19 Ways to Use Coconut Oil: Including Boost Energy and Weight Loss

If you already have a jar of coconut oil in your cupboard, you know it has a lot of uses. Basically, it’s pulled out of the “meat” of a coconut. Coconut oil is a good fat that is sweet and good for you. But it doesn’t just belong in the kitchen! We’re betting that if you don’t have a jar yet, after reading all its uses you’ll be throwing one in your cart soon.

Here are 19 ways you should be using coconut oil:

1. Smoothies.

Coconut oil has a sweet taste and a smooth texture. It’s a good fat that helps in lowering your cholesterol. The type of fat in coconut oil absorbs quickly and is used quickly as energy, so it doesn’t stick around your hips.

Coconut oil helps with heart issues, digestive issues, and it doesn’t clog arteries. Add it to your favorite smoothie recipe for added health and flavor. Here’s an easy, yummy Pineapple Coconut Kale Smoothie at Health Ambition.

2. Bulletproof Coffee.

Most people need to add a little something like milk or sugar to make coffee more palatable. Coconut oil is the perfect alternative.

Coconut oil is used in coffee for flavor, and also for nutrition. It increases energy, speeds your metabolism, and boosts your immunity. Just add a teaspoon or two and blend so the oil will mix completely. Read more on NY Times: The Cult of the Bulletproof Coffee Diet.

3. Cooking oil.

Just use it like vegetable oil or olive oil. According to The World’s Healthiest Foods, coconut oil has a higher smoke point, so you can heat it at a pretty high heat but it will still work great.

You want to know what’s REALLY awesome cooked in coconut oil? Popcorn. Throw a spoonful of coconut oil in a pot, pour in some kernels, salt, place on the lid, scoot back and forth over the burner and you’re left with fluffy popcorn with excellent flavor.

Coconut oil also lasts longer than most other cooking oils. So you can buy it in bulk and not worry about it going bad. If you ever see it on sale, stock up! Read more on The World’s Healthiest Foods: Coconut Oil.

4. Makeup remover.

Check out one woman’s experience over at Allure: Can You Use Coconut Oil as Makeup Remover?. Using coconut oil didn’t require any rubbing to get the make-up off. As an added bonus, it moisturizes skin at the same time. Win-win.

5. Athlete’s foot.

Who else loves to go into the grocery store and buy foot powder or cream? Next time you have a little foot problem, spread some coconut oil on the affected area instead (repeat several times a day, or even ingest for added prevention). It is naturally anti-fungal as explained here: Coconut Oil for Athlete’s Foot.

There are several aspects of coconut oil that are antifungal, including lauric acid and capric acid. Nutritionist and author Cheri Chalbom says even though coconuts grow in an area where there is plenty of fungus, since most people there eat coconuts and use coconut oil they don’t suffer from fungal issues.

6. Squeaks.

If you have a pesky door or office chair that won’t quit squeaking, simply rub it with a little all-natural coconut oil. Much better than a bottle of something toxic or flammable with that when you spray gives off horrible fumes into the air.

Follow this advice by simply applying some coconut oil for a squeaky door into the offending area and work it in until the squeak is gone.

7. Treat acne.

Time to fight facial oil with coconut oil! Since it is naturally antibacterial, it fights the site of infection, in this case acne, quite effectively. And since it is a naturally anti-inflammatory, with lots of great vitamins for your skin, your skin will be less red and puffy as well.

For instructions, visit here: how to use coconut oil for acne. Basically, wipe it over the affected area at night, so it has time to sit on the skin for a few hours. Also ingest for added measure.

8. Remove sticky stuff.

Always running out of that goo specifically used just to remove sticky residue, mostly from stickers or price labels? Coconut oil is great for that.

It can be a little messy to just use the oil by itself, so take DIY Natural’s advice and add some baking soda. It’ll be easier to rub on the sticky area and then rub off. Follow these instructions: homemade goo gone.

9. Fire starter.

In the absence of newspaper or dry kindling, simply soak a cotton ball or bit of toilet paper in coconut oil and you have a quick and easy fire starter.

Check out the test video. It burns a lot slower, making it easier to use to start a bigger fire or to use as temporary light. Plus it smells great!

10. Head lice.

Even against traditional more chemically based treatments, coconut oil or coconut oil infused shampoo seem to be effective against head lice. Check out the video at NutritionFacts: coconut oil for head lice treatment.

As a fatty substance, when rubbed on the scalp and hair it coats it and makes it hard for the lice to do anything! They can’t stick to the hair and scalp, they can’t very well move around and reproduce, and they can’t get the blood meal it needs to eat.

Simply massage oil into hair and scalp and leave over night. Then comb hair very thoroughly (the lice should slide right off), then wash as usual. Since it is all natural, you can use it again as needed.

11. Shaving cream.

Coconut oil is a great substitute for store-bought shaving cream. Just smooth it on and go in for a close shave. It smells great and will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

12. Deodorant.

Go check the label of your favorite deodorant. If it has something in it that you don’t know what it is, I challenge you to try something more natural—coconut oil, plus a few other things.

Wellness Mama gives the full scoop on making your own coconut oil natural deodorant. She says no she doesn’t sweat as much and it definitely works. A few times she has had to use store bought deodorant and can’t wait when she can return to her natural recipe.

13. Diaper rash.

A diaper rash is caused by many things, including yeast or infection, as explained at Home Remedies for Life. Coconut oil naturally works wonders against all of these causes, and it creates a nice barrier preventing future rashes.

It’s also all-natural, making it easier on skin, and it smells much better than any number of store bought rash creams. Here’s more information on coconut oil for diaper rash.

14. Treat basic itches.

If you have a bug bite or other basic itch on your skin, slather some coconut oil on it and itch no more. Some say it even works for itchy scalp and eczema. It’s all natural so it can’t hurt, but always ask your doctor when you have more severe itchiness.

15. Weight loss.

It has calories, so factor that in—but eating a little bit of coconut oil can actually help your weight loss goals. It can help your metabolism speed up, give you more energy to work out, and curb your cravings for other foods.

The Healthy Home Economist recommends eating some 20 minutes before a meal to reduce overall food intake. She also lists how much you should eat, depending on your current weight. Read more here: coconut oil for weight loss.
And, here’s a guide from Jillian Michaels (health and wellness expert): coconut oil dosage for health benefits and weight loss.
Check out this book for more information on coconut oil for weight loss, strengthening the immune system and preventing disease: The Coconut Oil Miracle by Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D..

16. Furniture polish.

Did you know that many furniture polishes have cancer causing agents in them, like phenol and nitrobenzene. Switch to coconut oil and see how it helps your furniture shine and last a long time by preventing cracks.

All you need to do is add a little lemon juice to it. Get the details here: using coconut oil for furniture polish.

17. Cast iron maintenance.

When you season cast iron cookware, you must rub oil on it. Many use other types of oil, but coconut oil does a great job. It’s better for you, non-stick, and has a high burn rate.

18. Toothpaste.

Pull out the coconut oil, add a little baking soda and a drop of peppermint oil and presto! Instant, natural toothpaste.

It may take some getting used to, but this toothpaste alternative works surprisingly well to get teeth clean and white, as well as relieve tooth sensitivities. See more here: coconut oil as a whitening toothpaste.

19. Insect repellent.

With a few other ingredients, including some essential oils, coconut oil is a great all-natural way to repel bugs. It doesn’t last all day, so keep reapplying as needed.

Here is a good recipe: nontoxic bug repellent with coconut oil. It leaves out all the chemicals and only keeps the good stuff.

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