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Uses and Benefits of Coconut Oil
  • Health

101+ Best Coconut Oil Uses and Benefits for Home and Beauty

Katie WellsSep 30, 2016Updated: Dec 26, 2021
Dr. Lauren Jefferis, MDDr Scott Sorries Medical Advisor Wellness Mama
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lauren Jefferis, MD, Dr. Scott Soerries, MD
Reading Time: 11 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Health » 101+ Best Coconut Oil Uses and Benefits for Home and Beauty
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • The Coconut Oil Controversy
  • The Many Benefits of Coconut Oil
  • Ways to Use Coconut Oil+−
    • Uses for Coconut Oil in Cooking and Recipes
    • Coconut Oil Health Benefits and Uses
    • Coconut Oil Beauty Uses
    • Coconut Oil for Hair
    • Coconut Oil Uses Around the Home
    • Natural Remedies With Coconut Oil
    • Coconut Oil for Pregnancies, Babies, and Children
  • Types of Coconut Oil: Refined vs. Unrefined+−
    • Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil
    • "Extra Virgin" Coconut Oil
    • Refined Coconut Oils
    • Fractionated Oil or MCT Oil
    • What Type to Use?
  • Nutritional Profile of Coconut Oil+−
    • Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs)
    • Benefits of MCFAs (MCTs)
    • Lauric Acid
    • Allergic to Coconut?
  • So, What Can't Coconut Oil Do?!

I’ve said before that I am with coconut oil like the dad in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is with Windex!

Coconut oil has a wide array of health benefits, hair and skin uses, and purposes around the home. I started using it a decade ago before it became popular and widely available in grocery stores.

Why? I’ll tell you!

The Coconut Oil Controversy

If you’ve been around the real food community much, you’ve probably noticed the rapid widespread popularity of coconut oil. Once ostracized by the medical community for its saturated fat content, it seems that coconut oil might finally be making a comeback in the mainstream health community.

Coconut oil is the most nutrient-dense part of the coconut. It is solid at room temperature like butter and doesn’t break down in heat or light.

For years, “health” advice has warned against consuming saturated fats, and coconut oil was thrown out with the rest without good reason!

These are some of the reasons why I love it:

The Many Benefits of Coconut Oil

This tropical oil is beneficial in many ways:

  • Uses for Coconut OilFor hair: This nourishing oil has been used for centuries in hair and its unique fat composition makes it especially beneficial for certain hair types. Use it as a hair mask, hot oil treatment, or in homemade hair products.
  • To moisturize and nourish skin: The same properties make coconut oil great for skin as well. Many people like to use it as a natural moisturizer. Its natural antioxidant properties make it great for stopping wrinkles and skin irritation.
  • Digestive help: Coconut oil’s concentration of beneficial fats in coconut oil makes it helpful for digestion. Its antimicrobial properties can help fight irritation and infection in the gut from candida.
  • Great source of healthy fats: Over 50% of the fat in coconut oil is lauric acid. In fact, coconut oil is the richest source of lauric acid after breastmilk.
  • Mental boost: Studies show MCTs may contribute to focus and mental performance.
  • Hormone support: Getting the wrong kinds of fats can create havoc on hormones. Coconut oil contains specific fats that support the body’s natural hormone production.
  • Immune support: The MCTs (including lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid) have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that make it beneficial for immune support.
  • Great fat for cooking: Coconut oil is a stable oil that doesn’t break down easily at high temperatures like other oils do. It doesn’t go rancid easily and has amazing nutritional properties. It is great for cooking eggs, stir fry, grain-free baked goods, and practically any other cooking use.

Coconut oil is a superfood with a powerhouse of uses in cooking, beauty recipes, natural remedies and around the home.

Such as:

Ways to Use Coconut Oil

This versatile oil has hundreds of uses in the home, in beauty recipes, and in cooking. My favorite uses are:

Uses for Coconut Oil in Cooking and Recipes

  1. Coconut Macaroons RecipeA great cooking oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-fry, or as a dairy free replacement to butter.
  2. Try adding to foods or smoothies daily for energy
  3. Or emulsify into coffee for a homemade coffee creamer (The only way I’ll drink coffee!)
  4. In homemade mayo (without the high PUFA vegetable oils)
  5. To season cast iron skillets
  6. To boost metabolism (thanks to its high lauric acid and MCFA content)
  7. In a healthy brain-boosting snack for kids like these coconut clusters
  8. Add to a filling and energy-boosting brain power smoothie
  9. Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon of chia seeds for an all-day energy boost (do NOT take this at night!)
  10. Use as a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe or in cooking
  11. Or try your hand at making coconut-based grain-free granola recipes
  12. My kids love these homemade meltaways (like candy)
  13. Use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer
  14. Make coconut cream concentrate for a brain-boosting snack
101 Uses for Coconut Oil - Wellness Mama

Coconut Oil Health Benefits and Uses

  1. It has been shown to increase the absorption of calcium and magnesium
  2. Internally as part of the protocol to help remineralize teeth
  3. Is an immediate source of energy when eaten that isn’t stored as fat
  4. To help speed weight loss when consumed daily
  5. It can help improve sleep when taken daily
  6. To support healthy thyroid function
  7. As a way to improve insulin levels when consumed regularly
  8. For faster skin healing after injury or infection because of its beneficial fats
  9. When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite
  10.  Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
  11. When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production
  12. Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
  13. Some studies show it can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
  14. Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development (especially when taken with omega-3s)
  15. There are entire books dedicated to the potential of saturated fats like coconut oil to help avoid Alzheimer’s

Coconut Oil Beauty Uses

The same properties that make it beneficial in cooking and recipes make coconut oil beneficial for hair and skin:

  1. On the skin as a basic lotion
  2. With other oils as part of an oil cleansing regimen for beautiful skin
  3. Whipped with shea butter for a soothing body balm
  4. In homemade lotion bars with other beneficial ingredients like shea butter
  5. In homemade deodorant– its natural antibacterial properties make it helpful in fighting odor
  6. Coconut oil makes an excellent eye-makeup remover on its own
  7. It may help lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
  8. To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning when used internally
  9. As a naturally low SPF sunscreen on its own when used topically
  10. In basic homemade lotion recipes
  11. Add a couple of drops of a favorite essential oil to make a delicious massage oil
  12. Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)
  13. Rubbed on lips as a natural lip balm or used in lip balm recipes
  14. In homemade slow cooker soap
  15. To make natural homemade sunscreen recipes with other protective ingredients
  16. As a natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora
  17. As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
  18. Use it alone as a great tanning oil
  19. Mix with sea salt to remove dry skin on feet
  20. In natural homemade diaper cream
  21. Use it alone or with baking soda as a natural deodorant
  22. By itself or with baking soda as a naturally whitening toothpaste
  23. Make homemade peppermint lip balm
  24. Or make magnesium body butter
  25. Rub on cuticles to help nails grow
  26. Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows
  27. To help avoid chlorine exposure when swimming
  28. As a completely natural baby lotion

Coconut Oil for Hair

  1. Coconut oil for hairRub into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
  2. Or use in homemade shampoo bars
  3. A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair makes a great anti-frizz treatment
  4. As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner: Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours before washing out with several rounds of shampoo.

Coconut Oil Uses Around the Home

  1. How to make sea salt soapIn homemade soap for laundry
  2. In homemade natural bug repellant lotion bars
  3. To make a simple homemade soap
  4. Or make a clay and charcoal soothing soap
  5. To soften and condition real leather (shiny leather only… test a small area first)
  6. And use a small amount to dilute essential oils for use on skin
  7. For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally
  8. In coconut oil dog treats
  9. On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
  10. Mixed with catnip, rosemary, or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent

Natural Remedies With Coconut Oil

  1. Coconut oil - oil pulling chews with essential oilsIn coconut oil pulling chews and oil pulling for oral health
  2. Rubbed on the inside of your nose or ingesting to help alleviate allergy symptoms
  3. Applied topically to kill yeast or yeast infections
  4. As an ingredient in remineralizing toothpaste (the antimicrobial properties and beneficial fats do wonders!)
  5. Can help soothe psoriasis or eczema
  6. Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil to improve gum health
  7. Can help improve cholesterol ratios
  8. Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins when used topically
  9. To speed the healing of sunburn
  10. Blended into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold, flu, or sore throat
  11. As an anti-inflammatory remedy to lessen arthritis symptoms
  12. To reduce the itch of mosquito bites
  13. Can help resolve acne when used regularly
  14. In homemade vapor rub
  15. Internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs
  16. In a salve for cracked heels
  17. Reader tip: try it coconut oil for a yeast infection! She suggests soaking a tampon in it and inserting the tampon for a few hours.
  18. Naturally clears up cold sores
  19. Some people say ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness

Coconut Oil for Pregnancies, Babies, and Children

  1. As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom)
  2. I’ve used in kids’ ears to help speed ear infection healing
  3. In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to soothe irritation (also great for baby!)
  4. Nursing moms can take a couple of tablespoons a day (and vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients
  5. To help soothe the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
  6. Use on skin to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy
  7. Used directly on the perineum to help heal after birth
  8. To get rid of cradle cap on baby — just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes, and gently rinse with a warm washcloth
  9. With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works

You can also check out my recipe list for many more recipes that use coconut oil!

