Like the rest of the world I have slowly become obsessed with using coconut oil in as many different ways possible. Having previously worked around health foods I have picked up tips from customers and colleagues allowing me to experiment using coconut oil in the place of other beauty products and in my cooking too. I’ve got the Perfectly Pure coconut oil which is perfect to use for cooking as well as to apply to your skin and hair. This particular coconut oil costs £15.59 and is available from Holland and Barrett. Although this is expensive it is a wonder product that can be used in so many ways and has no nasties added to it to bulk it out, its 100% coconut oil.

I have 10 things to share with you that coconut oil can be used for. These are things I have either tried myself or have been recommended.

1. Oil Pulling – Many brands have emerged with new products containing coconut oil claiming to whiten your teeth. In many cases these sachets of coconut oil are literally just the oil with flavouring added but are retailed at a much higher price than the cost of just buying a pot of high quality of coconut oil which would last you much longer.It seems silly to me that there is even a need to flavour the coconut oil as it tastes really nice. Anyway the idea is you swish the oil around in your mouth for 5-15 minutes and the heat will quickly melt into a white liquid. I have been trying this for around 10 days and do it whilst in the shower, so far I haven’t noticed any change in the colour of my teeth however I don’t necessarily mind about this as the benefits for your oral hygiene from doing this are still great. It helps improve gum health and strengthen teeth. When this action is done on an empty stomach it can help draw out toxins from the body. 

2. Lip Balm  – The consistency and moisturising properties make coconut oil a great choice for a natural lip balm. I like layering this on quite thick before I go to bed so it can work over night.

3. Hair – One of the first beauty crazes I heard about with coconut oil was to use it on dry and damaged hair as a mask. It can be put on dry hair and then washed off by shampooing before getting your hair wet. It can be hard to wash out of your hair so doing it this way makes it a bit easier, personally I only use it on the ends of my hair as this is where my hair is driest and also I have been told using it on the roots can make your hair appear greasy.

4. Moisturiser – The moisturising properties of coconut oil make it great to use as a face mask or an intense moisturiser. I have used it on my nose and cheeks as this is where I suffer with dry skin, especially in the winter. It is also great for those who suffer with eczema and psoriasis.

5. Eye Make Up Remover – Due to this product being an oily and obviously having a slippery consistency it is great for removing eye make-up as it helps it slide off onto your cotton pad. It also helps moisturise the area around your eye whilst doing it, helping to prevent dryness and dark circles.

6. Nappy Cream – This little tip won’t be relevant to all of my blog readers but due to the natural properties of pure coconut oil it is a great product to use in the place of nappy cream or along side it. Obviously consult a healthcare professional if you have any doubts and don’t use if your child has any allergies this may irritate.

7. Allergy Prevention – I have used specific products before that are like a balm that you rub just on the inside of your nostrils and in the area underneath that help to catch dust or pollen before it is able go travel up your nose and irritate you. Coconut oil can be used in the same way and due to its balmy texture it will do the same job.

8. Food supplement – There’s been many claims of coconut oil being great to use as a supplement to help towards health complaints by taking a spoonful daily. The best one to use is a pure coconut oil and because its free of cholestrol and trans-fats its perfect for improving your health. Claims include that it improves the body’s use of insulin, improves cholesterol by increasing good cholesterol, boosting thyroid function meaning increased energy, acting as an antioxidant, a natural antibiotic and improving overall skin and hair health.

9. Instead of cooking oil – Coconut oil can be used in place of cooking oils in dishes such as stir-frys. The same amount of coconut oil needs to be used as you would vegetable oil, the oil is in a solid state until it hits the heat. Measure it in its liquid form.

10. Recipes -Finally there are many recipes and dishes out there that use coconut oil as a dairy free alternative to butter or to add flavour or a different texture. A lady I used to work with made some fudge using coconut oil, Meridian almond butter and Sweet Freedoms Choc Shot, it tasted absolutely amazing and was so more-ish. I have also heard of people using it when cooking rice to add a different flavour to it but I am yet to try this.

Have you tried coconut oil? What do you use it for? I’d love to know of any tips that I haven’t discussed here.