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10 Ways to Use Virgin Coconut Oil

Written by Minature Herbal

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Posted on October 11 2024

Pure, versatile, and natural coconut oil, packed with the goodness of nature - discover numerous uses of virgin coconut oil for skin, hair, and health.


Coconut oil has been a constitutive part of ancient Ayurvedic practices for the range of benefits it offers for beauty and overall wellness. As per the Charak Samhita, Coconut Oil is an essential part of personal hygiene, and oiling skin and hair for improving their condition. From nourishing hair and skin to adding a distinct flavor to your dishes, coconut oil is becoming popular and being used worldwide.

There are different types of coconut oils:
  • Virgin Coconut Oil
  • Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
  • Refined coconut oil
  • Fractionated 
  • Hydrogenated coconut oil

    Particularly, Virgin Coconut is a powerhouse of essential nutrients (which are layed down further in the blog) that work wonders on your overall wellness when rightly incorporated into your daily routine.

    Stay along to learn and know more about the uses of virgin coconut oil for skin, hair, and health.

    Fun Fiesta about Coconut Oil

    What is Virgin Coconut Oil Composed of?

    Essentially, VCO is composed of fatty acids that are:

    • Lauric acid: Lauric acid makes up about 48% of the VCO. It is a medium-chain fatty acid that is the reason for all the potential benefits of VCO.
    • Caprylic acid: This MCFA makes up 8% of VCO and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that are beneficial for both skin and scalp.
    • Capric acid: Also known as C10, this saturated fatty acid makes up 7% of VCO. It is an emollient that helps replenish skin tissues and restore its natural moisture.
    • Myristic acid: It is a saturated fatty acid that makes up 8% of VCO. It is known for its cleansing and conditioning properties.
    • Palmitic acid: Makes up 8% of VCO, it is an emollient that helps soften skin and improve its texture.
    • Stearic acid: Makes up 2% of VCO, it is a long-chain fatty acid, an emulsifier, known for its ability to protect and condition hair.
    • Oleic acid: Makes up 6% of VCO, Oleic acid is known to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels.
    • Linoleic acid: It makes up 2% of VCO. Linoleic acid is known to hydrate skin and reinforce its protective barrier.

    10 Ways to Use Virgin Coconut Oil for Skin, Hair, and Cooking

    Coconut Oil for Cooking

    There are numerous uses of coconut oil. It is used for cooking in many parts of India. Largely, people in Asia, the Philippines, and the European Union use Coconut Oil for cooking, making it an alternative to butter and other oils. It adds a gentle and pleasant aroma and flavor to your dishes.

    How to use:

    The versatility of the use of coconut oil in cooking is unmatched. You can use it to prepare South Indian dishes, tadka, dressing oil for salads, prepare Asian curries, and chutneys, and can be added to various baked dishes.

    Coconut Oil for Cooking by Minature

    Oil Pulling

    Oil pulling is an ancient technique to maintain oral hygiene to eliminate gum inflammation, bad breath, and stains on teeth. 

    How to use:

    • Take 1 tsp of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes.
    • Spit the oil and rinse your mouth.
    • Brush your teeth.

          Ayurvedic Abhyanga with Coconut Oil (Self-massage)

          Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic technique to massage your body with warm coconut oil that promotes overall wellness. It is known to relax your muscles, improve your flexibility, boost energy, and improve blood circulation.

          How to use:

          • Warm about 1/4-1/2 cup of Virgin Coconut Oil.
          • Apply and massage the oil to your neck and work your way down to your feet in a circular motion. Use long strokes for limbs and short strokes for joints.
          • Continue it for the next 15-20 minutes and take a warm water bath.
          Ayurvedic Abhyanga with Coconut Oil (Self-massage)

            Boost Collagen

            Using coconut oil for skin is a great idea if you want soft, supple, and younger-looking skin. Coconut Oil is known to boost the natural collagen production in your skin, improving your skin's elasticity and making it feel and appear firm and supple. The increased collagen in the skin also helps to prevent premature signs of aging.