Types of Coconut Oil: Refined vs. Unrefined

There are several choices when it comes to using this healthful fat.

You’ll find:

Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil

Considered the gold standard. This type of oil offers most of the benefits listed above. It is extracted from fresh coconut using a wet-milled fermentation process that protects the beneficial properties of the coconut. This type of coconut oil has been found to have the highest antioxidant levels. This process does use heat but studies show that it does not harm the oil or reduce nutrient levels. In fact, the heat may be beneficial and create a higher quality oil.

“Extra Virgin” Coconut Oil

The gold standard for olive oil but not coconut oil. This is produced by cold-pressing the oil and does not preserve the antioxidants as well:

In 2013, a study that compared “cold extracted virgin coconut oil” (CEVCO) with “hot extracted virgin coconut oil” (HEVCO) and standard refined coconut oil (CCO) was conducted in India, and published in the journal Food Science and Biotechnology. This study, like many others, showed that virgin coconut oils actually lower LDL cholesterol, while raising the “good” HDL cholesterol.

This study also confirmed that virgin coconut oil produced with heat produced the highest amounts of antioxidants: “The antioxidant activity in the HEVCO group was 80-87%, 65-70% in CEVCO, and 35-45% in CCO.” The researchers went on to comment why heat is necessary to produce the highest amounts of antioxidants in virgin coconut oil. (source)

Refined Coconut Oils

Refined coconut oil is often tasteless and has no coconut smell. It is usually heated, bleached, and deodorized. Healthy options are available but many refined coconut oils do not have the benefits of unrefined.

Fractionated Oil or MCT Oil

Fractionated oil or MCT oil is a liquid oil that does not get solid below 76 degrees like unrefined oil does. It doesn’t contain all of the beneficial properties of unrefined coconut oil but is higher in brain-boosting fats.

What Type to Use?

Uses for Coconut Oil

For external uses, expeller-pressed, fractionated or other types of refined coconut oil will work, but for internal use, an unrefined organic oil is best.

Want to try it out? I love this organic extra virgin coconut oil that is made from all non-GMO, all natural ingredients.

Nutritional Profile of Coconut Oil

Part of the reason coconut oil is such a powerhouse superfood is its unique nutritional profile. It was avoided and shunned for years because of its 92% saturated fat content but recent research is showing this stigma was unwarranted.

Here’s why:

Most of the fats in coconut oil are saturated but they are in the form of MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides, also called MCFAs), which affect the body differently than short and long chain fats. The MCTs are composed of:

  • Lauric acid: This beneficial fat makes up 40% of the total fat composition, making it one of nature’s highest natural sources. The body converts lauric acid to monolaurin, which is beneficial for immune function.
  • Caprylic acid: Another healthy fat with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
  • Capric acid: This converts to monocaprin in the body and has immune boosting and antimicrobial properties.

Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs)

Most of the fats we consume are long chain fatty acids that must be broken down before they can be absorbed. Coconut oil is high in short and medium chain fatty acids, which are easily digested and sent right to the liver for energy production.

Because MCFAs are sent right to the liver for digestion, no bile or pancreatic enzymes are needed for digestion, making coconut oil a healthy food even for those with diabetes or those who have gallbladder problems.

MCFAs can help increase metabolism since they are sent directly to the liver and give the body an instant source of energy. Most of the MCFAs in coconut oil are highly beneficial lauric acid.

Benefits of MCFAs (MCTs)

All of these MCTs benefit the body. They are metabolized differently than longer chain fats, going straight from the digestive system to the liver. This provides a quick source of energy and brain fuel.

These rare oils are naturally free of cholesterol and hard to find in nature.

This may be part of the reason that coconut oil is so beneficial to the brain and for weight loss. It isn’t digested or stored in the same ways as other fats and is more quickly available for use.

Coconut oil is also a decent source of several fat-soluble vitamins (mainly A and K) as well as healthy polyphenols.

Lauric Acid

Lauric acid is found in abundance in human breast milk and converts to a substance called monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin has been shown to be useful in increasing immunity and fighting viruses and disease.

One study combined lauric acid-rich coconut oil with oregano oil and found it effective in fighting the staph bacteria than antibiotics. It has also been shown to be preventative against some cancers.

Coconut oil is over 40% lauric acid, the richest source naturally available.

Allergic to Coconut?

So coconut is great, but many people are allergic or intolerant to it.

I’m often asked what alternatives there are to coconut products for those who are allergic. Those who can’t tolerate coconut may find these alternatives helpful:

  • Oils: Instead of coconut, try using palm shortening or oil or animal-based fats like lard, butter or tallow. These fats are solid at room temperature like coconut oil is and substitute well in recipes. In recipes calling for a liquid oil, avocado oil, and sesame oil substitute well.
  • Flour: Coconut flour is a great grain-free high-fiber flour, but those who can’t tolerate it can experiment with almond flour, cassava flour, or oat fiber.
  • Milk: Coconut milk is a common alternative for those who can’t tolerate dairy products but pecan milk, cashew milk, and almond milk are good alternatives. Rice milk is also an option for those with nut allergies.

So, What Can’t Coconut Oil Do?!

Still working on this one! As if all the above uses weren’t enough, studies have linked coconut oil to the following health benefits:

  • High lauric acid content can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It doesn’t increase LDL and helps keep arteries flexible and prevent atherosclerosis
  • Studies show that coconut oil may help increase thyroid health because of its unique combination of nourishing properties and the fact that it travels directly to the liver without the need for hormones or enzymes in digestion
  • Coconut oil can help boost metabolism. Since it travels directly to the liver, it is used for energy and not stored as fat. It also helps a feeling of satiety and can assist in weight loss.
  • Can increase bone strength by allowing better absorption of calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals
  • It’s antifungal properties have been shown to help reduce candida and yeast in the body and fight yeast infections
  • Can help fight infection and flu due to its antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties

What other coconut oil uses have I forgotten? Share your favorites below!

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Lauren Jefferis, board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor or work with a doctor at SteadyMD.

The original 101 Coconut Oil uses and benefits! Use it in recipes and cooking, for skin and hair, in natural remedies and homemade beauty products.
Category: HealthReviewer: Dr. Lauren Jefferis, MD, Dr. Scott Soerries, MD

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (846 Comments)

  1. Kelsey

    August 3, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    Wow Katie- this is awesome. Thanks so much! I’m going to Bookmark it, FB it, tweet it, and pin it. 🙂

    I’m only about 6 months into coconut oil and a OBSESSSED, so this will help fuel my obsession:)

    Can you elaborate on #47- varicose veins? Do you just rub it on? How does it work topically? I’m only 27 and already have a spot. Hoping to find a natural way to get rid of it!!

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      August 3, 2012 at 9:29 PM

      I havent had much personal experience with this one but it is supposed to help topically and internally

      Reply
      • Kelsey

        August 4, 2012 at 7:09 AM

        Hmmm… I’ll test it and let you know! 🙂

        Reply
      • Claire

        June 2, 2015 at 6:35 AM

        When will your post on varicose veins be? I saw you wrote you would be writing oone on yur Vit K post. Thanks

        Reply
  2. Renita

    August 3, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    I have been using coconut oil for many years now.
     It makes your popcorn taste like it used to in the movie theater.
     I also noticed that if you are frying something in coconut oil and if it splatters on your hand it may burn at first but it doesn’t leave a blister.  So from that I decided that is the best thing for using on all kinds of burns.  Especially works good on sunburn.
    I am so glad you did this.  I also buy it by the 5 gal. bucket.  I tell ever one to use it.  It is awesome stuff. 
    Works if you have an itch somewhere it will take care of it.
    Remember it is anti-fungal, anti-viral & anti-bacterial.

