Coconut Oil
Cocos nucifera
Traditional oil pulling medium and deeply moisturising skin conditioner
About Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is pressed from the meat of mature coconuts and is composed largely of medium-chain fatty acids — most notably lauric acid (about 50%), which has demonstrated antimicrobial effects against oral bacteria including Streptococcus mutans, the primary cause of tooth decay. The Ayurvedic practice of 'oil pulling' (kavala) uses coconut oil as a mouth rinse to draw out bacteria and support oral hygiene. A 2016 trial found daily oil pulling significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis over 30 days. Also one of the most versatile skin and hair oils in traditional medicine.
Key benefits
- Lauric acid targets oral bacteria linked to cavities and gum disease
- Traditional oil pulling reduces plaque and morning breath
- Deeply moisturising for skin, hair, and cuticles
- Solid at cool temperatures, melts on contact with skin
How to use
For oil pulling: swish 1 tbsp virgin coconut oil in the mouth for 10–20 minutes on an empty stomach, then spit into the trash (not the sink — it can clog pipes). Do NOT swallow. Rinse and brush after. Also apply topically to dry skin, hair, or as a lip balm.
Did you know?
Coconut palms are called 'the tree of life' across Southeast Asia and the Pacific because virtually every part is used — the water, meat, milk, oil, fibre, wood, and shell all have practical applications. A single tree can produce coconuts continuously for over 80 years.
Remedies that use Coconut Oil
Natural antimicrobial and deep moisturizer
Moderate evidenceCurcumin-rich soothing blend
Moderate evidenceAyurvedic mouth rinse for plaque and gum health
Moderate evidenceCounter-intuitive natural whitening with anti-inflammatory bonus
Preliminary evidence