Do you know anything about coconut oil? If so, I could really use your help.
Evonne from facebook recently asked me to talk about coconut oil. But the thing is, I ordered a jar of coconut oil with some Vitacost credits last summer and I have no idea what I’m going to do with it. I did use 2 teaspoons of it to make some strawberry ginger tarts last summer, but the jar has been sitting in my cupboard ever since.
However, I have heard it is great for:
- Cooking and Baking {Does the coconut taste really standout?}
- Deep Conditioning Hair {Won’t it make my hair greasy?}
- Washing Your Face {Apparently it’s an oil beats oil method, kind of like a rock-paper-scissors for your face}
- Moisturizing Your Skin
- Shaving
- Removing Make-Up
- Making Home-Made Soaps and Lip Balms
So now I have to know, have you tried any of these? What were the results? What do YOU use coconut oil for?
Please help us!
~ Mavis
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Madam Chow says
Skin, hair, baking, and to pop popcorn!
Heather H. says
We are new to coconut oil too, so I’m eager to hear the replies, but I do know that it makes awesome stovetop popcorn! Use it to cook the kernels in. No need for butter because the coconut oil is so flavorful.
Debbie says
I use it in a recipe for homemade magic shell chocolate sauce (the kind that hardens on ice cream.)
I think the ratio is one cup of chocolate chips to two tablespoons of coconut oil. I usually make more than that and add a little vanilla.
Some folks can taste the coconut some can’t. We all think it’s tasty at our house.
Taniya Dietz says
Oh my, I want to try that!
Rhonda says
I make peanut butter shell with 1/2 cup peanut butter and 2 Tbsp coconut oil. Melt the coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl for about 30 seconds, add the peanut butter, and allow to set on counter for 30 minutes before pouring over ice cream.
mark says
putting coconut oil in the microwave destroys the benefits.
try putting a small container with the oil into a larger one with hot water.
Taniya Dietz says
I use it on dry elbows, knees, shoulders, etc. and smell as sweet as a macaroon!
Beth says
I use it for EVERYTHING!
It has antifungal properties, so I use it for diaper rashes for my babies. Its low melting point makes it perfect for cloth diapers, because it washes right out of the cloth.
I find it to be way more effective than conventional lotion for moisturizing my skin. I use it on my hair, as well, in small amounts. I have wavy Caucasian hair, so I just put a little on my hands and run my fingers through my hair after a shower. It keeps the frizzies at bay.
I also know some people who use it to soften scar tissue, and they find it highly effective.
I wouldn’t use it for cooking; it’s not particularly healthful when taken internally because of its chemical structure. You can get some kinds of coconut oil that are specifically made to be used in cooking, though – this kind doesn’t smell coconutty.
Teresa Yb. says
I also use it on my baby’s bottom!
Jamie Scheer says
I use coconut oil in my cooking all the time. The main form of fat in this oil is called MCT (medium chain triglyceride) and it is very healthy for our brain and nervous systems.
I use it for roasting and sauteing vegetables as well as for baking. In baking I use an equal amount of coconut oil in place of the oil called for in the recipe. There is a coconut flavor but I think it tastes great in our cookies!
Donna G says
I use it as a leave in condition on my hair. I rub it on my hands (just a little amount) and then run my fingers through wet hair, and let dry. No frizzes, no fly away, not greasy just soft! Also, use it as a body butter (lotion) and a facial moisturizer. Funny thing, I’ve never cooked with it! So if anyone recommends it for certain recipes I’d love to know.
Susan Robinson says
I use it f0r all of the above, but I really like it for cooking. Use it 1-1 in place of butter, oils, etc. But my all time favorite use is deoderant. We should not be using commercial deoderants because of the aluminum. Not good to put directly on our lymph nodes!! My deoderant recipe is equal parts coconut oil, cornstarch, and baking soda. Mix well and put in a little jar. When you need it, just put a little on your finger tips and rub in. It doesn’t hurt your clothing and works better for me than the aluminum free from the health food store (I smelled horrible with that stuff!)
MaMaLaLa says
Dont laugh, but I used it like lanolin for nipple cream. It worked great and helped sooth new mama tat-as!
becky says
Haha! I wish I knew of this use when I started breastfeeding.
Brandy says
I laughed. I’m sorry. I’m still laughing. I guess I’m not really sorry. 🙂 It was your word choice that made me laugh out loud!
Anne F. says
I use it for making homemade flour tortillas (thank you Prairie Homestead) and also for my lip balm and skin lotion recipes. I used to use it for diaper rash, but alas, no more babies.
Tortilla recipe: http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2012/06/soft-homemade-tortillas.html
~Anne
Shelia Wilmoth says
Use it to make soap.
