How To Use Coconut Oil | 7 Benefits of Coconut Oil

The benefits of coconut oil are endless. Rich in a unique combination of fatty acids, this superfood can be used for just about anything from lip balm to hair conditioner to sunscreen to an insect repellent to a hormone balancer – you get the idea! Coconut oil is something that all of us should keep at least one jar of in our kitchen pantries. Read on to find out some of our favorite ways to use this miracle product a.k.a. coconut oil.

1. Prevents chafing

If your little one has a diaper rash, try dabbing a small amount of coconut oil on the area that’s irritated and allow it to dry before replacing the diaper.

How to do it:

Clean the Affected Area: Before applying coconut oil, make sure the chafed area is clean and dry. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water, and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Apply Coconut Oil: Take a small amount of coconut oil and apply it to the chafed area. Gently massage the oil into the skin, ensuring that it covers the irritated area.
Reapply as Needed: You can reapply coconut oil to the chafed area throughout the day as needed. Coconut oil’s moisturizing properties can help soothe the irritated skin and provide a protective barrier.
Monitor for Improvement: With regular application of coconut oil and appropriate care, the chafing should start to improve over time. However, if the irritation persists or worsens, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.

2. Soothes sore throats

There’s nothing more irritating than an itchy, sore throat, right? The next time you feel one coming on, try swallowing a teaspoon of coconut oil or adding it to your cup of tea.

3. Heals wounds

Because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties, coconut oil can be lightly applied over superficial cuts and scrapes.

Coconut oil can help with the following:

Minor Cuts and Scrapes: For small, superficial wounds like minor cuts and scrapes, you can apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the affected area. The oil’s moisturizing effect may help keep the wound from drying out and forming a scab too quickly, allowing the wound to heal more effectively.
Antibacterial Potential: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has demonstrated antibacterial properties. Applying coconut oil to a clean and small wound might help create a barrier against potential bacterial contamination and infection. However, keep in mind that the antibacterial properties of coconut oil are not a substitute for proper wound cleaning and medical attention when necessary.
Moisturizing: Coconut oil can help keep the skin around a wound moisturized, which might support the healing process. Dry skin can lead to itching and discomfort around wounds, which could impede healing.
Scar Minimization: Some people believe that applying coconut oil to healing wounds can help minimize the appearance of scars. However, scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited.

While coconut oil might offer some benefits for minor wounds, it should not be applied to open wounds that are deep, bleeding, or at risk of infection. In such cases, it’s crucial to seek proper medical care and follow the advice of a healthcare professional.

For any wound that is more than minor, deep, or potentially infected, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess the wound, determine the appropriate treatment, and provide guidance on wound care and healing.

4. Improves cholesterol

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which boosts your HDL cholesterol – the “good” kind – levels. High HDL levels can reduce your risk for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for Black women.