12 Incredible Ways to Use Coconut Oil

While coconut oil – arguably one of the biggest health food trends in a decade – is seen as a recent addition to health food shops and supermarket shelves, it actually first appeared in British shops back in the 1950s. Frequently used for baking purposes, it gradually fell out of favour as government guidelines warned against the dangers of saturated fat. While it does contain 90% saturated fat (butter clocks in at 64%), new research has shown that over half of that is Lauric acid – an easy to metabolise, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) that improves ‘good’ levels of HDL cholesterol. No wonder  etc all have been so keen to espouse its benefits.
Populations in the Pacific Rim have used the coconut tree as a staple of daily life for thousands of years – and not just for dietary uses. The humble oil has been utilised for its myriad beauty, health and cleaning properties throughout history, and with this in mind we’ve uncovered 12 useful (and sometimes surprising) ways to use coconut oil every day. Trust us, one tub can go a very long way…

Insect Repellent
Heading off to sunnier climes? Before you reach for the Jungle Formula, consider making an altogether more natural mosquito repellent that is not only less harmful, but easier on the nose, too. Try whipping up this non-toxic bug repellent balm, a mix of coconut oil and essential oils such as citronella, tea tree and lemongrass. If you find yourself plagued by pesky sand flies on the beach, make like locals in the tropics and apply a fine layer of coconut oil all over the body – this way they are unable to land on your skin and bite. Oh, and the miracle oil soothes bee stings too, reducing swelling and pain.
Paw Revitaliser
It’s not only human hands that can benefit from a dab of coconut oil (it makes light work of pushing back cuticles and can even be used as an overnight hand cream). Dogs tough paw pads were built to withstand the great outdoors, but when they get particularly cracked or calloused soften up their skin by massaging in a small amount of oil and dab lightly with tissue. It’s beneficial to give coconut oil to dogs orally, too. Just a teaspoon added to food daily can boost man’s best friend’s immune system, minimise doggy odour and create a lustrous coat.
Anti-Fungal Aid
Coconut oil contains not one but three kinds of fatty acids (Caprylic Acid, Capric Acid, Lauric Acid), all of which have been proven to have powerful antimicrobial powers when taken orally or applied topically (in medical trials it has even proven more effective than Flucanazole, the leading antifungal medication). A coconut oil-rich diet kills Candida yeast cells by interfering with their cell walls, making it a good option for those suffering from thrush. Athletes foot sufferers should try applying a thin layer to clean feet, then massaging gently, while those attempting to treat ringworm infections should smooth over skin in the affected area to reduce itchiness.
Baby Soft Skin
There are plenty of products incorporating coconut oil for babies, so why not save some pennies and use pure oil to treat everything from nappy rush (it soothes chapped skin and its antibacterial properties prevent further irritation) to cradle cap (coconut oil helps calm inflamed skin, hydrates flaky scalps and combats any fungal infection). Not only this, it makes for a super-safe baby massage oil and can even be applied to mothers nipples when breast feeding to prevent thrush occurring in parent and baby. Pregnant women looking to avoid stretch marks should consider this the safest of moisturisers.

Furniture Polish
Toxic furniture polishes (most contain harmful phenol and nitrobenzene) be gone. Rich and creamy coconut oil is perfect for replenishing dry wood, preventing cracks and adding lustre. Simply combine half a cup of coconut oil with a quarter of a cup of fresh lemon juice for an organic wonder polish. Take the hassle out of silver polishing by smearing coconut oil over silverware, then buffing with a cloth; it will even remove rust from steel.

Healthy Gums
If the unsavoury burning sensation of alcohol-heavy drug store mouthwashes put you off swilling as often as you should, why not try ‘oil pulling’? The ancient Ayurvedic dental technique is a quick fire way to improve oral health by reducing the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Simply pop a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and allow to dissolve, then swish around for 15-20 minutes. Stubborn bacteria and plaque lodged under gums and between teeth gradually get soaked up by the oil, meaning better breath, whiter teeth and healthier gums – all at a fraction of the cost of shop-bought formulas.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Tropical regions – where communities tend to incorporate coconut oil into their daily life – have shown far lower rates of heart disease and arthritis than in Western society. Virgin coconut oil – typically hand-pressed from fresh coconut meat without the use of heat or man-made chemicals – is packed with pure fatty acids, unlike commonly sold vegetable oils whose heat process causes oxidised damage to the fatty acid content (coconut oil’s high smoke point means these essential compounds aren’t diminished through cooking). This adds up to potent anti-inflammatory properties essential in fighting disease through diet.

Natural Highlighter
Organic cosmetic line RMS Beauty’s Living Luminizer has something of a cult following (healthy food blogging superstar Ella Woodward of Deliciously Ella cites the product as one her must-have beauty essentials). The cheekbone highlighter owes its much-coveted dewy, translucent shimmer to a coconut oil-based formula, so why not try a purse-friendly take on the all-natural product and sweep a touch of the store cupboard essential across collarbones and eyelids. Alternatively, mix with your favourite blush for a fresh, translucent finish.
Stain Remover
While a dollop of coconut oil on delicate clothing will certainly cause a stain, there are certain fibres on which it is unbeatable in removing stubborn marks. Apply a small amount of oil to a coffee or ink stained patch of carpet, blotch away excess with a paper towel, then sprinkle baking powder on top and, hey presto, the remnant will have diminished or disappeared. It’s also great for loosening out sticky substances such as jam or bubble gum (leave for 5 minutes before removing), and, when applied to natural or patent leather, acts as a buffing polish, minimising the appearance of any marks.
Hair Mask
For an all-natural hair mask, look no further than coconut oil which easily penetrates the hair follicle, imbuing moisture and nutrients such as Vitamin E, Vitamin K and Iron. Once applied to damp hair, try a head massage to boost circulation, stimulate growth and nourish the scalp (the oil’s antibacterial properties will help reduce dandruff and even ward off lice). Those with highlighted or colour-damaged hair are more prone to split ends and, therefore, tangling. Remove knots the ouch-free way by running a small scoop of oil through damp hair and carefully brushing from the tips up. If hair still looks on the frizzy side, smooth just a dab of oil over finger tips and tease through dry lengths – the fatty acids stick like glue to hairs’ protein (keratin) to reinforce strength, shine and definition (particularly desired by ladies with curly locks). For a super hard working hair mask, try mixing equal parts coconut oil (moisture), olive oil (shine) and apple cider vinegar (clarifying).
Spot Zapper
Just like tea tree oil – a treatment commonly used to dry out spots – virgin coconut oil combats the over population of bacteria on the skin that leads to acne. Although it may seem counterintuitive to apply an oily substance to an already oil-prone complexion, the all-natural complex kills germs and bacteria, settles inflammation (and therefore redness), and reduces sebum secretion. Due to its antioxidant properties, it mops up free radicals, enabling skin to quickly regenerate, thereby helping scars fade quicker. Extraction is also made easier as the oil penetrates deep into the pores, rendering the plugs (pore blockers) slippery and easier to remove.
Metabolism Booster
Coconut oil’s molecular structure means that, unlike butter, its fat content goes straight to the liver to be metabolised, equating to an instant energy boost. This is one of the reasons that so-called ‘bullet coffee’ (where milk is replaced with a teaspoon of coconut oil) has proved such a hit with those on the go – not only does it render your morning caffeine hit dairy free, the dose of fat satiates the appetite, cutting further food cravings. Likewise, if your digestive system feels a little on the sluggish side, a tablespoon of coconut oil each morning should help get things back on track.