14 Uses and Benefits of Coconut Oil for Health, Skin, and Hair

Coconut oil contains numerous medicinal properties and fatty acids that are no less than a boon for the health, skin, and hair. It is high in saturated acids, which make it perfect for treating many health problems. Coconut oil is versatile and, thus, can be used in different ways. Read more to know the uses and benefits of coconut oil for healthy skin and hair.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil:

1. Increases Fat Burning

Coconut oil consists of medium-chain triglycerides, which keep you full for a longer period and reduces hunger. On the regular intake of the coconut oil, your metabolism is improved which further helps to reduce the weight.

How to Use:

• Take 1-2 tablespoons of organic coconut oil on an empty stomach regularly in the morning.
• Replace your cooking oil with coconut oil.

2. Coconut Oil is Good for Oral Health

Coconut oil has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat the bad mouth odor removes the microorganisms leaving in your mouth. It improves dental health giving you clean and white teeth on the regular use. It prevents cavities and makes your teeth strong.

How to Use:

• Before brushing, swish a tablespoon of coconut oil.
• Do this for 15-20 minutes.
• Spit the oil out and rinse your mouth.
• Do this regularly to maintain excellent oral health.

3. It promotes Good Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol one is good cholesterol, and another is bad cholesterol. The bad cholesterol leads to heart-related problems and leads to high BP. On the other hand, good cholesterol supports the smooth function of the heart and other primary organs of the body and prevents severe problems like heart attack and liver damage.

How to Use:

• Drink a tablespoon of coconut oil on an empty stomach.
• Drink Bullet coffee.
• Use coconut oil for salad dressing.
• Replace it with mayonnaise.

4. Coconut Oil Helps in Digestion

Coconut oil is ideal for improving digestion. It encourages the body to absorb the fat-soluble components such as vitamins and magnesium. Also, it removes toxins and bacteria from the body, which leads to inflammation. It also treats stomach ulcers.

How to Use:

• Sip a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil first in the morning.
• Add coconut oil in your meals.

5. Good for Diabetes and Blood Sugar

Coconut oil is found to reduce the obesity level and fight back with insulin resistance problems. Also, it controls the sugar level in the body and does not let the sugar increase or decrease.

How to Use:

• Add a spoon of coconut oil in your black coffee.
• Or have it first thing in the morning

Skin Benefits of Coconut Oil:

1. Coconut Oil is Good Moisturizer

Coconut oil is in ideal skin moisturizer. It is packed with fatty acids that are easily absorbed in the skin. On the regular application, it nourishes the skin from within treats flakiness and severe dryness. It is suitable for the entire body and face as well. For the best results, use organic virgin coconut oil as it is free from chemicals and, over time gives you smooth, soft, radiant, and healthy skin.

How to Use:

• Take some coconut oil in your palms.
• Rub it between your palms.
• Then apply it all over the dry body and massage it well for the best results.
• For face – Gently dab it on your face.
• Do a patch test before to make sure you are not allergic to the oil.

2. It is a Budget-Friendly Eye Cream

If you do not want to splurge on the high-end creams for treating under eye and skin aging problems, then coconut oil is a perfect solution for you. It helps to get rid of the dark circles, puffiness, and regular use reduces the pigmentations and wrinkles. Also, it will keep your under eyes area hydrated and plump.

How to Use:

• Pick a small amount of coconut oil on your fingers.
• Dot it around the eye from inner to out corner.
• Gently massage it in an anti-clock way.
• Repeat this regularly before going to bed.
• Wash your skin before applying the coconut oil

3. Works as Makeup Remover

Coconut oil contains fatty acids that melt the make-up and remove it without hurting your facial skin. It can remove even a waterproof lipstick and mascara as well. Moreover, it does not have chemicals; thus, it ideal for eyes and other sensitive parts of the face.

How to Use:

• Pour some coconut oil over the cotton pads.
• Dab it over your eye make-up.
• Leave it for a second, and then gently remove the eye make-up.
• Use cotton balls soaked in coconut oil to remove make-up from your entire skin.

