Coconut oil is a gift from the gods. Although I have not tested out all of its possible functions and even some of the items on this list yet, here are a number of reasons why I will always stand by this miracle oil and use it so long as bees pollinate this earth.

Coconut oil:

1. Can be used as a moisturizer/lotion...

2. ...and chapstick...

3. ...and deodorant...

4. ...and even as a light sunscreen.

5. Makes a great substitute for shaving cream (albeit a slippery one).

6. Is a natural makeup remover.

7. Can get rid of or lessen scars, cellulite, and other marks sometimes considered undesirable when applied and massaged in regularly.

8. Strengthens and helps your nails grow.

9. It's great for your hair! Just make sure to wash it out thoroughly whether you use it as a conditioner or directly on your scalp.

10. De-frizzes your hair.

11. Whitens and strengthens teeth. Oil pulling consists of swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes and then spitting it into the trashcan. (Do not spit it down the drain, as it will solidify and eventually build up.)

12. Helps repair cracked and dry heels.

13. Alleviates allergy symptoms when put in the nostrils or ingested (and it is safe to consume, provided you buy unrefined -- I recommend Trader Joe's).

14. Is good for your dog's coat; it makes it shinier and healthier.

15. Prevents and reduces stretch marks during pregnancy.

16. Works miracles on acne -- you just need to tough it out past the initial breakout stage.

17. Is a natural lube. Don't use if your contraceptive method is a condom, though. If that's the case, stick to water-based lube so the condom doesn't wear down.

18. Is great for cooking with high heats. Even if you're cooking with low heat, using coconut oil instead of, say, olive oil for pasta or even non-stick cooking spray for eggs is a better alternative because it is a healthier fat with more nutritional value.

19. Makes a healthier replacement for dairy coffee creamer.

20. Provides instant energy when consumed, and it does not store as fat!

21. Soothes sunburn. Use after the heat sensation has dissipated.

22. Aids pets with digestion when a tablespoon or two is mixed into their food.

23. Repels insects when mixed with essential oils like peppermint or rosemary.

24. Is a chemical-free, natural diaper cream for babies.

25. Helps treat UTIs and yeast infections. Apply externally; internal digestion can aid recovery as well.

26. Soothes a sore throat when dissolved into hot tea.

27. Enhances breast milk and its supply when consumed by nursing mothers.

28. Relieves itchiness from mosquito bites and chicken pox, to name two.

29. Can improve the quality of sleep when ingested regularly.

30. Increases retention of minerals like magnesium.

When in doubt, use coconut oil!