    Reply
    • Bridge

      May 18, 2013 at 8:31 AM

      Use Nupercainol for burns. It has no peer.

      Reply
      • Chelly Smith

        August 19, 2013 at 6:41 AM

        I JUST READ , TO USE EGG WHITE ON A BURN…AND I EVEN PUT SOME ON THE BACK OF MY HAND, I HAD REALLY BURNED BAD..(A FEW DAYS AFTER IT WAS HEALING, WHEN I READ THIS) AND IT TOOK THE RED OUT OF THE BURN…CAN BARELY SEE IT NOW!!

        Reply
    • Ashley Garrett

      May 28, 2013 at 3:29 PM

      Where do you buy it from? Thanks

      Reply
    • Eric

      August 2, 2014 at 3:39 PM

      We use it with our popcorn machine from paragon.
      Delicious!

      Reply
  3. Suga

    August 3, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    I’ve been thinking of adding 1/4 cup of coconut oil to my daily regime, but to be honest, I’m a little nervous about weight gain. I’m gluten-free, but not paleo and still believe we DO have to consider calories (I know some people don’t). There are a lot of added calories in a 1/4 cup – what’s been your experience – or others, anyone had similar concerns? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      August 3, 2012 at 8:12 PM

      Coconut oil is actually unique in its high lauric acid and MCFA content so it is in a form that is readily absorbed as energy and not easily stored as fat. In the past, they attempted to give it to animals to make them gain weight (especially livestock) and they actually lost weight instead. You’ll probably notice if you start taking it, that you feel warm and your heart rate goes up at first as your metabolism increases. So long answer, but it shouldn’t cause any weight gain.

      Reply
      • Kat Myers

        November 11, 2012 at 4:13 PM

        I agree with this. I have s very strict diet that I maintain to keep myself in top shape for boxing. I started eating this regularly. No weight gain, in fact have lost weight, have more energy, and I feel like my appetite is smaller. I have noticed some affects on my body temperature as I tend to always be very cold due to poor circulation. I only expect this to improve with prolonged regular use. This stuff is nothing short of a miracle. It has also cleared my acne and other skin issues. Amazing!

        Reply
        • tracy

          September 27, 2014 at 6:04 AM

          Does it matter if its organic coconut oil?

          Reply
      • Listra Nedd

        September 26, 2013 at 8:37 PM

        What if I don’t want to lose weight. I like my weight and size can I still use it?

        Reply
      • karen wright

        October 29, 2013 at 10:01 AM

        i’m a hot natured person, so how warm does it make you feel? don’t like to be hot! are you supposed to take unrefined virgin coconut oil for weight loss? thanks.

        Reply
      • Jeannie bailey

        February 11, 2014 at 2:06 AM

        Thank you I wondered why my usual low heart rate had increased, I hav been using c.oil for quite some months now jeannie

        Reply
      • odette vasquez

        April 15, 2014 at 1:24 AM

        Hello
        my 16 year old son has acne and I hear coconut oil is good to help it clear up. Do I buy him the liquid or compressed one, please help !!! And does he rub it and remove it or leave it on over night?

        Reply
    • Ava

      August 4, 2013 at 8:12 AM

      Coconut oil will not cause weight gain. Carbs cause weight gain. I have a very under active thyroid, which causes weight gain among other health issues. I started using coconut oil originally to lose weight and it works. There are many studies out there that will give you the details, but suffice it to say, that fat does not cause fat. Coconut oil will supercharge your metabolism by way of supercharging your thyroid. My personal trainer (years ago) was the one who introduced me to coconut oil. She was a figure competitor. Her body fat was around 9%, and she used coconut oil to lose any added fat before competition. How? She ate minimal/ to no carbs other than green, raw veggies, and her body used the coconut oil as fuel. When your body burns oils from the outside, it quickly starts to burn fat from the inside (your thighs etc). They myth of eating oils and fats and gaining weight from them need to be put to rest. Do some research on the history of low carb/health fat diets, and ketogenic eating for health, and you will get an idea of how far fetched the idea of low fat eating for health and weight really is. Sugar is the devil. Oil (good oil like coconut and olive) will make you healthy and gorgeous…..all skinny girls know that.

      Reply
      • Liza Van Den Heever

        August 9, 2013 at 3:42 AM

        I hate low fat/fat free products!!! And then they are even sweetened!! I rather use full cream not sweetened and lose weight!!!

        Reply
      • ryane dunaway

        March 6, 2014 at 4:00 PM

        lol. I’m a “skinny girl”.. I’m a personal trainer, certified in weight management and love my carbs! Carbs don’t make you gain weight. Eating more than calories than you are burning makes you gain weight.

        Reply
    • Denise

      June 9, 2014 at 11:28 PM

      Dr. Fife,who wrote The Coconut Oil Miracle book said that when the coconut oil industry slowed way down, the natives started giving the coconut to their pigs to fatten them up…because fat sholud fatten up things. but the pigs lost weight!
      His books are great. Check them out on amazon.com. The Coconut Cures book talks about a coconut cleanse. I tried it and lost 10 lbs in 5 days…I’m obese, so losing that much weight at one time isn’t unusual. I’m still working on how to do the cleanse 100% because the texture of the oil bothers me some. I’m new at working coconut oil into my diet and life.,

      Reply
      • Fiona

        July 9, 2014 at 7:21 AM

        how much do you have a day? I read people should have 1 ounce a day to be affective

        Reply
      • Blue

        August 23, 2014 at 11:25 PM

        How many teaspoons of oil do you take?

        Reply
      • tracy

        September 27, 2014 at 6:01 AM

        Which oil did you use? Well done too for your weight loss

        Reply
  4. kittka

    August 3, 2012 at 5:13 PM

    Just ordered the expeller-pressed organic coconut oil and I am trying it out in my tea. I know you said above that I should take the virgin one but I dont like the taste of coconuts. Can I still benefit?

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      August 3, 2012 at 5:15 PM

      You will still benefit, the virgin coconut oil just has a higher concentration…

      Reply
      • Michael

        January 23, 2014 at 1:12 PM

        What about the Trader Joe’s virgin organic coconut oil? It says they produce it without heat or chemicals or bleach.

        Reply
    • Maryalice

      August 3, 2012 at 6:17 PM

      I got the organic expeller for the same reasons.  If I’m cooking with it,  I don’t want to be tasting coconut.  Great idea about freezing little pieces to take as pills and I still have a problem with “eating/drinking”  oil.  LOL

      Reply
      • J Wise

        April 11, 2013 at 8:41 PM

        think of it as coconut “extract” instead of oil 🙂 that will help.

        Reply
      • Michelle Cobbs

        December 6, 2013 at 2:53 PM

        I cook with the extra virgin you don’t need a lot it is not bad really I barely taste the coconut.

        Reply
      • Anne

        January 6, 2015 at 3:24 PM

        I put it in my yogurt with some Bear Naked granola. I skim the oil with a knife to get thin pieces. Since the yogurt is cold the oil becomes solid. I mash it up/stir it in, breaking up clumps then add the granola. I barely notice it!

        Reply
    • Maryalice

      August 13, 2012 at 1:19 PM

       That’s why I ordered the expeller organic … don’t like the taste of coconuts in my veggies or coffee.  And they had a special of order 1 and get 1 free so now I can take some to my daughter and get her started on it.

      Reply
  5. Rebekka Hartmann

    August 3, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    So do you just eat with a spoon?

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      August 3, 2012 at 3:01 PM

      Yep… or you can freeze in little pieces and swallow like pills if the texture gets you…

      Reply
      • J Wise

        April 11, 2013 at 8:47 PM

        I put a tablespoon in coffee or tea.

        Reply
        • Davina

          March 30, 2014 at 11:15 AM

          I also use it in my cup of coffee….And I love it! Coconut oil has so many great uses 🙂

          Reply
        • Anne Graham

          September 17, 2014 at 11:30 PM

          I’m just getting started with CCO also and have pretty much used it externally in the lotion, lubricant, shaving cream department. I would love to use this in my am coffee. I have fibromyalgia and think this would be helpful on so many levels. But FIRST-how do you emulsify it in coffee?

