I’m a bit obsessed with coconut oil
for many reasons and my list could go on and on. I ran into a great blog with information
about coconut oil and want to share some of the information with you. Below is a quick overview from the article.
If you want more information about coconut oil go to the following
website. If I peaked your curiosity go
and read more about coconut oil.
Coconut Oil Is:
- Anti-bacterial (kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum diseases, and other bacterial infections)
- Anti-carcinogenic (coconut oil has antimicrobial properties so it effectively prevents the spread of cancer cells and enhances the immune system)
- Anti-fungal (kills fungi and yeast that lead to infection)
- Anti-inflammatory (appears to have a direct effect in suppressing inflammation and repairing tissue, and it may also contribute by inhibiting harmful intestinal microorganisms that cause chronic inflammation.)
- Anti-microbial/Infection Fighting (the medium-chain fatty acids and monoglycerides found in coconut oil are the same as those in human mother's milk, and they have extraordinary antimicrobial properties. By disrupting the lipid structures of microbes, they inactivate them. About half of coconut oil consists of lauric acid. Lauric acid, its metabolite monolaurin and other fatty acids in coconut oil are known to protect against infection from bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi and parasites. While not having any negative effect on beneficial gut bacteria, coconut oil inactivates undesirable microbes.)
- An Antioxidant (protects against free-radical formation and damage)
- Anti-parasitic (fights to rid the body of tapeworms, lice and other parasites)
- Anti-protozoa (kills giardia, a common protozoan infection of the gut)
- Anti-retroviral (kills HIV and HLTV-1)
- Anti-viral (kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other viruses)
- Infection fighting
- Has no harmful for discomforting side effects
- Known to improve nutrient absorption (easily digestible; makes vitamins and minerals more available to the body)
- Nontoxic to humans and animals
Type of Coconut Oil to
Use:
- Virgin (unrefined) coconut oil tastes and smells coconutty and is great for cooking and baking where you want that flavor. You can use it for anything but it will impart a coconut taste (mild) and odor (pleasant in my book)! Unrefined coconut oil retains the most nutritional value and is superior to refined oil.
- Expeller pressed (refined) coconut oil can be used for anything. It does not have a coconutty smell or taste. It is still outstanding to use but does lose some of it’s health properties during the refining process.
- Food grade should always be used.
160 Uses for Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil for Personal Hygiene/Body
1. Age Spots
(also known as liver spots) – applying coconut oil directly to the age spot
will help it fade.
2. After
Shave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging
pores. Great for razor burn!
3. Baldness
– apply three times a day to affected area of hair loss. Coconut oil supports
cell regeneration.
4. Birth
Marks – can be used after a laser removal treatment to aid in healing. Can
also be applied after an apple cider vinegar treatment to help support and aid
the fading process.
5. Body Scrub
– mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin
will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific
smell.
6. Bruises
– applied directly to the bruise, coconut oil enhances the healing process by
reducing swelling and redness.
7. Bug Bites
– when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and
burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.
8. Burns
– apply to burn site immediately and continue applying until healed. Will
reduce the chances of permanent scarring and promotes healing.
9. Chapstick
– just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it
also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!
10. Cradle Cap –
having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only
nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a
teaspoon onto scalp daily.
11. Dandruff –
coconut oil soaks into the scalp moisturizing dry skin and relieves symptoms of
dandruff. It also helps to control oil secretion from the scalp, another
leading cause of dandruff.
12. Deodorant –
coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in
combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda!
13. Diaper Salve
– very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth
diapers.
14. Exfoliator –
coconut oil mixed with sugar or sea salt is a very nourishing and effective
exfoliator and safe to use all over the body.
15. Eye cream – apply
under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the
evening.
16. Face Wash/ Soap
– mix equal parts coconut oil with olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil and
castor oil and use in place of soap when washing your face. Wet face, rub oil
in and leave on for two minutes, rinse and pat dry. One teaspoon should be
adequate.
17. Hair
conditioner/ Deep Treatment - use as a leave-in hair conditioner by
applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers
through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a
tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the
ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on
overnight.
18. Hair Gel/
Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair
(for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for
wavy/straight hair).
