Nuts For Coconuts: 25 Health & Beauty Recipes You Need To Bookmark Right Away

The good old coconut oil takes you back to childhood! Every dadi’s nushke and maa ke haath ki champi were never complete without a good dose of coconut oil. Besides being a nutritious and delicious cooking oil, used to make fabulous recipes that are bound to blow your mind away, coconut oil is infused with properties that nourish and hydrate your skin. The benefits of using coconut oil daily are more than you can imagine.

Coconut oil, undoubtedly, is an all-beauty cure stored in a bottle! It’s quite the jack-of-all-trades, from treating dry cuticles and rashes to boosting hair growth, and much more. You can use it for just about any and everything, from healing scars to moisturising dry elbows. This World Coconut Day, coconut deserves a huge shout-out and certainly a place on your beauty shelf. If you haven’t yet gotten your hands on this delightful thing, you’re missing out on a lot. Here are some recipes you need to try coconut oil in your life!

10 Coconut Oil DIY Recipes For Skin

1. Coconut Oil To Lighten Dark Circles

It is known that coconut oil is ideally suited for healthy skin and hair. Along with that, it is known to lighten dark circles and patches. It also adds to the suppleness of your skin. 

Method:

1. Pour a few drops of coconut oil onto your palm.
2. Rub it under your eye using your fingertips.
3. Let it sit for the whole night and rinse it off in the morning.

2. Coconut Rich Skin Moisturiser

Coconut oil is filled with natural moisturisation benefits. Make this natural DIY moisturiser at home and pamper your skin with the goodness of coconut oil.

You Will Need:

• ½ cup of organic coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E
• A few drops of lavender essential oil

Method:

1. Melt the coconut oil. 
2. Then, take a container and mix all the ingredients. 
3. Once the coconut oil solidifies, your DIY moisturiser is ready to use.

3. Coconut Oil & Coffee Body Scrub

The combination of ingredients used below is a no-brainer exfoliant as well as moisturiser, and an excellent way of getting rid of dead skin. Some experts say that caffeine dilates blood vessels and reduces the appearance of skin dimples. This can be enjoyed once a week. 

You Will Need:

• 1 cup of coffee powder
• 1 cup of coconut oil

(Adjust quantity in the same ratio) 

Method:

1. Apply all over your body and scrub gently. 
2. Wash off with warm water once done.

4. Coconut Oil To Get Rid Of Blackheads

Coconut has many proven benefits as it is a good moisturiser. This can help relieve dry skin and prevent the blockage of pores with dead and dry skin cells. As a home remedy for blackheads, it can be used daily.

Method:

1. Apply a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil (cold-pressed, if available) on the blackhead areas.
2. Leave it on until it is fully absorbed into your skin.
3. Apply it twice daily until effective results. 

5. Coconut Oil & Haldi Scrub

Turmeric is one of the most popular natural beauty ingredients used in India. It has strong antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which help maintain your skin at its youngest best.

You Will Need:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 1½ cups of coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of haldi

Method:

1. Mix 1 cup of sugar, 1½ cups of coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of haldi in a bowl.
2. Mix till it forms a coarse paste.
3. Gently massage the paste in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes.
4. Wash off with lukewarm water.
5. Avoid keeping the scrub on for a long time as it will stain your skin.

6. Orange Peel & Coconut Oil Lip Scrub

In case you’re suffering from dark, flaky and discoloured lips all at the same time and you’re unable to find a proper solution, use this orange peel lip scrub made with sugar and see the difference yourself.

You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons dried orange peel powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 10-12 drops of almond oil or coconut oil

Method:

1. To make the orange peel powder at home, first, let your orange peels dry out naturally in the sun for a few days. Then grind it into a fine powder using your mixer grinder. 
2. Add the almond oil and brown sugar to the orange peel powder and mix well. 
3. Use this lip scrub to gently scrub your lips for about a minute and wash them off with water.
4. Use your favourite lip balm later. 

Find your 101 lip guide with DIY lip balms here to get soft and luscious lips.

7. Honey, Coconut Oil & Sugar Foot Scrub

Did you know you can also use coconut oil to make a foot scrub? Honey has antibacterial properties and sugar is great for removing dead skin cells which makes this a perfect foot scrub if you want to exfoliate and keep your feet hygienic.

