The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Menstruation
Posted by Jhopkins (Chapel Hill, Tn Usa) on 01/18/2010
★★★★★
Coconut oil helps with menstruation
I am 32 and started using extra virgin coconut oil Oct 2009 (it is now Jan 2010). This is the first period I have gone through where it last half as long. I have noticed it was not heavy at all. I still had some cramps, but not as bad as usual. I have never had a period as short as this in my life, I didn't even think it was really possible...down from 7-8 days to 4. I take about 1 Tbsp of EVCO in my coffee daily. I did have to start out with a smaller dose and work it up. I hope to be able to consume more on a daily basis.
General Feedback
Posted by Maggie (Springfield, Il) on 01/13/2010
Sorry you feel the need to use birth control pill for your acne. The pill is conected with breast/uterin cancer and heart disease, as well as just messing up our system the way it is beautifully intended to work. As for acne, I found that pure lemon juice used on a cotton ball for an astringent works great for acne. Pure olive oil as a follow-up moisturizer is great and absorbs quickly with no greasy feal. I use a cotton ball to apply that as well. I hope this helps. It's a whole lot cheaper all around.
Skin Issues
Posted by Cured (Niceville, Fl) on 01/05/2010
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Just had to add my two cents as I am fairly pale (white as ghost in winter though I tan well in summer) acne prone 31yr old female. I have suffered acne since puberty.
About 4 months ago I started using ACV as a toner which started to clear acne. I started turmeric capsules (i make these from the spice) and VCO as a face moisturizer about the same time (a month ago) so not sure which is giving me good results as they both work for acne. The first few week I experienced clearer skin but I did break out even more the second and third but now it is starting to get under control and the last few days it seems any break outs are not as severe and skin is almost blemish free.
Most likely it is a detox effect and will pass as I now believe I have some candida die-off symptoms. Try it on a different part of your body say hands or a small patch on your back. As I read these testimonials of side effects--it is sad for the ones that stop (most I read sound like candida die-off) seems they are the ones that can benefit the most. I agree there are a few that should not take it--do your own research on the internet and treat the advice of at least american dr's like a grain of salt. This is the information age--do your own research! No--nobody wants to deal with diarrhea, vomiting, embarrassing acne, flu like symptoms, brain fog and other possible side effects. These are temporary side effects of toxins that are in the body--and the body needs to expel them in some way or another. Start with a small amount--and start as young as possible (i read it is good for diaper rash) before you develop ailments that one by one rob you of YOUR life!
Mite Infestation
Posted by Cured (Niceville, Fl) on 01/04/2010
Check out the BV page on this website. Peroxide does wonders for BV. Read all the comments and come up with a regimine that works for you.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Cured (Niceville, Fl) on 01/04/2010
It is great that you did not experience any side effects. I have read more in other sections what causes side effects--"candida die-off". My personal opinion is every american within the last 2-3 generations is probably affected by some degree of candida overgrowth even young children (myself at 31). I have been using Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) for just over a month now. I use it as a mositurizer after a shower and before applying make-up (even with very oily skin I have great results) and have used it a few times in my hair; all of which I absolutely love the results. I have eaten it once in eggs--it will be awhile before I do it again. They tasted better than my old recipe but within 2 hours I was in the restroom with a bad case of #2.
After researching the die-off symptoms I have self diagnosed myself with this. VCO has antifungal properties--killing disease-causing bacteria and leaving good bacteria alone, it will also kill candida and other fungi in the intestinal tract, further supporting a healthy intestinal environment. The road may be a little bumpy for some. The best advice in beginning VCO is start out small and listen to your body. If symptoms occur--back off the VCO. Around about week 2 and 3 was when I was having to back-off. Somewhere in week 4 and I know all last week I used as a moisturizer everyday after a shower. I might still have some minor flu like symptoms coming up but I think i'm in the clear of most the bad stuff that I was experiencing. I have also used it to oil pull but nothing on a regular basis. OP does not require you ingest VCO and you spit out most of it.
Go easy getting started and I wish everyone a sucessful experience with VCO in the long run. Dosages for this one is difficult as each person is different you kinda have to find your own dosage. Internally use less than 1/2 teaspoon. Externally on a small portion of your body say hands and face. Either way start small and increase as needed in a week-2 weeks. This will help reduce die-off symptoms if one were to have this existing condition and not know as was the case for me. I love VCO and this site. Thank you Earth Clinic!!
Digestive Issues
Posted by Rick Z (Pueblo, Co) on 01/02/2010
★★★★★
Did major research on why I was having digesting problems and learned bad foods like fast food and what not decreases the good bacteria in the stomach thus leaving the bad bacteria to roam freely. I tried prilosec which didnt help much, I even tried changing my diet and finding that waking up on an empty stomach I will burp uncontrollably even drinking water.
