Coconut Oil in Winter: Antimicrobial Comfort for Nose, Ears, and More

From the Desk of Alida, our Founder:

When you think of immune support, what's the first thing that comes to mind? 

Herbal Tea?

Raw Honey?

Supplements to boost your immunity?

Washing your hands a bit more?

As a Naturopath, I'm obsessed with something most people overlook in immune support: the mucosal membranes.

Geeky, I know.

But it's literally one of THE most vulnerable parts of your immune system as it's right at the surface.

These delicate, moist linings in your nose, mouth, and throat are where most respiratory infections start. In winter, especially when exposed to heated air, they can dry out, crack, and lose some of their protective mucus, making it easier for microbes to get through.

And my favorite way to keep the membranes healthy is something you probably already have in your kitchen: Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil.

No, it's not just for eating, cooking or adding into your coffee.

Its combination of antimicrobial fatty acids and barrier‑supporting moisture, can be a powerful ally for keeping these front lines resilient and functioning at their best.

The Science: Lauric Acid, Monolaurin & Microbes

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is unique among dietary fats because of its high medium‑chain fatty acid content, especially lauric acid (C12:0), which typically makes up 45–52% of its fatty‑acid profile. When you ingest or use coconut oil, enzymes (lipases) can break it down into: Lauric acid, 1‑monolaurin, and 2‑monolaurin.

These molecules have both water‑loving and fat‑loving regions, allowing them to insert into and disrupt lipid membranes.

A comprehensive review on virgin coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties notes that lauric acid and monolaurin have broad‑spectrum antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. And they are particularly effective against:

• Gram‑positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.
• Fungi like Candida albicans (implicated in thrush and other yeast infections).
• Enveloped viruses, including vesicular stomatitis virus, herpes simplex virus, and visna virus, where disruption of the viral envelope can inactivate the virus.

Monolaurin, in particular, has been studied as a safe, potent monoglyceride with bacteriostatic and antiviral properties, capable of inhibiting microbial growth, reducing exotoxin production, and interfering with biofilms.

And unlike anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral medications and soaps, coconut oil does all of this without disrupting your body's natural microbiome. 

While most of this data comes from in vitro and animal work, it provides a mechanistic rationale for coconut oil’s traditional use in supporting microbial balance.

Your Cold Weather Ally

Seasonal conditions like dry air, increased viral exposure, and dietary shifts (increase in sugar and alcohol consumption) weaken the physical barrier and the microbiological terrain at your entry points.

Coconut oil works in two powerful ways:

1. Moisturizing Barrier

When applied topically, coconut oil creates a thin lipid layer that locks in moisture and protects sensitive mucosal or peri‑mucosal tissues from further drying and irritation.

This is especially relevant for the skin just inside the nostrils, lips, and the outer ear/eye area, which can become raw and cracked in winter.

2. Antimicrobial Environment Support

Its lauric/monolaurin content can help create an environment less friendly to certain bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses, whether via ingestion, oil‑pulling, or some carefully guided topical uses.

Together, these properties can add a subtle but quite meaningful layer of support to your overall immune strategy.

Here are 4 ways I use it and recommend use to my clients. This is for educational purposes, and is not intended to take the place of medical advice.

The mouth is a major gateway for microbes. In winter, dry air, sugar, and stress can shift oral microbiota in unfavorable ways. Oil pulling with coconut oil is one way I have clients support their oral ecology.

And science is now catching up to what us Naturopaths have known for years...

A 2020 systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluated coconut oil oil‑pulling for oral health. While the evidence base is still limited and of variable quality, the review concluded:

• Oil pulling with coconut oil may have a beneficial effect on improving oral health and dental hygiene and could be used as an adjunct to normal preventive routines.

• Some included trials found reductions in plaque scores and bacterial colony counts (particularly Streptococcus mutans) when coconut oil pulling was added to conventional brushing.