You Will Need: 

• 1 cup of bath salt 
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• 7-8 drops of lemon essential oil
• 1 cup olive or coconut oil

Method: 

1. Mix the sugar and bath salt in a bowl and then add the coconut or olive oil to it.
2. Add honey and mix well.
3. Add the essential oil to the end so that it is evenly distributed.
4. Apply the scrub to your feet and massage well for 15 minutes.
5. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it off.

Find 25 DIY skincare recipes for head-to-toe exfoliation here.

8. Coconut Oil To Get Naturally Dark Eyebrows

If you’re looking for ways how to darken eyebrows naturally, there are plenty of home remedies you can try. Thick and full eyebrows appear dark naturally. Coconut oil, castor oil or olive oil promote hair growth and thickness.

Method:

1. Use a cotton swab or clean mascara wand to swipe a small amount of coconut oil over the eyebrows.
2. Apply coconut oil to the eyebrows before sleeping, keep it overnight and wash it in the morning.

9. Coconut Oil With Besan To Remove Facial Hair

There are many ways to use gram flour for the face and one such use is to remove hair on your face. Getting rid of your peach fuzz and unwanted facial hair on the face is easy with this remedy.

You Will Need:

• 1½ tablespoons besan
• 1 tablespoon rosewater (gulab jal)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Method:

1. Mix it well and apply it to your face.
2. Wait until it dries up. 
3. Then, rub it against the direction of hair growth once dried.

10. Coconut Oil For Makeup Removal

Coconut oil works as a brilliant item for breaking up the substances of the makeup that are water-resistant. It also helps to maintain the hydration of the skin. However, make sure to give a follow-up with a soap and water session for better cleansing. It is completely suitable for dry, dehydrated, and dull skin.

Method:

1. Pick out some coconut oil in a jar. Make sure it is in melted form.
2. Rub the oil all over the eyelids, lashes, and face.
3. Ensure to have enough oil for moving the fingers without talking on the skin.
4. Do not let the excess oil remain on the face and wipe it off.
5. Splash some warm water on your face at the end.
6. This will act as a natural makeup remover, providing the skin little extra rest. 

10 Coconut DIYs For Healthy Hair

1. Almond & Coconut Oil Shampoo 

This shampoo with the goodness of coconuts and almonds can nourish your hair and stimulate hair follicles for healthier hair growth. It will moisturise and strengthen weak hair.

You Will Need:

• ½ cup of distilled water
• 2–3 tablespoons of liquid castile soap
• ¼ cup full cream coconut milk
• 1–2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• ½ tablespoon of almond oil
• 3–5 drops of either lavender, rosemary or rosehip essential oil
• 3 drops of vitamin E oil

Method:

1. Take a clean bottle and add coconut milk, water, and castile soap to it.
2. Shake the mixture.
3. Thereafter, pour the coconut, almond, vitamin E and essential oil into it.
4. You can store this shampoo for a maximum of 4 weeks.

2. Onion & Coconut Hair Oil

Need more reasons to love onions? Well, it is an excellent ingredient for stimulating hair growth and treating scalp-related conditions. Here is an effective recipe to make onion oil at home that brings out the best of onion for hair health. 

You Will Need:

• 100 ml of coconut oil 
• 2 cloves of garlic 
• 1 small onion 
• Lavender essential oil

Method: 

1. Finely chop the chop and put it in a pan along with the garlic and coconut oil. 
2. Heat the pan on low flame for 5-7 minutes.
3. When the mixture cools down completely, add 2-3 drops of lavender oil (it has calming properties).
4. Strain the liquid in a container and store it in the fridge.

3. Aloe Vera Hair Oil

Aloe vera is well known for its moisturising properties. When used in hair oil, it lends the same benefits and helps to revive dry and dull hair. And, in case you were wondering how to grow eyebrows, aloe vera is a great solution for thicker, fuller brows as well. You can gauge the popularity of this blend from the fact that it is now being marketed by big brands as a solution for frizzy hair. But you don’t need to hunt for expensive products because you can make aloe vera hair oil at home.

You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel
• 125 ml of coconut oil

Method:

1. Mix the two ingredients to combine them properly.
2. Then heat them over low flame for 5-7 minutes.
3. Take it off the flame and let it cool down completely. Then store it in an airtight container.
4. Leave the oil for at least 2 weeks for the aloe to thoroughly infuse. Then it will be ready for use!

Tip: If you are facing issues with your eyebrow growth, learn how to get thicker eyebrows naturally with simple home remedies. 

