Coconut Oil
Health Benefits

Coconut Oil Benefits, Side Effects and Reviews

Multiple Cures

76 User Reviews
5 star (72) 
  95%
4 star (2) 
  3%
3 star (2) 
  3%

Posted by Mauris (Port Orchard, Washington, USA) on 03/27/2007
★★★★★

For about the last 12 months I have only used olive oil and unrefined virgin coconut oil in my household. I only cook with coconut oil, and I eat about 2 or 3 tablespoons of this oil a day. Anymore, I rarely eat out, because of the refined polyunsaturated and easily oxydized oils used in most commercially prepared foods. Coconut oil is stable, does not go rancid, and is easily and quickly digested and turned into energy. After I bathe or shower I always rub coconut oil on my body. All total, it's a big plus. I'm age 66, am 5' 11" tall, and weigh about 165. I have more energy than I used to have, I no longer have itchy athlete's foot, my skin is soft, seems like my digestion is better (less stomach gas), and my blood pressure and cholesterol are both good. It's very unfortunate that we typically think of any and ALL saturated fat as something that's bad for the health!


Multiple Cures
Posted by Cindy (Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada) on 03/11/2007
★★★★★

I'use coconut oil and apple cider vinegar everyday. just started a week ago with both feel better, less stressed, more energy, sleep better, it is very good for you, l have stomach problems,been using acv for 6 years before meals and it works. As with the coconut oil it is hard to swallow some days but l do it cause it is good for you...l try to use it when l cook my eggs with salsa -- it is great!!! Salsa and hot peppers are great .. green tea with lemon as well is awesome l just like it and it keeps me slim as well and healthy. thanks have a great day to all..


Multiple Cures
Posted by Brad (Rochester, MI) on 03/01/2007
★★★★★

I have been using 1-2 Tbs. of coconut oil per day for about a month now, gradually increasing it over time to avoid any nausea. So far no nausea or stomach issues, and my energy has increased. Overall, I feel great and I've lost 10 pounds! I started taking it for sinus related issues, which is only moderately seems to help so far, but the other benefits are great. My question is, I've heard if you take this long term it may negatively affect your liver. Is there any data to support this claim?


Multiple Cures
Posted by Margo (NY, NY) on 03/01/2007
★★★★★

My son takes Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil for acne and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in food and I use it for my skin and also add it to my food. We've had marvelous results so far! I also tried a little in hot chocolate and coffee,but we all know that water and oil don't mix--yuk! It's good with smoothies and mixed in with hot rice though.


Multiple Cures
Posted by Jon (Austin, TX) on 02/17/2007
★★★★★

I'm 21 years old and I've been consuming unrefined organic coconut oil for 3 months now, and I haven't felt any better. My curiosity began when I had read a very popular natural cures book describing the amazing health benefits of coconut oil. It stated the oil can put cancer into remission which caught my attention because a couple of years prior, I had been experiencing pain in one of my testicles along with a small lump. As of now, the lump is still present, and I plan on treating that as well, but the pain has passed since using the magnificent oil.

Toxins in the body build over time and can make the liver sluggish in absorbing nutrients. I regularly detoxify my body (once every month or so) with a 7-day herbal detox program to maintain my health and assure I'm taking full advantage of coconut oil's benefits. I've also lost 15 lbs easily and effortlessly by using the oil, and it's given me alot more energy to exercise even after an 8-hour shift of stocking boxes.

Another ailment it's helped me with is bad breath. I constantly forget to brush my teeth simply because I never wake up with bad breath anymore! I often go 3-4 days without brushing. But because the oil is antiviral/antibacterial, it's cleansing my mouth and throat of germs that could've been causing my bad breath and possibly other problems I haven't acknowledged. I also rarely have anymore canker sores in the mouth. I'm not a certified homeopath or naturopath, but I strongly recommend cleansing the body before attempting to use a natural remedy to aid in full absorption of its healing properties. Daily, I consume 2 tbsp of organic, unrefined coconut oil (2 tbsp in the morning and 2 tbsp in the mid-afternoon) while in it's liquid state. I've noticed when I scoop out a tbsp of solid coconut oil and melt it, the liquid form ends up being a larger amount than when it was solid. So scoop wisely. I wish all of you the best experience while using coconut oil and other natural remedies.

Replied by Steven
(Conroe, Tx)
09/10/2009

Have the lump checked by a doctor. Don't do any guessing about Cancer.


Multiple Cures
Posted by Sandra (Entiat, WA) on 01/18/2007
★★★★★

Hello, I am sort of new to use of coconut oil. I have been using it minimally for about 2 years.I take it right off the spoon and let it melt in my mouth. WHAT I HAVE NOTICED: I started taking a spoon full before each meal (about a week ago).

