This is a post written by Thrive Market—an elephant partner. We’re honored to work with anyone seeking to combine convenience, wellness and mindfulness to promote a healthy lifestyle. ~ Ed.

 

Would you believe us if we said that the one pantry staple we use more than any other isn’t salt, flour, baking powder, or even the spice rack?

It’s true—and this multitasking ingredient not only works wonders in the kitchen, but can also be used in the bathroom, bedroom, and all over the house.

This miracle food is coconut oil, and we have yet to find another food with as wide a variety of applications.

By now, most people probably have probably tried frying an egg in coconut oil or mixing up an all-natural body scrub with it. Really, though, the possibilities are endless—think outside the box and try these seven unusual (but super useful) ways to use coconut oil.

 

1. Oil pulling

It sounds counterintuitive, but rinsing your mouth with coconut oil might actually be able to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. This practice has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and is said to detoxify the mouth, whiten teeth, banish bad breath, and promote better oral health overall.

To try it, swish one tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes, and very carefully, spit it out in the trash. Make sure not to pour it down the drain, though—oil can stop up your pipes. Afterwards, floss and brush teeth normally.

 

Get your FREE jar of Thrive Market Organic Virgin Coconut Oil now!

 

2. DIY mascara

Skip regular black mascara, and swipe coconut oil on your lashes for a glossy look. Just dip a clean mascara wand in melted coconut oil, shake off any excess, and apply to lashes.

Bonus: Leaving this treatment on overnight will help eyelashes grow longer and stronger!

 

3. As a lice treatment

When your little ones come home from school with a head full of nits, don’t run out to the drugstore for some chemical treatment. Instead, grab a fine-toothed comb, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil to get rid of them yourself.

First, rinse hair with apple cider vinegar, then comb out the nits. Coat the whole head with coconut oil, leave it on for 8 to 12 hours to smother any remaining lice, then rinse out.

 

4. To unstick a zipper

Don’t despair just because the zipper on your favorite sweatshirt or pair of jeans has gone faulty. Keep it from catching by applying a small amount of coconut oil (not enough to leave a grease stain!) along the teeth. It should be moving smoothly again in no time!

 

Claim your FREE jar of Thrive Market Organic Virgin Coconut Oil today!

 

5. In homemade candles

Who doesn’t love lighting a fragrant candle to relax after a long day? Though it’s a lovely ritual, a candle addiction might not be very eco-friendly: Even the fanciest French candles are made with paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum.

Try a greener option by making your own candles out of coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils. Get the full set of instructions here.

 

6. As natural deodorant

When mixed with baking soda, cornstarch, and essential oils, coconut oil transforms into powerful DIY deodorant. Simply mix together six tablespoons coconut oil, four tablespoons baking soda, four tablespoons cornstarch, and six drops of your favorite essential oil. Apply a small amount to your underarm each day for natural protection against B.O.!

 

7. In the bedroom

If you can cook with it, you can use it as a personal lubricant.

Yes, coconut oil in the bedroom! This gentle natural oil works well for many couples. Just test a small amount of coconut oil on the skin of your arm before you use it elsewhere. (A word to the wise: Oil-based lubricants can degrade latex and cause it to tear, so it’s best to avoid this method if you and your partner use condoms.)

 

Try these tips for yourself with a FREE jar of Thrive Market Organic Virgin Coconut Oil!

 

Editor: Emily Bartran