          Reply
          • Katie - Wellness Mama

            September 17, 2014 at 11:33 PM

            Here’s the recipe I use: https://wellnessmama.com/5673/healthy-coffee/

      • Gen

        December 6, 2013 at 2:48 PM

        I take it right from the jar with a spoon whether it solid or liquid depending on the room temp. I don’t find it to be to bad swallow quickly.

        Reply
        • Fuller

          January 21, 2014 at 3:08 PM

          I’ve found people talk about putting it in their coffee or tea with some milk, and then putting it through a blender – it’s supposed to make a pleasant and frothy hot drink. Of course if you’re pulling out the blender anyway you might prefer the smoothie route.

          Reply
          • vicki

            August 31, 2015 at 9:58 PM

            i use cco in my coffee the hot water melts the cco even with milk in the cup…you 1st notice your lips alot softer, i have a slow thyroid and am trying out cco to help me with this problem..only early days….the amount to take each day well its a matter of building up each day or you will have tummy pains and need to stay close to the loo so to speak great to put on your skin at bed time…..

    • Ava

      August 4, 2013 at 8:04 AM

      I do, but I also use it in every day cooking and food prep. It’s great in salads with vinegar, and makes a great oil for baking. I use a brand that does not have a coconutty flavor for baking, as it can overpower. For my skin and hair, I use one that has a full coconutty smell. Reminds me of Hawaii.

      Reply
  6. Erin

    August 3, 2012 at 2:52 PM

    Katie
    How timely, I just asked on my last post if any readers knew of more benefits of coconut oil.
    Anyhow we’ve been using coconut oil on our teens’ acne and it is definetly helping to clear it up, we’re also using it in the hope that it will improve/cure acne scars, we ‘think’ it could be but just not certain yet.  A friend had a burn scar and the c oil took it away so we’re hoping.  Have you heard of c oil or anything else as successful for acne scars?

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      August 3, 2012 at 3:01 PM

      Taking gelatin internally helped my c-section scar disappear, but I also rubbed coconut oil on it daily…

      Reply
      • Fallon Leeth

        May 3, 2013 at 9:40 PM

        Do you think putting coconut oil on your c-section scar is what made it disappear? I have a c-section scar, as well, and although it looks really good for it only being 7 months later, I would love to see it fade more! I’m new to coconut oil and just ordered a 16oz jar from tropical traditions. I am SO excited to start using it!

        Reply
        • Ava

          August 4, 2013 at 8:01 AM

          Coconut oil does great things for skin. I suggest using on scars, and as an after shower skin conditioner daily. I have lupus, and my skin is a wreck. Coconut oil makes an incredible difference immediately after use, and over time as a long term solution to chronic dryness, inflamed patches etc…. I also use it as an overnight hair treatment, and on very dry winter days….I use a tiny bit on the ends of my hair as a leave in conditioner! Oh..almost forgot….after a facial treatment, like a peel, or laser treatment, coconut oil is much better, and free of nasty chemicals, as an after procedure ointment. I have personal and professional experience with this one. I recommend it to all of my clients.

          Reply
          • Banne

            January 21, 2014 at 3:06 PM

            You’re using coconut oil for acne internally or externally? I’ve heard it can clog pores so I’m nervous about using it on my face (I am VERY acne prone, and have a lot of whiteheads), but it’s also very dry and windy in Chicago, which my wimpy skin isn’t appreciating.

            I think I will try a little on my nose and cheeks where the dryness and windburn is worse, since I don’t usual get acne there, and see how it goes. Fingers crossed!

          • Dawn

            July 7, 2014 at 12:59 PM

            Hello! I noticed you said you have Lupus, my husband has skin Lupus and scarring on his face, how do you use the oil for this? and how often? I’d really like some advice 🙂

        • KT

          April 8, 2014 at 5:23 AM

          I know this is a bit late but a big yes to using it on the c-section scar. I used it on mine and my scar is barely visible now. Plus it felt and smelled nice. My masseuse told me to wait until I had had my 6-8 week check with my doctor before she would do any proper massage on it. As soon as my 6 week check was done away we went.

          Reply
      • Lili

        October 8, 2013 at 9:43 AM

        whats gelatin and where can i find it?

        Reply
        • Vickie

          November 13, 2013 at 7:15 PM

          It comes from cows or pigs (will usually say bovine or pork gelatin on the label). I don’t use it because I’m a vegetarian, and if you Google a detailed explanation, you may not want to use it because it’s pretty disgusting.

          Reply
          • Becca

            July 17, 2014 at 4:40 PM

            AGREE!!! very disgusting. I stopped eating jello years ago for this very reason!

          • rose laracuente

            January 24, 2015 at 9:02 AM

            jello that what gelotine is from pork you make the jello as said in the box

        • Mel

          February 5, 2014 at 5:59 PM

          You can use a plain gelatin like Knox, or make a bone broth if you eat meat (aka chicken or beef stock). I like to roast a chicken, then the next day I will put the bones in a stock pot with plenty of water, a little salt, and a glug of vinegar. The acid helps to pull calcium out of the bones, as an added benefit. If you cook it low and slow on the stove, the broth will congeal once you have cooled it in the fridge. The fact that it congealed will tell you that you have dissolved much of the collagen (gelatin) in the chicken bones / joints. I just made stock with some beef bones, to great congealing effect! (Young animal bones will have more collagen, but you should get plenty out of any bones you want to use). You can reference this post from Mark Sisson for more tips on bone broth:

          https://www.marksdailyapple.com/cooking-with-bones/

          As far as plain gelatin, my mom adds a packet to her smoothie in the morning and even stored in the fridge for a day or two, doesn’t seem to change the overall texture very much.

          Good luck!

          Reply
          • Shira Nahari

            October 9, 2014 at 12:20 AM

            I make wonderful bone broth using oxtail. I heard it is better for you than leg bones. Be sure to use the bones several times – chicken is good for only about 3 batches, but beef will give you more. Free-range/grass-fed only , please. Buying Supermarket meat is playing Russian Roulette.

    • Chantell

      June 19, 2013 at 11:28 AM

      Try massaging warm honey into skin and smooth over face. Let sit 20 minutes to an hour. Dr. Mercola raw honey or manuka honey is best! Rinse off with an equal mix of water and Bragg apple cider vinegar. Wait another 20 mins and rinse vinegar off! Then before bed apply fresh lemon juice to face and rinse with cold water the next morning! Honey can be applied everyday and lemon only 2-3 times a week! This will get rid of acne scars and acne! Works wonders! Be sure to clean and exfoliate skin!

      Reply
      • Angela Morris

        April 30, 2014 at 11:27 PM

        Thank you for the information. I had a hysterectomy and my hormones has been acting up . I’ve had very bad acne scars and I’ve tried everything including yhe dermatologist and nothing seems to work. I really appreciate the info.

        Reply
    • Missy Patrick

      June 23, 2013 at 3:54 PM

      It completely healed my acne scars!

      Reply
    • Maria

      September 14, 2013 at 3:26 AM

      Hi Katie I have 2 teenage boys suffering with Acne
      How do I use coconut oil for this purpose and does this really work?

      Reply
      • Wellness Mama

        October 2, 2013 at 9:13 PM

        I’ve seen it help when using it internally (up to 1/4 cup per day in food or smoothies) and topically. I personally use oil cleansing on my skin and have good results with it.

        Reply
        • Darian Newman

          January 2, 2014 at 5:50 PM

          Are the capsules as effective as the oil?

          Reply
        • Jean Blount

          March 16, 2014 at 10:11 AM

          I just started cleansing my face nightly with a oil blend. It’s been about two weeks now and WOW can you see a difference. I’m 53 and got tired of paying out all my monies searching for the right facial creams. Who knew? That #1 it has been around for centuries, #2 it is so darn cheap, #3 it vanished nearly all my wrinkles ( All my friends are eagerly wanting to try this), #4 It is so healthy for your skin and lips, #5 it covers all of my beauty needs. Cleans &moisturizers. I now have my grandson using it (different types of oil) to wash his face and help with his acne. Imagine cleaning your face with oil to clear up acne, again who knew. You should do a article on oil cleaning for the face!

          Reply
          • Nicole

            March 28, 2014 at 8:34 PM

            What is the oil blend you’re using? Your results sound great!

