Health is not everything, and it’s harder to laugh when you’re sick or in pain. On that note, while millions of Americans are discovering the many benefits of using organic coconut oil in cooking, there are dozens of other great uses for coconut oil. Here are 12 of them:

  1. Colds and Sore Throats – Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help you recover from a cold. Mix it with warm herbal tea and honey for a very soothing throat remedy.
  2. Cuts and Scrapes – Coconut oil can be used as a topical cream for common cuts and scrapes, protecting against infection while conditioning the skin to heal faster. It may also prevent scarring.
  3. Dandruff – Several times per week, coat your fingertips with coconut oil and massage into your scalp for an easy dandruff remedy. This is an effective yet gentle method, suitable for young children or babies with cradle cap, too.
  4. Deodorant – You can use coconut oil by itself as a deodorant that leaves underarms feeling silky soft, or you can add sodium bicarbonate and cornstarch for advanced odour protection.
  5. Detoxification – There are many methods for detoxifying the body, but coconut oil is unique because it can provide energy while cleansing the body. One popular method is to take 5 ml of coconut oil seven times per day for one to seven days to help the body eliminate toxins, impurities and candida.
  6. Fungal Infections – Coconut oil contains strong antifungal agents, and can be used to address fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, thrush and vaginal yeast infections. You can take it internally and use it topically for these conditions.
  7. Hair Conditioner – Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your scalp and hair. Allow it to soak for several minutes and then wash as usual. There is no need to use other conditioners with this method, even after washing with shampoo.
  8. Lip Balm – Lip moisturizers are filled with chemicals, and natural products are often pricey. If you need a moisturizer for your lips, pour coconut oil into a commercial lip balm container.
  9. Makeup Remover – Coconut oil is a very effective makeup remover, so you can toss out all the chemical-laden products from the drug store. It’s also a natural moisturizer, so it won’t cause dryness or irritation.
  10. Skin Conditions – Since coconut oil is moisturizing, antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, it’s a great natural remedy for skin problems ranging from eczema to acne to diaper rash.
  11. Sunscreen – Coconut oil provides effective and natural sun protection without exposing your body to the toxic chemicals and metals in conventional sunblock. Coconut oil protects against free radicals, which provides added protection against skin cancer.
  12. Toothpaste – Mix equal amounts of coconut oil and sodium bicarbonate for an all-natural, fluoride-free toothpaste. Add spearmint or peppermint oil with Stevia for a fresh, sweet flavor.

You can buy raw coconut oil rather inexpensively in the USA on http://www.iherb.com (this is a great website by the way. If you decide to buy through them and it’s your first time,  consider giving them our referal code SEB979. It won’t cost you anything and they’ll give us a few freebies 🙂