Coconut oil sure is trendy these days. A simple search for "coconut oil" on Instructables yields countless recipes. Strangely enough, I rarely consume or cook with coconut oil. Instead, I apply it topically almost daily as part of my beauty and health care routine. It smells great, saves me money, and (most importantly) gets the job done. Here are my favorite top 9 uses for this home remedy staple.

Step 1: Tooth Aches and Teeth Strengthening

Practitioners of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian holistic medical system, recommend swishing coconut oil (also known as “oil pulling”) daily to decrease tooth sensitivity and strengthen enamel. And recent studies have shown that coconut oil naturally combats a major bacterium known to cause tooth decay, Streptococcus.
How I use it
For specific tooth pain, I dip my finger in coconut oil (in solid form), gently massage it around the tooth in question, and avoid extremely hot or cold food and beverages for a few hours. For preventative measures, after brushing my teeth with regular toothpaste, I apply about a dime-size amount of coconut oil to my toothbrush and brush my teeth, gums, and tongue with the oil before bedtime. (Since adding this step to my daily routine, I no longer experience tooth pain.)
Need more than coconut oil?
Add two drops or so of clove oil to the coconut oil.

Step 2: Sun Burn

Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which help cool the skin, and it is also an excellent skin moisturizer, which helps prevent pealing. As a bonus, coconut oil has a natural SPF between 4 and 10, which may help prevent further sun damage.
How I use it
It doesn’t happen that often, but when I do get a sunburn, I apply globs of coconut oil to my skin after a shower or bath. The warmth of my skin quickly makes the oil very viscous, so I have to stand over a towel to avoid a mess. I let the oil absorb into my skin before I put on any clothes, and within an hour my skin is noticeable cooler to the touch.
Need more than coconut oil?
Add 1 tsp of aloe vera plants and/or 1 tsp of raw honey to every 1 tbsp of coconut oil.

Step 3: Bug Bites

Rubbing a thin layer of coconut oil over a mosquito/bug bite will not only stop the itching/burning sensation but also protect the area from further infection.
How I use it
My blood type must be Ragu, because I am constantly being fed on by insects. The aftereffects of bites go away on their own, but to expedite the process I slightly coat any “sudden” red, itchy bumps with coconut oil and let the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties do their thing.
Need more than coconut oil?
Make a paste of equal parts baking soda and coconut oil and apply to the affected area.

Step 4: Dry Skin (Including Psoriasis and Eczema)

Coconut oil’s antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties have been proven to help heal damaged, dry, and broken skin. Its healthy vitamins and nutrients (mainly Vitamins K and E) also alleviate the itching that often results from damaged skin.
How I use it
No amount of lotion—drugstore or prescription—can do what coconut oil has done for my dry skin. A little goes a long way and too much oil can get a little messy, so I always apply the oil over a towel. A jar of coconut oil is conveniently located in my bathroom and I massage a small amount all over my body (excluding the face, as it can be pore-clogging) after drying off from the shower.
Need more than coconut oil?
In the winter, when skin tends to be at its driest, apply a thin layer of olive oil after the coconut oil has been fully absorbed into the skin for some extra-smoothness.

Step 5: Damaged Hair and Dandruff

Coconut oil is one of the few oils that can penetrate the hair shaft, improving its strength and flexibility. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties (namely, lauric acid) also help rid the scalp of dandruff and product buildup (after one use!). Indian women have been massaging this oil into their scalp and hair for generations and have consequently been the subject of hair-envy around the world.
How I use it
After years of curl-denial (i.e., egregious overuse of the hair straightener), I rehabilitated my hair with the following hair regime twice a week: I massage at least a cup of coconut oil to my scalp and gently stroke the remainder down my hair. I wrap my hair up in a silk wrap, let the coconut oil works its magic overnight, and then wash it out in the morning.
Need more than coconut oil?
Switch to a non-sulfate (natural) shampoo.

