20 Clever Uses For Coconut Oil Beyond The Kitchen

1. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth to improve oral health. Coconut oil is particularly effective for this purpose due to its antibacterial properties, aiding with dental plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease. One study even found that oil pulling was as effective as antiseptic mouthwash.

Benefits of Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil:

• Coconut oil contains lauric acid, known to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth.
• Regular oil pulling can help reduce plaque formation and lower the risk of cavities.
• It can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy gums.
• Many users report whiter teeth after consistent oil pulling.

How to Perform Oil Pulling:

1. Put one tablespoon of melted coconut oil in your mouth.
2. Swish the oil around for 15-20 minutes, ensuring it reaches all areas of your mouth.
3. Spit the oil into a trash can (avoid spitting into the sink as it can clog pipes).
4. Rinse your mouth with warm water and brush your teeth as usual.

2. Makeup Remover

Removing makeup can be challenging, especially waterproof products. Coconut oil is a gentle yet effective solution.

Benefits of Using Coconut Oil as a Makeup Remover:

• It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
• Coconut oil hydrates and nourishes the skin while removing makeup.
• It can easily dissolve stubborn makeup, including mascara and eyeliner.

How to Use Coconut Oil as a Makeup Remover:

1. Scoop a small amount of coconut oil and warm it between your fingers until it melts.
2. Gently massage the oil onto your face, focusing on areas with heavy makeup.
3. Wipe the oil and makeup with a warm, damp cloth.
4. Follow up with your regular facial cleanser to remove any residue.

3. DIY Deodorant

Commercial deodorants often contain chemicals that can irritate the skin. Coconut oil can be used to make a natural, effective deodorant.

Benefits of Coconut Oil Deodorant:

• Free from harmful chemicals found in commercial products.
• Coconut oil's antibacterial properties help combat odor-causing bacteria.
• It keeps the underarm skin soft and moisturized.

How to Make Coconut Oil Deodorant:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
• Essential oils (optional, for fragrance)

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil in a double boiler.
2. Remove from heat and mix in the baking soda and arrowroot powder until smooth.
3. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils.
4. Pour the mixture into a clean, empty container and let it solidify.
5. Apply a small amount to your underarms as needed.

4. Cuticle Oil

Healthy cuticles are essential for strong, beautiful nails. Coconut oil is an excellent natural cuticle oil.

Benefits of Using Coconut Oil for Cuticles:

• Keeps cuticles and surrounding skin hydrated.
• Helps repair damaged cuticles and prevents hangnails.
• Promotes healthier nail growth.

How to Use Coconut Oil as Cuticle Oil:

1. Warm a small amount of coconut oil between your fingers.
2. Massage the oil into your cuticles and nails.
3. For best results, apply nightly before bed.

9. Lip Balm

Chapped lips can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Coconut oil provides a natural solution.

Benefits of Coconut Oil Lip Balm:

• Keeps lips soft and moisturized.
• Helps repair cracked, dry lips.
• Forms a barrier to protect lips from harsh weather.

How to Make Coconut Oil Lip Balm:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 5 drops essential oils (optional, for flavor)

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter in a double boiler.
2. Remove from heat and stir in 5 drops of essential oils.
3. Pour the mixture into small lip balm containers and let it solidify.
4. Apply as needed to keep lips moisturized.

10. Shaving Cream

Coconut oil can be used as a natural shaving cream alternative, providing a smooth shave and moisturizing the skin.

Benefits of Coconut Oil Shaving Cream:

• Allows the razor to glide smoothly over the skin.
• Hydrates the skin during shaving.
• Reduces razor burn and irritation.

How to Use Coconut Oil as Shaving Cream:

1. Warm a small amount of coconut oil between your hands.
2. Apply a thin layer to the area you wish to shave.
3. Shave as usual and rinse off the excess oil.

11. Furniture Polish

Coconut oil can be used as a natural furniture polish, adding shine and protecting wood surfaces without a strong, unnatural fragrance. It's also great at attracting dust particles.

Benefits of Coconut Oil Furniture Polish:

• Safe to use around children and pets.
• Helps protect wood from drying out and cracking.
• Adds a natural shine to wooden furniture.

How to Make Coconut Oil Furniture Polish:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil if solid.
2. Mix the coconut oil with the lemon juice.
3. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub onto wooden surfaces.
4. Buff with a clean, dry cloth for a shiny finish.

12. Diaper Rash Cream

Coconut oil is gentle enough to be used on babies' sensitive skin, making it an excellent natural remedy for diaper rash.

Benefits of Coconut Oil Diaper Rash Cream:

• Calms irritated skin.
• Keeps the skin soft and prevents further irritation.
• Helps prevent infection.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Diaper Rash:

1. Clean and dry the affected area.
2. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the diaper area.
3. Use at each diaper change until the rash improves.

17. Making A DIY Face Mask

Coconut oil can be used as a base for a nourishing and hydrating DIY face mask.

Benefits of Coconut Oil Face Mask:

• Provides deep hydration for the skin.
• Reduces inflammation and irritation.
• Helps prevent acne.

How to Make a Coconut Oil Face Mask:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil if solid.
2. Mix in the honey and turmeric powder until combined.
3. Apply to the face, avoiding the eye area.
4. Leave on for 15-20 minutes then rinse with warm water.

18. DIY Lip Scrub

Exfoliating your lips can keep them soft and smooth. Coconut oil is an excellent ingredient for a DIY lip scrub.

Benefits of Coconut Oil Lip Scrub:

• Removes dead skin cells.
• Keeps lips moisturized.
• Helps repair chapped lips.

How to Make a Coconut Oil Lip Scrub:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Mix the coconut oil, brown sugar, and honey until well combined.
2. Apply a small amount to your lips and gently scrub in circular motions.
3. Rinse off with warm water and apply lip balm.

20. Treat your feet

Coconut oil can be a soothing and effective remedy for treating athlete's feet. It helps to soothe the infection and flaking skin and also softens cracked heels.

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Athlete's Foot and Cracked Heels:

• Helps fight the fungus that causes athlete's foot.
• Softens and heals cracked heels.
• Reduces itchiness and discomfort.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Athlete's Foot

1. Clean and dry your feet thoroughly.
2. Apply a generous amount of coconut oil to the affected areas.
3. Leave it on overnight for the best results. Consider wearing socks to prevent mess.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Cracked Heels:

1. Soak your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes.
2. Pat dry and apply coconut oil generously to the heels.
3. Wear socks overnight to lock in the moisture.
4. Repeat daily until heels are healed.

19. Treatment for Dog Paws

Coconut oil can be used to protect and heal your dog's paws, especially during harsh weather conditions.

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dog Paws:

• Keeps paw pads soft and prevents cracking.
• Helps heal cuts and prevent infection.
• Forms a barrier against harsh elements.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Dog Paws:

1. Clean your dog's paws with warm water.
2. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to the paw pads.
3. Gently massage it in, ensuring it covers any cracks or rough areas.
4. Use regularly, especially during extreme weather conditions.

SHOP FOR YOUR COCONUT OIL HERE!