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.
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
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sashalani (Lancaster, Ca, Usa) on 12/08/2010
In response to Sharmila from Vacoas, Mauritius. It is true that Coconut oil is a saturated fat but like most anything there are good and bad saturated fats. A forty-year old study showed that HYDROGENATED Coconut oil did raise blood cholesterol and caused heart disease. This is simply because the process of hydrogenation creates "trans fatty acids", which are toxic substances that enter cell membranes, block the use of essential fatty acids and hinders cell function. Trans fatty acids also raise blood cholesterol.
However these substances are NOT present in natural coconut oil. On the contrary, natural coconut oil may be very beneficial in preventing heart disease rather than causing it. In addition, Coconut oil is very easy to digest and quick to convert energy which means that these types of fatty acids are less likely to cause obesity because they are immediately used by the body and have no opportunity to be stored. So is Coconut oil really bad for you? NOT AT ALL.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Merryanne (Orange City, Florida, Usa) on 12/09/2010 113 posts
I am so, so thankful for being informed about coconut oil. I am 63 YO, and am on a restricted diet to reverse diabetes and eating coconut oil has changed my lief and I am told I look 5 years younger, my skin is smooth and NO wrinkles, and it glows, my hands are soft and smooth, not wrinkled, and I walk with zest, and spunk, and enjoy everyday with energy and now I am not afraid that I will have memory problem or Alzheimer's as I get older. Thank GOD, Merryanne in Central FL
Flu
Posted by Tony (Quezon City, Philippines) on 08/27/2007
★★★★★
I used to be a regular sufferer of flu. About 3 years ago, after reading in a book that coconut oil can kill the influenza virus that causes flu based on in-vitro studies, I took 4 tablespoon of Virgin Coconut Oil when I had flu, went to sleep and woke up after about 6 hours later and found my flu amazingly gone. Since then, I take at least 1 tablespoon of Virgin Coconut Oil everyday, and when I feel an onset of flu, I increase the intake up to 4 tablespoon and predictably the flu would not continue.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tina (Vancouver, Washington) on 08/24/2007
★★★★★
I was doing some research on the internet a couple weeks ago about candida and started seeing links for information on virgin coconut oil.. My goodness the fantastical claims I learned of with every click of my mouse! I wondered if it could be true or maybe just hype like so many other 'miracle' cures. I was very impressed with what I read and sought out some organic oil.
I decided to start off slow, according to testimonies I read, especially since one of my issues is chronic candida. I also take levothyroxine for hypothyroidism and battle with weight issues, which have caused a whole host of health concerns.
I noticed right away an uncomfortable side effect of racing, palpitating heart. It happens every time I take the oil in a concentration, such as by the tablespoon, or spread on an akmak cracker, etc.
I have decided instead to use it in cooking and get my daily dose that way. I use it to saute veggies for a meal, or add it to my morning oatmeal, and even gently fried corn tortillas in it for chicken enchiladas one night.. it is such a delicate flavor that once stronger, more savory flavors are introduced, you can rarely detect the coconut. I find when I use it this way, I don't get the palpitation side effect. Other than the recommended amount of coconut oil, and the fish oil caps I take, I am on a very low fat diet right now.
I have mixed feelings because I have read some testimonies of people who didn't lose weight but in fact gained weight after starting on VCO so I hope I am not sabotaging my good efforts!
oh, also, I read that the claims made by proponents of VCO that it helps with thyroid problems are unsubstantiated.. any editorial feedback on this?
Lung Conditions, Thick Mucus
Posted by Cindy (Wichita, Kansas) on 08/18/2008
Water cannot do its thing without salt. Salt is number 3 on the list of things you can't live without. 1 and 2 are air and water. I suspect that if you do not take salt (preferably unprocessed sea salt) the body will break down the calcium in the bones to get at the salts they contain. I've done a lot of research on dehydration but have not seen this correlation anywhere. It is merely my suspicion due to the relationship between chronic dehydration combined with low salt intake teachings and the epidemic of osteoporosis. It is suspected that over 75% of people in the US are chronically dehydrated which means that 75% of the human bodies in the US are operating in emergency, water rationing mode. Sipping doesn't count and neither do other liquids. The body does not process other liquids the same way it processes plain water on an empty stomach. Water is used by every system in the body. Including the process it must go through to steal water from the colon. My personal rule of thumb is that any liquid that is not plain water belongs to the colon.