19. Healing -
when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer
which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil
speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it
smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.
20. Lubricant – it is
an all-natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex!
21. Makeup Remover
– use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how
well it works!
22. Massage Oil
– pretty simple; grab some and rub!
23. Moisturizer –
simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck
and face.
24. Mole Remover –
when applied after an apple cider vinegar compress for several weeks, moles
have been known to “slide off” or just disappear.
25. Nipple Cream
– works great to nourish cracked, sore or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball
and leave on your nipples between feedings.
26. Oily Skin Fix
– prone to oily skin or an oily T-zone? Use a pea sized amount underneath
makeup or alone to reduce the appearance of oil.
27. Pre Shampoo
Treatment for Hair – rub a little into scalp and hair before shampooing.
This is especially useful for those with course or frizzy hair.
28. Pre-Shave –
coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving.
29. Skin Problems
– coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
30. Stretch Mark Cream
– coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic
stretch mark cure but it will help.
31. Sun Burn Relief
– rub liberal amounts of coconut oil into the affected area.
33. Swimmers Ear
– mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about
10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two
days.
34. Tattoo Healing
and Moisturizer – continued use of coconut oil on tattoos will help keep
the pigment from fading. Used on new tattoos, coconut will hasten the healing
process and decrease the chance of infection.
35. Toothpaste –
there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda
and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.
36. Wrinkle
Prevention and Wrinkle Reducer – rubbing coconut oil on winkles and sagging
skin helps strengthen the connective tissues to bring back that youthful look!
Coconut Oil for General Health and Wellness
37. Breastfeeding
– for breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will
enrich the milk supply.
38. Bones and Teeth
– coconut oil aids in the absorption of calcium and magnesium leading to better
development of bones and teeth.
39. Digestion -
the saturated fats in coconut oil help control parasites and fungi that cause
indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel
syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins,
minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.
40. Energy Boost
– coconut oil boosts energy and endurance making it a great supplement for
athletes as well as those needed a quick pick me up.
41. Fitness -
coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid
function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted
fat while increasing muscle.
42. Improves insulin
secretion and utilization of blood glucose making it great for both
diabetics and non-diabetic.
43. Lung Function
– increases the fluidity of cell surfaces.
44. Nausea – rub
some coconut oil on the inside for the wrist and forearm to calm an upset
stomach.
45. Nose bleeds
- coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to
weather such as extreme heat and extreme cold. This condition happens when the
nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and
cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put
coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with coconut oil and then lie
down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and
protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also
help prevent nose bleeding.
46. Oil pulling
with coconut oil offers a two for one health benefit!
47. Stress Relief
- relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular,
massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus
helping to lower your stress level.
48. Vitamin and
nutrient absorption
49. Weight loss -
the saturated fats contribute to weight loss and controlling cravings. Also
increases metabolic rate.
Coconut Oil for Health Problems (when taken
internally it is known for aiding, preventing, relieving or even curing these
health issues)
50. Acid
reflux/indigestion aid if taken after a meal
51. Adrenal fatigue
52. Allergies
(seasonal hay fever)
53. Alzheimer’s/Dementia
54. Asthma, even in
children
55. Autism
56. Bowel function
57. Bronchial
Infections
58. Cancer (has
been shown to prevent colon and breast cancer in laboratorytests)
59. Candida Albicans
60. Cholesterol
- improves HDL ('good' cholesterol) to LDL ('bad' cholesterol)
ratio in people with high cholesterol
ratio in people with high cholesterol
61. Chronic Fatigue
62. Crohns Disease
and resulting inflammation
63. Circulation/feeling
cold all the time
64. Colds and Flus
65. Constipation
66. Cystic Fibrosis
67. Depression
68. Diabetes -
helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with cravings
69. Dysentery
70. Eczema – in
addition to taking it internally, many have success applying it externally, but
some don't
71. Edema
72. Energy boost
73. Epilepsy
