One product that pretty much does it all for us! Coconut oil!
Coconut oil is a highly saturated tropical oil derived from coconuts of the coconut palm tree. Traditionally it has provided many health benefits to the peoples who live in areas of the tropics and subtropics where coconut palms grow. Many newly discovered health benefits are now being unearthed through careful research and use in clinical practices.
We have been lead to believe that saturated fats are the dietary contributor to heart disease.
According to Sue Gregg, “There is a double reason not to fear coconut oil. First, it is highly debatable that saturated fats cause heart disease. Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD in The Cholesterol Myths (www.NewTrends Publishing.com) presents the facts of exhaustive research over the decades to disprove this theory. Secondly, the saturated fat of coconut oil is different than the long chain fatty acids of meats and also of polyunsaturated fats.” Read the full article here. Read more from Nourishing Traditions and the Weston A. Price Foundation counter-acting the false beliefs about coconut oil here.
Coconut oil has been called the “healthiest dietary oil on earth.”
Health benefits include:
- May help promote weight loss
- Provides an immediate source of energy
- Supplies fewer calories than other fats
- Supplies important nutrients necessary for good health
- Is highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life)
- Is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking)
According to The Coconut Oil Miracle by Bruce Fife:
- Protects against heart disease, cancer & diabetes
- Acts as an antioxidant in its resistance to attack by free radicals,
protecting against degenerative diseases, in general.
- Protects from a range of infectious diseases. Fife lists 28 infectious
and degenerative disease conditions that coconut oil can help to relieve,
reduce or prevent.
I thought it would be fun to compile a master list of all the wonderful uses of coconut oil that we have found in our household. Here it goes…
BODY
Moisturizer/Lotion – I have problems with dry skin and coconut oil has been a great solution!
Aftershave – do you have sensitive skin? Coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving.
Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda!
Hair Conditioner -use as a leave in hair conditioner!
Hair Gel/Defrizzer – both my husband and I use coconut oil as a hair gel. It works amazingly well to scrunch and preserve my curls for the day and to keep his hair in line.
Toothpaste -try our homemade toothpaste recipe!
Make up remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works! I use it mainly to remove my mascara, and it not only removes my make-up, but also moisturizes my eyes and skin at the same time.
Chapstick - I have real problems with chapped lips and coconut oil is the only thing that truly helps without peeling my lips. Love it!
Lubricant
Sunscreen
PREGNANT/NURSING MOMMIES
Belly Balm - I cannot guarantee that this will solve stretch marks, but it is very comforting to a stretching belly!
Nipple Cream - what better solution to nourish cracked, sore, or dry nipples
BABY
Diaper salve
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
Lotion – rub it all over that baby’s body!
COOKING
Use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing other oils/butter in recipes with coconut oil.
Replacement for butter/lard/crisco in it’s solid form – greasing pans, pie crusts, etc.
Nutritional supplement – melt and add to smoothies
Replacement for various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sauteing, etc.
Read more about using coconut oil as a main oil in cooking here. I use coconut oil primarily now for all my cooking and baking. I have found olive oil to be superior for greasing pans and for homemade dressings, but other than that, it is all coconut oil!
Have any to add to the list? I would love to hear your ideas!
Where to buy this all-in-one product?
Mountain Rose Herbs is a superior source for organic, extra-virgin, and unrefined coconut oil at an excellent price. Nutivia, Tropical Traditions and Wilderness Family Natural are other recommended brands.
I’ve successfully used coconut oil as wood polish. It works very well and didn’t smell nasty like the commercial stuff. I looked for a suitable oil to use for a while; many recipes said to use olive oil, but I was skeptical about using it because I was afraid of it going rancid in the wood. Coconut oil, though, as you said, has a very long shelf life, so I chose to use that with excellent results. I just cleaned my wood with soap and water (drying it off very quickly afterwards) and then just dipped a rag in a small bowl of coconut oil with a few drops of lily of the valley essential oil and polished it into the wood.
