From cooking oil to beauty aid, coconut oil is a healthy alternative for many processed oils and chemically-laden products. But here’s a use you may not have considered…using it to spice up your love life. Coconut oil has no added chemicals or toxins, which makes it an ideal choice for anyone with allergies or sensitive skin. It’s also antibacterial, antifungal, and extremely moisturizing. So, why not take it into the bedroom? Here are five creative ways to use coconut oil to spice up your love life.
Spice up your sex drive
Did you know that eating coconut oil is good for the libido? Some people swear that consuming virgin coconut oil increases their sexual desire. This may be due to the antioxidants in the oil that help combat free radicals. And of course, free radicals may cause a lowered libido. Research from the University of St. Thomas studied how coconut oil affects the sex drive. Out of 189 participants, 110 people consumed three tablespoons of virgin coconut oil every day for four months. The remaining 79 people received a placebo similar to virgin coconut oil. It seems that some participants observed a higher sex drive than normal during the test phase.
All in all, 13 percent of those taking virgin coconut oil became sexually active during the duration of the study. While that may not seem like a lot, it’s definitely worth dropping a tablespoon into your — and your partners — breakfast smoothie or bulletproof coffee. Word of caution, those in the study who consumed coconut oil daily did observe some adverse side effects such as stomach ache, soft bowel, sweating, and nausea. So don’t go overboard. Â
For a sensual massage
There’s only one thing that could make a massage with your partner better — virgin coconut oil. It smells great, tastes great, and is super slippery and moisturizing. So, why not start your romantic evening with a sensual massage? A sensual massage is the perfect way to relieve stress and create intimacy, according to research. At room temperature, coconut oil is solid, but when rubbed in the palm of your hands, it will soften and melt, creating the perfect massage oil.  Â
Warm the oil between your hands and rub it all over your partner’s body — starting at the shoulders and ending at the feet. It’s all about touching each other and being emotionally vulnerable. So, light a few candles, turn on some soft music, and grab a jar of coconut oil. Â
As an edible body paint
Let’s get naughty…Want to turn up the heat on a sensual massage? Add organic cocoa into your virgin coconut oil. Use it as edible body paint, and then — lick it off.
Add virgin coconut oil to a steamy bath for two
There are so many ways to create beautiful, intimate moments with your partner. Intimacy is not just about having sex; it’s also about cuddling, hugging, and heck, having a bath together with a little coconut oil. A long and relaxing bath relieves a day of stress. And a long, sensual back rub in the tub is the perfect intimate prelude to a night of fun. So, add a tablespoon to warm running water. Feel free to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil as well. Don’t forget to light the candles and keep towels close by. A little coconut oil goes a long way towards making both you and your partner feel smooth and silky to the touch.
As a personal lubricant
No matter how good your sex life is, a little coconut oil can make it even better. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 30 percent of women and seven percent of men experienced pain during their most recent sexual encounter. Not only will coconut oil ease vaginal dryness, but it can also help increase sensitivity and arousal — for both women and men. Interestingly, the study also found that large proportions of Americans don’t confide in their partners when sex hurts.
It’s quite normal for the body to stop producing enough lubrication due to hormonal changes, medication, and aging in general. Needless to say, introducing coconut oil during foreplay and sexual intercourse can be a lifesaver for many relationships. Research suggests that coconut oil is clinically safe and effective when used as a moisturizer. In fact, it’s the moisturizing properties that turn coconut oil into an effective lubricant, allowing intercourse to run its full course.
Word of caution
When using coconut oil as a lubricant for sex, it should not be used with latex condoms. Just like all oil-based lubricants — artificial or natural — coconut oil can potentially degrade the latex, possibly placing you at risk of getting pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Additionally, if you are prone to vaginal yeast infections, using coconut oil as a lubricant may not be ideal. Since coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal, it has the potential to disrupt the pH balance in the vagina, causing a yeast infection.
-Katherine Marko
