Everyone is talking about the health benefits of coconut oil.  I personally have tried using it on my hair and the smell alone makes me gag and therefore I don’t use it.  I wonder if it comes unscented?  Although I don’t use it on my hair anymore I do know that there are many benefits to using coconut oil.  I recently found this great blog post on Delicious Obsessions that I posted on the Facebook Fan Page about the many uses of Coconut Oil.  Who knew it had so many uses? From cooking to health benefits, coconut oil does it all. The blog post listed 52 ways to use coconut oil but I was able to find 160 uses from Wake Up World. Wow! Here are a couple…

Coconut Oil for Personal Hygiene/Body

Age Spots (also known as liver spots) – applying coconut oil directly to the age spot will help it fade.

After Shave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores. Great for razor burn!

Baldness – apply three times a day to affected area of hair loss. Coconut oil supports cell regeneration.

Birth Marks – can be used after a laser removal treatment to aid in healing. Can also be applied after an apple cider vinegar treatment to help support and aid the fading process.

Body Scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.

Bruises – applied directly to the bruise, coconut oil enhances the healing process by reducing swelling and redness.

Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.

Burns – apply to burn site immediately and continue applying until healed. Will reduce the chances of permanent scarring and promotes healing.

Chapstick – just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!

Cradle Cap – having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily.

Coconut Oil for Health Problems (when taken internally it is known for aiding, preventing, relieving or even curing these health issues)

Acid reflux/indigestion aid if taken after a meal

Adrenal fatigue

Allergies (seasonal hay fever)

Alzheimer’s/Dementia

Asthma, even in children

Autism

Bowel function

Bronchial Infections

Cancer (has been shown to prevent colon and breast cancer in laboratory tests)

Cholesterol – improves HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) to LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol

Coconut Oil and Health Problems (when applied topically it is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing these health issues)

Acne

Allergies/Hay Fever – rub a little inside the nostrils for quick relief. The pollen will cling to the oil.

Athletes foot

Back pain/sore muscles

Boils and cysts

Canker sores

Cellulite

Circumcision healing – although I am personally against circumcision, I have read that coconut oil is a really great healer for this.

Decongestant – rub coconut oil on the chest and under the nose when congested from a cold or allergies

Ear infection – place a few drops inside the ear twice daily for relief from pain. Also fights the infection itself.

Genital Warts (through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil enemas twice a day depending on the location of the warts)

Coconut Oil and Cooking

Butter Substitute – use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing butter in recipes with coconut oil.

Nutritional Supplement – melt and add to smoothies.

Replacement for butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in its solid form for greasing pans, pie crusts, etc.

Replacement for various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sautéing, etc.

Coconut Oil and Pets/Animals

Check with your veterinarian but the recommended dosage for animals is 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily.

Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis

Aids in arthritis or ligament problems

Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing

Applied topically, promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings

Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis, and itchy skin

Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing

Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl daily.

Helps prevent or control diabetes

Helps sedentary dogs feel energetic

Helps reduce weight, increases energy

Improves digestion and nutrient absorption

Other Uses for Coconut Oil

Chewing Gum in Hair Remover – just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertip. Voila! It’s out!

Goo Gone – just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the “sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.

Insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with DEET! Tons safer too.

Moisturizing and cleaning leather products

Oiling wood cutting boards and wood bowls

Polishing Bronze – all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.

Polish Furniture – coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.

Seasoning animal hide drums

Seasoning cookware

Check out the rest of the 160 uses of coconut oil from Wake Up World