I no longer use chemically laden body lotions or anti-perspirants, coconut oil works beautifully. I fry my eggs in it in the morning and eat a tablespoon in the morning and evening. It has helped me kick my chocolate addiction. My skin tone has improved. CO keeps me regular. It also worked quickly to clear up a bladder infection. I am keen to eliminate hair conditioner from my bathroom, so I will try using it in my hair too. Thank you for sharing your wisdom Lindsay!
I noticed that you listed using coconut oil in place of lard/fat for baking. Would using coconut oil in place of, say butter/crisco, in a biscuit recipe give the biscuits a “coconut” flavor?
I do it all the time and have never noticed a coconut flavor. A combination of butter and coconut oil makes the best biscuits!
you can get coconut oil at indian and chinese stores at a cheaper rate and good quality am using from my childhood. At indian and chinese stores for 500ml oil you need to pay around $6 or $5. Its called “Parachute Coconut oil ” or any unbranded one's
Hi Dolly, I know the “parachute coconut oil”. I used it before but not anymore. It actually carries a light stench and yellowish in color. It’s quite good for external use, but when you cook with it, it doesn’t smell as fragrant as the more expensive premium virgin coconut oil. It also leaves a sticky feel after application. I suspect this is a refined (poorer quality) cochin oil. That’s why it’s so cheap. I tried several brands of virgin coconut oil which are 10 times more expensive than this ‘parachute’ brand, but I feel it’s worth paying for my health, and moreover you feel smoother with your skin after applying.
Very interesting…thanks for sharing.
About a month ago I was on a website for beauty tips from models and coconut oil was mentioned the most for hair conditioning, body scrubs when used with brown sugar and essential oils. I then googled CO and became enlightened by all of the amazing health benefits CO offers. First chance I had I ran to the supermarket and bought the last jar on the shelf. I bought the refined CO not knowing the difference between that and unrefined. Anyhow, I used it as a hair conditioner and wow!What an amazing difference! The body scrub was such a treat!I even used CO oil as a lubricant and let me tell you it made things easier,ahem! I used it as an under eye cream but noticed a breakout, so I am going to hold off on that.
I went Whole Foods and bought a few jars of the unrefined CO by Spectrum and the taste and smell are wonderful. I used it in my oatmeal and I used it as a spread on my bagel and it taste wonderful! I love the idea for using CO as a cleaner for cosmetic brushes, I can’t wait to try it. I enjoy reading this blog! Thank you all for your valuable posts!
This may be too much info for some, but it’s something I just recently learned after trying to find all natural products for what we already use and I hope it may be helpful to others. Since my husband and I have decided the best form of birth control for us for now is barrier method (aka condoms), I’ve learned that you shouldn’t use an oil-based lubricant with latex as it can break down the latex… so if you’re relying on them working and you use CO as a lubricant, be careful or you might have yourself a baby
There are other types other than latex that are compatible with oil, so that’s good news to me. Hope that helps anyone else out there!
Thank you for your blog! I am so encouraged and inspired!
One more thing. I use the Nutriva brand also. I’ve tried several and we like this flavor the best.
I use Nutriva Coconut Oil. My high blood pressure has dropped!
I use coconut oil for everything. Cooking, baking, cosmetic remover, face wash, body lotion, lubricant, cuticle softener, acid reflux, and on and on.
Baking – butter or shortening is replaced with CO
Baking – grease pans with it and lightly flour with coconut flour.
I have a hard time taking spoonfuls of CO in a semi-solid state so I freeze CO in tube shapes (I use the the ice tube trays that are for water bottles) I cut them or break them in 1/4′s or 1/3′s and swallow them or chew them up and swallow. Sometimes I take them like you would swallow a capsule or pill.
I butter my toast with CO and spread with jam or jelly or Peanut butter.
I fry my tortilla shells in CO when I make homemade tacos.
I fry my funnel cakes in CO.
I use Olive oil when preparing eggs….my preference in taste.
Removes all cosmetic make up wonderfully.
Under arm Deoderant
Use as a face wash…I have skin on the dry side…makes skin super soft.
