Coconut oil is one of nature’s greatest miracles, with millions of people across the globe experiencing the real power of this tropical treasure. If you’ve been a fan of coconut oil since it gained popularity in the early 2010s (or even longer), you’re probably tired of hearing about all of the different ways to use it for a hair mask or add it to your diet. Today, we’re going to be looking at a few of the lesser-known uses for coconut oil; specifically, why you should slather this useful oil between your toes and in your nose. Yes, seriously…
Coconut oil for your nose
With cold and flu season now upon us, you’ve most likely had a chance to get reacquainted with the dreaded tissue box. Even lotion or aloe-infused extra-plush tissues can’t seem to keep your nose from becoming raw and inflamed with the constant sniffling. If you feel like you’ve lost the battle and have simply embraced looking like Rudolph for the entirety of the holiday season (or at least until your cold finally goes away), you may want to consider coconut oil. Numerous studies and anecdotal evidence from people in the tropics – who have been using coconut oil as a moisturizer for hundreds of years – have proven the efficacy of coconut oil for dry, irritated skin. Instead of smearing sticky, pore-clogging petroleum jelly in an around your nose, apply softened coconut oil to the affected area with a cotton swab. It smells great and will soak into your skin quickly, leaving your nose hydrated, crack-free, and ready to take on the tissues.
Coconut oil for your toes
Coconut oil is well known for it’s antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Unfortunately, your feet can quickly develop fungal infections that leave your skin stressed and suffering. Athlete’s foot, in particular, can be picked up from any number of places, including public swimming pools, gym locker rooms, or shared bathrooms. This especially nasty fungal infection causes pain, itching, burning, and a rash that usually affects between your toes and the soles of your feet. Don’t think the rest of your body is safe, however. Athlete’s foot is extremely contagious and can not only spread to other people but other places on your body as well, such as your hands and groin.
Taking steps to prevent athlete’s foot from developing is your best option. For instance, always wear shoes into public bathrooms, showers and around pool areas, keep feet clean and dry, wear cotton socks that allow air circulation around the feet, and let shoes air out for 24 hours before wearing them again.
Coconut oil can also help treat and prevent this irritating condition due to the presence of lauric acid and caprylic acid, which disrupt the growth of fungal cells and eradicate them. Use coconut oil as a moisturizer once your feet have dried after the shower for prevention, and apply a liberal layer of this oil over your feet and between your toes and cover with socks overnight to help treat athlete’s foot. Remember to wear gloves when applying to prevent cross-contamination if you are already struggling with athlete’s foot. Antifungal essential oils such as tea tree, rosemary, lemon, lavender, and peppermint can also be helpful when combined with coconut oil.
Other great uses for coconut oil:
Here are our favorite out-of-the-box ways to utilize this astonishing oil for your health.
Boost your bath
Add a spoonful of coconut oil and some Epsom salts to your bath for optimal moisturization and exfoliating benefit. Soak and enjoy relaxing music as you say goodbye to dry skin.
Remove your makeup
Harsh makeup removers and wipes can dry out your face and leave your skin flaky, totally undoing all of your careful moisturization efforts. Use coconut oil on a cotton pad to remove even waterproof eye makeup and full coverage foundation. Always be sure to wash your face with a cleanser afterward to avoid clogging your pores.
Massage oil
There is perhaps nothing more relaxing than a soothing massage with warm oil. Enjoy a romantic night with your partner as you experience the aphrodisiac effects of an oil massage. Enhance the coconut oil with a soothing essential oil such as lavender or eucalyptus.
What is your favorite way to use coconut oil? Let us know in the comments below!
-Susan Patterson