Coconut Oil For Anxiety? Does It Actually Work?

* Verified by a US-based board-certified doctor.

Are you looking to calm down your anxiety levels?

If so, you’re not alone. Anxiety is the most commonly occurring mental illness in the United States, with over 20% of the American population suffering from anxiety. 

If you search for natural solutions for anxiety online, you’ll find all kinds of answers. Many people will tell you that coconut oil is one of the best solutions for anxiety. But does coconut oil actually work? If it does work, how do you use coconut oil for anxiety?

Read on to find out about coconut oil and anxiety. 

Related: Automatic Negative Thoughts: What It Is and How to Stop It 

What is Coconut Oil? 

You can easily find coconut oil online or at almost any grocery store. As you may have guessed, coconut oil comes from coconut fruit. 

It’s made by pressing the coconut meat to squeeze out the oils. Just as there are different kinds of olive oil, there are also different kinds of coconut oil. These include:

• Virgin/Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: There is no distinction between virgin and extra virgin coconut oil. However, you’ll still see some manufacturers label them differently. 

Many people consider coconut oil to be a superfood. This is because coconut oil offers a variety of benefits. These include:

• It contains healthy fatty acids
• It can boost your heart health
• It has fat-burning properties
• It has anti-microbial effects
• It can curb cravings and hunger
• It can raise good cholesterol

Coconut oil can also improve your hair, skin, and teeth. 

What is Anxiety? 

To know if coconut oil can help with anxiety, you first need to understand what anxiety is. Anxiety is more than feeling nervous from time to time. 

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, it’s a mental health disorder. Those who suffer from anxiety experience the following symptoms:

• Feelings of nervousness, tenseness, or restlessness
• Trembling or sweating
• Feeling tired or weak
• Feeling a sense of impending doom or danger
• Experiencing gastrointestinal problems
• Trouble sleeping
• Constant worry

There is also more than one type of anxiety. The type of anxiety someone suffers from can affect the symptoms they experience. The most common kinds of anxiety include panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, social anxiety disorders, phobias, and agoraphobia. 

Most doctors will have you fill out a questionnaire to determine if you suffer from anxiety. 

Related: What are the Most Popular Natural Antidepressants? 

Does Coconut Oil Work for Anxiety? 

So, can you use coconut oil for anxiety?

Some research shows that coconut oil can help combat the effects of physiological and psychological stress. However, scientists will need to do more research to determine how effective coconut oil is at treating anxiety. 

Luckily, coconut oil doesn’t come with any harmful side effects, so if you feel like it helps ease your anxiety, there’s no reason to not incorporate coconut oil into your diet. 

Some people also find that coconut oil helps fight depression.

What’s the difference between serotonin and dopamine? Click here to find out. 

How to Use Coconut Oil 

If you’re looking to use coconut oil for anxiety, here are some ways you can incorporate it into your life:

Cooking 

Coconut oil serves as a great substitute for butter, olive oil, and other types of oil in cooking. You can easily sautee coconut oil with meat, vegetables, or seafood. 

Many people also like to drizzle coconut oil atop their popcorn for some added flavor. You can also use coconut oil with seasoning as a rub for meats. 

Add it to Other Recipes 

Coconut oil also makes a great addition to many recipes. If you like to make smoothies for breakfast in the morning, a tablespoon of coconut oil can add flavor and boost your anxiety. 

You can also add coconut oil to curry recipes, whether it be Indian curry or Thai curry. 

Add to Beverages 

If you’re looking for an easy way to consume coconut oil, you can add it to your beverages. Simply stir a spoonful of coconut oil into your morning coffee or tea. 

Coconut oil goes especially well with chai tea. 

Supplements 

You can also purchase coconut oil in supplement form. Supplements are a great option for those who don’t like the taste of coconut oil or have trouble adding it to their diet. 

Plus, supplements offer fewer calories than regular coconut oil. One tablespoon of coconut oil comes with 117 calories, so if you’re watching your weight, adding coconut oil to your dishes may not be the best idea. 

Other Natural Alternatives for Anxiety 

If you find that coconut oil doesn’t work for your anxiety, there are still other natural solutions available. Here are some of the best natural remedies for anxiety:

• Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking
• Stay active
• Ditch the caffeine
• Get adequate sleep
• Meditate
• Practice deep breathing
• Follow a healthy diet
• Drink chamomile tea
• Practice yoga

There are many natural herbal substances you can use to treat anxiety as well, such as lavender, passionflower, lemon balm, and valerian root. 

Related: Best Nootropics for Anxiety

Coconut Oil for Anxiety: Wrap Up 

Now, it’s time to try out coconut oil for your anxiety. When purchasing coconut oil, we suggest searching for organic varieties, as these won’t contain any harmful preservatives. 

If you find that coconut oil doesn’t work for your anxiety, you can still cook with it or use it for your hair or skin. 

Are you looking for a drink that can help calm your anxiety? Check out Magic Mind!