By Dr. Alison Chen HBSc,ND
Coconut (C. nucifera) belongs to the Arecaceae (Palmae) family and the subfamily Cocoideae.
The flesh of the coconut is very high in healthy
fatty
Acids. The composition of
fat varies depending on the type and processing of the oil. Medium-chain saturated
fatty
Acids make up pproximately 90% of coconut oil with a slight contribution of mono-unsaturated
fatty
Acids and poly-unsaturated
fatty
Acids.
What's so good about Medium Chain
fatty
Acids?
Medium-chain saturated
fatty
Acids (MCFA's) are easily digested, absorbed, and utilized by the body, while freely crossing the blood-brain barrier in the unbound form, which means it can be used by the brain as an energy source but also for neurological health.
What's also great is that virgin (unrefined) coconut oil is affordable, readily available, delicious and completely natural. It's also:
Anti-carcinogenic-(prevents the spread of
Cancer cells and enhances the
Immune system)
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-microbial/
Infection fighting (
Bacteria,
Viruses, yeast,
Fungi,
Parasites and protozoa)
An
Antioxidant (protects against free-radical formation and damage)
Improves nutrient absorption (easily digestible; makes
fat-based vitamins more available to the body - ie. vitamin A, D, E, K)
Nontoxic to humans and animals
Coconut Oil for Personal Hygiene and the Body
Age Spots-(also known as
Liver spots) - applying coconut oil directly to the age spot will help it fade.
After Shave-coconut oil will help heal your
Skin after shaving without clogging pores. Great for razor burn!
Baldness-combine coconut oil with lavender, rosemary, thyme, cedarwood, Jojoba oil, Grapeseed/ castor oil and a little cayenne pepper. Apply three times a day (or before bed) to affected area of
Hair loss and massage in. Coconut oil and these essential oils supports cell
Regeneration.
Body Scrub-mix coconut oil and salt together and rub all over! Rinse off and your
Skin will be super soft. You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.
Bruises-applied directly to the bruise, coconut oil enhances the healing process by reducing
Swelling and redness.
Bug
Bites-when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.
Burns-apply to burn site immediately and continue applying until healed. Will reduce the chances of permanent
Scarring and promotes healing.
Chapstick-just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!
Cradle Cap-having issues with
Dry Skin on your baby's
Scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby's
Skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto
Scalp daily.
Dandruff-coconut oil soaks into the
Scalp moisturizing
Dry Skin and relieves symptoms of
Dandruff. It also helps to control oil secretion from the
Scalp, another leading cause of
Dandruff.
Deodorant-coconut oil alone can be used as a
Deodorant, but even more effective in combination with ornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda.
Diaper Salve-very comforting on a
Rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth
Diapers.
Eye cream-apply under the
eyes to reduce puffiness, bags and
Wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.
Face Wash/ Soap-mix equal parts coconut oil with olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil and castor oil and use in place of soap when washing your face. Wet face, rub oil in and leave on for two minutes, rinse and pat dry. One teaspoon should be adequate.
Hair Conditioner/ Deep Treatment-use as a leave-in
Hair Conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your
Hair to distribute the rest. For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry
Scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight.
Hair Gel/ Defrizzer-rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into
Hair (for curly
Hair) or finger comb in through from
Scalp to ends (for wavy/straight
Hair).
Healing-when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the
Wound from outside dust,
Bacteria and
Virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of
Bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck of a lot better than anything from the pharmacy.
Lubricant-it is an all-natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant for masturbation and sex. Not compatible with latex!
Makeup Remover-use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works!
Massage Oil-pretty simple; grab some and rub!
Moisturizer-simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face. Often lotions are water-based and can dry out your
Skin even more.
Nipple Cream-works great to nourish cracked, sore or dry
Nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your
Nipples between feedings.
Acne Skin Fix-prone to oily
Skin or an oily T-zone? Use a pea sized amount underneath makeup or alone to reduce oil
Gland stimulation. Often
Acne prone
Skin is actually too dry, which signals your
Glands to produce more oil and clogs the pores.
Pre-Shave-coconut oil will prep
Skin for the pending damage caused by shaving.
Skin Conditions-coconut oil can relieves
Skin problems such as
Psoriasis,
Dermatitis, and
Eczema.
Stretch marks-coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged
Skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help.
Sun Burn Relief-rub liberal amounts of coconut oil into the affected area.
Sunscreen-It's not high, but coconut oil does have an SPF of around 4.
Swimmers Ear-mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.
Tattoo Healing and
Moisturizer-continued use of coconut oil on tattoos will help keep the pigment from fading. Used on new tattoos, coconut will hasten the healing process and decrease the chance of
Infection.
Toothpaste-there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.
Wrinkle Prevention and Wrinkle Reducer-rubbing coconut oil on winkles and sagging
Skin helps strengthen the connective tissues to bring back that youthful look!
Coconut Oil for General Health and Wellness
Breastfeeding-for breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 1/2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich the milk supply.
Bones and Teeth-coconut oil aids in the absorption of calcium and
Magnesium leading to better development of
Bones and teeth.
Digestion-the saturated
fats in coconut oil help control
Parasites and
Fungi that cause in
Digestion and other
Digestion related problems such as irritable
Bowel syndrome. The
fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino
Acids, making you healthier all around.
Fitness-coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve
Thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted
fat while increasing
Muscle.
Insulin Support-Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose making it great for both diabetics and non-diabetic.
Lung Function-increases the fluidity of cell surfaces.
Nausea-rub some coconut oil on the inside for the wrist (PC 6) and forearm to calm an upset
Stomach.
Nose bleeds-coconut oil can prevent
Nose Bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme heat and extreme cold. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to
Burns and cracks in the
Mucus membranes so
Bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages.
