Coconut Oil has been hitting the headlines a lot recently due to its various health properties, versatile abilities and functions. This is a wonderful ingredient to keep to hand around the home – for cooking, health and beauty purposes amongst others. Some of these ideas may seem a little surprising (and crazy!) but they are worth remembering should you experience have any of the reasons below…

  1. A great moisturiser. The properties in coconut oil mean that it’s great for moisturising the skin. It also contains Vitamin E that can fight off free radicals and reduce the appearance of wrinkles or any skin blemishes. Always worth having a jar handy near the shower to use as a body moisturiser!
  2. A natural deodrant. Coconut oil under the armpits is a great way to combat BO. Smear a little under each armpit for best results, or mix with a little bicarbonate of soda for enhanced freshness. The antibacterial and antifungal properties within coconut oi mean it is excellent for minimising body odours.
  3. Lip moisturiser. The high level of Vitamin E in coconut oil means it’s an excellent way to moisturise chapped or sore lips. Keep a little jar of coconut oil in your bag for whenever your lips feel sore, for some instant moisturisation and relief.
  4. A natural eye make-up remover. Gently dabbing coconut oil around the eye area can help to safely dissolve make-up – without the use of any chemicals.
  5. Shaving Cream. Coating your legs with coconut oil before shaving is a great way to nourish the skin and makes it a really easy process.
  6. Nourishes Dry or Split Ends. Regular coconut oil treatments can protect the tips of the hair shaft, vital for those looking to grow long and luscious locks.
  7. A Great Massage Oil. Coconut oil is ideal for massage and is very therapeutic as it can stimulate blood flow, increase lymph drainage, relieve muscle tension and create a sense of peace and calm. To make massage oil, simply take coconut oil andmix in some essential oils to create a personalised blend.
  8. Makes a Great Vapor Rub. Mix a few drops of eucalpytus oil into a few spoonfuls of coconut oil and then apply to chest, massaging in. Alternatively you can dab it onto a tissue and place beneath a pillow.
  9. Soothing for a Sore Tummy. Place a few drops of peppermint oil in with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil and gently rub into the stomach area with the flat of the hand. Rub in a clockwise direction to ease any stomach spasms and bloating.
  10. A Natural Breath Freshener. Coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can protect against the bad bacteria within the mouth that can otherwise contribute towards bad breath. Mix coconut oil with a little bicarb of soda and place on a toothbrush, taking care to gently brush the top surface of the tongue too. Gargling and rinsing with a little sea salt dissolved in water can also help to give the mouth a fresh and squeaky clean feel.
  11. Itchy Skin Salve. Insect bites or itchy welts can benefit from a little coconut oil. A simple patch test to tell if the rash is new or not is a good idea. Most people benefit from applying coconut oil to itchy areas as it has very soothing and therapeutic properties for the skin.
  12. A Natural Sleep Aid. Add a few drops of pure lavender essential oil onto a small quantity of coconut oil. Massage the mixture into your temples, the back of the neck and shoulders daily to help wind down and induce a relaxing and restorative sleep.
  13. Make a Body Delicious Scrub. Combine 1 cup of coconut oil with 1/4 cup of sea salt, 1/4 cup of sugar and a few drops of essential oil. Mix well. Lather over skin and then rinse off for a truly wonderful pampering sensation. Ensure to keep wet hands out of the scrub as any moisture may encourage spoilage.
  14. Freshen Feet with a Foot Scrub. Mix one big dollop of coconut oil with peppermint oil and a tablespoon of sea salt to create a luxurious scrub. Soak the feet in a bucket of warm water for 10 minutes and then rub the coconut scrub over the feet, taking extra caution around the heels. Rinse the feet into a bucket and then pat dry. Afterwards, place socks on to lock in any residual oils.
  15. Deep Conditioner for Hair. After washing and shampooing hair, massage a handful of coconut oil through hair, paying special attention to the roots and scalp area. Leave on hair for 10 minutes before rinsing clean.
  16. Butter Alternative. Coconut oil is an excellent dairy-free replacement for butter. Use in cooking instead of butter or margarine as a healthier alternative.
  17. Non-stick Baking. Again there’s no need for butter when you can use coconut oil to grease cake tins, containers and roasting containers. Coconut oil can help to reduce food from sticking to kitchenware.
  18. Conditions Cuticles. Coconut oil can help with keeping nails strong and hands looking youthful. Dabbing a little coconut oil onto every cuticle and gently massaging can help to keep them nourished.
  19. Combats Hair Frizz. Avoid chemical hair sprays and straightening treatments by gently massaging a small amount of ccoonut oil into the hair. Start at the tips and work upwards.
  20. Reduces Hair Stains. Hair dyes can stain, especially when you do them yourself at home. Coconut oil can remove unwanted smudges or stains that may appear around the hair and neck line.
  21. A Healthy Snack.  By warming a little coconut oil in a pan, you can make a healthy and delicious snack, similar to popcorn.
  22. Oil Pulling. This Ayurvedic technique can aid the body in the detoxification process. Placing a tablespoon of coconut oil into the mouth and swishing it around, holding it for 20 minutes can thoroughly clean the gums, teeth and tongue. It strengthens oral health, prevents bad breath, along with diseases of the gums and mouth.
  23. Give Yourself an Energy Boost. Coconut oil can naturally boost energy levels, especially when it’s added to foods and drinks. It contains Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) that tbe body uses for energy production.
  24. As a Natural SPF 4 Sunscreen. The MCFAs and saturated fat in coconut oil is easily utilised by the body for forming new skin along with having a protective effect against burning.
  25. Can Soothe Eczema and Psoriasis. Due to its skin soothing, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties,  coconut oil is ideal to apply to skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis to soothe any pain or irritation.
  26. Improves Insulin Levels. The healthy fats in coconut oil play an integral role in regulating blood sugar levels. It can slow the digestive process and ensures a steady and even stream of energy is delivered from the food after eating an evening meal, by lowering the overall glycemic index of the meal you have eaten.
  27. Improves Cholesterol Ratios. Eating coconut oil can reduce the risk of heart disease. The HDL (good) cholesterol always increases in either case, but the cholesterol ration improves, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Generally, the lower the cholesterol ratio, the better.
  28. Can Help with Removing Cellulite. Coconut oil is excellent for skin health because of its moisturising abilities and because it can help to remove toxins that may lead to skin problems.
  29. Can Resolve Acne With Regular Use. Coconut oil can be used to cleanse the face and its anti-bacterial properties are excellent for helping to improve acne.
  30. Stimulates Hair Growth. The vitamins and essential fatty acids naturally found within coconut oil can nourish the scalp and help to remove sebum build-up from the hair follicles. 

Robert Redfern recommends taking Organic Virgin Coconut Oil available from Good Health Naturally for best results. This pure coconut oi is made from certified organic coconuts and is rich in lauric acid with strong anti-microbial properties. When used daily it can promote smooth and supple skin, along with providing a wide variety of health and beauty benefits as listed above.