ingredient in many beauty and hygiene products, aside from water, because it’s basically magic.
You can make your own soap using coconut oil, lye or castille soap, and water. Add essential oils for aromatherapy and their own benefits, if you want.
Coconut oil for baby and mom
- Use for your baby’s diaper rash cream.
- Coconut oil provides a natural relief for baby’s bum.
- Coconut oil is cloth diaper safe!
- Use for your baby’s lotion instead of traditional baby creams.
- Use to relieve cradle cap on your little one.
- Gently rub into your baby’s scalp, use a baby brush or comb to gently clean off the dead skin, and finish by taking a warm washcloth over baby’s head.
- Use as a stretch mark cream for prevention before, during, and after pregnancy.
- If nursing, use coconut oil on your nipples to prevent cracking and irritation.
- Consuming coconut oil while nursing will help increase your milk flow.
Household coconut oil uses
- Use to season cast iron pans.
- Wash cast iron in hot water; dry over warm burner; apply small amount of coconut oil to pan; place in warm oven (or over warm burner) allowing oil to melt into pan.
- Use as furniture polish.
- Mix with a dash of lemon essential oil for an inexpensive furniture polish that smells delightful!
- Cook with coconut oil vs. vegetable oil or butter.
- Use to treat wooden cutting boards.
- Use to season stoneware.
- Use to pop popcorn.
Coconut oil is NOT good for sunscreen
Many bloggers recommend using coconut oil to protect against the sun, but research finds natural oils — like coconut oil — are inefficient in this department.
It can relieve sunburns, though!
What is your favorite use(s) for coconut oil in your household?
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