Herpes
Posted by John From Maryland (Baltimore, Md, Us) on 03/20/2011
★★★★★
My wife got a break out on her upper lip and then the toddler caught it too. Next, I developed a small dot on my upper lip a few days after. We all applied coconut oil although the wife was skeptical. My small dot stopped feeling sensitive that day and faded over the next few days with other hint of break out. The area on my wife's lip and the toddler's lip stopped and faded also. My wife isn't so skeptical now.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Debbie (Charleston, West Virginia) on 05/15/2008
I looked at the LouAnn coconut oil at walmart yesterday. It is not Virgin coconut oil.. However, I did buy a can in Walmart's pharmacy that is Virgin Oil. I think it was 2 or 3 lbs. I used it last night on my skin and I am lovin' it!
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by CoconutAddict (San Francisco, CA) on 03/08/2009
I buy all of my coconut oil online, but since someone mentioned you can buy them at Walmart, I decided to check it out. I did not find Louann's Coconut oil at the baking supplies section but I did find another brand at the Vitamin aisle. This is a 16oz tub, costs about $10 and it said that it's virgin coconut oil (I don't think it's organic). I did not buy it since I was skeptical. IMHO, LouAnn brand is probably refined cheap coconut oil made out of copra. But at least Walmart carries it while most supermarkets do not and I hope the real healing properties of coconut is finally coming out and more stores will start selling it to the public. I believe we as human deserve to know the truth about the stuff we eat and I prefer natural products over processed chemical things any day.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Karmala (Templeton, CA) on 06/16/2009
I purchase my EVCO at vitacost. It is Jarrows brand... 32 oz for $12.93. Here is their description to show what healthy EVCO is:
Description: Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil Expeller Pressed. Rich and Full Coconut Flavor. Rich In Medium Chain Triglycerides. No Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) * No Hydrogenation.
Jarrow Formulas: Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil from the fresh flesh of the coconut palm fruit, (Cocus nucifera) is unrefined and expeller-pressed in a controlled, indoor environment. This specific process does not utilize any solvents and preserves the volatile compounds responsible for imparting the rich, familiar flavor of coconuts. Coconut oil is an excellent source of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), such as lauric acid (C-12) and caprylic acid (C-8).
Nutrient Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon
Servings per Container: Approx. 65
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Calories 125
Fat Cal. 125
Total Fat 14 gr 22%
Sat. Fat 13 gr 65%
Polyunsat. Fat 0.5 gr *
Monounsat. Fat 0.5 gr *
Trans Fat 0 gr *
Cholesterol 0 Milligrams 0%
Sodium 0 Milligrams 0%
Total Carb. 0 gr 0%
Protein 0 gr *
*Daily value not established.
Other Ingredients: 100% Unrefined expeller pressed, organic extra virgin coconut oil.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Nikki (Spring, Texas) on 04/06/2011
I found my first jar (yesterday) at my HEB, they where out in their natural section but had organic VCO on the isle with their other oils. It was 6.99 for a 14oz jar, its also unrefined and expeller pressed. HEB has many great products the oil I bought was their Central Market brand. Hoping to see some great results.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Martin (Warrington Uk) on 11/19/2016
Thanks for your information. We managed to get cold pressed evco from aldi for just £2.49 for 276g/300ml cannot wait to try using it.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Cindy (Seattle, Wa.) on 07/01/2007
★★★★★
I've had chronic bladder infections for twenty years.I've been on every antibiotic and only got worse. I've been taking virgin coconut oil for almost four months. Within a week the infections were gone. I haven't had any pain in four months plus I've lost ten pounds, have more energy, and almost no acne flare ups.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Amy (West New York, U.S.) on 06/22/2007
★★★★☆
Virgin coconut oil gives my husband diarrhea, it doesn't seem to do a whole lot for me in terms of weight loss, but it has helped my 2 y.o. daughter's immune system. I think VCO only helps with a balanced diet. My husband's diet is a typical Western diet, which is mostly starches, process/refined foods, preservatives and little fruit/greens. I eat plenty of fruits & veggies, but I did not give up the sweets/white flour, so VCO didn't help me lose any weight, even after months of taking it (1-2 Tbs. a day over toast or in oatmeal). My daughter, whom I now suspect is sensitive to gluten, has asthmatic tendencies and I was feeding her too much whole grains. I limited her whole grains, added VCO almond butter olive oil into her diet and she has not needed her nebulizer and her colds do not last 2-3 weeks. VCO HELPS, but it is not a miracle cure. Nothing is. Also, it is an oil, so I don't understand why anyone would put it in a cup of tea?!!?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jeanie (Austin, Texas) on 06/12/2007
★★★★★
Coconut Oil cured my adult acne and keeps me from getting sunburned and promotes a healthy tan. I have fair skin and if I start using coconut oil I brown easily and it actually protects my skin and promotes natural tanning. I do not use sun screen. It also protects my skin from the water. I have been using it for years. I also cook with it...makes delicious fried eggs. It's the only oil that can withstand high temperatures without causing free radicals. I started using it about 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am still cancer-free and rarely ever become ill!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Rickilynn (Bowie, Md) on 08/15/2011