        • Dawn

          September 17, 2014 at 12:10 PM

          What I need to know is some jars actually mention having 62% MCT’s or Acids while others do not. Is there a difference? I am using it for a bunch of stuff but mostly internal and OP. It melts body fat like crazy! But does my oil HAVE to ‘say’ xx-MCT’s to be useful?

          Reply
      • rosa

        January 15, 2014 at 10:17 PM

        I have been using it all over my face and neck, I get acne on my chin and checks, but the coconut oil works great. After a shower put it over face and neck, give it some time it works.

        Reply
        • marisa

          March 19, 2014 at 3:24 PM

          Do you just slather it on and rub it in or do you wipe it off after a certain time?

          Reply
          • Jessica

            August 25, 2014 at 12:54 PM

            if you think of coconut oil like i lotion that will give you a better understanding. So if you use coconut oil on your face etc.. .it will absorb. If its cool or room temp coconut oil is thick but as soon as you rub between your hands to put on your face it will turn to oil. Hope that helps! 🙂

          • Dawn

            September 17, 2014 at 1:25 PM

            What I just started last night is to make sure my face is wet first. The oil seems to penetrate better as opposed to just feeling slick.

          • Bill Dattilo

            September 19, 2014 at 2:28 PM

            Hello, I know it’s weird that a guy is on here, but a friend of mine told me I should go here and check all the uses for coconut oil. Anyway, I handling a lot of pine wood and branches up in the Adirondacks this morning and I couldn’t get the sap off my hands so I stuck my hand in a jar of coconut oil I found in the kitchen. All the sap came off within 30 seconds. I am now a believer and wanted everyone to know there is now 102 uses.

            Bill

    • Maribel Garcia

      January 24, 2014 at 7:31 AM

      Aloe Vera gel and also olive oil might do the trick.

      Reply
      • Ruth

        January 20, 2015 at 5:07 PM

        The trick for what?

        Reply
    • Chrissy

      September 24, 2014 at 1:42 PM

      When your teens use it for acne how do they go about it? In solid form and rub on face?

      Reply
    • Kim

      March 3, 2015 at 5:40 PM

      Yellow dock capsules have really worked for a friends daughter who had it real bad and steroids did nothing but make it worse. She took capsules, I’ve found it works better for me in warm tea but I’m accustomed to the “rooty taste” so probably teenagers would want capsules. Also works for roseacea as well.

      Reply
  7. Carrie

    August 3, 2012 at 2:51 PM

    Holy. Moly. 

    You are an angel! I’ve already emailed this list to three people and I too will be hanging it up in a cabinet in my kitchen (should probably hang it in the bathroom and baby’s nursery too!).

    Reply
    • Sonja

      July 11, 2015 at 11:30 AM

      Can you please send me the list. Thanks

      Reply
  8. Kati Ivey

    August 3, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    I can’t wait to read through this list!…Slowly. 🙂 I’m fairly new to coconut oil so I’m excited to find other uses for it beyond cooking.  Thanks!

    Reply
  9. Laura Fran Labovitz

    August 3, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    I’m printing this right now to hang on my wall!  I use coconut oil for everything thanks to you, and now I have all the reasons/uses in one place!

    Reply
    • Angela

      July 1, 2015 at 3:27 PM

      Can you show me that list too? I’m new to Coconut Oil

      Reply
      • Doris

        July 7, 2015 at 11:14 AM

        I am new to coconut oil. Please send any information that will help me learn more about this wonderful product.

        Reply
      • Maria Montoya

        July 23, 2015 at 4:14 AM

        Same here can I c the list to coconut oil

        Reply
  10. Kelly

    August 3, 2012 at 1:59 PM

    Oooh, I have to try #39.

    Reply
    • Mindy

      August 15, 2012 at 2:16 PM

      How did you eat it? I have dry chia seeds. Did you grind them up with coconut oil? I want to try it but I’m not sure how to get it down without feeling gross.

      Reply
      • Kelly

        August 17, 2012 at 7:42 AM

        I just mixed whole seeds with the oil. I may try grinding them up next time, because it was a bit… crunchy. And a little gross. There’s a mention above about freezing it in pill-sized pieces and swallowing it; I may try that as well.

        Reply
        • Sarah Laird Fultz

          July 31, 2013 at 9:32 PM

          Did you feel energetic? What happens if you take it at night? That note made me feel a little nervous about even taking it during the day.

          Reply
          • Carol Collison

            January 20, 2014 at 7:58 AM

            it will give u energy so u don’t wanna do that at night that’s why

          • tony

            June 1, 2015 at 7:23 PM

            dont take it at night you wont be able to sleep

          • Aylin

            September 16, 2015 at 5:02 AM

            i took at night and slept fine.. i wouldn’t worry too much.. 🙂

          • Shenandoah

            April 14, 2016 at 1:55 PM

            You won’t sleep.

        • Jennifer

          February 25, 2014 at 6:49 AM

          Maybe it would be better to soak the seeds in a bit of water first and then stir in the coconut oil in to make a pudding? I’m addicted to drinking chia seeds with thai young coconut water! (Rice milk is really nice too)

          Reply
          • Loretta

            October 4, 2014 at 11:42 PM

            Is it better to grind up the chia seeds for maximum absorption?

          • Josselin

            June 15, 2015 at 4:04 PM

            Yes it is very good!

        • Anne B

          July 25, 2015 at 8:45 PM

          Blend both in a smoothie.. Spinach, pineapple and banana is good 😉

          Reply
          • Tina

            January 7, 2016 at 2:07 PM

            Now that sound tasty-

      • Mari Elayne Moody

        August 26, 2013 at 3:35 PM

        you can add it to smoothies, coffee, on a salad, replace vegetable oil with coconut oil … Its good in a smoothie, and in coffee, if you imulsify it first its just like creamer. Thats how I ingest it. Good Luck on finding new uses for it

        Reply
        • Lori Leathers

          June 2, 2014 at 9:18 AM

          The first coconut oil I bought had no flavor at all, saving that for cooking. The next I got was Betterbody Extra Virgin and tasted like eating a Mounds candy bar. I got to where I could tolerate eating a spoonful of it. I have a bad oil gag reflex. The only thing I can stand to stick in something oily or have oily is bread sticks…can dunk them in garlic butter all day long! But seafood in butter…yuck…oil & vinegar on a salad…yuck. If I buy a viniagrette dressing I let it separate and pour off the oil!! I tried putting it in tea and nearly barfed. Then I read about the difference in how the oils were processed and realize the unrefined is the best for internal use. I ordered 2 gallons of Tropical Traditions Gold on sale. It has a totally different smell and not so great taste. The only way I have been able to get it chocked down is to get it warm and pour it over sweetened coconut flakes and let them sit & soak until it solidifies again. Then I can get it down and it’s almost enjoyable. I really want to get to where I am taking a couple of spoonfuls before each meal. Any other suggestions on how I can get it down that might be a bit more healthy than the sweetened coconut flakes?

          Reply
          • Coco W

            June 18, 2014 at 2:14 AM

            I’ve just bought a bottle of 100% virgin coconut oil only because my friend did and told me its multi-purpose.
            – never purposely consumed coconut oil, but I’m just thking of putting it in the clear capsules which you can get from pharmacies. (if you feel sick of swallow oil but still wanna take it without other food/drink)
            – Mix it into your cup of coffee or smoothies;
            – Use it when baking cookies; or
            – I’ve seen ppl mentioning freezing it, but I’m not sure whether it will start melting before it gets down your throat.
            but yea, let’s try.

          • joellen

            June 23, 2014 at 2:24 PM

            I just added mine to yogurt yummy

          • Tabitha

            July 30, 2014 at 7:57 AM

            What I do is whip it with a few tablespoons of peanut butter and honey and eat it as a fruit dip. It tastes like a fluffy, nutty, coconuty caramel. It is SO delicious and that’s how I get my toddler to eat it too!

          • Penney

            August 29, 2014 at 10:29 AM

            I put the coconut oil on toast just as I would butter and I sprinkle cinnamon on top. I also have started the oil pulling and my mouth feels great just like after a teeth cleaning. Love it! I’ve been told not to do this for more than 20 mins, not sure why. I use organic, extra virgin coconut oil.

          • Anne

            October 7, 2014 at 1:34 AM

            I eat it with yogurt every morning. I use a fork to scrape the cold oil into shavings the size of oats and measure out how much I want. After I add it I then add some sort of whole grain granola-type crunchy goodness and whatever fruit. I have a scrambled egg and coffee and I am good to go!