4. Amla & Coconut Hair Oil

Just like amla, coconut oil and olive oil also offer several hair health benefits. Coconut oil helps nourish the hair from within, reduce protein loss and protect the hair from damage. It can also help in damage repair, and reduce hair loss. Olive oil is packed with several nutrients that may play a role in reducing split ends, repairing hair damage, treating dandruff, reducing hair loss and conditioning the hair. Make the most of amla oil benefits by using this amla, coconut and olive oil concoction regularly. 

You Will Need: 

• 2 teaspoons amla powder
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method:

1. Take the coconut oil and olive oil in a pan and heat.
2. Add the amla powder to the oils.
3. Heat until the mixture turns brown. 
4. Turn the heat off and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. 
5. Once you notice that the charred powder has settled, pour out the oil in a bowl.
6. Apply the oil to your hair and scalp while it is still slightly warm. Massage for 10-15 minutes and let it sit for about 30 minutes. 
7. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo. 

Tip: Use this remedy 3 times a week for best results. 

Watch this video to learn 3 life-saving hacks for hair growth!

5. Coconut Oil & Methi Hair Pack

This miraculous combination of two powerful ingredients can help treat hair fall issues, promote hair growth and moisturise the hair. The lecithin present in fenugreek nourishes the hair, strengthens the roots and heals the scalp. Packed with important nutrients such as iron, vitamin E and vitamin K, coconut oil helps boost hair growth. Here is how you can make your very own fenugreek oil for hair. 

You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds (methi)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Method:

1. Put both the ingredients in a pan and heat till you see the fenugreek seeds turn reddish. 
2. Turn off the stove and let the mixture cool.
3. Once the oil is cool, remove the seeds. 
4. Apply the lukewarm oil on your hair and scalp and massage. 
5. Let it stay overnight. Shampoo your hair the next morning. 

Tip: For best results, use this remedy twice a week. 

6. Banana & Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Bananas are loaded with natural oils, potassium and of course, antioxidants. And we all know how coconut oil works its magic on your tresses. Mix the two and you have an effective treatment for hair fall.

You Will Need:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Method: 

1. Peel two ripe bananas and then slice them into small pieces.
2. Mash them properly to form a paste. 
3. Next, add coconut oil and honey, and blend the ingredients well. 
4. Apply it all over your hair and then leave it on for about an hour. 
5. Once dry, wash it with a good shampoo.

7. Avocado & Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Coconut oil is the amazing and most beneficial oil for hair and its excellent property of penetrating the scalp makes it more worthy. It also contains fatty acids that reduce the effect of hair damage. Avocado when mixed with this superb. Coconut oil protects the hair, it forms a protective layer just like the ozone layer protects the earth from getting the harmful UV rays of the sun. This mixture manages to minimise the loss of moisture and damage.

You Will Need:

• 1 ripen medium-sized avocado
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• Shower cap

Method:

1. Mash the avocado until it is lump-free.
2. Add two tablespoons of coconut oil to the mashed avocado and mix well.
3. Apply the mixture on the scalp and hair so you don’t forget the ends of the hair as those are the most damaged parts of the hair.
4. After applying the mixture fully to the hair, cover it with a shower cap and leave it for 30 minutes.
5. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and don’t forget to apply conditioner.
6. Using a towel squeeze the excess water and let the hair air dry.
7. Apply this hair mask 1 to 2 times a week.

8. Coconut Oil & Curry Leaves Hair Pack

Curry leaves and coconut oil is a haircare combo that all grandmothers swear by. Both these ingredients have been used traditionally to condition and moisturise hair while boosting its growth. 

You Will Need:

• Coconut oil (according to the length of your hair)
• 15-20 curry leaves

Method:

1. Warm up the coconut oil in a double-boiler (don’t boil it as it will lose its nutrients).
2. Once it is hot, add in the curry leaves and let them infuse for 15-20 minutes. 
3. Strain out the mixture and you will have curry leaves hair oil that you can use daily or for weekly hair massages.
4. When it is lukewarm, dip it in your fingertips and gently massage it all over your scalp. Also, cover the tips of your hair for moisturisation.
5. This infused curry leaves hair oil is also beneficial to control hair fall as it strengthens and heals the roots. Keep it on for 1 hour before shampooing.

9. Coconut Oil & Orange Juice

An answer to how to control hair fall in the monsoon is the regular use of coconut oil. Oiling is one of the most important steps in an effective monsoon hair care routine. Loaded with essential fatty acids and proteins, coconut oil helps nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair. It is a great remedy for dryness and frizz.