As a night cream…for me daily moisturizer is not needed under make up, I use mineral cosmetics.
Hair conditioner, great for scalp. I put CO on finger tips and massage scalp before bed and in the morning wash and style as normal.
My husband and I use it for lubricant.
My doctor has told me that I have high levels of the HDL (good) Cholesterol and low levels of the LDL (bad) cholesterol. Low Triglycerides and zilch Lp(a) Cholesterol. I attribute CO for all of this.
My son is very allergic to soap, lotions, colognes etc. He uses CO for his hand lotion and face wash and under arm deoderant.
I am like Joan. I use it for everything. If we are sick, I try Coconut oil first! Also, I’ve knocked out bladder infections in just a few hours with CO. It’s great for the toe fungus that many people get as they age. Soooo many things. I love it for deodorant. I just use it straight. Love it! I really can’t say enough about it. My husband now uses it as much as I do. He started using it for deodorant and really likes it also. It’s the best natural product I’ve ever used and I’ve used alot!!
what was the method and amount you used for the bladder infection? I woke up with one this morning…ugh. Thanks for your help!
Hello, thanks for sharing such a helpful list of the many uses of coconut oil.
I’ve recently bought a jar and I was wondering if you could give me some insight. You see, it’s 100% organic expeller pressed and I hear rave reviews on virgin coconut oil but not on expeller pressed coconut oil. Is there really such a difference? Could I use it for the same things as virgin coconut oil? Thanks!
I understand that expeller pressed is proceeded more extensively, and thus it loses more of the nutritional value. The expeller pressed version is preferred for skin care products because of this. It still can be used for eating, but just not as beneficial as the extra virgin cold pressed unrefined version.
Oh! Thank you so much for your reply.
This really helps clear things up, as I bought it primarily for my skin before reading about how wonderfully beneficial it is to cooking/health. (You see, I’d been using virgin olive oil to cleanse my face prior and wanted to try something new) I’ll try the virgin coconut oil next time.
Thanks again! I hope you and your family are well in these hard times.
Cheers!
According to my girlfriend, EVCO is great to treat yeast infections. She says soaking a organic tampon in EVCO for 15 minutes and inserting it overnight will clear up the infection.
I just got my first 5 gallon bucket of coconut oil from mrh and am so excited. What do I do now though. Remove the lid and scoop out each time or is it possible to sucessfully pour out of that spout into a smaller container for the pantry?
I usually scoop out the contents and melt them down on the stove and then fill up a smaller container for the kitchen, such as a gallon jar. The spout will not work unless the contents are completely melted and it would have to be really warm for that. The coconut oil will get solid again and I use it for all my needs. Works great!
Thank you Lindsay. I am using so many of your recipes as my new staples. What a wealth of great info! It actually IS hot enough here (in my kitchen!) for completely melted coconut oil. The weight of that bucket is prohibitive for pouring though and oh the mess that could be. Looks like I’ll be prying off the lid. Thanks for holding my hand on that too!
My sister-in-law has been using EVCO for a cold (chest congestion, phlegm & raspy throat). She mixes the juice from one key lime and 1 tbsp if EVCO. This is the 3rd day and she’s almost completely cured. The raspy throat was relieved immediately.
It’s a great LIP moisturizer! It works better than chapstick or blistex…I love how it stays put and is all natural (and gluten-free!).
I have been using Tropical Traditions on my hair as a moisturizer and wow! Does it ever work! Makes my hair shiny and curly, just the way I like it.
I love to use CO for skin lubricant…but it turning into a solid is not always convenient. Is there a way to keep softer, not turning into a solid?
Coconut oil will melt in your hands so it makes it very easy to apply. Simply rub it between your fingers before using. Otherwise, store in a warm place. The bathroom stays relatively warm in our house as it is a smaller room, so it rarely gets completely solid.
Hi, I have heard that cocounut oil is good for yeast infections and i wanted to know if you have heard the same. Also, i need to know what store I can purchase it at.