(known to reduce epileptic seizures)
74. Fever Support
75. Flaky, Dry Skin
76. Gallbladder
disease and pain
77. Gas
78. H. pylori
79. Head Lice
80. Heart Disease
(protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis)
81. Hemorrhoids
(can applied externally or internally twice a day)
82. HIV
83. Hot Flashes
84. Hyperthyroidism
85. Immune System
Builder
86. Irritable Bowel
Syndrome
87. Jaundice
88. Kidney Disease
89. Kidney Stones
(aids in dissolving them)
90. Liver Disease
91. Lung Disease
92. Malnutrition
93. Mental Clarity
94. Menstruation
Relief regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow
95. Migraines
(with regular use)
96. Mononucleosis
97. Osteoporosis
98. Pancreatitis
99. Parasites
100. Periodontal
Disease and tooth decay
101. Prostate
Enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
102. Rickets
103. Skin problems
104. Scurvy
105. Stomach Ulcers
106. Toenail fungus
107. Thrush
108. Thyroid
Function (regulates an overactive or underactive thyroid)
109. Ulcerative
Colitis
110. Underactive
thyroid gland - results have shown subsequent thyroid blood tests becoming
normal after ingesting coconut oil daily
111. Urinary Tract
Infections (Bladder Infections)
Coconut Oil and Health Problems (when applied
topically it is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing these health
issues)
112. Acne
113. Allergies/Hay
Fever – rub a little inside the nostrils for quick relief. The pollen will
cling to the oil.
114. Athletes foot
115. Back pain/sore
muscles
116. Boils and cysts
117. Canker sores
118. Cellulite
119. Circumcision
healing – although I am personally against circumcision, I have read
that coconut oil is a really great healer for this.
120. Decongestant
– rub coconut oil on the chest and under the nose when congested from a cold or
allergies
121. Ear infection
– place a few drops inside the ear twice daily for relief from pain. Also
fights the infection itself.
122. Genital Warts
(through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil enemas twice a day
depending on the location of the warts)
123. Gum Disease and
Gingivitis (use as a toothpaste or rub directly on gums)
124.Herpes (applied
topically and taken internally)
125.Hives (reduces
the itch and swelling
126. Pink eye
(applied around and in the eye)
127. Ringworm
128. Toothache
129. Warts
Coconut Oil and Cooking
130. Butter
Substitute - use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing butter in recipes with
coconut oil.
131. Nutritional
Supplement – melt and add to smoothies.
132. Replacement for
butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in its solid form for greasing pans, pie crusts,
etc.
133. Replacement for
various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sautéing, etc.
Coconut Oil and Pets/Animals
Check with your veterinarian but the
recommended dosage for animals is 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body
weight twice daily.
134. Aids healing of
digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis
135. Aids in arthritis or
ligament problems
136. Aids in
elimination of hairballs and coughing
137. Applied
topically, promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and
hair, bites and stings
138. Clears up skin
conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis, and itchy
skin
139. Disinfects cuts
and promotes wound healing
140. Great for dogs
and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl
daily.
141. Helps prevent
or control diabetes
142. Helps sedentary
dogs feel energetic
143. Helps reduce weight,
increases energy
144. Improves
digestion and nutrient absorption
145. Makes coats
become sleek and glossy, and deodorizes doggy odor
146. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been shown to improve
brain energy metabolism and decrease the amyloid protein buildup that results
in brain lesions in older dogs.
147. Prevents and
treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida
148. Reduces
allergic reactions and improves skin health
149. Reduces or
eliminates bad breath in dogs
150. Regulates and
balance insulin and promotes normal thyroid function
Other Uses for Coconut Oil
151. Chewing Gum in
Hair Remover – just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave
in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertip. Voila! It’s
out!
152. Goo Gone -
just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the
“sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old
toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.
153. Insect
repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over
exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with DEET! Tons safer too.
154. Moisturizing and
cleaning leather products
155. Oiling wood cutting
boards and wood bowls
156. Polishing
Bronze - all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and
then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.
157. Polish
Furniture - coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood
furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive
part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.
158. Seasoning animal
hide drums
159. Seasoning
cookware
160. Soap making
– coconut oil can be used as one of the fats in soap.
Gary Rumel, Corrective Therapist
801-703-8503
