10 Unusual Uses for Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is not just for cooking or baking anymore. It has become a staple in many households because of its numerous health benefits and versatile uses. Here are ten unusual ways you can use coconut oil:
1. Skin moisturizer #
Did you know that coconut oil can be used as a natural skin moisturizer? It penetrates the skin deeply, nourishing it from within and creating a barrier against moisture loss. You can apply it directly on your face or mix it with other ingredients like aloe vera gel, honey, or essential oils to create a customized moisturizing mask.
2. Hair conditioner #
Coconut oil is also a great hair conditioner. It coats each strand of hair and seals in moisture, leaving your hair soft and shiny. You can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment by warming some coconut oil in your hands and applying it to your scalp and hair ends. Then, shampoo and rinse as usual.
3. Lip balm #
If you have dry or chapped lips, coconut oil can help. It has natural antioxidant properties that protect your lips from the sun, wind, and cold weather. You can apply it directly on your lips or mix it with other ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or cocoa butter to create a homemade lip balm.
4. Makeup remover #
Coconut oil is a gentle and effective makeup remover that dissolves even the most stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner. You can use it as a cleansing oil by massaging it onto your face, adding a bit of warm water to emulsify it, and then rinsing off with a cloth or a facial tissue.
5. Teeth whitener #
Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties that can help fight oral bacteria and reduce plaque buildup. You can use it as a teeth whitening paste by mixing some coconut oil with baking soda, salt, or lemon juice. Brush your teeth gently for 2-3 minutes, spit out, and rinse thoroughly.
6. Bug repellent #
Coconut oil has been found to be effective in repelling mosquitoes and other insects. You can apply it directly on your skin or mix it with other essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or citronella to create a natural bug spray.
7. Stretch mark reducer #
Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids that can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. You can apply it directly on your skin or mix it with other ingredients like almond oil, cocoa butter, or shea butter to create a moisturizing body lotion.
8. Cuticle softener #
Coconut oil is also great for your nails and cuticles. It penetrates deeply into the nail bed and cuticle, hydrating them from within and preventing them from cracking or peeling. You can apply it directly on your nails or mix it with other ingredients like lemon juice or tea tree oil to create a nail strengthener.
9. Sunburn relief #
If you have a sunburn, coconut oil can help soothe the pain and inflammation. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and swelling, while its antioxidant properties protect your skin from further damage. You can apply it directly on your skin or mix it with other ingredients like aloe vera gel or lavender essential oil to create a cooling and calming gel.
10. Oil puller #
Coconut oil has been used for centuries as an oral health remedy. It contains lauric acid, which can help kill oral bacteria and reduce plaque buildup. You can use it as an oil pulling agent by swishing some coconut oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes before spitting it out and rinsing thoroughly with water or mouthwash. So there you have it, ten unusual uses for coconut oil that may surprise and impress you. Coconut oil is not only delicious and versatile but also beneficial to your health and wellbeing. Try incorporating some of these uses into your daily routine and see the difference it makes!