You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons of warm coconut oil 
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Juice of 1 orange juice

Method:

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.
3. Give yourself turban therapy.
4. After an hour, wash your hair using mild shampoo.

10. Coconut Oil With Vitamin E

All of our dadis and nanis have sworn that coconut oil is the holy grail of hair care. And rightly so! It is a conditioning and nourishing oil, and deep massaging with it once or twice a week can uplift dry hair. Vitamin E can add a boost of conditioning while protecting hair from free radicals.

You Will Need: 

• 4 parts of coconut oil
• 1 part Vitamin E (in the form of Vitamin E oil or you can empty some Vitamin E capsules)

Method:

1. Mix the oil and Vitamin E.
2. Massage it onto your scalp and hair.
3. Let it sit for 40 minutes before washing.

5 Lip-Smacking Coconut Recipes

1. Coconut Barfi

Woolly barfis made with desiccated coconut teamed with a mix of sugar syrup, khoya, ghee and a good helping of almonds. Coconut or Nariyal Barfi is a popular Indian dessert, often prepared at festivals like Diwali, Holi or Onam.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of desiccated coconut
• 4 cups of sugar syrup
• 2 tbsp of khoya
• 1 tbsp of almonds (shredded), blanched
• 1 tbsp of pistachio (shredded), blanched
• 1 tsp ghee

Method:

Prepare Sugar Syrup:

1. Add sugar and water in the same proportions in a pan.
2. Start heating the mixture and keep stirring continuously else the sugar will stick to the bottom and caramelise.
3. When all the sugar dissolves and it becomes nice and thick, put off the flame.

Prepare Coconut Barfi:

1. In a thick-bottomed kadhai, mix the coconut and the sugar syrup.
2. Roast it until it thickens up and acquires a halwa-like consistency.
3. Add the pistachio and almonds.
4. Brush on the ghee in a tray and spread the coconut batter on it. Smoothen out the edges of the batter and cut into barfi shapes when it cools down. Serve.

2. Coconut Rice

The aroma of curry leaves and fresh coconut makes this delicious recipe of coconut rice flavorful and a favourite in the southern parts of India. Easy and quick to make, coconut rice is the perfect lunch recipe that is light on the stomach yet extremely high in nutrients.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp of oil
• ½ tbsp of peanut
• 1 tsp of mustard seeds
• 1 tsp of cumin seeds (jeera)
• ½ tbsp of chana dal, soaked
• ½ tbsp of urad dal, soaked
• 10 curry leaves (kadipatta)
• 1 red whole chilli
• ½ green chilli
• 12 cashew nut
• ½ tsp of salt
• 1 cup of coconut, grated
• 2 cups of Basmati rice (cooked)
• 2 tbsp of coconut, grated

Method:

1. Take oil in a pan and add peanuts.
2. Sauté peanuts and add mustard seeds.
3. Sauté them together and add cumin seeds.
4. Mix them together followed by soaked chana and urad dal.
5. Sauté all the ingredients together.
6. Now add curry leaves, red whole chilli and green chilli.
7. Sauté them well.
8. Add cashew nuts followed by salt to the pan and mix thoroughly.
9. Now add grated coconut to the pan.
10. Mix the coconut thoroughly with the other ingredients to infuse the coconut flavour completely.
11. Now put the cooked rice in the pan.
12. Mix them well together.
13. Add grated coconut to the rice and mix again.
14. Serve hot.

Tip: Adding a fistful of grated carrot or little grated raw mango or a tablespoon of lemon juice, mint leaves or coriander leaves can make the dish more delicious.

3. Chicken Biryani With Coconut Milk

This mouth-watering delicacy shall not leave you disappointed. Pearl white basmati rice cooked along with local spices, succulent chicken pieces and a creamy addition of coconut milk.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of basmati or jeera rice
• 500 grams of chicken
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 5 green chillies
• 5-6 cinnamon sticks (dalchini)
• 6-10 cardamom (elaichi)
• 8-10 cloves (laung)
• 1 tsp of fennel (saunf)
• 10 cashew nuts
• ½ tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
• 2 bay leaves (tej patta)
• 2 tsp of curd
• 2 tsp of ginger-garlic paste
• 200 ml of coconut milk
• 1 sprig of curry leaves (kadipatta)
• 1 spring coriander leaves
• A few mint leaves
• Salt to taste
• 15 ml oil
• 2 tbsp of ghee