I have heard that it is good of yeast rashes on babies bums in combination with shea butter, but have not tried it myself. I would assume it would be helpful as well for yeast infections. Follow the links above to find coconut oil through Mountain Rose Herbs. You can also find coconut oil at any health food store. You want to purchase extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil for the best nutritional content.
How long does a gallon of coconut oil last you?
Do you use the organic, cold pressed, virgin oil for your cosmetic needs as well or do you get the cheaper kind? I am considering buying some grom MRH with the coupon.
Your blog has been so useful to me. Thank you so much for all your hard work!
A gallon lasts me anywhere from 2-3 months. I find it easier to just purchase the cold pressed virgin coconut oil for all my uses (cooking and body products), but you definitely could purchased the refined oil for your body uses. It is completely up to you!
I found your through Andrea’s blog. I’m interested in buying that book by Fife, as I have begun to incorporate coconut oil into my diet and bath/body routine.
I would also add that ingesting coconut oil has noticeably lessened my seasonal allergy symptoms. Thanks for this great post.
I’ve noticed a few people asking about the coconut oil sold at Wal Mart. I wondered about it as well and did some research on it. It is not the same as the virgin unrefined oil that Lindsay is talking about. I came across a website (don’t have the link right now – sorry) where a woman wrote to the manufacturer of this oil and asked for more information about their product. She was told that this particular oil is really no different than common vegetable oil. Sounds like it is to be avoided.
I just started using the coconut oil about a week ago as a moisturizer and love it. Then I saw where you said you used it to take your eye-makeup off. Tried that tonight and loved it. Then I had a light bulb moment. I used to use olive oil to clean my makeup brushes, especially eye makeup brushes. Then I would wash them and they would have to dry. Kinda changed the shape of them and I wasn’t happy about the time and mess. Anyway, my light bulb moment was using the CO to clean them. I just rubbed a folded up paper towl in the CO and then swirled my brush around in it. Not only did it pull the eyeshadows out but it moisturized the bristles and I don’t have to rinse it out. Super effective and also good for the brush and your skin!
There is also a 54 ounce container of organic, extra virgin coconut oil on amazon.com for 25 dollars plus free shipping. And thank you for the info about coconut oil. I have had the book you mentioned for almost a year and haven’t gotten around to reading it yet. I think I will now.
I put about 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in my tea every morning. It helps to keep me regular if you know what I mean!!
I love all your posts on coconut oil. Lately I’ve been using it as a facial lotion and acne treatment. I’ve been pleased with the results so far. This is an amazing oil!
I have both severely dry, sensitive skin as well as excema that is especially bad during the cold months. Coconut oil has been doing wonders for both problems! I’d highly recommend it to treat excema naturally. Before I tried CO, the only other thing that treated it was prescription creams. It’s wonderful to find a natural solution!
Does it have a strong taste in foods? I actually dislike coconut tremendously but if the taste fades during cooking or baking, I will try it.
Yes, the flavor blends in very well with food. You can also use refined coconut oil which is not as nutritious but also has no flavor. If you use it in smaller quantities, you should not taste it at all.
I went out and bought some coconut oil today! I’m very excited to try it. In reference to your toothsoap recipe, do you have a substitute for the 1 Tbsp of Dr. Bronners castile liquid soap? I don’t own any and I’m not sure I want to invest in it yet. Just wondering! Thanks again!
Look in the makeup section of Target, near the natural makeup (like Burt Bees). I’ve seen travel-size Dr. Bronner’s in various “scents” that you may like.
When using coconut oil for baking/cooking do you use the same amount? One of my bread recipes calls for 1 tbsp of butter. Would I just use 1 tbsp of coconut oil? Thanks! I am getting ready to place an order now on MRH!
Yes, indeed! Equal quantities for replacing any oil or butters in recipes works just fine.
Just thought I’d add that I discovered I could use a lot less CO then I did oil in my granola recipe. Might be worth trying to use less in some recipes:)
I like coconut oil but not necessarily the flavor it gives things – ie makes eggs taste kind of sweet…
Thanks for the tip! I ordered the book and have arranged to split the coconut oil with my (dear) mother-in-law! Thanks for all of your frugal tips!