Step 6: Puffy and Dark Sleep-Deprived Eyes

Coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, specifically lauric acid, work wonders to reduce puffiness of the skin. In particular, it can brighten up the under-eye skin region after a night of sleeplessness.
How I use it
I’m a girl who needs my 8 hours of zzzzzzz a night. When I don’t get it, you can easily see it in my face—namely, under my eyes. A quick brush of coconut oil under my eyes quickly relieves the puffiness and reduces the darkness. (Note: I tend to keep it away from my problem T-zone area, as coconut oil can clog pores.)
Need more than coconut oil?
No surprise here, use cucumbers! Sometimes I’ll put cool cucumbers on my eyes for a few minutes before applying the coconut oil.

Step 7: Cuts and Scrapes

Although not as effective as antibiotic gels like Neosporin, coconut oil will provide a layer of protection for cuts and scrapes from outside dust, bacteria, and virus. And unlike its pharmaceutical counterparts, coconut oil has no negative side effects.
How I use it
For minor scrapes and skin boo-boos, I apply a thin layer of coconut oil to protect the exposed region and expedite the healing process.
Need more than coconut oil?
Add in some raw honey for good measure. It has been proven to clear infections.

Step 8: Brittle Nails

Rubbing your hands and feet with coconut oil can help fight nail infections and fungus, while moisturizing the skin around the cuticles (a proven way to prevent hang nails).
How I use it
I used to be a horrible nail-biter. Once I broke that bad habit, I noticed my grown nails were a little weak and brittle … and my cuticles hardly helped the situation. On regular days, I apply coconut oil all over my hands like I would a lotion to keep them moisturized. On particularly bad days, I’ll warm a cup of coconut oil in the microwave and rest my fingers in the oil for a few minutes.
Need more than coconut oil?
Mince up some garlic and combine it with the coconut oil. Let your nails rest in the mixture for a few minutes, and voila, the weak nails are no more! Garlic is especially useful in combating toenail fungus.

Step 9: Body Odor

The lauric acid in coconut oil is a proven killer of odor-causing bacteria. Plus, the scent of coconut oil is very light and in moderate amounts will not leave stains on clothes.
How I use it
I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve had my share of difficulty with over-the-counter deodorants. I think some brands even made the “situation” worse. All I'll ever use now is coconut oil mixed with baking soda (in equal parts, mashed up with a fork). Not only does it help keep me odor-free, but I swear it is the most effective antiperspirant I have ever come across.
Need more than coconut oil?
Not sure what to say. You’re on your own on this one … but thanks for reading!!

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13 Comments

grannyjones

7 years ago

#5 will also kill head lice without exposure to poisonous insecticide. After you wash it out, soak hair for five minutes in apple cider vinegar, undiluted, to free the nits without combing. (It will sting, but not as miserable as that cruel comb.) Shampoo and condition as usual.

SmoilieC

7 years ago

I'm so
glad to know all the coconut oil home remedies you shared. Thank you so much.
Know more about extra virgin organic coconut oil at - smoilie.com

victorv3

8 years ago on Introduction

Had a severe toothache for the past few days, and I'm talking about searing chronic pain that shot through my jaw all the way up to my temple! I couldn't even see straight from the pain. So this morning, in desperation, I remembered that someone had told me about using coconut oil for toothaches...so I decided to research it further and found your article, fortunately, I just happened to have a jar of organic unrefined coconut oil in my pantry which was already liquefied at room temperature, I don't think that I was in a condition to drive...I hastily grabbed a spoon out of the drawer and shoved a tablespoon full of coconut oil into my mouth and swished it around between my teeth for about a minute and spit it out...I continued to read your remedies article as I waited to feel results, if any. To my surprise, and quite miraculously, the pain began to subtly subside after a few minutes (about eight to ten maybe) and it was almost all but gone after about twenty minutes! Of course I am going in to see a dentist first thing tomorrow on my day off, but this home remedy certainly brought much welcomed relief until then. I definitely plan to try out some of the other remedies you write about in this article and I'm definitely going to recommend it to friends. I will say that if you do have a severe toothache, see a dentist as soon as possible as it can be a potentially very threatening and dangerous situation. Thank you so very much for your very useful information!