          • Dawn

            December 15, 2014 at 11:32 PM

            I warm it up and add it to homemade granola which is pretty much oats nuts dried fruits and seeds(whatever I gave on hand) then I put this on my morning yogurt yum

          • Karen

            December 24, 2014 at 6:07 PM

            I like to mix honey in with my coconut oil. Then I use it as a spread on bagels.

          • Dee

            January 5, 2015 at 11:00 PM

            I put it in my coffee 3 times a day and LOVE it. The coffee is kinda nutty tasteing.

          • Kat B

            January 13, 2015 at 6:59 PM

            I wondered about the oral ingestion too….wondering if I can take a teaspoon or 2 without gagging! Need suggestions!

          • Martha Simons

            January 28, 2015 at 12:51 AM

            I put coconut oil on my baked sweet potatoes, instead of marg. or butter.

          • veronica

            March 13, 2015 at 11:11 AM

            Have you tried to make chololate with it??, or use it to cook food.. that may be helpful. Like in no bake cookies..

          • nancy

            April 15, 2015 at 10:26 PM

            In your oat meal.

          • Mya

            April 20, 2015 at 1:04 PM

            Try it in bulletproof coffee, froths up like a fancy latte. You have to do it in a blender or immersion blender though.

            Anyplace I would use butter, I now use coconut oil. I also use it very liberally topically, haven’t tried the oil pulling though.

            Best of all is the berry fudge idea from petra8paleo – I make the “ketotastic fudge” with organic strawberries & have one at every meal (sometimes 2!). Scrumptious!

          • Jody kruz

            May 29, 2015 at 11:13 PM

            Have u tried coconut oil capsules I got mine from Walmart ..100 pills for .$10,

          • Jenna

            October 2, 2016 at 11:02 PM

            Smoothie. Put the oil in smoothie. That’s what I do, in addition to my shampoo, conditioner, curl cream, body oil, toothpaste, deodorant, and my well-loved coconut alcoholic drink. I’m coo coo for coconuts.

        • Anne

          October 7, 2014 at 1:24 AM

          I would like to drink it in my coffee but I’m not sure how to emulsify it with anything else liquid based. I tried melting it, adding it to the creamer and shaking it vigorously, but it still separated. Same with the butter in coffee. I also tried in oatmeal.

          Reply
          • Catie

            October 22, 2014 at 9:22 AM

            Put it in a blender or whisk it!

          • PamK

            December 21, 2014 at 5:26 PM

            I have one of those mini electric whisks used to froth hot chocolate, which I bought online. Don’t fill your coffee mug to the top, add the CO and whisk; it makes it really frothy. I like a dash of cream too.

          • cj

            January 9, 2016 at 8:39 PM

            Has anyone cut the soft gel coconut oil and used it for lotion? Can you squeeze contents into coffee?

          • kathie javellana

            July 20, 2016 at 7:11 PM

            Just put it in your last swig of coffee. Bring that it is oil it will never mix…..BUT this is better way, for me, to take than to take a tablespoon alone.

          • Shawn

            February 4, 2017 at 7:04 PM

            Hello, I just bought a jar. 1st time user of it and have heard Benifits of this and also Apple Cider Vinegar Organic Raw Unfiltered with “Mother” which is most important to note. They both have Amazing benifits. Back to why I’m posting I too have thought of adding to my coffee.. However I have concerns of The Hot Coffee killing or destroying the live culture organisms in it. That’s the question I have, I want to consume it with the best benifits possible. Adding to Coffee or Tea sounds gd though. If it’s as benificial as they say.. Then I can get by the taste of it and eat it natural if need be “ha ha”. So the question I have is Are we going to get the Full benifits if we add it to our hot coffee or tea. .? Like I said I just bought both the unrefined Coconut oil and also the A.C.V. , to kill off the bad bacteria I kniw my body has and use this stuff daily in hopes of build up of that nasty stuff. Hope We get full benifits of it adding to coffee, I need to stop drinking these horrible Monster Energy Drinks. I belive I’m on the right path with Coconut oil and A.C.V. Gd luck to you.

        • Maggie

          June 17, 2016 at 9:18 AM

          How do you add to coffee???

          Reply
      • Jamila Wiley

        September 12, 2013 at 8:27 PM

        i was thinking the same.. debating on heating it slightly and doing quick shots

        Reply
        • Carolan Ross

          October 29, 2013 at 5:56 PM

          I put chia seeds in yogurt, which I eat nearly every day.

          Reply
          • Meek

            August 26, 2014 at 10:21 AM

            do the chia seeds need to be soaked when mixing with the coconut oil? Or any other recipe?

        • demetrice

          February 6, 2017 at 7:50 PM

          just dont heat it in th microwave, it kills the nutritional properties in it.

          Reply
      • Sabiah Love

        December 7, 2013 at 9:17 AM

        i found it disgusting when i started eating it too.. i know oil pull for 30mins a day as often as i can.. you could start by oil puling and spitting it out, and work up to swallowing it or just try to swallow it quickly and have something tasty after.. you can also put it in a smoothie so you dont taste it at all.. your taste buds will become accustomed to it.

        Reply
        • amanda shinkle

          December 14, 2013 at 9:53 AM

          You should not drink the oil after pulling, it becomes full of toxins. Yuck

          Reply
          • Kristy

            January 3, 2014 at 2:58 PM

            Agreed. Doesn’t ingesting the oil after pulling defeat the point of pulling, which is to draw toxins from your body and into the oil, which you then spit out?

          • Michael

            January 23, 2014 at 1:05 PM

            I’m confused, what is oil pulling? Is taking the seeds with the oil not safe?

          • Jann

            February 14, 2014 at 3:22 AM

            Oil Pulling is when you put about a tablespoon of oil into your mouth and swish it around, for anything from a minute to 30 mins before spitting it out. It draws toxins out of your system via your mouth, and even breaks down plaque on your teeth. If you go online you can find a lot of testimonials of the benefits people have found from Oil Pulling, and also the different oils you can use.

          • Annie

            April 6, 2014 at 1:51 PM

            I don’t think Sabia was suggesting that anyone swallow after oil pulling. She was suggesting that the person above her try oil pulling first, where you spit the oil. Once she becomes accustomed to the taste/feel of oil in her mouth, she could move on to swallowing it immediately as a supplement (NOT after swishing).

          • Marilyn

            February 10, 2015 at 11:46 AM

            What is pulling?

          • Katie - Wellness Mama

            February 10, 2015 at 11:50 AM

            This is oil pulling: https://wellnessmama.com/7866/oil-pulling/

          • Jody

            March 29, 2015 at 9:13 PM

            I feel dumb, but what is pulling?

          • Katie - Wellness Mama

            March 30, 2015 at 10:20 AM

            This article explains it: https://wellnessmama.com/7866/oil-pulling/

        • Cava

          April 6, 2014 at 8:18 AM

          Sabiah’s comment about swallowing coconut out after pulling defeats the purpose of the act.

          Oil Pulling is meant to remove toxins from the body – if you swallow it, you have just ingested all that
          was meant to be spat out.

          Reply
          • Duffy

            April 16, 2014 at 10:11 PM

            What utter nonsense! Toxins are removed by your liver. Swilling oil around the mouth might conceivably affect the flora, but will do nothing to these “toxins” whatever they may be.

          • Marlo

            May 30, 2014 at 12:00 PM

            Not nonsense at all. Research and find out about the long history of the ancient ayurvedic practice of oil pulling.

          • Jeff Martin

            November 12, 2014 at 11:20 AM

            An ancient practise does not mean it is efficatious. Oil of any kind will not pull “toxins” out your body through mouth use. Get a grip. I use the oil for several things but not for my bad back.

          • Bre

            March 17, 2016 at 6:52 PM

            Duffy and Jeff are right… other than for oral hygiene, there is no verifiable, documented health benefit to ‘oil pulling’. No reputable medical research has documented that ‘oil pulling is of any medical benefit whatsoever. Logic should tell you that swishing oil around in your mouth is not going to ‘draw the toxins out of your body’. The function of the kidneys and liver is to filter blood and detoxify the body – and this IS verifiable through numerous, robust medical journals respected around the world. However, if you want to believe there is some benefit, so be it. There is also no documented, reliable research that I am aware of that establishes ‘oil pulling’ as a harmful practice. Unless of course, you neglect seeing a licensed physician for a medical condition, in favor of ‘self treating’ the condition with the nonsensical ‘oil pulling’.