1. I have a tooth that lost its crown a couple of months ago and my gums were very tender around the tooth and somewhat in the rest of my mouth. The tenderness has gone. I had been doing oil swishing previously with mixed results.
2. My little chihuahua was driving me nuts by constantly licking her butt. I decided to give her a little of the vco a couple times a day. The licking stopped.
3. I have noticed an increase in energy. I can now work around the house for several hours without "running out of steam".
4. I am losing some weight at a slow pace.
5. For a many years I have been awakened at night by my bladder screaming at me. I go to the bathroom to find only a small dribble. I then have much trouble going back to sleep. My bladder would get sore (not like real pain) sort of like if you pushed on a bruise. Since I started taking the VCO regularly the soreness is gone and I sleep much longer, the urine release is much greater, and I hope to eventually sleep thru the night. I Do have hypertension but according to some authors, it helps hypertension. So I will go with their advise. It seems to me that with everything that VCO helps, the other things it does would just naturally benefit the hypertension. I am 70 and plan to also start using it for my skin and hair. I can hardly wait to see what other benefits I notice!

Replied by Sergio
(Long Beach, Ca)
05/26/2011

I've been reading on the mutiple cures of coconut oil. I recently bought some but, my question is should the oil be in liquid form or paste form?

Replied by Sweetie
(Brazil)
05/27/2011

Hi Sergio, it depends on room temperature. Right now it's winter where I live to it is in solid/pasty form. But during the summer is always liquid.


Multiple Cures
Posted by Diane (Magnolia Springs, AL) on 04/25/2006
★★★★★

I am 51 and I started using unrefined coconut oil for my hair. Being in the South and working outside my hair was in bad shape. I started using it on my hair and wow what a difference. My hair is soft and the color is great. I use it on my face arms body and my husband used sunblock and kept getting white blisters on his ears started using coconut oil and they went away. I now take coconut orally and I too started the sick side effects. I reduced the amount and it cleaned my colon, I now go twice a day. My muscles do not ache in the mornings, no stiff neck. I have been using the coconut oil now for 8 months.


Multiple Cures
Posted by Jeanine (Aurelia, IA) on 03/18/2006
★★★★★

Coconut Oil has made me feel great i'm 54 and it has given me a lot more energy and i haven't been sick since i've been taking it which is for about 4 months . My hair and skin are great. I use it both internally and externally and my teeth and gums are the healthiest they have been in years. I think the reason people get sick from it when they first start to use it is that it does remove the parasites in your system and that maybe an adjustment for them so i would say start out very slow and increase as you go and be sure to use it in food at first but it is great after you use it for a while.

Replied by Pamela
(Atlanta, Ga)
09/21/2010

Hello Jeanine, I am 38 and I care about my health. Just last week I found out the health benefits of this coconut oil. I just started using it for cooking this week. You mentioned in your email that people get sick when they first start using it. Is it diarrhea sick? I ask because I had a bout of diarrhea today, twice in the morning. I ate my lunch and this time it stayed with me. How long do I have to wait for this to pass? Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!


Nausea

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Me (Nowhere, USA) on 03/05/2008
★★★★★

My son likes oil based salad dressing, french fries, fried rice, etc, but always felt nauseous after eating those things. We tried using coconut oil instead of other oils, and when we do, he feels well after eating, and can eat a normal size portion instead of only a few bites. Any amount seems to work.


Oil Pulling

4 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  50%
3 star (1) 
  25%
(1) 
  25%

Posted by Jana (Portland, Tn, United States) on 04/11/2013

I would like for my elderly mother to try oil pulling as she suffers from severe arthritis but she has both upper and lower dentures, would this still be a viable option for her? Could she still 'swish' in the morning before putting her dentures in? I would love to be able to be able to tell her about this and for it to work for her so she would not be in so much pain. Additionally, what kind of coconut oil is best to use? Organic, extra virgin, etc? I'm new to all of this and it's all a bit confusing to me. I will be trying this myself as I suffer from chronic daily migraines as well as cluster headaches nonstop with no relief in sight and have been on massive doses of opiates to control the pain for six years now and I hate the amount of chemicals running good through my body. I and am hoping that this will help with the migraines and hopefully the clusters as well, not to mention a total body cleanse!

Replied by Dawn
(Ia)
09/22/2016

I would have her start. There is still a lot of toxins and bacteria in the mouth. Even with dentures.


