Over the last few years coconut oil has become a very popular oil substitute in cooking, as well as taking on the notoriety of becoming a miracle worker for many hair and skin issues. It seems like everywhere you look on the internet you see a new use for coconut oil. It has so many wonderful benefits and uses that it’s always great to have a jar in your home. I personally use it daily for many things and have replaced other products by using it. Here are 15 everyday uses for coconut oil that may surprise you.
(This post contains affiliate links.)
Source: Rupert Taylor-Price via Flickr
1. Oil Pulling
Never heard of oil pulling? Well, now you may become obsessed with it. People report many benefits to oil pulling, including increased energy, hangover cures, better mood, but one of the biggest benefits reported is whiter teeth. In order to do this, take a teaspoon of coconut oil, put it in your mouth, and swish it around for 10-20 minutes. After the allotted time, spit out the oil, then brush your teeth. Doing this everyday will get those teeth of yours truly pearly white. Perhaps the best part is that you no longer have to buy expensive teeth whitening kits!
2. Shaving Cream
One of the best feelings is a pair of freshly shaved legs. You almost can’t stop touching them after you shave them. Well, did you know you can use coconut oil to shave your legs as well? Lather your legs up like you would any other shaving cream and have at it. It’s awesome for this in a few ways. First of all, it’s a great moisturizer so while it’s rubbed into your legs it will moisturize them and make them incredibly soft. Also, you won’t have to worry about the water hitting your legs when you’re shaving because the water will roll right off the oil. It won’t wash it off like any other shaving cream. So you can shave your legs anywhere in the shower and not have to avoid the water!
Source: the Italian voice via Flickr
3. Hair Conditioner
If you have dry hair, try using coconut oil as a deep conditioning hair treatment. Rub a small amount of the oil between your hands, then apply it starting at your roots then down to your ends one section at a time. After all your hair has been treated, comb through it and put your hair up in a bun. You can leave it in for an hour, a few hours, or even over night. It depends on how dry your hair is and how much moisture you want your hair to absorb. Wash your hair out as you regularly would with shampoo and conditioner when done. Doing this treatment will soften your hair and restore it’s luster.
4. Soothe Diaper Rash
There’s nothing worse than a diaper rash on a poor little baby. Often times moms find that diaper rash creams do not work very well to help soothe and clear up diaper rash. No need to spend anymore money searching for the perfect cream, just use coconut oil! It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that’ll help clear up the rash, as well as moisturize and sooth the baby’s bum. Not to mention that it’s all natural and perfectly safe your baby’s skin. That’s always a plus!
5. Treat Cradle Cap
We all know that cradle cap is usually a harmless condition on your baby’s head that causes patches of yellow scales. While there are many causes of cradle cap, it’s a pain to get rid of. Many moms find that shampoos and creams do not work to help alleviate the problem. If you’re having the same issue, try putting coconut oil on the affected area. Let it soak in for about 10-20 minutes, then once the scales are softened you can take a soft bristled brush or fine tooth come and brush through your baby’s hair. The scales should loosen and come off your baby’s head. In order to get the oil out of their hair afterwards, wash your baby’s hair with regular baby shampoo. It may not completely disappear after one treatment, so keep trying it as needed.