        • Jocape

          June 11, 2014 at 7:57 AM

          I don’t think you are supposed to swallow after pulling CO.

          Reply
          • Elijah

            August 26, 2015 at 9:22 PM

            DUFFY: Using oil in the mouth is just so foreign to most of us. The term ‘Oil Pulling’ is mis-leading. Maybe calling it oil cleansing would be more acceptable. Would suggest you research the practice…someone has grossly misinformed you!

        • jules

          July 28, 2014 at 10:21 PM

          i oil pull with a drop or two of lime essential oil mixed in it makes it a lot easier to look forward to!

          Reply
        • Romina

          September 15, 2014 at 6:03 PM

          I would not recommend you to swallow the oil pull at all. Because you basically swallowed all the toxins and bacteria that the oil pull got out. You don’t want that stuff in your body at all.

          Reply
          • Deb

            March 4, 2016 at 2:42 PM

            Just spit it out.
            No biggie.
            Why even question it when it’s just as easy to spit lol.
            Haven’t done this procedure with the cleansing ,
            but even a plane has a sink lol
            No Biggie lol

        • Kathleen

          November 24, 2014 at 5:21 PM

          I have been researching oil pulling and came across advice to NOT swallow it because it pulls toxins from your mouth and body. Do you have any concerns about swallowing it?

          Reply
        • Janet Sellers

          October 24, 2015 at 12:48 AM

          I’ve heard that after 5-10 minutes, spit out the oil from pulling or one will reabsorb toxins that just got pulled out of the body into the oil/saliva. So, I do oil pulling 5 minutes at a time and it works best for me. I can do that a few times if I think I need to do so. These days, the 5 minutes is plenty. My dogs love it – I do their teeth with it and it removed/dissolved the bad calculus from their teeth. I also made the Wellness Mama toothpaste that remineralizes my teeth.

          Reply
        • debz

          April 16, 2016 at 11:47 AM

          You definitely should not swallow it when oil pulling. It’s extracting the bacteria, which you want to be sure to expel into the trash or toilet (not your sink, it could clog your drains as it cools)

          Reply
      • Jane

        March 2, 2014 at 5:17 AM

        You can make chocolate using coconut oil … I made it today using cocoa, maple syrup and I added some sesame seeds and chia seeds for a bit of texture. Delicious!

        Reply
        • Beth

          May 15, 2014 at 12:54 PM

          Is this a dark or milk chocolate- like substitute? & which is healthier… dark chocolate, or this homemade mixture?

          Reply
          • Shari

            October 20, 2014 at 7:10 AM

            Um, pretty sure the maple syrup ruined any healthy benefits to this mixture.

        • Pam

          January 16, 2015 at 4:55 PM

          Do you have a reciept for this ?

          Reply
          • Vera

            December 22, 2015 at 10:14 PM

            you’re so wrong sheri! maple syrup actually has many health benefits 🙂

      • jacqui baker

        June 19, 2014 at 3:28 AM

        i chopped up a small portion of fruit ie nectrine or blueberries and mixed this through the coco ut oil and chia seeds

        Reply
      • Jacqui Hawkins

        July 18, 2014 at 10:17 AM

        1 Tbsp coconut oil and 1 Tbsp of chia seeds? Instantly induces vomiting, I just tried it ~ I usually eat Q’ia. Its a blend of many different seeds (chia, hemp, etc) in my yogurt, my cereal, etc. much easier on the stomach, but also provides energy.

        Reply
        • Candi

          September 20, 2014 at 8:55 PM

          LOL YOU made me laughg

          Reply
      • Audrey

        August 23, 2014 at 4:17 PM

        I have several questions. Can you put coconut oil all around the eye area, including upper and lower lids??? Will the brands at the grocery store do just as well??? Can you please send me some recipes for smoothies??? If the solid melts is it okay to put on your face in the liquid form??? Also, is this what you use, because looking at your picture you have beautiful skin??? What is your secret??? Thanks for your replies!!! Need fast answers, please.

        Reply
        • Jessica

          August 25, 2014 at 12:47 PM

          You could buy Coconut oil at stores but i would not recommend. In order for the best flavor you want something that says Unrefined pure and organic on label. Personally i love the natures way organic coconut oil. It tastes and smells the same every bottle! Store brands a lot of times have been refined and thats a no no.

          Reply
        • Susan

          September 30, 2014 at 10:53 PM

          Yes, you can put coconut oil on your upper and lower eyelids, and yes, it is perfectly fine to use melted coconut oil on your face.

          Reply
        • sylvia

          October 22, 2014 at 1:20 AM

          I use the expelled, pressed, organic coconut oil on my face i heat it slightly to liquid form and use it as a makeup remover including eye makeup and I have extremely sensitive skin I can’t even use certain soaps but this has been amazing it cleared up my acne, moisturizes my skin and I don’t have any irritation around my eyes like I do with any other products on another note it’s great to treat athletes foot too been trying it out on my hubby’s feet and its helping immensely I was skeptical at first too but now…. I’m hooked lol I drink coconut water throughout the day and I’ve lost 10lbs so far nothing but great results in everyday I’ve ventured with it!! I’ve also replaced my cooking oils with it too good stuff!!!

          Reply
          • joy

            December 3, 2014 at 9:37 AM

            What type of coconut water do you drink. The one I find on the selves are quite nasty in my opinion. Please help

          • Adi

            January 22, 2016 at 1:02 AM

            I found out its great for athletes foot too…. it is even good to treat nail fungus. Been using it for about a month and my nails are finally starting to look normal, I’ve tried different things to treat them and nothing really worked until now. I use it on my hair, it’s growing much faster and healthier, my stretch marks are noticeably better, and it’s pretty good as a deodorant, I use it by itself for everything.

        • Emily

          January 3, 2015 at 2:04 PM

          DO NOT PUT AROUND YOUR EYE AREA, atleast not during the day. I use as a night cream but ran out of day cream and decided to use my coconut oil this morning as an alternative. My eyes have been blurry and teary all day! On the plus side the skin around my eyes looks phenominal!

          Reply
      • Bex

        September 23, 2014 at 12:02 PM

        Try coconut oil, chia seeds, powdered peanut butter and/or cocoa power, lil stevia and a lil salt. Awesome. Dip apple in it or just eat it like that. So good

        Reply
      • Christi

        November 11, 2014 at 9:16 PM

        I make a smoothie with chocolate organic vegetable protein powder, chia seeds, hemp seeds, coconut milk and 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil. I also add berries sometimes. It’s like a treat.

        Reply
      • johnny b

        November 21, 2014 at 12:47 PM

        Folks, there is an easier way to ingest the oils!

        I take an amount of solid oils and put it in a small glass jar (big enough to put a spoon in) and let it sit in HOT WATER in the sink. It will melt “NATURALLY” and you can take a spoon full without burning yourselves. Drink it down and the process is complete…
        You can do the same with frozen foods… Just fill up a sink with hot water and presto, the item is thawed in minutes without taking any nutrients from the food or coconut oil… just an opinion and what I use…. Johnny b

        Reply
        • Almeta Anne

          December 27, 2014 at 9:36 AM

          This is what I have also found to be the easiest. I take the hot water from my Kurig and melt 1-2 TBSP’s of cocunut oil in it. Tastes yummy!!

          Reply
      • johnny barrows

        November 29, 2014 at 11:28 AM

        OK, I’m all into this virgin coconut oil.
        1st, I have been using the virgin coconut oil for 10 days and this is what I know. I use the CHIA SEEDS each morning (I soak them in orange juice) just a little OJ then it makes a pudding base that is easily eaten,,, I have a tablespoon of Chia Seeds pudding and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (melted in hot water) before I drink or eat anything to start my day… I feel like I’m 20 again!
        2nd, I had a rash on my lower leg for about two months and have used DMSO, Cortizone 10 and vitamin E cream with no results had gotten worse. On 11/18/14 I started putting on virgin coconut oil on my leg and feet. Today is 11/29/14 and my rash is GONE! All I can see is pink spots where red, itchy blister looking rash used to be…
        I won’t even address what it has done for me in the bedroom… Like I said, I feel like I’m 20 again… I’m 60… and an hour is simple pleasures… just saying… Johnny b

        Reply
        • lynette Templeman

          January 6, 2016 at 5:50 AM

          I have foliculitis basically infected follicles on my legs 2 days of solidified coconut oil rubbed on and its gone I have been on many antibiotics for but coconut oil did way better. No more antibiotics. I also buyI in capsules at vitamin store has helped with osteoarthritis also. So far so good I also have my diabetic husband whohad 4 heart attacks in 4yrs taking it seems to be helping so were staying with it.

