Coconut oil is an amazing, cholesterol-free oil that can be used in the following ways:
- Cooking
- Baking
- Spread on bread like butter.
- Popcorn
- Hair Conditioner
- Facial cleanser and moisturizer.
- Body Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (yes it really works)
- An ingredient for many home remedies like toothpaste, natural deodorant, soaps and sugar scrubs.
Coconut oil also has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties. I’ve even heard of people using it like they would use Neosporin for minor cuts and scrapes. With so many uses in one product, it’s easy to save money and add this healthy item to your shopping list.
I find that I get the best prices on coconut oil from either Mountain Rose Herbs or Amazon.
Photo courtesy of cocoislandsoaps.
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
And diaper rash cream! Forget the Desitin–coconut oil is fabulous!
I use hair products with coconut oil in them. Best conditioner I’ve ever used. It makes my hair shiny without making it greasy.
stupid question I have wanted to use coconut oil on my hair but what do you do just rub a little in the palm of your hand and then put on the ends of your hair?
I make a sugar scrub with coconut oil , honey and raw sugar. Makes my skin super soft
@ crystal I have used it for years as a hot oil treatment Just warm it in the microwave, rub it in your hair and wrap it with plastic wrap – leave it on for at least 30 min and wash out
Lucy is it easy to wash out of your hair? I used it on my skin instead of lotion.
@ Crystal Feegle Boone- I do just what you said. About 2 hours before I am planning on washing my hair – I do that. Sometimes I do it before bedtime, and wash in the morning. Also you can put a little in a spray bottle as a leave in conditioner – but the water has to be warmer than 76degrees to use each time.
thanks everyone
I planned on getting some coconut oil this week for a variety of uses I am going to make my own deo…..lol we will see how that goes!
It’s also great for sore throats – very soothing. Apparently it’s great for dandruff and removing shampoo buildup on your scalp but I have yet to try it. It’s the ONLY thing I use on my face after I wash it with an all natural soap and my skin has never been so well balanced (no break outs and no dry spots) and I’ve got very sensitive skin.
I was curious what you fellow thrifty mamas consider a good price for coconut oil and if you have ideas about its shelf life…..Thanks!
According to Invisible Hand (a Firefox add-on) this is the cheapest place to get the organic coconut oil….
http://www.herbspro.com/51037/product.htm?utm_source=gan
I use coconut oil on my skin….especially on any pimples….rub it on at bedtime, and it clears up usually in the next day! Also use it in cooking, instead of olive oil, butter, etc. It withstands higher temperatures, and does not evaporate as quickly. Great for roasted vegetables or potatoes!
We have a jar in every room!! Bathroom-Kitchen-Bedroom…who would have thought 1 product would be so versatile. I think a good price is $11.00 for the 16oz container…however, since we use it so much, I’ve opted to by the 54 oz. jar -Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil….for $21.20 on Amazon. This was by far the BEST price I’ve ran across… This weekend I used it in making both Apply Crisp and Rice Crispys – substituted it for the butter! YUM! The kids didn’t even notice.
Try Vitacost.com 6.99 for 16 ounces, organic.
I was standing in the grocery aisle just last night trying to decide if I should get some Coconut oil or not. I didn’t know what to do with it but I heard it was good. Now, thanks to this post and all your wonderful suggestions, I will head back to the store and get some!
Do you use refined or unrefined? I think some said ‘whole’ too. What does that all mean? What kind should I get? Any other tips on what to use it for? I heard it is great for popping popcorn.
Thanks!
http://www.naturesapproved.com/shop/product_view.asp?id=1066958&StoreID=DED66C93AF6E45488DF43C733A64B7F1&private_product=1
currently $44.95 for a gallon of cold-pressed organic coconut oil plus shipping which I believe is about $10
Trader joe’s has 16 oz jars of virgin oil for $5.99 now.