So I researched on the why's, how's and what are my options? I found Colloidal silver to help eliminate any toxins or unhealthy bacteria, but that was not enough! I had to also give Acidophilus a try. I repopulated the good bacteria and taken Colloidal Silver precautiously. I started to see great progression with the belching, indigestion and heartburn. Then I ran out of my Acidophilus awhile back and have purchased Coconut Oil and said "Maybe I should give it a shot" What won't kill me will make me stronger, right?
So I took a teaspoon and noticed within a few minutes of ingesting it with food I noticed I wasn't burping or getting that sharp pain in the chest which I compared to a heart attack (scary stuff right there)
Since I stopped taking Acidophilus and Colloidal Silver, I just stuck with the 1tspn per meal of oconut oil to maintain a healthy digestive tract. I narrowed it down to either I encountered Candida Albicans or H.Pylori which both are in comparison of many symptoms. Gradually reducing the indigestion, heartburn, and other various problems I see going away and not at a slow rate or fast.
Everyday I notice a better progression. I'm only 26 and been eating unhealthy for at least 15 years. Sad America teaches us to stuff our face with fastfood instead of serving more healthy alternatives besides a salad or bottle water. Additives and antibiotics and horomones being injected in our cattle and other food eating products and hydrogenated products which in time will lead to dire situations. Yes I am young and shouldn't have these problems but yes People who don't eat right or exercise is heading down a dark road and might not come back, Jack!
Herpes
Posted by Claudia (Van Nuys, Ca) on 12/30/2009
★★★★★
I am 34 and coconut oil is the only thing that has worked for cold sores. I use coconut oil on my lips daily. When I feel a cold sore coming on, I use more coconut oil and the sore does not even grow. I also use coconut oil for my skin as a moisturizer as well and it works wonders. I highly recommend the use of coconut oil.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Carla (Ravensdale, Wa) on 12/29/2009
Hi Kimberly - The "Free" shipping is on orders of $100.00 or more at the site you mentioned. Their coconut oil is higher priced (like over DOUBLE!) than the type I buy at iherb also. NOT a "good deal" in my opinion! Just an fyi for others.
Skin Issues
Posted by Cured (Niceville, Fl) on 12/23/2009
Thought this was me or I was seeing things. The last few weeks I have been using Virgin Coconut Oil as a body and face moisturizer and deoderant. Within the last week/week and a half I have started taking Turmeric in capsule form (home made). I don't recall the tanning effect prior to turmeric but I have definitly noticed within the last week a slight tanning effect taking place. I of course will continue to use both as I love the results and hope to experience more of this "natural" tanning effect.
Hemmorhoids
Posted by Linda (Salem, Oregon) on 12/14/2009
★★★★★
My 93 year old mother was suffering from bleeding hemorrhoids and I read here about Coconut Oil and got her some. I put some in a separate bottle for the bathroom and the rest she used in her kitchen. A nice big spoonful in her oatmeal every morning and within a few days the bleeding stopped and she is now fine and gaining strength back.
Sunscreen
Posted by Sandy (sandhya) (Bangalore, India) on 12/10/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
coconut oil is not a sun-screen. In fact, coconut oil promotes sun burn. Never expose urself to the sun with coconut oil on ur skin.
Sunscreen
Posted by Anushka (Panaji, Goa) on 12/09/2009
Can pa___e brand coconut oil be used as sunscreen even in peak hours of sun?