Oil Pulling
Posted by Debi Sunshine (Apple Valley, Ca) on 04/09/2013
★★★★★

I use 1 tbsp of Coconut Oil and I add a few drops of oil of wild oregano for immune support OR clove oil if I have a toothache. I average 5 days a week and I do it in the morning. For three years I have not had a cold or flu. I started OP because I couldn't afford a dentist and I am thrilled with the results. Whiter, stronger teeth and pinker gums. Feeling good. I learned about this from Earth Clinic then checked out Bruce Fife's book from the library. Happy swishing!!


Oil Pulling
Posted by Hollly (Algonquin, Illinois) on 12/11/2011

I've only been OPing for 3 days, once a day in the morning or whenever my stomache is empty. I'm using organic extra virgin coconut oil. The very first day I started, I got a wave of horrible depression. I'm continuing with the pulling but the depression now isn't getting better. I am sensitive to lots of chemicals, substances etc. so I am naturally prone to depression, but I can feel that this depression is something different.

Do I stick with it? Should I stop and give myself a break? Is depression a common side effect? :

Replied by Timh
(Louisville, Usa)
12/12/2011
2063 posts

Holly, I would stay with the pulling because the side effects are evidence that you have some type of toxin or heavy metal in your body (that needs to be out). All toxins in general are damaging to lipids, sugars, and amino acids; and as such, can have notable side effects like depression.

Also, I have had to up my oral care since O. P. because of the heavy toxin loads (no depression on my part). otc mouth wash, colloidal silver, H2O2 are mandatory for infection prevention. Also consider other types of oil ( I use Canola or Canola blend), and if you foam up quickly, reduce your pull time to 15 or 10 min.

You may need to use some charcoal or bentonite to help remove the toxins. Tyrosine, St JohnsWort, and 5-HTP will help with the depression. NAC will boost glutathione which you seem to be insufficient. Any form of magnesium will help (i use Epsom salt foot bath daily). Vit-C is also critical in detox (i use 500mg before and 500mg after O. P. to lesson my symptoms).

If your negative symptoms get overwhelming, take a few days off O. P. Try a 2 dys on 2 days off until your negative side effects disappear (depending on how toxic your body is).

Hope this helps and good luck.

Replied by Francisca
(Zug, Zug, Switzerland)
12/12/2011

Come on, you don't honestly believe that swishing a bit of oil around in your mouth gives you depression, do you? I have to be honest, sometimes I think that there are people who infiltrate sites like this trying to prove that the people here are wackes and if that is the case it is very wrong. It can be that you honestly believe what you are saying, some people just have to blame anything they are feeling on what they are trying out but come on, getting depression from swishing a bit of oil around in your mouth, once a day for three days.......

Replied by Liz
(Boston, Massachusetts)
12/12/2011

Well, there's a double standard if I ever saw one.

The list of potential cures from oil pulling is quite lengthy. If its curing potential is great, why is it so far fetched to believe that it could also have side-effects?

If it has the 'power' (if you will) to cure ailments, why would it not also have the power to cause some in those who have sensitivities? That seems perfectly reasonable.

To say; "Come on, you don't believe that swishing around a little oil in your mouth gives you depression, do you?" could be flipped to "Come on, you don't believe that swishing around a little oil in your mouth CURES pain issues, sinus issues, migraines, acne, etc. do you?"

You can't have it both ways.

There was no need to mock the poster and question their integrity solely because their experience didn't conform with your personal theory. This is a forum where sharing experiences (both Yea's and Nay's) is encouraged, not scorned.

Replied by Melanie
(Owen Sound, Ontario Canada)
12/14/2011

I don't know about oil pulling - but I went with my mother few years ago to her deep tissue massage session. The therapist told me that many people start to cry, or have depression after deep muscle massage - because of the toxins that are being released from the muscles. I think the same could apply to oil pulling - if the toxins are being pulled out the depression could be a side effect.

Clinical depression lasts for few weeks with no let-up. So sad feelings from toxins being released should ease up as the body toxins decrease.

I am not a professional, but makes sense to me.

Replied by Randy
(Howell, Michigan)
01/02/2012

You can experience the same detoxing results of oil pulling by taking LECITHIN. The powder form of LECITHIN is best according to Ted on EC.

Replied by Miles
(New York, NY)
05/18/2012

Right seems we're moving into discussion about the practice of "oil exchange" for detoxing and healing from many health conditions. Maybe its discussed elsewhere on this amazing site! But here's a bit with few things that may be of interest:

It's said the ever-intelligent body pulls toxins and posions out of circulation by trapping them in the fat cells where they will stay for years unless detoxed. Over time the toxins accumulate, disrupt body functions and manifest as disease.