Kaja says
I use it to cook with and there is NO coconut flavor at all. I use it a lot as a butter/veg oil replacement, so it goes in my homemade breads, muffins, tortillas, etc. I also did make some coconut body butter (recipe here: http://inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com/2012/12/homemade-coconut-body-butter.html) with it which I really like. Good luck!
Kelly R. says
Absolutely everything. I cook with it almost daily, have a jar in the bathroom (for moisturizing and face washing), and as a deodorant (just use it straight in the winter, and with a few drops of tea tree oil in the summer. Adding baking soda or corn starch is unnecessary and irritates my skin). It is marvelous stuff.
Shannon says
It makes the BEST homemade popcorn!
Diane says
My son and I each got a cut on our knuckles from using a box grater and we used coconut oil on day 2 – it was so soothing and helped the cut heal faster.
I use it for popcorn – 3T coconut oil to 1/2 cup popcorn. Tastes a little coconutty, which I love.
Great on lips instead of lip balm.
Carol says
All I have to add to all this great info is that it never spoils. Ever.
Amy says
I tried it on my face once….. but I guess I was allergic to it. I had small purple dots all over my face!
Mary Ann says
I bought it, but haven’t used it yet. We just started Paleo on Monday and Coconut oil is an ingredient that shows up fairly often in Paleo recipes. Here’s one from Paleo Comfort Foods that sounds pretty good:
Morning glory muffins
2-1/2 cups almond flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups carrots, grated very fine
1 large apple, peeled, cored, and grated very fine
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup raisins
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons honey (optional)
1/2 cup COCONUT OIL or avocado oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. preheat oven to 350 and grease a standard-sized muffin pan (12 cups)
2. combine almond flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Add carrot, apple, coconut and raisins and combine well.
3. in separate bowl, whisk eggs, honey, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. pour this mixture over your dry ingredients and mix well. This batter will be very thick.
5. spoon out into muffin pan and place on middle or upper rack of your oven for 40-50 minutes for large muffins, 20-30 for smaller muffins.
6. when a toothpick inserted in the top of a muffin comes out clean, they are done.
7. cool muffins in pan for 8-10 minutes and then remove to a rack to finish cooling.
variations: add in a teaspoon of orange zest for some extra zing. You can also replace raisins with a cup of chopped dates. This batter can also be used to make a loaf. this will make one really large loaf or two smaller loaves. Just increase your baking time to approximately 45-60 minutes.
tips & tricks: the smaller you can grate the carrot/apple the better. These muffins tend to end up a bit moister if you allow the batter to sit for 30-60 minutes before spooning into the muffin pan.
Rae @ Motherhood Handmade says
It dissolves sap on dog’s and children’s fur. 😉
Erin Wilson says
Lots of vegans use coconut oil for pan frying food. At high heat, most oils become nasty for your body, but coconut oil doesn’t.
Caligrlnc says
I use it to make deodorant 🙂 so simple and cheape! I have not spent a dime on deodorant for 3 yrs 🙂 I know there are many other uses and can’t wait to try some of the ones I learned about here.
becky says
Great post. I have a jar of coconut oil in our cupboard that I have never used, because I didn’t know exactly how and what for. Thanks.
Elena says
I use it for high heat cooking. There might be a slight cocunuty tast but We are used to it by now.
Beth says
I use it on toast, stir it into steel cut oats, and my favorite is putting it on baked sweet potatoes with a little cinnamon and salt-YUM!
Stephanie says
OMG Coconut oil is great for everything!!!! You won’t hardly taste it in your meals if you use it instead of regular cooking oils, but it’s better for you. You can put it in smoothies, it’s super good for you (start with just a tablespoon or you’ll visit the bathroom all day). The first time I heard about it was in high school a girl I knew had the LONGEST hair ever!! I was like “what do you USE???” and she would use coconut oil in her hair everynight with a towel on her pillow and shower it out in the morning. I dated a guy that was losing his hair and the coconut oil totally helped it regrow!
Saw this today: http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2008/09/nourishing-and-scrumptious-mounds-candy-bars.html
I don’t like shredded coconut or I’d be all over this!!
Laura Kate says
Baking for sure! Deodorant base, eye makeup remover, lotion, diaper rash cream, lubricant (TMI?). Use it, along with kosher salt, to season your cast iron skillet! I read your post about that…I don’t use any water, just coconut oil and salt. Oh, and it’s great in homemade granola.
This site has lots of suggestions and good info: http://healthimpactnews.com/2011/80-uses-for-coconut-oil/
Michele says
It’s the #1 used oil in our kitchen! I use it for pretty much everything that requires fat (except for salads, as it hardens if it is colder). Elana’s Pantry has a ton of yummy gluten free recipes and I always use coconut oil (some of the recipes use coconut oil but many use grapeseed oil).
