We’re always on board when it comes to natural remedies. Especially the incredible benefits they offer. Our fascination with natural products often leads us to explore and even obsess over their uses. This is definitely not a bad thing. So, when we started reading up on the multitude of positive aspects of coconut oil, we just couldn’t contain our excitement.
It’s amusing when you think about it: a natural product like coconut oil has so many wondrous benefits, yet many people don’t use it. We’re hoping to change some minds today. Not only is coconut oil antimicrobial and anti-fungal, but it’s also packed with health-promoting fatty acids like caprylic acid, lauric acid, and capric acid, which make up 62% of the oils in coconuts. It’s considered one of the healthiest fats globally, easily digestible, and not readily stored as body fat.
The Many Benefits
Before we dive into its various uses, let’s highlight the actual benefits of coconut oil:
- Improves Memory & Brain Function: Studies suggest that the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil provide a quick energy source for the brain, potentially improving cognitive functions and memory.
- Boosts the Immune System: The lauric acid in coconut oil has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which help strengthen the immune system.
- Enhances Energy & Endurance: MCTs in coconut oil are quickly metabolised by the liver, providing an immediate energy boost and improving physical endurance.
- Improves Digestion: Coconut oil aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and helps reduce symptoms of digestive disorders like ulcers and colitis.
- Benefits for Skin: It hydrates and nourishes the skin, reducing symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
- Prevents Osteoporosis: Antioxidants in coconut oil support bone health by combating oxidative stress.
- Oral Health: Coconut oil prevents gum disease and tooth decay, making it a natural alternative for oral care.
- Hair Health: It strengthens hair, promotes growth, and reduces protein loss, keeping hair shiny and healthy.
- Fights Candida & Yeast Infections: Its antifungal properties help manage and prevent infections caused by Candida.
- Anti-Aging: Coconut oil reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to youthful skin and overall wellness.
- Balances Hormones: The healthy fats in coconut oil support hormone production.
- Reduces Inflammation & Arthritis: Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce arthritis symptoms and inflammation.
- Healing Ointment: It’s effective for treating wounds and burns, promoting faster healing.
- Blood Sugar Stabiliser: Coconut oil helps maintain stable blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity.
- Stress Relief: The natural aroma and properties of coconut oil help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Heart Health: It helps improve cholesterol levels and supports heart health.
Uses of Coconut Oil in Skincare
Now, let’s discuss the myriad ways you can use coconut oil in your skincare routine. Coconut oil serves as an excellent moisturiser. Apply a small amount to your skin to leave it soft and supple. For exfoliation, mix coconut oil with sugar to create a lush exfoliator that removes dead skin.
As a makeup remover, dab a small amount of coconut oil onto a cotton ball and gently remove makeup. To improve acne, after washing your face, apply a few drops of coconut oil, optionally mixed with tea tree oil, to help clear your skin. Applying coconut oil at night before bed can help reduce wrinkles.
For an alternative to deodorant, apply coconut oil under your arms to fight body odor. It also works wonders as a lip softener—apply it to your lips at night for softer, more hydrated lips. To soothe sunburn, generously apply coconut oil to the affected areas. Finally, as a cellulite reducer, mix coconut oil with coffee granules, cinnamon, and sugar to create a cellulite-reducing scrub.
Hair Benefits
For hair care, coconut oil provides multiple benefits. It can be used as a scalp and hair treatment; apply coconut oil to your hair and scalp, leave it overnight, and wash it out in the morning for deeply nourished hair. To tame frizz and flyaways, use a small amount of coconut oil on the ends of your hair and a minuscule amount on flyaways, adding shine and smoothness to your hair.
Wellness Uses of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil also plays a significant role in wellness. To soothe a scratchy throat, swallow a bit of coconut oil or add it to tea. For cold sores, apply coconut oil to help them heal faster. Protect minor wounds by applying coconut oil to create a barrier against bacteria. To relieve bug bites and stings, apply coconut oil to reduce itching and discomfort.
Culinary Uses
Incorporate coconut oil into your diet to enjoy its internal benefits. You can add it to smoothies, juices, stir-fries, energy bites, lattes, homemade biscuits, granola bars, and curries. Pinterest is a fantastic resource for recipes incorporating coconut oil, so be sure to explore creative culinary uses.
Pinterest is a fantastic resource for recipes incorporating coconut oil, so be sure to explore creative culinary uses.
Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil
Oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. This practice offers numerous benefits:
- Strengthens Teeth, Gums, and Jaw: Enhances oral health and strengthens the structures in your mouth.
- Whitens Teeth: Regular oil pulling can lead to noticeably whiter teeth.
- Prevents Cavities and Gingivitis: Helps maintain oral hygiene and prevent dental issues.
- Prevents Bad Breath: Reduces bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Relieves Sinus Congestion: Helps clear the sinuses.
- Supports Kidney Function: Assists in detoxifying the body.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Promotes better sleep.
Coconut oil is undoubtedly a powerhouse in natural remedies. Start incorporating it into your daily routine and experience its vast array of benefits for your skin, hair, and overall health.