There's a number of people who've written about this:

* Udo of Udo's Oils wrote a book about how he healed himself using "oil exchange" after he experienced serious ogranophosphate poisoning (nerve agent used commonly in herbicides and commercial lawn care applications -- symptoms of which manifest as depression, anxiety, brain-fog and more. ) He says he drank up to 12 TBL of good oils daily (omega 3 like flax oil and omega 6 like borage oil) in conjunction with saunas to assist the removal of toxins.

* Dr. William Rea head of the Environmental Health Clinic, who's helped restore people to health after toxic exposures like 9/11, Katrina, and the Exxon Valdez clean-up, believes a huge percentage of "diseases" and conditions are related to chemical toxicity. Part of his protocol includes sauna to remove the toxins and good oils supplmentation, as well as PPC - phosphaytidylcholine which is found in lecithin (and naturally in egg yolks and krill oil), and is a lipid (good oil) that helps restore and rejunvinate cell membranes in the liver, instestines, brain etc. and is providing good results for maladies in these areas (like alzheimers, chemical sensitivity, Hepatitis C, cirrosis, etc.)

(See also Drs. Kane and Shoemaker who've had great results treat patients with chronic diseases using "lipid exchange" -- IVs of PPC and glutathine.)

and then

* Deepak Chopra recommends oil pulling ... which is perhaps a great "DIY" version. Curious if someone might explain how coconut oil specifically factors into this concept of "lipid exchange" for healing?

Replied by Bman
(Victoria, Bc Canada)
11/06/2012

It's been awhile since Holly's post, but since people like myself use this site for relevant info I thought I'd add that depression and chemical sensitivities are both symptoms of candida (yeast) infections, and that cocunut oil can cause a die-off reaction as it kills the yeast.

A multi-year systemic yeast infection is what led me to this point. My symptoms got worse and worse as well as more and more (panic feelings, athlete's foot, jock itch, psoriasis, itching). Finally I tied together several of the symptoms through extensive research and came up with the idea of candida. But how to cure it? Everyone had an idea to sell me something, but I've been living overseas and have no access to these 'cures. ' Until I came across caproil as a possibility, and then learned that caproil is just a marketable part of coconut oil!

Since then I've been slowly adding more oil to my diet, stopping now and then when my die-off reaction became too much, and then getting back at it (insomnia, crawling/itchy skin, what felt like electrical reactions throughout my body, etc... ) I'm still only at 1 tablespoon a day, but I already feel so much better. All of my symptoms are gone or almost gone. And since I have learned of coconut oil's extensive benefits, I know its a superfood I will always be taking. I just wish somebody had told me about it earlier. It seems if there is no profit in it, we are all left to fend for ourselves. Good luck all!


Oil Pulling
Posted by Joe (Melbourne, Australia) on 04/03/2011
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I'm on the start of my 4th day of Oil Pulling. I use Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. I have already seen improvements in my teeth & gums - teeth are whiter and my gums don't hurt like they usually do.

I have been doing OP three times a day for 20 minutes each time. I use about a teaspoon of coconut oil.

The downside is that I seem to be feeling quite depressed. I guess it is a detox reaction to the OP.

I normally feel quite fine, so I assume this is a reaction to the OP. I am also taking Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon twice daily) but I haven't increased the amount recently. I drink plenty of water every day.

I think I might reduce the frequency and/or the duration of my OP sessions. Hopefully that will reduce the intensity of the detox reaction.

Any suggestions on what to do?


Oil Pulling
Posted by phogallen1 (Peoria, AZ) on 07/02/2009

Hi all i just started using coconut oil last night and i used 1 tablespoon and swished and held in mouth for about 20 minutes. All went well but i did noticed that right after i spit it out that my gums were like a transperant white around my teeth. I felt great but i looked a little strang. Also when i spit out the coconut oil it looked milky in consistency. I guess i was expecting something different dont know if that worked or not. I went to the dentist today and my mouth is a little sore. i am wondering if i can continue with the oil after just having my gums cleaned under the surface which was done today...........thanks phogallen


Oil Pulling
Posted by Denise (Atlanta, GA) on 06/09/2009

Hello:
I have had chronic mucus build up for more than 15 years due to food and environmental allergies and have been using over the counter sprays and guifenisin tablets like Mucinex several times a day. I tried oil pulling for the first time this morning (for 20 minutes) using 1 tablespoon of Coconut Oil. After 20 minutes I spit out the oil and it was still white, not yellow. Based on all of the information I have read, if the oil has removed the toxins it should have turned yellow after 20 minutes. I am still congested, should I continue to use the coconut oil or switch to a different type, oil pull for longer than 20 minutes or simply give the oil pulling more time to work. Please advise. Thanks



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