I especially love it for frying (we do a GF chicken fried steak every couple of weeks) and for stir fries.
Jamie Scheer says
I love Elana’s Pantry. I substitute coconut oil when her recipes call for grapeseed oil and they all work out just fine!
squiggy says
i use it as a leave in conditioner for my hair. my hair is very very long and the natural oils only really reach to my waist. so i apply a pinky nails worth of hair to a boar bristle brush and i slowly work my way up my hair starting at my ends (tailbone length) and working my way up the length. i make scented hair oil by combining the coconut oil with lavender essential oil. sometimes i go for jasmine too.
i also pop popcorn in it when there is no ghee to be found.
i have also made homemade lip stain with it.
Lori says
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/coconut-oil-benefits_b_821453.html
Stephanie says
I have used it as a deep conditioner and its amazing for that. Apply it to your dry ends and let it sit for a while before shampooing out. You want to apply this a solid and it will start to melt in your hand and work it into your hair.
I do use it to cook with and yeah you can taste the coconut so use it in things like chocolate or banana bread in which you might not find the hint of coconut offensive. It’s disappointing to use it and hope for a benign flavor because its definitely not.
Dawn says
I use it for lots of things. I use Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil for cooking when I want it to have a coconut flavor (muffins, cookies, etc). I use Tropic Traditions Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil for cooking when I do not want it to have a coconut flavor (bread, frying, etc). It has all of the health benefits but no coconut taste. I buy it at the grocery store and use it to make lotion bars. It is definitely the #1 oil in my house.
Dawn says
I mean I buy the grocery store coconut oil for use in lotion bars – not the Tropical Traditions brand.
Brooklyn says
Coconuts t oil is one of my favrite things!<3 I use It to take my make up off (it takes off EVERYTHING and does not burn eyes), I use it as a lotion, for shaving, although I have heen scared to put it in my hair=-O, I also take it in capsules becase it does wonders for my skin and also helps to loose weight! I dont susually put it in my food because it tastes weird to me:-P p.s. it takez the sting right out of bug bites and burns::)
Gail says
What is the best type of coconut oil to buy?
Brandy says
I think you should make magic shell 🙂
Preppy Pink Crocodile says
I am new to coconut oil but in the last six months, I’ve come to love it. I use it in baking some and see no issues with coconut flavor. I can’t taste it at all. Try a little- it really tastes like nothing at all to be honest.
I use it when sauteing vegetables and love it.
But my favorite use, discovered this winter, is for dry skin and lips. I was sick a few weeks ago- like on my death bed, fighting a biblical-esque plague, holy hot mess, sick- and it was a total life-saver. A side affect was horrible dry skin and then the temps dropped and that made it worse and I was in tears. I seriously put the coconut oil all over my face and lips.
But my other favorite use is on my dog. This fall she had a horrible issue with dry skin and itching and it was terrible. The coconut oil worked so well. I just kept a small amount in a separate dish to use for the dog. Even the vet said it was a great solution.
I have friends who swear by using it in hair but I just can’t imagine how that would turn out well.
KK
Sakura says
I use it to season my cast iron pans, it doesn’t get sticky. I’ve made lotion bars using it, and I’ve baked with it.
Penelope says
I get 76 degree coconut oil through an acquaintance that, I think, gets it from a confectioner. I think it is food grade, but the stuff comes in barrels. I use it to make bar soap, as it is the ingredient that is highest for cleansing properties and sudsing.
I recently attended a seminar type thing where they told us that coconut oil is so very good for you and that canola was bad…. interesting since I was told at a similar meeting several years ago that canola was the only good oil after olive. I’m up for some scientific studies to read for myself to find out what is real.
If you want to start using it regularly, Costco has the best price I’ve seen for my area, but still too high to consider for soap.
Although this doesn’t really answer your question, the the scent/taste of virgin oil does not come through when soaping, but I’m not sure if it is the chemical reaction or the level of heat applied.
mandy says
So many great ideas here…I’ve always loved it for my hair and skin. I’m looking forward to cooking with itl
Lynn says
Not sure where my comment went. Weird. But I use Coconut oil for everything! Love it. Here is a CBN News item about Alzheimer’s Disease. This is a good item to watch and to consider. It’s an amazing health benefit using Coconut Oil. This is what got me researching about this oil in the first place and I DO eat a teaspoon whenever I can.
Just copy and paste into Internet search engine:
http://www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=/mp4/LJO190v1_WS
Amanda says
I just posted this recipe for brownie cookies last week that uses coconut oil – there’s a slight taste, but it’s not too noticeable.