            How to use:

            • Apply the coconut oil directly to your skin and massage in a gentle circular motion.
            • You can also use it as a serum, under-eye mask, or as a spot treatment.
            Coconut Oil helps to boost the natural collagen production to skin and improves skin's elasticity.

              Make-up Remover

              Coconut Oil's cleansing property makes it an ideal makeup remover. It is a great makeup remover that cleanses your skin without stripping off its natural oil. It is a better alternative for commercial make-up remover.

              How to use:

              • Take a few drops of VCO and massage it on your face and wipe off the makeup using a cotton pad.
              • Wash your face with warm water and pat dry your face.
              • Use a gentle face cleanser, if required.
              Make-up Remover with Coconut Oil

                Cuticle Oil

                If you have dry, cracked cuticles, then coconut oil is the best natural solution.

                How to use:
                • Massage a drop of VCO onto each fingertip.
                • Wash it off after 10 minutes.
                Coconut oil is the best natural solution for dry, cracked cuticles.

                  Prewash Protector

                  Virgin Coconut Oil helps to prevent the hair from soaking up too much water and product build-up, which helps protect your hair from damage and dryness.

                  How to use:

                  • Apply the coconut oil to your scalp and work it through the lengths of your hair.
                  • Massage the scalp for 15 minutes.
                  • Wash your hair as usual after 45-60 minutes.
                  Virgin Coconut Oil helps protect your hair from damage and dryness.

                    Hair Nourishment Mask

                    Using coconut oil for hair is a game-changer. When mixed with powerful herbs, it penetrates the hair deeply to create a protective barrier and fortify the hair shafts.

                    How to use:
                    • Mix virgin coconut oil with herbs like bhringraj, neem, shikakai, amla, and aritha to make a smooth hair mask.
                    • Apply the hair mask to your scalp and massage it. Now work it through the lengths of your hair.
                    • Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash it off as usual.
                    Hair Nourishment Mask with MINATURE's Virgin Coconut Oil

                      Under-eye Cream

                      While there are numerous under-eye creams available in the market for dry under-eye areas, coconut oil works in a jiffy. It rejuvenates your skin and helps reduce dark circles.

                      How to use:
                      • Mix a small quantity of coconut oil with aloe vera gel to make a smooth paste.
                      • Apply it to your under-eye areas and leave it on for 15 minutes or overnight.
                      • Wash it off with water.
                      Under-eye Cream

                        Improve Hair Quality and Texture

                        Packed with vitamins E and K, lauric acid, and minerals, coconut oil promotes hair growth and improves your hair's texture. When mixed with other herbs like curry leaves, neem, hibiscus, and black seed, it enhances your hair's health.

                        How to use:
                        • Warm the coconut oil and add a few drops of essential oil, curry leaves, neem, hibiscus, and black seeds.
                        • Let it infuse for 3-4 hours and strain it in a clean bottle.
                        • Apply this herbal oil to your scalp and hair, and leave it on for 30 minutes.
                        • Wash your hair as usual with a gentle shampoo and conditions.
                        Virgin Coconut Oil improves Hair Quality and Texture

                          Conclusion:

                          Virgin Coconut Oil is a powerhouse of nutrients that are beneficial for your beauty and overall wellness. It is highly recommended to include it in your daily self-care routine for better skin and hair. The uses of virgin coconut oil for skin and hair are undoubtedly here to stay, as people continue to discover the effectiveness of this all-natural oil. So why not give it a try and see the difference for yourself?

                           

                          FAQs

                          • Does coconut oil clog pores?

                          Virgin coconut oil is non-comedogenic for most skin types, but if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should do a patch test before using it.

                          • How to store coconut oil to retain its beneficial properties?

                          Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness. Virgin coconut oil solidifies at cooler temperatures and liquefies in warmer ones.

                          • Can virgin coconut oil be used for all hair types?

                          Yes, you can use coconut oil for all hair types.

                          • Can I use virgin coconut oil daily?

                          Yes, it’s safe for daily use on the skin and in moderation for hair care, though using it once a week as a hair mask can be beneficial too.

                          • Why is coconut oil used in cooking?

                          Coconut oil for cooking is a healthier alternative to refined oils, adding a mild coconut flavor and maintaining its stability at high temperatures.

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