Method:

1. Wash Basmati rice and soak it in 800 ml of water for 15 to 30 minutes.
2. Wash the chicken and cut it into small pieces. Add chilli powder, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste, curd and salt. Mix well and keep aside for 3 to 4 hours. Marinating the chicken overnight is advised.
3. Heat oil in a big pressure cooker. Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cashew nuts, and fennel and fry in a slow flame till the cashew nut colour changes slightly brown.
4. Add chopped onion, green chillies (slit vertically) and curry leaves and continue frying till the raw smell of onion subsides.
5. Add chopped tomatoes, remaining ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, coriander leaves, mint leaves, and salt and continue frying in slow flame till tomato gets mashed well.
6. Add chicken and continue frying till the chicken gets slightly cooked.
7. Add basmati rice and continue frying for 2 minutes.
8. Add water in which we soaked rice and coconut milk. Bring to a boil and pressure cook for 8 to 10 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and transfer to a big plate.
10. Add ghee and mix well.
11. Serve hot with korma and raita.

4. Khao Soi

A famous Burmese delicacy studded with chicken and noodles cooked in mild spices and coconut milk. A perfect, delicious whole meal, cooked in just about 30 minutes. This will fill you up with delectable flavours!

Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken-cooked, de-boned and cut into small pieces
• 1½ cups of coconut milk, thick
• 3 large onions, finely sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• ½ cup of chickpea flour (chana ka aata)
• 2 cups of thin coconut milk
• 4 eggs, hard-boiled
• Some small coriander leaves, chopped
• Green chillies, chopped
• 500 grams of rice noodles, cooked
• Chilli oil (1 tsp of chilli powder and 2 tbsp of olive oil cooked together for a minute)

Method:

1. Cook thick coconut milk in a saucepan, stirring constantly until it becomes very oily.
2. Add half the onions and all the garlic and fry, stirring occasionally.
3. Add chicken and cook, stirring constantly for a few minutes. Set aside.
4. Mix chickpea flour with cold water to form a thin cream. Add thin coconut milk to the pan and when it comes to a boil stir in the chickpea flour mixture. Cook and stir constantly until it thickens a little.
5. Add the chicken and onion mixture, and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
6. Stir in chilli oil and remove from the heat.
7. Serve in a large bowl with noodles, sliced hard-boiled eggs, raw onions, coriander and green chillies on the side.

5. Mango & Coconut Pannacotta

Fresh mango pulp and coconut milk come together to serve you a decadent Italian dessert – panna cotta. All you need is a few simple, easily available ingredients and thirty minutes. Top it with mint leaves to add a dose of freshness.

Prep Time: 05 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of ripe mango pulp
• 1 cup of coconut milk
• 1 cup of fresh cream
• 1½ tbsp of vegetarian gelatin
• ⅓ cup + 2 tbsp of castor sugar
• Few drops of vanilla essence
• 1 ripe mango, peeled
• Fresh mint leaves for garnishing 

Method:

1. Take gelatin in a bowl.
2. Add 1 tbsp hot water, mix well and let it dissolve completely.
3. Heat cream in a deep non-stick pan.
4. Add castor sugar and vanilla essence, and mix well.
5. Bring to a boil.
6. Add half the gelatin to the mango pulp and the remaining to the coconut milk, and mix well.
7. Add half the cooked cream to mango pulp and the remaining to coconut milk, and mix well.
8. Spread a layer of mango cream into a shot glass and refrigerate for a half-hour or till set.
9. Spread a layer of coconut cream over the mango cream layer and refrigerate for a half-hour or till set.
10. Repeat both layers once more after each layer sets properly.
11. Cut mango into small dice.
12. Top pannacotta with mango dices.
13. Garnish with mint leaves and serve chilled.

Coconut is one of the best things about coconut is that you can relish it when it’s fresh as well as in the dried form mixed with a variety of nuts and dry fruits. Those scorching days of summer and our eyes would automatically scan the neighbourhood in search of local pushcart vendors selling coconut water in their tubs. Even a little sip is refreshing, having an unbelievable power to rejuvenate one instantly. Not just that, it is also a key ingredient for many mouth-watering recipes. And to add to its magic, coconut can also be used for DIYs for skin and hair. What are you waiting for? Put this magic ingredient to work and let us know what is your favourite recipe in the comments.

Fashion Tip: Want some tips-n-tricks on how to remove Holi colour from hair? Check it out here.