A 2022 meta‑analysis of nine RCTs investigating oil pulling (mostly with coconut or sesame oil) found that oil pulling was effective in reducing salivary bacterial colony counts compared with controls. 

How to Use Coconut Oil for the Mouth 

• Use 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of unrefined virgin coconut oil upon waking.

• Swish gently around the mouth for 5–10 minutes (do not gargle or swallow).

• Spit into the trash (not the sink, to avoid plumbing issues) and rinse with warm water.

• Brush as usual afterward.

Morning is the best time to do this to help “pull” out overnight bacterial buildup and coat tissues with a soothing fat layer at the start of your day.

People with coconut allergies can use sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil if allergic to sesame seeds.

Bonus: the added swishing with coconut oil in the morning helps to tone and tighten the jowls. YAYA for dual-purpose self-care activities!

II. Coconut Oil for the Nose: Moisturizing Dry Passages

Dry nasal passages are incredibly common in winter and can lead to cracking and nosebleeds, increased irritation from pollutants and allergens, and a potentially easier path for microbes to reach deeper tissues.

A number of ENT and integrative sources suggest that natural oils such as coconut oil can help moisturize and soothe dry nasal passages when used carefully. Coconut oil offers:

• Emollient properties that help restore moisture to dry mucosa.
• A thin barrier that reduces direct contact with irritants and potentially traps some allergens.
• Anti‑inflammatory effects that may help calm irritated tissue.

Practical Tips (External/Intranasal Use)

Soften a small amount of coconut oil (room temperature or gently warmed until semi‑liquid).

Using clean hands or a cotton swab, apply a very thin layer to the entrance of each nostril, not deeply into the nasal cavity.

Avoid large amounts or deep insertion to minimize aspiration risk.

People with chronic respiratory conditions, history of aspiration, or specific ENT issues should consult a clinician before using oils intranasally.

Bonus: This works great in conjunction with nasal irrigation/neti pot usage as saline can be drying during winter months, following up with coconut oil can help restore moisture and keep nasal passages clear.

Eyes & Ears: Outer‑Area Comfort Only

For the eyes and ears, caution matters.

• Eyes: Using a clean finger, being sure the coconut oil has not been contaminated from food or dirty utensils, place a tiny amount of coconut oil at the edge of the eye crease. Close the eye and move the eye ball around, allow the coconut oil to melt over the eye ball and cleanse the surface of the eye. Doing this at night before bed can assist in the cleansing process, aiding in both the removal of any debris and supporting the movement of tears through the nose to cleanse the nasal passages. Some also find that applying a small amount of coconut oil to the outer eyelids and surrounding skin can help with dryness and irritation from winter winds and heaters, acting as a gentle moisturizer and barrier for the skin around the eyes.

• Ears: Coconut oil is sometimes used under practitioner guidance to soften earwax or soothe dry outer ear skin. The safe home approach is to apply a small amount to the outer ear and entrance, not deep into the canal, and massage around the ear and gently below the earlobe. This process moisturizes the inner ear and encourages drainage of lymph to support immunity resilience.

In both cases, high‑quality, uncontaminated oil and clean application are important. If you have eye disease, ear infections, a perforated eardrum, or chronic conditions, consult a professional before applying any oil.

Layering Coconut Oil into a Holistic Immune Strategy

Coconut oil is just one tool, albeit powerful tool, not a replacement for a comprehensive immune strategy. It fits best when layered into holistic protocols that include:

1. Adequate sleep and stress regulation (for mucosal immunity).
2. Nutrient‑dense foods, especially vitamins A, D, C, and zinc.
3. Hydration and humidification (using humidifiers or steam).
4. Gentle nasal and oral hygiene (saline rinses, tongue scraping, brushing, microbiome‑friendly products).

In cold months, your body doesn’t just need more supplements (crazy, I know); it needs more care at the borders—where the outside world meets your inner terrain. Virgin coconut oil, with its lauric acid–driven antimicrobial effects and its comforting, barrier‑forming moisture, offers a simple, widely available way to nourish those borders.

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