Alternatively:

• Pick some coconut oil in your clean palms.
• Apply it over the face and leave it until the make-up completely melts.
• Then with the help of the cotton balls, remove the make-up.
• Wash your face with a mild cleanser.

4. Helps to Exfoliate your Body and Lips

Another skin benefit of coconut oil is that it is a good exfoliator. You can substitute it with your regular scrubs. It removes all the dust and debris trapped in the pores. It is bliss for dry skin as it moisturizes the skin and provides all the required nutrients. You can even use it for treating chapped lips and bidding adieu to dryness.

How to Use On Body:

• In a bowl, mix some coconut oil and sugar.
• Mix it well and apply all over the body after the shower.
• Gently massage it over the skin.
• Leave it for 2-3 minutes and then rinse it with the water.
• Avoid this scrub on the face.
• How to use on Lips:
• Apply the mixture on your clean lips.
• Take a toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Brush it over the lips.
• Wipe off the leftover oil with a tissue paper.
• Repeat the same on alternate days to get moisturized lips.

5. Treats Skin Allergies

Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat skin rashes and allergies. It is also packed with antimicrobial properties that fight back with bacteria and fungi and gives you clean and healthy skin.

How to Use:

• Apply it over the rash or allergy.
• Leave it for a night.
• Wash it on the following morning.
• Repeat the same until the rash or allergy subsides completely.

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair:

1. Coconut Oil Moisturizes Dry Hair

Coconut oil is an ideal carrier oil that helps to moisturize the scalp and remove frizz from the hair. On the regular usage, it adds a natural shine to the hair, making lustrous and voluminous tresses.

How to Use:

• Warm some coconut oil in microwave or stove.
• The quantity of oil depends on the length of your hair.
• Once it’s lukewarm, you can olive and almond oil to it for added benefits.
• Apply this combination on your roots.
• Gently massage the roots and apply the leftover oil in your ends.
• Leave it overnight or for an hour and then shampoo your hair.

2. Coconut Oil Helps to Remove Lice

One of the common hair woes amongst younger girls is lice. One of the best and cheaper ways to get rid of lice is coconut oil. It is packed with the antibacterial properties that kill lice and maintains the health of hair and scalp.

How to Use:

• Gently massage coconut oil in your roots.
• Cover your head and head with the shower cap
• Leave it for a few minutes.
• Use louse combs to remove the lice.
• While using the comb, be gentle on your hair.
• Once done, wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

3. Helps to Get Rid of Dandruff

Coconut oil has all the beneficial properties such as antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help to get rid of dandruff. Frequent dandruff can also make your hair dry, which can be treated with coconut oil.

You Might Love to Read: Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – Now Keep Your Hair Dandruff Free

How to Use:

• Mix a few drops of lemon oil or tea tree oil to the coconut oil.
• Apply it over your scalp and ends.
• Gently comb the hair.
• Leave it for a night or a few hours.
• Shampoo your tresses.
• Do this once or twice in the week.

4. Helps to Grow hair Longer

Coconut oil reduces the hair damage caused due to exposure to the sun, pollution, and the use of styling tools. Using coconut oil in your regular hair regime will help you to get rid of all the hair woes, which will further help to grow longer and healthier hair.

How to Use:

• Heat a few tablespoons of coconut oil (depending on the length of the hair).
• Add 3-4 curry leaves and fenugreek seeds.
• Once the seeds start spluttering, remove it from the stove.
• Add one tablespoon of olive and almond oil.
• With the help of the cotton ball, apply the oil onto your scalp.
• Massage your scalp and apply the leftover oil on the ends of the hair.
• A gentle massage or chumpy will increase the blood flow.
• Leave it over overnight or an hour and wash it with shampoo.
• Repeat this at least once in a weak for long and healthy hair.

Also Read: 6 Best Patanjali Shampoos for All Hair Types

Conclusion

Coconut oil has multiple properties that promote a healthy body, skin, and hair. In this blog, we have curated 14 benefits of coconut oil, which makes it an essential in your daily health routine.