Coconut oil is awesome! But apart from your regular ‘champis’ and delicious curries, coconut oil can be used for a variety of unexpected things. Here are 12 of them:
1. Keep your teeth healthy:
This technique, called ‘oil pulling’, requires you to use the oil as a mouthwash for around 20 minutes every morning.
The practice may be tedious, but it leaves you with whiter teeth, cavity prevention, stronger gums and also a better breath.
2. Relieve skin irritation:
Apply cool coconut oil on itchy and flakey skin regularly. If you have a flare-up or inflammation and let it rest until dry.
It’s antibacterial, anti-fungal properties will soothe and moisturise your skin.
3. Moisturise your skin:
If you are prone to dry skin in winters (perhaps a ‘snakeskin-like’ patterns on your hands and legs), apply a layer of the nourishing oil every night before bed.
Repeated use will give the best results.
4. Heal your wounds with coconut oil:
If you wish to apply a non-stinging ointment, this is your aid.
Coconut oil is not the same as turmeric when it comes to healing wounds, but it will improve the process.
Clean the wound with cold water and apply the oil gently around the wound. Cover it with a soft cloth.
5. A natural deodorant:
Sweat does not smell. The bacteria on our skin causes that. Since coconut oil is antibacterial, a routine of applying it on sweat-prone areas like armpits every day will help you.
Your skin will stay moisturised and will not stink!
6. Heal cuticles:
Are your nails and cuticles ragged? Worry not. Massage them with a drop of coconut oil every day and see the wonder it works!
7. Soothe chapped lips with coconut oil:
Coconut oil is usually the one-stop remedy for several things, and the only procedure to follow is to rub it on the affected areas gently.
Chapped lips are no different. The oil will heal your lips naturally and ensure they stay moisturised.
8. Make-up remover:
Dab a cotton cloth or cotton ball in liquified coconut oil and use it to remove your make-up without any chemicals.
Eye make-up is especially tricky, but the oil will do wonders.
When the make-up has melted, wash your face with cool water and pat dry.
9. Shaving balm:
Shaving can leave your skin prone to rashes and burns. As a precaution, apply coconut oil on your face, arms or legs after you shave and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
You can rinse it off with cool water later or just let it stay as a moisturiser.
10. Stain remover:
Coconut oil is a great solution to remove stains from your furniture or carpets. Mix one part of the oil with one part baking soda.
Use a cotton cloth – preferably white since the oil can make dyed clothes bleed. Apply the mixture on the stain. Wait for about 10 minutes and wipe off.
11. Coconut oil to remove lice:
Heat the coconut oil until slightly above room temperature. Rinse your hair and air dry them. Apply the oil generously to your scalp and wear a tight-fitting shower/swimming cap right after.
Leave the cap on for 8-9 hours to suffocate the lice (it may help if you sleep through this).
Take a fine-toothed comb and take out the lice diligently. Don’t leave any nests or eggs behind.
12. Coconut oil as body scrub:
Mix two parts coconut oil with one part coffee grounds and one part brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients to make a one-step body scrub.
Apply on face, hands and legs to exfoliate your skin and rinse off with cool or warm water.
(Edited by Vinayak Hegde)
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