Hi. Another great use for coconut oil is for removing gum from a child’s hair. My daughter got gum stuck in her hair and I was going to try peanut butter to remove it but my husband suggested coconut oil and the gum dissolved and came right out without any troubles.
Also in Bruce Fife’s Coconut Cures book it says coconut oil “penetrates the pores of your skin and melts the clogged waste.” I had a cyst on my back for years from a clogged duct and the coconut oil dissolved it! That was evidence enough for me to know how great coconut oil is.
I use it for baking and cooking and like it a lot. In the summer my husband likes using it on corn on the cob instead of butter.
I love the idea of coconut oil on corn on the cob!
Has anyone used it instead of butter for crisps (like fruit crisps)?
I love coconut oil as well — you’ve given me a couple ideas that I didn’t realize. My daughters skin get very dry and ashy and coconut oil is the only thing that lasts more than an hour. I use it for my face at night, I can’t use it in the morning unless I’m going to be home, because it does seem a little greasy for a couple hours on my face, but I LOVE it as a face lotion at night. I’m very interested in your deodorant, I’ve tried a couple natural products bought at Whole Foods, but I haven’t liked them at all. Does this actually seem to work? Mainly when I work out I have to use deodorant, the natural stuff just either gives a weird smell or just doesn’t work, but I hate to use the regular kind with aluminum in it.
The combo deodorant recipe of coconut oil/baking soda/cornstarch has worked fabulously for our family, even for my hubby who works construction!
i made this recipe and added 10 drops of tea tree oil now it works great
THanks for the post. I am currently reading “Immune System Makeover” by Janet Maccaro. In there she says to stay away from coconut oil (as well as peanut, cottonseed, palm and palm kernel). However she doesn’t expand as it was just a “by the way” sentence. Do you have any idea why she would say that?
I just started using CO for various skin care (dry skin, deodorant, acne, and I’m going to try it for thrush/cracking prevention when baby #3 is born). I’ll have to try your toothpaste! I was wondering about the extremely high saturated fat content, so I’ve been avoiding cooking with it. Isn’t that bad for your heart? I love it for all it’s other uses though. Has anyone else experienced a funny after-smell after the coconut smell wears off? I got my virgin Spectrum brand at Fred Meyer for $9.99 for a 16 oz. jar.
Thank you for this informing post. I bought a small bottle of coconut oil a while ago at my local bulk food store, and I’m pretty sure it was un-refined, as it was solid at room temperature, and had a brownish residue at the bottom. Anyway, it tasted awful! Is is supposed to taste kind of sour or like bile or something? I put it in a smoothie, and it totally runined the smoothie! Maybe it was past it’s use by date? Has anyone else had this? Maybe I just have to become accustomed, as I’d love to start using it for various uses around the house. Thanks for your input…
There should not be brown on the bottom and it should have a coconut taste, not sour. Sounds like it was rancid!
OMG I so ran into this!!! Brought 2 bottles and both were inedible and so was anything we used it in!! Glad it wasn’t just me and good to know its not normal. We’ll be trying it again after the next shop!!
I am loving your blog. I found it a few weeks ago while searching for info on coconut oil. Thanks for all the great info!
I just wanted to add that dh and I use coconut oil in place of water based lubricants for, er, you know what
Also, anytime I would have vaginal burning or itching, I just apply a dab of the oil it is gone! Yea!
I have been meaning to ask you Lindsay, how strong of a coconut taste does the MRH brand give off?? I have just started trying to use coconut oil as an alternative to other oils in my cooking. Neither my husband, nor myself, have ever been fans of the coconut flavor (so it’s going to take some time). One brand I had bought from the store didn’t have much of a taste, but it was refined. I just bought a new unrefined, extra virgin and it has a full coconut flavor. Any advice on brands with a little less flavor for starters is what I’m looking for. Even if I have to pay a little bit more at first…baby steps are where we are at this point.