Herpes
Posted by Krishna (Singapore) on 11/17/2009
★★★★★
Treatment for herpes
If anyone there is suffering from herpes virus, please try applying coconut oil on the affected area. Even if you don't have an outbreak you can still rub coconut oil on the affected areas twice daily to stop an outbreak. Coconut oils are easily available in any Indian shops. You can also make it at home. Take some milk from coconut and boil it under high temperature. Keep boiling until all the milk evaporaes. Squeeze the white substance that is left and you will get pure coconut oil. Please try, this oil treatment it really works. You don't have to spend so much money on antibiotics and it is harmless to your body. Goodluck and best wishes
Skin Issues
Posted by Helen (Fort Macleod, Ab) on 11/16/2009
thanks for the recipe for the face. Did you say it gets rid of wrinkles? def. worth a try. what is your exact recipe for the toner with the ACV, h2o2 (peroxide), water and moisturizer? thanks
Skin Issues
Posted by Helen (Fort Macleod, Ab) on 11/16/2009
I have read health info at health store that said coconut oil doesn't have a shelf life so it is probably safe. I would suggest low doses though. using it like reg. oil or butter sounds like a good suggestion. Helen
How to Take Internally
Posted by Rccola (Clarksville, Tennessee, USA) on 11/14/2009
You can put coconut oil into gel capsules it works great! No bad taste at all. If you can't get to a store to purchase the gel caps then just get an old prescription and empty them out. Make sure you get all the contents out of the capsule and then fill it with the coconut oil, then swallow. Problem solved. :)
Broad Benefits
Posted by Raledo (Medford, Or) on 11/12/2009
Your hubby might be allergic to coconut oil if he broke out. I know when you start taking it internally, sometimes it makes someone break out. But I use it all the time on my skin and I love it.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Lemonsour (London, England) on 11/11/2009
Hi, I just found this site and have started on some of the most popular practices...basically Apple Cider Vinegar and Virgin Coconut Oil. I only started today so i am hoping to see some good results over the coming weeks. Just wanted to add to this thread, that i took ur advice and add one teaspoon to my coffee twice a day....and i think it tastes great! The boiling water melts the VCO quickly, and very easy to drink. So thanks for the tip. I have also started drinking one teaspoon of ACV in a glass of water, which is fine to be honest...not hard to drink at all. Now i just hope i get even a few of the great things stated on this website..fingers crossed!!
Face
Posted by Kai (San Francisco, California) on 11/09/2009
★★★★★
I have sensitive skin and I love Coconut Oil! I started using it two weeks ago and my skin looks so much younger, toned and soft! I am not going to buy face creams anymore!!
Coconut Oil Recipes
Posted by Corinne (S, Mo, USA) on 11/05/2009
★★★★★
Coconut Oil Recipe: Try spreading coconut oil on cinnamon raisin toast. Delicious!!! :)
Flu
Posted by Anon (Brazil) on 10/21/2009
I agree, its not easy to take. I don't like to cook with it either.
But I found the best way! I take it with my tea! I just make some green tea (or whatever you like), sweeten it with molasses, and put a table spoon of virgin coconut oil. Perfect combination!
Now I keep my VCO in the fridge to keep it in solid state because it's easy for me to just go take a scoop of it.
Good luck!
Flu
Posted by Atlantis (Spokane, Wa) on 10/19/2009
What are some ways to take 3-4 TBS a day of coconut oil? I got some and it is just soooo not easy to take that much. The taste is not bad, it just tastes like coconut. I think it is the oily, buttery, overload, texture. Mix it in a drink? Thanks
How to Take Internally
Posted by Bunny (Santa Ana, Ca) on 10/11/2009
Peanuts are often contaminated with fungus. Tree nuts, too. Coconuts don't seem to have this problem.
Bursitis
Posted by Saysouda (Nashville, Tn) on 10/09/2009
★★★★★
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for bursitis, joint pain.
I'm 36 yrs old and for 3 yrs I have bursitis on the should area and pain in my wrist. I decided after reading on earthclinic to give VCO a try. In one week I noticed the pain went away and I have more energy. It really really WORKS!
I take a 1 Tablespoon/day. Put in coffee, spread it on toast instead of butter, put some in my soup, add to my pasta sauce. I love the smell. I even use it as a cold cream to clean my face at night. I even give VCO to my dogs and cats and their coats are shiny and soft! I will continue to take this the rest of my life. I love VCO! Thank you earthclinic.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Virginia (Cape Coral, Fl) on 10/02/2009
I read that you should not use nut butters - maybe that's just when you're cleansing?
How to Take Internally
Posted by Giglez2u (Morrill, Ne, United States) on 09/30/2009
Okay, I have a couple of questions about vco. First, when taking it internally, exactly how much? I am completely unfamiliar with this stuff... Sencondly, I am reading that it can be used in place of moisturizers and conditioners for hair/skin. Again, how much? I have dry/oily skin in places and have color-treated hair (quite oily though) I don't want to make my problems worse by over-moisturizing. But, I'm seeing that the benefits far outweigh the negs, so I am going to try this. Any feedback would be appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!!!!