I also use it on dry skin/lips.
Desi says
I used it for the first time this week. Made a lotion for my daughter’s eczema and dry skin. I used one normal size bottle of Baby lotion (15 or 16 oz, the cocoa butter one), 1 bottle of Vitamin E Cream (found a double pack at walmart), and 2 oz of coconut oil whipped.
To whip the oil I used a hand mixer, scrape and mix a couple times so there aren’t chunks. Then add the Vit. E cream and the lotion. Mix with hand mix again and it’s done. We love it and it has a wonderful smell.
There are several Johnson Baby lotion smells now: apple & honey, vanilla & oatmeal, lavendar, cocoa butter. We will be making it again! Oh and no oilyness, it soaks right in.
Bre says
I started using it for my dog who has terrible allergies. One tablespoon twice daily in his food soothes the itching, moisturizes his coat and skin and has helped him to gain weigh also. I started using a dab of it with another dab of baking soda for face wash and also as a hair conditioner. I use it instead of lotion three to four days a week and my friend is currently using it to prevent stretch marks through her pregnancy. Since applying it to everything that I can, I have also noticed that my finger nails have become so much stronger and have a nice healthy pink color.
Becky says
I’m allergic to dairy, so I love it in all of my recipes instead of butter! Makes my pancakes taste a bit more tropical. Used in large amounts it is very noticeable.
I don’t like it as well as lip balm, and it leaves an oily residue on clothes if I use it as a moisturizer.
Ttrockwood says
I only use it for cooking! Awesome with roasted squash and veggies, use instead of butter on toast.
!!!
But! Right now you have to look up quinoa granola recipe on hungryhungryhippie.com (awesome blog!) i make this allllll the time- i nix the buckwheat and use more quinoa, the dried fruit and nuts are all swapable depending on your preferences
Sarah says
I use it in place of shortening in my baked goods, like tortillas, biscuits, and pie crusts! No off flavors like shortening! Love it!
Todd says
We have over 60 recipes on our website (www.ZiggyMarleyOrganics.com/cocomon-recipes/) that were all created by vegan chefs, nutritionalists or the Marley family.
I hope that helps!
Mandy says
I used it in some cookies that call for a high smoke-point oil (usually peanut or sunflower oil) and they turned out with nice crispy brown edges that I don’t get any other way. It’s also great when cooking curries.
Helen in Meridian says
I mix with coarse sugar for a lip scrub to get the dead stuff off. I use on dh dry spot on his back. Also make Magic Shell chocolate sauce. The Eco detergent at Costco is made from coconut oil too. Use it to make popcorn too. On onegoodthingbyjillee, she lists lots of uses for coconut oil; one good thing each day.
Marsha says
http://www.crunchybetty.com/a-millionish-uncommon-and-not-so-uncommon-uses-for-coconut-oil
This is a great list of uses. Personally, I make my own lip balm (chocolate flavor!), toothpaste, deodorant, moisturizer, and baby butt balm. I use just a teeny bit (seriously, like 4 or 5 drops) on my shoulder length hair right after towel-drying to remove frizz. My hair is straight and fine, and it doesn’t look greasy at all. I keep a jar in the kitchen too. It’s great for greasing pans instead of using butter or Pam. I LOVE using it to pop popcorn. Of course I use it to make Magic Shell, I also use it to fry and saute…man, I adore coconut oil. I like the flavor of it, usually. In a recipe where I don’t want even the slightest hint of coconut flavor, I use expeller pressed oil instead of raw.
chastity says
I use coconut oil for more and more… I was worried it would make my hair greasy too but I rub it in my hands and spread it through my hair till it is all coated a few hours before I plan on showering. then I wash my hair as usual I just don’t condition it… It takes alot longer for my hair to get greasy than usual.. it is amazing! and my hair is as soft as it has EVER been!!
I also have started using it as a facial moisturizer at night… worried it would make my face greasy as I already ahve very oily skin as it is… it didn’t do that! it worked great and my face felt so soft!! 🙂
Also, I have found in my experience that the unrefined virgin oil is the best!! I have found it for $21 for 78oz or something like that… a GREAT deal!! 🙂
greg says
I recently went on the paleo diet and heard a lot about cooking with coconut oil.
In researching various books, I was recommended to the #1 book on Amazon dealing with coconut oil named, “The Coconut Oil Health & Beauty Book” by M.D. Fry, PhD. ..Wow..I was amazed at all the various uses beyond just cooking..very impressed with the stuff.
jacke rose says
I stir a bit into coffee, lots better than dairy cream. Use on skin and hair. Blended drinks, I feel more energy for the day and it nourishes my brain. thanks for all the great ideas!!