If you haven't jumped on the coconut oil train, here are 10 of my favorite reasons to use coconut oil! Once you start using it, you'll keep coming up with new uses for coconut oil!
Coconut Oil isn't just for cooking! It is an extremely versatile product that you MUST keep on hand at all times. I've found one of the cheapest ways to buy it is on Amazon. I can typically find my favorite brand, Spectrum, for less than $0.40/ounce. Once you compare that to all the different products it replaces, you'll see how much you are saving!
After we buy coconut oil, we split some of it into smaller containers to keep around the house. I have one in my bathroom, one in our first aid kit, one in the garage, one in the bedroom, and of course we keep a jar in the kitchen!
Shaving Cream:
Coconut oil is one of my favorite things to use while shaving. It seems to cut down on razor burn and doesn't clog up my razor-like some store-bought products.
Sunscreen:
Coconut oil is a natural sunscreen with an SPF of 4, without any of the added chemicals found in commercial sunscreens.
Wooden Cutting Board Saver:
Check out my post on restoring wooden cutting boards to find out exactly how I use coconut oil to keep cutting boards in great condition!
Lubricant:
Coconut oil works great for a household and garage lubricant. It also makes a terrific…umm, personal lubricant, if you get my hint.
Cuts & Scrapes:
We use coconut oil the same way many people use Neosporin. When one of the boys gets a scrape (which happens way too often with four little boys), I clean it, dab a bit of coconut oil on it, and bandage it.
Mouthwash/Oil Pulling:
Every day I start out my morning routine by washing my face & then putting a dollop of coconut oil in my mouth, swishing it around while I finish getting ready. It's great for getting rid of morning breath and keeping your breath fresh all day. Plus, there are a lot of health benefits to oil pulling under debate. From personal experience, I believe oil pulling is a great way to keep your mouth healthy & it sure seems to help with my allergies.
Deodorant:
Coconut oil makes an effective, natural deodorant. You can just rub a little into your underarms or you can mix it with baking soda, cornstarch, etc.
Lotion:
Coconut oil is my favorite moisturizer. Unlike some store-bought lotions, it doesn't leave a greasy feeling and it works very well. Plus, there is that delicious light coconut smell.
Bug Repellant:
I mix coconut oil with essential oils like peppermint oil to help keep bugs at bay during the warmer months.
Cooking:
Instead of using vegetable or canola oil, I use coconut oil in almost all my cooking and baking. It adds different flavors depending on what herbs and seasonings you use and is a much lighter and cleaner oil than many more processed oils.
More Healthy Living Ideas:
- 50 Ways to Use A Lemon
- 20 Uses for Lavender Essential Oil
- 7 Home Remedies for Sunburn
- Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
What are some of your favorite uses for coconut oil? Let us know in a comment below!
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These uses are great I think I am going to get some and try it out.
Can I use any organic coconut solid oil for face and cooking? Are they switchable?
thanks
I only use organic coconut oil and just use a little jar I refill for non-food purposes and then keep a large jar in the kitchen.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve had no idea it’s a bug repellant too 🙂
I love how versatile it is. I’m getting ready to make some homemade sunscreen for the year with coconut oil and some of my favorite essential oils.
And the title of your post “Cancer sucks” caught my eye right after I replied. I have to agree. My MIL was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which has a very low survival rate. Tomorrow, we are taking her to meet the surgeon & schedule her removal. I hope your mom continues to respond to treatment well! Breast cancer survival rates have gone a long ways in the last couple decades!
Wishing your mother in law all the best! It’s alarming how many people are diagnosed!
Lots of hugs!
Thank you!
It also is great on diaper rash and heat rash. It always cleared up my daughter’s rashes faster than any store bought cream. (visiting from Good Tips Tuesday)
Wow…had no idea you could use coconut oil for so many things! I’ll have to remember these tips! Visiting from This Is How We Roll
Great suggestions Savannah. I have used coconut oil on my hair. It works wonders.
LOVE the shaving cream IDEA – however, I am not sure I would want to “waste” it … I wanna eat it! LOL!
I normally have a couple jars & reserve one for household use. I love eating it, but it’s made sure a huge difference in my skin & hair that I couldn’t give it up now.
Great tips! Thanks for sharing on the Thoughtful Spot Blog Hop!