Back Pain
Posted by Ellen (Arlington, Tx) on 09/22/2009
★★★★★
Coconut oil for back pain (pinched nerve)
Yes!!! It worked wonderfully. I rubbed a quarter sized amount of coconut oil on my back a little over an hour ago. It has made the pain go away. I don't know how long the relief will last but I will keep using it.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Gramma (Raymond, Alberta, Canada) on 09/13/2009
★★★★★
My husband and I use coconut oil as a rub for aches and pains. Hubby had his right shoulder replaced 10 years ago and coconut oil keeps him pain free. I need back surgery but am too old so I use coconut oil to relieve pain. We also use it to rub arthritic knees, hips, elbows and hands. We were in Majuro for 18 months five years ago and were introduced to coconut oil by the natives when I stepped onto a red ant pile and was severely bitten all over my legs. Instant relief from coconut oil. We don't measure, we just scoop out a little and rub it on. It has to be 100% pure coconut oil to work.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Elisabeth (Encinitas, Ca) on 09/11/2009
★★★★★
My acupuncturist recommended I use Virgin Coconut Oil as a more stable cooking oil than olive oil and for it's is generally beneficial qualities. I loved it so much I started using it on oatmeal, on salad, in smoothies, on toast. Probably about 2-4 Tbsp a day total for the last 7 months. I also started buying organic coconut milk to make rice with and smoothies, fresh coconuts for the water and meat and ice cream made of coconut milk. Although I am extremely active my weight rarely fluctuates down - to my surprise I lost a few pounds after the first month of gorging on coconut products and it never came back. My recovery time (lactic acid pain) after sports has completely vanished and my joint/tendon issues are much shorter and less painful. I also used to have extraordinarily fragile skin and hair from years of medication and am noticing much less bruising, tearing, scarring etc and overall better tissue strength suppleness.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Steven (Conroe, Tx) on 09/10/2009
Have the lump checked by a doctor. Don't do any guessing about Cancer.
Refined Vs. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Connie (Manitowoc, Wisconsin) on 08/12/2009
Before educating myself I began using refined coconut oil and experienced chest pain, probably from the oil. When I switched to unrefined virgin coconut oil the pain disappeared.
Refined Vs. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Connie (Manitowoc, Wisconsin) on 08/12/2009
Then you would say that coconut oil that is not of the highest quality will solidify in cold water, while high quality oil will remain liquid? And also that a slight yellow/tan color in the oil indicates it is of superior quality, as well.
Coconut Oil Caveats
Posted by Davd (Norway, Maine) on 08/09/2009
Check out swanson. They have bottles of organic coconut oil soft gels, (without the td), for 2.99 and its buy 1 get 1 free now. So for 2.99 you get 120 capsules then 4.99 s&h.I got 6 bottles and 2 bottles of ginger root and only pd 15 with s&h! I have been taking them for a month and my blood pressure has leveled out big time. it was 165/94 I am now at 136/76 as of 2 weeks ago.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Angela (Sheldon, Iowa) on 08/10/2009
When looking for a good coconut oil, look for unrefined,virgin,or extra virgin on the lable. Cold pressed is another key word. It's the way the oil was extracted is what detirmines how good it is for you. Allot will say organic but it is questionable. Do your homework. I've been told ___ ___ ___is a good brand.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Shari (Houston, Tx) on 08/06/2009
This pendulum trick sounds like a Ouiji board!
EC: Actually, the pendulum swing is a well-known dowsing technique!
Sunscreen
Posted by Renee (New York, New York) on 07/28/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I tried the coconut oil as sunscreen, and got very burned! I was out at the peak of the sun for four hours, but in any case, coconut oil does have amazing benefits, but this is not one of them. At least not during peak hours.
Skin Issues
Posted by Lana (Destin, FL) on 07/28/2009
I like to use coconut oil for my body, but for my face it is a bit too oily, even in small amounts. I think it all depends on your type of skin.
Skin Issues
Posted by Tavora (Brooklyn, NY) on 07/28/2009
Hi Sarika - coconut oil is a woman's dream (or at least for me!)...I sometimes use as it as an all over body moisturizer but mainly on my face. I wish I had taken before and after pics. Before VCO my skin was ruddy and blotchy - had dark marks, large pores and uneven tone. But NOW - not so! It's smoother, more toned, dark marks are gone and is nice and taut! I can see that "glow" people have commented about.....only thing is it doesn't seem to be clearing up my dark circles all that well. I've read drinking at least a gallon of water can help.
Tip: To ensure the oil is deeply saturated and is hydrating the skin - place a warm washcloth or small towel on your face after you've rubbed it on. Your skin will feel like butter! :0)
Skin Issues
Posted by Sarika (Abu Dhabi, U.A.E) on 07/27/2009
I have been looking for a remedy for smooth skin. Tried olive oil but found it too greasy and had breakouts on my face. I want to try coconut oil on the skin. would be glad if anyone has used it could share their experience with me. Thanks.
Skin Issues
Posted by Leah (New York, New York) on 07/26/2009
I used coconut oil on my face today and yes, I turned reddish. But so far so good, it seems to be clearing up some pimples. HOWEVER, I started to get heart palpitations and I immediately took 1 tablespoon of Black Strap Molasses to stop the palpitations. So even if you use coconut oil topically, it can cause palpitations. Be careful!
