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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Chrissy (Orlando, Florida) on 01/11/2008
★★★★★
I use coconut oil anytime that I get a sunburn and it works like a charm to relieve the skin and to help prevent peeling. I also know that when people in my family began to cook with it instead of any other oil they had a drop in cholesterol.
How to Take Internally
Posted by KLF (New York, USA) on 01/06/2008
★★★★★
hi- i have been using coconut oil for nearly and year and have had near amazing results- i have recommended it to everyone i know. 2 tips, the first one is i always take it on a full stomach (taking it on an empty stomach caused me to become physically ill on more than one occasion, but since i have been taking it after eating i have been fine). also, for people who cant swallow it, i melt mine first, take a spoonful and chase it down with a small glass of oj. it is the only way i can get it down. but it works!
Fungus
Posted by Michael (Elizabeth, NJ) on 12/31/2007
★★★★★
For the last 4 tears or so I have had a fungus on both big toes. The nail becomes thick and discolored with rough edges. Not an attractive sight. I have been using coconut oil now for about 9 months and can honestly say it has made a difference in the appearance of my toenails. One of the many properties of CO is antifungal. I can"t say enough about this tropical oil. I eat at least 3 Tbles a day I have more energy, have lost weight, no change in my cholesterol and love its taste. Try it and you will never go back to the other veggie oils.
Broad Benefits
Posted by McFord (Lafayette, LA) on 12/05/2007
★★★★★
I started taking coconut oil capsules i month ago. i have experience a calm sense of energy, fast hair and nail growth and lost 12 lbs. without any additional effort. i only take 2 caplules before breakfast instead of the recommended doasage of 2/before each meal. many friends and family members are astonished of how much my physical appearance has changed. isuffer from ms, ra and fibromyalgia. vco has allowed me to perform my coaching and duties as a pe teacher with less pain. of course i do also take 2 flax seed and fish oil capsule in addition to my multi-vitamin (50 plus) along with my vca daily.
Migraines
Posted by Sandy (Bangalore, India) on 11/29/2007
★★★★★
Dear Earthclinic, Thank you for putting up such a fabulously informative site. I am a daily visitor. After reading some virtues of coconut oil on your site, I decided to drink it daily for weight loss. Well, I began to notice that if I had a couple of teaspoons coconut oil in the morning with my breakfast, then I didnt get acidity the entire day. Also, I didnt get migraines that day. I am quite susceptible to migraines close to my periods. So during those days, I have a couple of teaspoonfuls twice/thrice a day, and dont get migraines that day. In fact, I now carry a small bottle of coconut oil in my purse, and drink some of it if I start feeling a migraine coming on, or if I start feeling nauseous(sign of acidity)--after drinking the oil I burp (because of acid base neutalization and subsequent gas release, I guess), and my acidity/migraine goes off.If I am home, I may drink the coconut oil with some cold milk--helps immensely. If I am out, I drink the coconut oil by itself, and just drink some water on top of it to take the oil taste off my mouth. Ever since I started taking coconut oil (thanks to earthclinic), I have been free of migraines and acidity nausea. My facial skin had open pores previously--the pores have closed now (!!) since drinking coconut oil and skin looks moisturized. Thanks again.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Katy (Scottsdale, Az) on 04/28/2012
You have to use the real thing buy organic virgin coconut oil it is wonderful, and pure no chemicals! I think the cost is reasonable. Someone gave me two cans of LouAnns that didn't even smell like coconuts something about it seemed so fake I tossed both cans in the trash. I've been using Organic Virgin Coconut oil forever and it is superior. I would never support Walmart in fact they are usually protested if they ever want to come into our neighborhood because they completely destroy communities.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Denis (Vancouver, Bc) on 01/20/2013
My understanding is that the best source of virgin coconut oil is from Tropical Traditions (Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil) Highly recommended for health benefits. It is hand pressed. The result is that it has the highest level of antioxidants. Great for candida sufferers.
Otherwise Costco carries Nutiva which is great tasting but the container is made of plastic.
Trader Joe's also carries a great coconut oil that is reasonably priced and the container is made of glass.
Amazon.com also carries different brands of coconut at reasonable prices.
Refined Vs. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Stacey King (Gold Coast, Australia) on 11/19/2007
★★★★★
After reading a lot of the different comments here I think it is really important for people to understand the difference between virgin, extra virgin and the general term of coconut oil and why they give such different results.
WHAT IS COPRA OR COCONUT OIL?
My husband is a Banaban islander from Rabi Island, Fiji and was not only raised on coconut and coconut oil as part of daily life but also cut copra to make a living on his small impoverished island. Copra or dried coconut flesh is what is made into basic COCONUT OIL. It is a completely different form of oil compared to Virgin or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil now on the market.