          Reply
      • izzy

        January 3, 2015 at 5:14 PM

        I grind them, then whisk them together

        Reply
      • Diane

        January 31, 2015 at 6:08 PM

        I am going to add it to my protein smoothie so probably won’t be able to taste it. I have been having a fruit & veggie smoothie everyday but am adding a protein one in there as well, a lot of the juicing recipes show chia seeds being added to them so I am sure coconut oil won’t make much difference. I plan on giving it a try. Good Luck!

        Reply
        • jo

          April 26, 2016 at 11:25 AM

          Can I get you to send me some GOOD recpit for smoothies please…

          Reply
      • Alisha Findlay

        April 24, 2015 at 10:50 AM

        I melt it, and put it into my morning smoothie for my on-the-go breakfast.

        No oily taste, and its so yummy. Almond Milk, Banana, Chocolate protein powder, Strawberries, TBSP. of just melted coconut oil.

        Reply
      • Gayle Collier

        April 29, 2015 at 10:15 AM

        I don’t like coconut, but I would like to get the benefits from the coconut oil. Suggestions on how I can use it and disguise the taste? Thanks!

        Reply
        • Wellness Mama

          April 29, 2015 at 10:32 AM

          Actually, there are some brands that make capsules of coconut oil! Still looks for organic, cold-pressed, and unrefined…

          Reply
          • Jamie

            May 20, 2015 at 3:26 AM

            I found Coconut oil soft gels at SAMs club. They are by nu source, Organic Extra Virgin 1000mg per soft gel. You get 240 soft gels and I think it was $20 a bottle.

          • Tammie

            May 20, 2015 at 11:11 AM

            Thanks for that information. My boyfriend doesn’t like coconut either so this will help in getting him to reap the benefits!! 🙂

      • Ryan Deschaine

        January 3, 2016 at 4:37 AM

        Eat a tablespoon of it

        Reply
    • Melissa Kay Holmes

      December 10, 2013 at 7:18 AM

      Okay, so taking it straight (slightly melted into liquid) was really gross. So if I put it into something like eggnog it will still work, correct?

      Reply
      • Kim

        February 22, 2014 at 1:23 PM

        I put it on my bagel in the morning along with cream cheese. It makes it so much more flavorful!
        I am also going to try it in smoothies, I make green smoothies and think coconut oil in it will make it taste better and make it even more healthy! Yum!

        Reply
        • Rick Graham

          March 4, 2014 at 1:06 PM

          Table spoon in porridge in morn..hot water coconut oil raisins…no hunger for 5/6 hours…

          Reply
          • Janie Butler

            May 30, 2014 at 3:59 PM

            Hi can you use coconut oil for a Lubicant . We heard Dr. Oz said you could. Hope you can help me out. Thanks Janie

          • Tandaza

            June 22, 2014 at 3:41 PM

            Hello, please tell more about the hot water coconut oil raisins… how do you make it?

        • Caroline

          June 6, 2014 at 10:24 PM

          I put it in my green smoothies too.I always melt it into liquid first though so it blends better.

          Reply
          • Moor

            September 25, 2014 at 1:02 PM

            Coconut is mainly used for cooking as it gives a good taste especially frying fish with that oil is very tasteful and healthy.All other uses mentioned in your article are true.In country like India it’s uses are enormous.It is used like hair oil by all for a better hair growth.It is used for massaging the body.It’uses in the Herbal medicines are common in India.Thank you for the information.

      • Gail Gardner

        October 2, 2016 at 9:39 AM

        You don’t have to eat the coconut oil straight. Here are some ideas for how to use it:

        1) Sauteed onions and garlic in it and then had pasta sauce. You can use a small amount or a lot this way as the sauce and then the pasta will absorb the coconut oil. Stores well for reheating in a toaster oven.
        2) Stir fry any fresh veggies. I like squash, zucchini, eggplant, onion, and bell pepper. It gives the stir fry a slightly sweet taste, but not really coconut-y. I then add Braggs Aminos (healthier soy sauce taste without the soy) and Balsamic vinegar (half of each). Makes stir fries so delicious during the peak of fresh produce season I might eat this daily.
        3) Use it in place of any other oil in baking bread. I bake one loaf of bread in my bread machine weekly and only use coconut oil. My Zojirushi BB-PAC20 bread machine makes perfect bread every time.
        4) Cube sweet potatoes or yams and saute them in coconut oil; then add 2 cups of water and 1/4 cup dark brown sugar. Cook water out to make candied sweet potatoes or candied yams.

        I use coconut oil for everything except vinegar and oil salad dressing. I use organic virgin olive oil for that, but mostly because it doesn’t get solid. Some say you can’t use it straight for pie crusts. You can, but the crust will be heavier and have a different taste. You can mix it with what you usually use; you would have to experiment to find the taste you want.

        Which coconut oil you use matters. Personally, I only use Tropical Traditions Gold Label organic virgin coconut oil. I buy it in one gallon buckets and then re-use those buckets. They are the perfect size for 5 lb. bags of flour, sugar, etc. I have a collection of them now – 4 kinds of flour, oats, sugar. I only eat organic so I want to make sure it stays fresh and safe from damage.

        Reply
    • steven

      September 27, 2014 at 9:04 PM

      Yes, And it nakes for a great personal lubricant.

      Reply
      • Anne

        October 7, 2014 at 1:46 AM

        I’m glad you responded to this. We use it as well and love it. I use it in personal grooming as suggested here and also for razor burn in the summer. It is an oil so it will show up on some sheets so test it on an inconspicuous place first then wash it and see how your sheet comes out. It melts *very* quickly on the fingers so be sure to have a towel handy until you get familiar with however you want to use it.

        I could not see a way to answer her. Can a moderator tell why this happens? I also can’t see which threads are off of what comments.

        Reply
      • Becky Ruiz

        February 7, 2016 at 4:53 PM

        I’m trying this on a New neck scar, so far after 10min. Stopped the itching, hoping it will reduce the scar, will keep you updated!

        Reply
    • Karen reed

      January 30, 2015 at 1:59 PM

      I have to comment on No 75. We have an Akita that has sebaceous adenitis – a skin disorder common in certain breeds. She had almost complete hair loss and itching. We soak her in coconut oil (she LOVES it) let it sit on her for an hour and shampoo. It’s a miracle the difference in her fur, skin and happiness ( she was so uncomfortable – some owners put their dogs down with this condition). one side effect of this disease is infection from no oil in skin and I believe the antiseptic properties of the coconut oil helped with this also.

      Reply
      • Mica Stroder

        February 11, 2015 at 4:58 PM

        Karen, that’s cool abt your dog. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil and a teaspoon of organic flax oil to his feed every day and watch what happens! Results will be miraculous!. I’ve used organic coconut oil for months for a multitude of issues. A week ago the daughter in law called (knowing I use the oil for a lot of things) and said the pug had a nasty oozing sore about an inch in diameter that nothing was working on. Told her to use coconut oil with a few drops of tea tree. 3 days went by. She called and told me the sore had almost healed up completely! I use it on my blood sugar issues along with organic ACV. Keeps my blood sugars under control and also got rid of the constant infections I was having with my sugar issues! Amen to that! There is another one u can add to your list Mama! I have lots of other stories too. But not enough room to share.

        Reply
      • Debra

        May 11, 2015 at 10:22 PM

        Thank you for your comment. I have a Yorkie mix (with what I’m not exactly sure, as he was sold to me, by a greedy liar, as a purebred Teacup size and is 15lbs with curly-ish poodle type hair) and he itches almost constantly. I recently switched to a coal tar shampoo, but he still has dry, itchy skin. I am going to start saturating his hair with coconut oil on bath day a.m. and let it soak in, until the afternoon. (I already give it to him orally).

        Reply
    • Tammy Howard

      May 26, 2015 at 9:22 PM

      Toenail fungus treatment

      Reply
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