Please research the benenfits of a raw diet to cure cancer. Also look into getting the book "The China Study"
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jeffrey (Bournemouth, England) on 06/07/2007
★★★★★
COCONUT OIL CURED MY INSOMNIA ACID REFLUX AND GAVE ME LOTS OF ENERGY. I AM TYPE 2 DIABETIC THIS OIL HAS GIVEN ME MY LIFE BACK IFEEL SO WELL PLEASE PLEASE TRY IT I AM 63 YEARS OLD AND HAVE NEVER FELT SO WELL IN YEARS
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Allison (New York, NY) on 06/04/2007
I just wanted to clear something up about Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. There is no such thing as "Extra Virgin" there is only "Virgin." This term has just been picked up from olive oil and used by marketers to market their product and try to convince people that their product is better than Virgin Coconut Oil. This is not true. So don't be fooled when a company says that it is "Extra Virgin Coconut Oil" it is still just Virgin Coconut oil.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Jann (Sydney, Australia) on 04/29/2007
★★★★★
i have only just started tacking vco and with starting anything new for the first time i would highly recommend starting on the smallest dose possible to see if you have any negative reactions (healing crisis included). the desire to be healed quickly unfortunatley means we have a tendacny to take the maximum doseage first up. While this may be alright for some people, i would still proceed with caution. i have a very sensative digestive system - ibs, and have only started taking 5mls daily and have had no negative reactions.
Hemmorhoids
Posted by Carol (Baton Rouge, Lousiana) on 04/27/2007
★★★★★
When I was bleeding going to the bathroom it was bright red. I spoke with my Dr. and he told me bright red means there are hemorrhoids inside the rectum and the feces arehard and scratching. If it were cancer the blood would be dark or brownish red. I read that coconut oil was great for hemorrhoids so I used it and guess what I have had no problems in over a year. Remember no double dipping.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jesslynn (Bellingham, USA) on 04/23/2007
★★★★★
re: Subject: Coconut Oil for Rashes and Healing of Scars. I am 40 yrs old and have very dry sun-damaged skin. I have been experimenting with vit E, aloe, green tea, olive oil, and just recently extra virgin coconut oil. About two weeks ago I had to have 3 biopsies on my legs. To make a long story short...I tried the coconut oil last night and woke up and found that my legs are much better. The redness from the scars and also a rash I have had for 3 months dramatically improved. I think this stuff actually works great.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Carlos (Spain, Barcelona) on 12/22/2010
★★★★★
To Stella from CA. IM a 28 year old man, Im a cosmetic and diet freak. I started using everything available. Then I went the natural way trying everything you can imagine from aloe to shea butter, ACV, molasses, soy... I basically have used everything you can think of, even those awful nivea for men. So I started putting EVCO and I also got initial break outs. It felt oily, I wasnt really feelin it. But my mother tried it and said it was wonderful, I came back to read the testimonials and I gave it another try. After few days, all teh dead cells and dry skin in my T zone are gone, I have a light rosacea also and its gone, I have uniform tone. I have read somewhere that coconut oil is detox. It reaches the under layers in skin and cleanses pores, getting rid of dead cells and dirt. Wash his face with warm water, exfoliate. Pat dry. Apply EVCO, massage it throuly for 5 min. Rince with hot water. Remove excess oil and dead cells with a towel. Now skin will be glowing. Apply a thin layer of EVCO again and you are done. Give it a week. New skin will come out after few days, light young smooth skin.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Deborah (Palm Bay, Florida) on 04/03/2007
★★★★★
After reading other's comments I recognized that it was not just my imagination that my sugar cravings stopped after I started eating coconut oil. Also, my teeth and gums do feel cleaner all the time. (Grapefruit seed extract also helped my teeth to stay cleaner.) My scalp is starting to feel less dry and I am hoping this will alleviate my dry skin and hair completely.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 01/20/2012 2041 posts
Chevygirl, Oil Pulling is an Indian Ayurvedic whole body detoxification method only recently introduced into the western world. You swish veg oil around in your mouth for 20 min then spit it out. Be sure to use mouthwash before & after the pull. My first OP experience was beneficial with noticeable good results.
https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/oil_pulling.html
Broad Benefits
Posted by Renee (Los Angeles, CA) on 03/29/2007
★★★★★
I just wanted to add one more item. I, too have been battling high blood pressure 150/90 along with my weight. I noticed my blood pressure has gone down to about 117/65. But, I noticed if I drink a cup of coffee in the morning, my BP will go way up. I am learning that with the increase in energy from the oil, I cannot drink the coffee because its as if it doubles the energy effect. So, my craving for coffee, alcohol and sweets are totally gone. My appetite is also gone.