When he cuts copra he first gathers coconuts that have fallen on the ground, cuts the nut in half and removes the white coconut meat. The coconut meat is then usually dried on a rack over a fire (they call them copra smokers) which helps to dry out the coconut meat and it turns a grey colour and has a rancid smell. The biggest and most abundant amount of wild coconuts are found in remote villages scattered across the Pacific and Asia. Sometime it can take up to 3-4 months before the villagers can get their bags of smoked copra to the big copra mills in town. The mills are usually situated 100's of miles away from these villagers. The copra mills resemble a smaller version of a sugar crushing mill and processing of the copra is similar to that found in the sugar mills. The copra is pressed and because the coconut is very smoky or rancid they use chemicals to bleach and clean the oil. This happens in all the basic edible food oils today in the market place. This is also the reason why this style of COCONUT OIL (Copra) processing became known in the old days as poor man's oil or dirty oil.
But for people in the village they only used freshly processed coconut oil and the premium or special oils that their grandmother's made from freshly squeezed coconuts were put aside and bottled for the special ceremonies in the village. Today this special oil is known as Extra or Virgin Coconut Oil and any comparisons to the processing of olive oil should not be used. The term for Extra Virgin Coconut Oil in the Coconut oil industry today means that this form of coconut oil processing is the most unrefined and most natural form and no artificial filtering or expeller pressing (centrifuge spinning -also known as oil polishing) is used. The oil remains in its most natural form and retains a rich smell and sweet taste of coconut.
Today because of the high demand for Virgin Coconut Oil many unscrupulous manufacturers are getting cheap copra oils and running them through centrifuge spinning machines to clean up the oils and also state they are ORGANIC. While the centrifuges remove the smell and all flavour from the oils the Copra COCONUT OIL is a much thicker oil that will NOT quickly absorb into the skin and does contain TRANS FAT. Accept for a higher level of lauric acid it is very similar to all other trans fat food oils on the market due to the processing. If you put this type of oil on your skin it is just that OIL and will clog the pores of your skin.
WHAT IS EXTRA VIRGIN OR VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
Good quality Extra Virgin or Virgin Coconut Oil should taste and smell like coconut. It should be a very fine oil and will quickly melt in the palm of your hand with body heat. If it does not solidify or melt quickly you know it is a much thicker and inferior oil. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil should be in a natural form and gravity or natural filtering of the oil is used. This type of Virgin Coconut Oil will still retain a level of fine coconut particles and usually a very high level of lauric acid. This type or premium VCO should not contain any microbe activity or foreign matter. If wild forest coconuts are used and are very mature trees they retain a very high lauric acid level and the oil can retain a slight golden colour.
While some of the Virgin Coconut Oils currently on the market are crystal clear in appearance they usually are made from the soft immature coconut flesh before the nut hardens. This type of coconut processing usually makes it easy to remove the coconut flesh and extract the oil with fermentation or boiling off the liquid. Because the coconut is not as mature it usually has lower lauric acid levels and the smell and flavour of the oil is not as strong.
It must be remembered that all coconuts when opened will quickly ferment and unless the moisture is removed properly during processing the oil will sour. Good quality Virgin Coconut Oils should have a shelf life of at lease 2 years without any deteriorate of the oil at all. When cooking with Virgin Coconut Oil the oil will fry at very high temperatures. Good quality Virgin Coconut Oil can be mixed in both hot and cold drinks.