Gum Health-oil pulling with coconut oil offers a two for one health benefit!
Stress Relief-relieve mental
fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural
Aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your
Stress level.
Vitamin and nutrient absorption-makes
fat-based nutrients more available to the body - ie. vitamin A, D, E, K
Weight loss- the saturated
fats contribute to weight loss and controlling cravings.
Mental Cognition and Productivity-medium chain triglycerides freely pass the blood-brain barrier and allows an alternate source of energy to improve cognition.
Coconut Oil for Internal Health Problems-when taken internally it is known for aiding, preventing, and relieving these health issues
Acid Reflux/ In
Digestion-if taken after a meal
Adrenal and Chronic
fatigue
Allergies-seasonal hay
Fever
Alzheimer's/
Dementia
Asthma-even in children
Autism
Bowel function-
Constipation, IBD (inflammatory
Bowel disease), gut
Infections
Bronchial Infections and Cystic
Fibrosis
Cancer-has been shown to prevent
Colon and breast
Cancer
Candida Albicans
Cholesterol-improves HDL (good
Cholesterol) to LDL (bad
Cholesterol) ratio in people with high
Cholesterol
Poor
Circulation-feeling cold all the time or
Edema, especially in the extremities, apply coconut oil to the
Skin in a light circular pattern towards the
Heart. Similar to
Dry Skin brushing
Colds and Flues-as an anti-microbial and
Anti-inflammatory agent
Mild
Depression and Cognitive Dis-ease-in conjunction with CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), fish oil and other treatment strategies
Diabetes-helps keep
Blood Sugar levels stable and helps with cravings
Epilepsy-known to reduce
Epileptic seizures
Flaky,
Dry Skin-poor oil intake often results in
Dry Skin and
Dandruff
Gall
Bladder Disease-dietary oils can help increase bile flow, which can be helpful for gall
Bladder issues, but possibly harmful (ie. Gall
Stones)
Gas-foul gas is often due to imbalance in the gut
Bacteria. Coconut oil is a mild anti-microbial to help re-establish healthy gut flora
H.
Pylori-oral intake. Occasionally,
Antibiotic treatment may be necessary.
Heart Disease-protects
Arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis
Hemorrhoids-can applied externally or internally twice a day
Hot Flashes
Immune System Builder
Irritable
Bowel Syndrome-alternating
Diarrhea and
Constipation are key signs of IBS
Jaundice
Kidney Disease and
Stones-aids in dissolving small
Stones
Liver Disease
Lung Disease
Mal
Nutrition
Mental Clarity
Menstruation Relief-regarding
Pain/
Cramps and heavy blood flow
Migraines-with regular use
Pancreatitis
Periodontal Disease and
Tooth decay
Prostate Enlargement-BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia
Stomach Ulcers-helps soothe
Stomach lining and limit H.
Pylori growth
Thrush
Thyroid Function-can help regulates an overactive or underactive
Thyroid
Urinary Tract
Infections and
Bladder Infections
Coconut Oil and Topical Health Problems-when applied topically it is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing these health issues
Acne-Often
Acne prone
Skin is actually too dry, which signals your
Glands to produce more oil and clogs the pores.
Head Lice-topical application
Allergies/Hay
Fever-rub a little inside the nostrils for quick relief. The pollen will cling to the oil.
Athletes Foot
Toenail Fungus
Back
Pain and Sore
Muscles
Boils and Cysts
Cellulite
Circumcision healing- coconut oil may help with healing.
Decongestant-rub coconut oil on the
Chest and under the
Nose when congested from a cold or
Allergies
Ear
Infection-place a few drops of coconut and garlic oil inside the ear twice daily for relief from
Pain. Also fights the
Infection itself.
Genital
Warts-genital
Warts often go away on their own after 2 years of the initial
Infection. Addition of topical coconut oil application over 6 month may be helpful
Gum Disease,
Gingivitis and Canker
Sores-use as a toothpaste or rub directly on
Gums
Herpes-applied topically and taken internally
Hives-reduces the itch and
Swelling
Pink eye-applied around and in the eye
BONUS: Coconut Oil and Pets/ Animals
Check with your veterinarian but the recommended dosage for animals is 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily.
Aids healing of
Digestive disorders-like inflammatory
Bowel syndrome and
Colitis
Aids in
Arthritis or
Ligament problems
Aids in elimination of
Hairballs and
Coughing
Promotes the healing-when applied topically to cuts,
Wounds, hot spots,
Dry Skin and
Hair,
Bites and
Stings
Clears up
Skin conditions-such as
Eczema, flea
Allergies, contact
Dermatitis, and itchy
Skin
Disinfects cuts-and promotes
Wound healing
Great for dogs and cats for general wellness-Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl daily.
Helps prevent or control
Diabetes
Helps sedentary dogs feel energetic- Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been shown to improve brain energy metabolism and decrease the amyloid
protein buildup that results in brain lesions in older dogs.
Helps reduce weight-increases energy
Improves
Digestion and nutrient absorption
Makes coats-coat becomes sleek and glossy, and deodorizes doggy odor
Prevents and treats yeast and
Fungal Infections-including
Candida
Reduces allergic reactions and improves
Skin health
Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs
Regulates and balance insulin and promotes normal
Thyroid function
BONUS: Other Uses for Coconut Oil
Chewing Gum in
Hair Remover-just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertip. Voila! It�s out!
Goo Gone- just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the �sticky� area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.
Insect repellent- mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed
Skin. Keeps
Insects off better than anything with DEET! Tons safer too.
Moisturizing and cleaning leather products
Oiling wood cutting boards and wood bowls
Polishing Bronze- all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.
Polish Furniture- coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you�d like.
Seasoning animal hide drums
Seasoning cookware
Soap making- coconut oil can be used as one of the
fats in soap.