Health and Home Remedies

The antibacterial and antioxidants in coconut oil make it a great health and home remedy for many ailments. Make sure you use the food grade of the oil if you ingest it. For any topical uses below, fractionated coconut oil works great because its high concentration of capric and caprylic acids make it a powerful antioxidant and disinfectant.

46. Fight Inflammation: Studies show that the lauric acid and capric acid in coconut oil help suppress inflammation. Plus it has no side effects like anti-inflammatory medicines.
47. Cuts and Wounds: Use it as a natural antibacterial and antifungal cream to heal small cuts. Clean the wound first then apply a small amount of oil.
48. Weight Loss: No, it’s not a magic weight-loss formula, but it can help you drop pounds if you substitute it for other fats.
49. Curb Your Appetite: If you love food (and who doesn’t?), you may overeat from time to time. If you take a spoonful of coconut oil before meals, it will help you keep portions under control.
50. Freshen Breath: Bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth, and the antibacterial properties in coconut oil will make sure no one runs away when you open your mouth.
51. Aromatherapy: Coconut oil can be used as a carrier oil, helping your body absorb other essential oils and herbal extracts to help you relax and unwind. Fractionated coconut oil is best for this use.
52. Boost Energy: Feeling exhausted? Coconut oil contains a unique form of saturated fats known as medium-chain triglycerides that provide an energy source for the body.
53. Boosts Immune System: Adding coconut oil to your regular diet can help boost your immune system, which helps you fight viruses and infections.
54. Helps Blood Circulation: Taking coconut oil and applying it to your body can help increase blood circulation.
55. Thyroid Supporter: Studies show that regular coconut oil consumption supports healthy thyroid function.
56. Relieve Constipation: Coconut oil is a natural laxative so it helps soften stools and speeds up your metabolism.
57. Improve Bone Health: As a fat, coconut oil helps your body absorb vitamins and nutrients like calcium better. The better your body absorbs calcium, the stronger your bones will be.
58. Fights Arthritis: With anti-inflammatory properties, it combatsarthritis pain, which comes from inflammation in the joints. Take a couple of tablespoons daily for the benefit.
59. Treat Fungal and Yeast Infections: The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil diffuse into cell membranes of various organisms and fight bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses and parasite. Add 3-5 tablespoons of coconut oil to your daily diet and/or treat the affected area by applying a thin layer of oil to it.
60. Treat Hemorrhoids: Get rid of the pain of hemorrhoids and take a seat in comfort by applying coconut oil as a treatment.
61. Treat Athlete’s Foot: The antifungal properties make it the perfect foil to athlete’s foot. Rub it on your feet along with tea tree oil for relief.
62. Treat Toenail Fungus:The unsightly enemy is no match for the antifungal phenomenon of coconut oil. Apply a small amount, several times a day, and you’ll see a gradual improvement.
63. Lower Cholesterol: A tablespoon a day can drive cholesterol away! The high levels of lauric acid in coconut oil help boost HDL (good cholesterol), which in turn lowers bad cholesterol (LDL).
64. Cold Sores: Applying coconut oil several times a day can stop the spread of sores and provide a soothing effect.
65. Sore Throat Relief: Soothe an itchy and sore throat by dissolving a spoonful in your mouth and let it roll down your throat.
66. Heal a Cough:Mix a teaspoon of honey with a half spoonful of coconut oil. Add hot water so it fills a quarter of a cup. Drink it hot and that cough will diminish.
67. Insect Repellant: You may love coconut oil, but bugs can’t stand it. Slather some on to keep the critters away.
68. Bug Bites: The warm weather often brings insects that find spots to bite you. The anti-inflammatory agents in coconut oil help relieve itching and irritation.
69. Bee Sting Soother: Soothe that sting with a dab of coconut oil (after removing the stinger). It helps to reduce swelling and pain.
70. Relieve Sunburn: Sunburn can be painful, but coconut oil can soothe it. Make this mixture: Mix a 1:1 ratio of coconut oil and aloe vera gel and put in the fridge to cool a bit. Rub it on the burned area for a soothing and cooling effect.
71. Relief from Eczema: Soothe the itching from eczema flare up with coconut oil.
72. Relief from Poison Ivy: Whether it’s ivy, oak, or sumac—pick your poison—coconut oil can soothe itching by applying it to affected areas. A warm bath with some coconut oil will make you forget you stumbled into that poisonous vegetation in the first place.
73. Soothe Chicken Pox: Give your child some relief if he or she is suffering from chicken pox by rubbing the oil on the affected areas.
74. Relief from Heartburn/Acid Reflux: Oh, what a relief it is! We’re not talking about Alka-Seltzer. Three tablespoons of coconut oil a day can improve digestive health and soothe your esophagus.
75. Relief from a Toothache:Instead of reaching for the Advil, mix 1-part coconut oil with 2 parts clove oil, and apply to your gums with a cotton swab.
76. Toothpaste: Mix 6 tablespoons each of coconut oil and baking soda with 25 drops of essential oil (spearmint is a great choice), and you have homemade, all-natural toothpaste.
77. Mouthwash: Now that you have toothpaste, now use coconut oil as a mouthwash. It’s called oil pulling, and you use it in liquid form, “pulling” not swishing it through your mouth.
78. Remove Ear Wax: Use an eyedropper to apply two drops of coconut oil to help break up wax buildup.
79. Get Rid of Warts and Moles: Rub coconut oil onto warts and moles and cover with a bandage. Do this regularly and they’ll diminish.

• Fight Allergies: Allergy season can be a nightmare, but coconut oil can make it a sweet dream. Dap a little on your nostrils for quick relief.

81. Treat an Ear Infection: Never underestimate the antibacterial and antifungal power of coconut oil.Applying it to the ear can kill the infection.
82. Stop Nose Bleeds: If you’re prone to a bloody nose, rub a little of it in your nostrils to combat the cracking that leads to bleeds.
83. Prevent Lice: Your kid comes home from school and somehow has lice. No worries, dip a comb in coconut oil, run it through your child’s hair to chase lice away.

Pregnancy and Infant Care

Coconut oil can be a mom’s best friend as it has benefits for her and her infant. Whether carrying or taking care of a baby, here are ways coconut oil is a fantastic resource.

84. Nipple Cream: Reduce irritation when nursing by rubbing the soothing oil on your nipples. It’s safe and great for your baby too!
85. Nursing Boost: Speaking of nursing, by taking 3-4 tablespoons of coconut oil a day, moms can increase their milk supply and nutrients.
86. Prevent Morning Sickness: You can calm your stomach during pregnancy by taking a tablespoon. Make it a regular morning routine.
87. Rub on Perineum:You can prevent, or at least lessen, tears to the perineum during birth by applying coconut oil to it daily in the months leading up to your due date.

• Moisturize Baby’s Skin: Babies have sensitive skin so coconut oil is a safe choice that won’t cause irritation. Apply a dab to dry patches, such as the creases of their neck, to keep them moist and protected.

89. Stop Diaper Rash: The thick oil has antifungal properties to soothe the rash and acts as a barrier to prevent further irritation. Plus, it won’t make the rash worse like other rash creams.

...[ Continue to next page ]

Share This Post