20 Clever Coconut Oil Uses for Everyday Life
Coconut oil seems to be the holy grail of many lately, and for good reason. It has quite a few everyday uses that can not only make you life easier, but healthier as well. Here are fifteen ways to incorporate the oil into your daily routine.
1) Cook it Up
Instead of using butter or other high calorie oils when preparing a meal, substitute coconut oil. The fats are metabolized quickly, boosting your energy as well as cutting your calorie intake.
2) Oil a Squeaky Hinge
Drop that WD-40! Applying the oil to a hinge or chain that needs a bit of lubing up is an easy and quick fix when in a pinch. Not a lot of oil is needed; remember that coconut oil solidifies at 76 degrees Fahrenheit and we do not want it to gunk up on the surface.
3) Remove Rust
Simply apply a small amount of the oil to a rusted knife and let it sit for an hour or two. Use water to remove it, but dry thoroughly or the oxidation process will be sped up, making rust appear faster.
4) Treat Your Wood Right
Not only will a layer of coconut oil prevent dust buildup on your furniture, but it will also condition wood beautifully. Simply dip a rag into a jar of oil and rub a thin layer over your table to keep it looking pristine.
5) Help Constipation
Coconut oil is a safe and healthy way to stay regular. If you are a little backed up, taking a tablespoon of oil every morning to cure constipation, or two for a very acute case.
6) Get Rid of Head Lice
Lice do not seem to enjoy the aroma of coconut, so slathering this oil onto your scalp is a great way to keep those nasty little critters at bay. It also takes care of frizzy hair, so go ahead and kill two birds with one stone, as the old saying goes!
7) Keep Those Pearly Whites White
Adding baking soda to coconut oil is a fantastic way to naturally whiten your smile. Coconut has antibacterial properties as well, great for keeping colds away.
RELATED ARTICLE: What Happens to Your Belly Fat and Blood Sugar When You Eat 2 Tbsp. of Coconut Oil Daily
8) Ease Joint Pain
Rubbing the oil on inflamed joints has been proven to help ease the stiffness and pain associated for arthritis, which is wonderful for those suffering with the potentially crippling disease. Once or twice a day should do the trick, and leave your skin soft and smooth as well.
9) Ditch That Itch
If you have a persistent tickle in your throat, swallow a teaspoon of coconut oil. This will relieve the itch by creating a moisturizing barrier and keep that cough from returning.
10) Prevent Stains
That pasta you reheated for lunch has a bad habit of sticking around in your Tupperware as a nasty, ring-like stain. To combat this, rub a bit of coconut oil around the container and let it sink in before washing. This will keep those reusable containers fresh and presentable.
11) Get Unstuck
When you find yourself in a sticky situation, such as a syrupy substance coating your hands, simply rub them good with coconut oil to remove the residue. The fats in the oil work great at breaking down even the toughest gunk.
12) Clean Makeup Brushes
Beauty is only skin deep, but it is also quite expensive. Keep those brushes in good condition by washing them with coconut oil every so often. Rinse with warm water and baby shampoo to keep the bristles clean and soft.
13) Reduce Heartburn
If you have a bad case of heartburn or acid reflux, coconut oil will not only help with that unpleasant taste in your mouth, but coat your stomach for a nice barrier against acidity.
14) Unstick a Zipper
If you find yourself unable to fasten your coat, add a little coconut oil to the zipper track and get yourself unstuck for good!
15) Banish Cold Sores
The antibacterial properties of coconut oil are great for getting rid of those annoying canker sores. Although the oil won’t completely wipe a cold sore out, it will prevent the virus from spreading, and heal that pesky spot much faster.
16) Liven Up That Coffee
Creamers can have an abundance of calories, wreaking havoc on your diet. For a sweet yet light touch, add a spoonful of coconut oil in lieu of that sugary stuff. This will make that morning cup of joe just a tad healthier without sacrificing flavor.
17) Scrub Away
Melting down coconut oil and adding sugar makes for a wonderful bath time scrub. Simply pour the oil into an ice cube tray, add some sugar and cool in the fridge for a ready to use treat for your skin. This will banish and rough patches and bumps, plus it smells absolutely amazing.
18) Polish Up Leather Furniture
A little dab will do here. Take a cloth and a small amount of oil to a leather sofa and watch as the furniture is buffed to a healthy shine. Circular motions are best, and be sure not to leave a residue behind. That could cause some buildup, or have you slipping all over the place in the summertime!
19) Shave Away
Traditional shaving cream can become quite costly, and seems to vanish as soon as you rub it on. Coconut oil will moisturize your skin and have that razor gliding smoothly for a nice, close shave. Men can even use it on their beards, making this multipurpose oil a lifesaver indeed!
20) Lower Cholesterol
Coconut oil contains high levels of auric acid that helps to increase high-density lipoproteins (HDL). HDL is the “good” cholesterol you need to raise. It picks up excess cholesterol and brings it to your liver to be broken down. Take ½-1 tablespoon daily to help your body prevent heart various diseases.
Although there are only fifteen here, the uses for this product are seemingly endless. Health Impact News performed a study testing to the products anti-inflammatory capabilities, and RefluxMD attested to its weigh-loss capabilities. With properties like this, you may just want to stock up on this fantastic oil!