Thanks for any help
Lea
Lea, then I would suggest sending for Tropical Traditions. Believe me, there is no taste of coconut nor is there any smell. I on the other hand, love ‘NOW’ because it does have taste and smell.
Hi
I recently started using coconut oil as my moisturizer of choice. I have always had VERY dry, flaky, itchy skin and this really helps. It is a little greasy at first but it soaks in after a minute or so a leaves my skin feeling great. My husband also just started using it for his winter dry skin. He works outdoors so the weather really dries him out. I also use it on my 1 year old after her bath and it has helped so much! Also, if anyone is concerned, the coconut smell does fade after a few minutes so you won’t smell like suntan lotion all day (though I really like the smell).
I love this oil!!
Brandi
Thanks for this post. I have an order of coconut oil from Mountain Rose Herbs coming in the mail any day and I like the non-culinary uses you have mentioned. I am really enjoying your blog!
Coconut oil is, as you said, highly saturated. Coconuts are very high in saturated fat, which actually provide higher concentrated calories than mono- or poly-unsaturated fats. I would be careful to promote coconut oil as a method or proponent of weight loss, however beneficial and tasty it is otherwise! This is coming from the standpoint of a dietitian.
I added a few links above to prove that the saturated fats beliefs have actually not been proven to be harmful for your health.
I’m pretty much wondering the same thing as Mandy. Does it need to be unrefined and extra virgin? I bought some at Wal Mart and I’m wondering if I will get the same benefits if it’s not the best of the best. Thanks!
I loved using this to scramble my eggs in the morning and other cooking as well, but I started to get a very scratchy feeling throat after eating it. Has anyone else had this happen to them? I would love to start using it again.
LOVE coconut oil! it is my most valuable find in the last 5 years as far as food goes–and in alot of other categories!
with it’s anti-inflammatory properties it is wonderful for relief of any itch such as on personal areas, mosquito bites–i even used it last night to take off my DS’s medical tape from around his intestinal tube! he had been screaming wtih the packets of adhesive remover, but once i broke out the CO he was fine, and even gave me a big hug after the tape was off!
Hi,
I love this site! Do you buy unrefined or refined coconut oil; and is there a major difference between coconut oil in say, Wal-Mart and Mountain Rose Herbs or a health food store? Thank you.
I buy unrefined coconut oil for its superior nutrient value. Yes, you will find a significant difference in nutrient value when you compare Wal-Mart to MRH or a health food store. MRH is as high of quality as most health food store brands but at a significantly discounted price.
Over the last 3-weeks, I have really started a coconut oil regimen and at first, I felt that it was building up something “heavy” in my legs as I have varicose veins. The possible reason is I bought Spectrum and it was refined. Since my next purchase of Now, Certifed Cold-Pressed and Unrefined Coconut Oil, all I can say is WOW! I love it and the way I feel.
However, I sent to Tropical Traditions for their coconut oil because I could get it alot cheaper. Now we’ll see?
Do you know anything about them and whether or not this is a good product?
I have heard good reviews of Tropical Traditions coconut oil, but it is seriously more expensive than MRH. They charge over $70 per gallon for the same quality as MRH sells (the organic, extra virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil that is).
I have been using coconut oil in my baking now for a couple of years since reading Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon… My baked goods taste so much better and I dont feel like I have to use alot of it either, same way goes with our switch back to whole real butter.
When searching for an essential oil, is that something I would look for in a health store? Also, forgive my ignorance, but is that the same thing as flavouring? i.e. Almond flavour, orange flavour, etc.? I am new at this but curious about making my own toothpaste!
Also, how have you found traveling with your toothpaste? How do you store it?
Essential oils can be found in a health food store or online. Recommended brands include Aura Cacia or Nature’s Alchemy. It is definitely a flavoring of sorts, but not something you would ingest. They are mainly used for various natural cleaning, and skin care issues. I store the toothpaste in a soap dispenser actually. I do not usually take it traveling. It is too large. I keep a small thing of toothpaste for traveling. Hope that helps!