To reap the great benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil make sure you know the difference between VIRGIN COCONUT OIL and Copra (basic COCONUT OIL) found in today's market place and why they should not be confused.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Gabi (Czestochowa, Poland) on 11/14/2007
★★★★★
I am using it internally and externally. I cured stubborn fungus on my elbows. I combine coconut oil and lemon juice. Helps with toe nail fungus to. I am sure my Candida is out of control and I just found here info on CANDIDOL so I am going to try it! Few years now since I stopped using creams and moisturizes after accident with sun block for children. I put tube of sunblock in my purse and it spell over Louie Vito n eyeglasses case. We all know it is made of vinyl. It was 20 hrs when I noticed what happened. Vinyl melted like from the heat! I kept that case.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Mellybag (Austin, Texas, USA) on 11/03/2007
I have noticed some of you have heart palpitations when you started vco. If newly using vco, start with 1/4 or 1/2 tsp for around two-three weeks, then gradually increase til you get 1 tablespoon. Those who develop diarrhea and acne, etc., your toxins are being expelled so continue using your vco it would eventually stop once your system is clean. Listen to your body, some have no problem having 1-2-3 Tablespoons of vco, while other have. LouAnna from Walmart and elsewhere uses hexane! That is an RBD oil which can be toxic because of the hexane. They steam to remove hexane, but how sure are you it all dissipated? Melly
How to Take Internally
Posted by Adrien (Indianapolis, Indiana) on 05/10/2008
Response to Elimay - from Canton in USA about Coconut Oil. This is my first time writing to this site even though I've used it quite often... For the past two months I have pulled coconut oil, usually first thing in the morning. I also take 1 teaspoon of coconut oil three times a day. So far I've great results. My skin is nice. Very clear, soft, radiant. My energy level has improve greatly. I'm alert and I feel rested after sleeping. Like so many others I lost weight without trying about 10 pounds or so.(An added benefit.) I am in the habit of taking care of myself but from time to time become lax. I exercise but recently have not been on a strengent exercise program like I need to be on. Anyway, I am 51 years old, in good health, and a woman of color. My diet is good with plenty of vegetables and fruit. I do not drink alcoholic beverages or smoke. Generally, my sleeping habits are good. I've included this info about myself because when reading, often this is left out and I wonder how close are my lifestyles to other readers. Like you, I purchased a less expensive brand of pure coconut oil from Walmart. I use this to pull with (and cook with sometimes). I also have a supply of the Gold Label (top of the line)oil which I ordered on-line from Tropical Traditions. I take this internally. This is pure, unrefined oil that has been separated from the coconut milk in a tradtional method. I use this on my skin, hair as well as cooking. I enjoy a salad dressing of 2 parts vinegar, 1 part honey and coconut oil. I love coconut and have bought shampoo,conditioners, lotions over the years. But, the unrefined oil is the BEST. Either of the products mentioned are acceptable for taking internally it's just a matter of taste and/or afforability. When I could afford the better brand I bought it. After reading about the methods of producing the oil I was sold on the best. May God bless and keep you through the power of His might. Sincerely Your, Adrien in Indy, USA
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tanya (Brisbane, Australia) on 10/19/2007
★★★★★
I have been taking virgin coconut oil now for about 4 months and I love it.. I have trouble with candida and acne and both have been better since I started using it in cooking and fruit smoothies. I also add about a 1/4 of a cup VCO to a warm bath with about 1/2 a cup of micro-biotic sea salt and it is wonderful... Makes your skin feel great and smells really nice. I find when I use coconut oil in the mornings I eat less throughout the day because I don't get the bad sugar or carbohydrate cravings. I'm not trying to lose weight, just heal my acne and candida but I have dropped from about 57-58kilos to 54.5 in about 2 months without really changing anything else (although I do eat a relatively good diet already). I highly recommend it!!! Tan.
Teeth
Posted by Jake (Chicago, IL) on 10/09/2007
★★★★★
Many thanks to Lucille from Jersey City. I had sensitive gums and nerves for several months after having two dental procedures - removal of an impacted and decayed wisdom tooth -lower left,and placement of a crown on a molar above. I was very sensitive to cold especially but hot as well. Oil pulling with coconut oil just three times cured it 95%. It was hard to believe after it was so sensitive it virtually went away. I rarely feel anything anymore except with extreme temperatures and I see even that declining as the days go by.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Rosemarie (Carlsbad, CA) on 10/06/2007
★★★★★
I am on my 3rd week using vco and have lost 10 pounds, sleeping through the night, and having more energy. I have cut out gluten from my diet, milk, and coffee also. Now I am going to get my husband to take it...
Fat Stripper
Posted by Julie (Newcastle, NSW Australia) on 10/06/2007
★★★★★
I have been using coconut oil for some time now, taking it orally and cooking with it. Has anyone noticed how using coconut oil in a well used baking pan for the first time, strips the pan clean of old baked on oil residue. So much so that after baking with it, the pan will rust if you do not keep oiling it. Does this support the claim that coconut oil will cleanse your clogged arteries? Can anyone tell me how much oil you can make from 1 coconut please
Fat Stripper
Posted by Jennifer (Mi, Usa) on 09/21/2010
I read on another site written by a doctor who researched VCO that although it IS high in saturated fat it is a Medium Chain Fatty Acid, which means the saturated fat does not get ingested into our system. It is processed in our bodies as energy and then whatever is left is flushed out and takes all the bad stuff (toxins) with it!!
Fat Stripper
Posted by John (Arlington, Texas) on 03/21/2011
★★★★★
Coconut oil helped my dad get over pneumonia. It has a host of good benefits. Visit some sites where they are listed.
Coconut oil is white and solid when it is below 76 degrees. It is liquid and looks like water above 76 degrees. Unfortunately I had just bought a bottle of it for my dad, when my sister came in and poured the whole bottle down the drain. She thought it was water. lol.
Coconut oil was the only oil in a study in India which looked at the best hair oil to use. Of the three, only coconut oil penetrated the hair folicle and nurished the hair. The other two did nothing.
Yes coconut oil is not like other oils. It does not get used like other oils. It actually increases your metabolism and it is a bacteriacide, a viruscide and a fugicide. Check out the benefits for yourself.
Fat Stripper
Posted by Granny Laura (Waco, Tx, Usa) on 03/22/2011
You are so right about the coconut oil for hair. I put some on the dry ends of my hair last week before I washed it. I put a plastic cap on and just let it soak for 2-3 hrs. I didn't put the oil on my scalp, just the ends. I had thought I would have to have 2-3 in cut off as it was so damaged. It still looks good after washing it this time. Wonder what they would have charged for an oil treatment at the hairdresser's?
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Peter (Koh Samui, Thailand) on 10/05/2007
★☆☆☆☆
I was diagnosed with mild Hypothyroidism in May 2006, studied the benefits of VCO and started to use it shortly after. For the first 6 manths I experienced an increased energy and a better digestion. However this effect did not last. The oil did not have any effect on the funtion of my Thyroid and my general wellbeing. I am still using the VCO internally(every heated meal is prepared with it) and I also use it externally (on some parts of my body). I do this, because I am convinced by the benefits of this oil. However it does have not any dramatic effect, as testified by others. Since about one week I am having digestion problems and feel congested in my liver and spleen area. I am still on my Thyroid medication (50 mcg of Euthyrox). Does anyone have a similar experience that they seem not to benefit so much from the oil? I am of the blood type O and according to the bloodype diet I should avoid coconut and also the oil from it. Has anybody experiences with the effect of VCO on blood type O people?
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!!
Fungus
Posted by Suzie (Huntington Beach, CA) on 09/17/2007
★★★★★
Well, I am not positive, however, all I can tell you is that after years of fungus on my two big toes... It's now gone!!! You name it I tried it... I thought it was from salon pedicures, then, I thought damage to my nail beds from running and maybe my toes hitting the top of my shoes... Well, needless to say... I just couldn't get the fungus to go away!!! Then my life was changed by this site! I started taking ACV (Apple Cider Vineger) and VCO and I am now fungus free! I was taking the coconut oil orally ( 3 t. a day) and it made me bloated so I didn't take it for more than a month I'd say... However, I did use it as a moisterizer every night after my shower and I would specifically rub it around and under my toe nails... I cannot believe that the fungus is gone!!! Honestly! I share my story every where I go! Nail shops really need this information to pass onto their clients... Fungus makes you feel so dirty... My beautiful toe's have returned! Thank you! Earth clinic and friends! Suzie Fluss, H.B.
Primary Complex (Tb of the Lungs)
Posted by Marites (Manila, Philippines) on 09/12/2007
★★★★★
After I read all those comments and feedback...so I decided to send my feedback...my daughter (2years and 3 months old) got a good results to her VIRGIN COCONUT OIL. i think its last year it was prescribed by her pedia and I hesitate I always think that if its safe to her then maybe it is safe coz it was what my pedia said....finally I gave her VCO.... last week of august until now, and I discover the effect...my daughter has a history of PRIMARY COMPLEX....her lungs is very weak....and her pedia said...try VCO she said it is good to her lungs daw....then I tried...ITS REALLY FANTASTIC...all her phlegm has been blown....she always make spit with phlegm ....before....after she got cough (a severe cough) the next will be cold...and next is fever....then I always rushed her to her pedia....and as always ANTIBIOTICS....ANTI ASTHMA....SALBUTAMOL.......CARBOSISTEINE.....what else....she always take med....thats the usual...when she had a COUGH...her hard phlegm makes her weak...then finally I found the best remedy for cough...I think ah...and as far as my daughter experience is concern... eventhough she does not have a COUGH right now....she always make spit with PHLEGM...and finally I don't heard any sounds HALAK to my child...THANKS TO GOD...because I always pray what should I do...I always think to my child for her condition and her health is so weak because of her lungs...and now VCO... is her "so called" VITAMINS.....10ml a day before she sleep and it mixed with her milk.......i always pray to GOD and I'm always thankful...for the VCO...and now I'm also using it for my face, hands and elbow so far....im saying this as a feedback and comment not an ADVISE....so please consult first to her doctor before taking it....thanks
