Coconut Oil Benefits, Side Effects and Reviews

How to Take Internally

Posted by Jarrod (Fillmore, CA) on 10/16/2007
★★★★★

Coconut Oil -- This stuff is the truth!!! I used to take a tablespoon straight up, but that made me sick. So now I use it to cook my eggs. I also spread it on my toast with some local honey drizzled on there. mmmmmm.... I totally notice an increase with energy! And it's delicious!

Hypothyroidism

Posted by Dawn (London, UK) on 08/08/2008

The coconut oil can make have an 'effect' on hormones, with hypothyroidism there are various reasons for underactivity, autoimmune, iodine deficiency etc. Ask your doctor to test for thyroid antibodies because Hashimotos autoimmune thyroid disease makes the hormone releases irregular and causes other symptoms. You still need to take your thyroid hormones :) You might like to join a forum for thyroid sufferers?I have Hashis, I am trying the oil again, I couldn't tolerate it before.

God bless

Make Your Own Coconut Oil

Posted by SAI ENG (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) on 10/01/2007
★★★★★

I read with concern how some readers make virgin coconut oil (VCO). It should not be subject to heat treatment otherwise all its nutritional benefits will be lost. When pressing out the cococnut milk from the kernel, try to use cold press method if possible. Do not subject the coconut milk to heat treatment. Let stand in a clean room for 36 hrs at consistent temperature of about 38-40 deg Celcius. The santan will separate into oil, residue (milk) and water. filter out the oil. Filter again and let stand for another 8 hours. Filter for the third time and let stand again for another 8 hrs.This way u'll get a clear colorless VCO. I visited a cottage industry VCO maker and this was how he explained the process of making VCO.

Make Your Own Coconut Oil

Posted by Gary (Perak, Malaysia) on 07/16/2012

Hi to SAI ENG from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, my name is gary, perak, malaysia. if you happen to read this message, could you email me the address of the cottage industry VCO maker, please. Regards, gary

How to Take Internally

Posted by Warren (Costa Mesa, California) on 09/23/2007
★★★★★

It seems odd that so many people have side effects from using vco. I've been using it for oil pulling since the taste is so pleasant. I use at least one tablespoon with a little honey with a jigger of ACV in the morning. No side effects for this 76 year old kid. Now if I could only cure my emphysema.

How to Take Internally

Posted by Jenneffer (Middleburg, Florida) on 05/13/2008

I have heard that Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy is great in helping emphazema, just something you may want to look into. Google "Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy"

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.

Oil Pulling

Posted by Valerie Wright (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 09/17/2007
★★★★★

I was advised to use CERTIFIED Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for eating - and CERTIFIED Organic (not virgin) for cooking. Of course, the later is less expensive. I find I can take it by the spoonful, though I will also put it on my hot buckwheat cereal. This product, together with Oil Pulling has improved my health markedly. Am thrilled.

Primary Complex (Tb of the Lungs)

Posted by Daylynn (Misamis Occidental) on 10/06/2015
★★★★★

Hi! What brand name of Virgin Coconut Oil is good to use for my daughter having a primary complex.. Please help me... Ttnx

Primary Complex (Tb of the Lungs)

Posted by Mauee (Manila, Philippines) on 06/17/2016

Hi there..my 4yrs old son has recently diagnose with primary complex..I would like to know if you did not administer the kit that the doctor prescribe to your child, instead you use VCO? Who is your pedia so we can also visit her for my son's diagnosis..I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks and God Bless!

Broad Benefits

Posted by Sharmila (Vacoas, Mauritius) on 09/09/2007
★★★★★

I'm Sharmila from Mauritius. I'm an indian and in our country we use coconut oil as a cooking oil and for topical application. It is very good for dry hair, skin and prevents dryness. In our country we don't drink this oil as it contains saturated fat which clogged arteries. So check with doctors before taking it internally.

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

Hair

Posted by Bobbie (Lowell, In) on 06/04/2013

Hey also try mustard oil for hair... google it :)

Hair

Posted by Michelle (Atlanta Ga) on 08/20/2013

Danielle, what brand of coconut oil are you using and where purchased?

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

EC: A few recipes here: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/coconut_oil2.html#COCONUTOILRECIPES

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 Laurie (Pawleys Island, Sc) on 02/06/2012

I drink mine in a smoothie. Unflavored Probiotic yogurt, milk or almond milk, a tablespoon or 2 of coconut oil, vanilla, agave nectar or honey, and frozen berries. It is so good. I am not a breakfast eater, and since starting this smoothie in the mornings I have so much energy!

Flu

Posted by Bcgirl (Surrey, Bc) on 02/06/2012

My naturopath told me to stop taking agave nectar since it's basically the same as sugar and has many side effects including an upset stomach which I had. She told me to use stevia instead of honey.

Flu

Posted by Ellane (Orange County) on 04/11/2016

To sweeten fruit smoothies, I break off ripe bananas into chunks, and freeze 4-5 of chunks in a ziploc bag -- enough for one smoothie. Not only is it a healthy and delicious way to sweeten smoothies, but it gives them a cold and creamy texture.

Hypothyroidism

Posted by Atm (Greenville, Sc) on 09/11/2012

Rischa, That is great news, I am curious to know what your test results revealed? Complete healing I pray for you, please let me know!

Menstruation

Posted by Tanya (Christchurch, Barbados) on 08/26/2007
★★★★★

Been using VCO for acne for about two weeks. Progress has been slow to non-existent. I als read that it helps with regularity so decided to take it internally (1tsp) for that. Well I didn't get that effect either but amazingly I tookit around the first day of my period and I noticed that my period stopped for a couple of hours. Whenit came back I took another tsp and it went away for two days. It eventually came back but the flow was low and totally painless. I googled the effect and foud out people have been using it for this purpose for centuries. Wish I had known earlier.

Herpes

Posted by Jenna (Canada) on 11/26/2016

Very useful info thanks

Skin Issues

Posted by Rachel (Pittsburgh, PA) on 08/21/2007
★★★★★

Coconut oil used as a daliy and nightly moisturizer instead of chemical riden synthetics healed my dry, acne-prone skin!

Lung Conditions, Thick Mucus

Posted by Michael (New Zealand) on 06/06/2016

Yes Sandy, (posted in 2007! ) I have been using Coconut oil for my "pulling" regime for my teeth etc for a few months now and have only just recently extended this by consuming one or two teaspooons of it daily. My sinuses and ear blockages have declined considerably, even when it gets humid or cold! I have been doing the 15 minutes of pulling first thing upon rising (i.e.before consuming anything else) and I do a few essential chores to occupy the time usefully, so 15 mins becomes no big deal. Some suggest doing it in the evening is better. I now have the tablespoon either straight or with coffee or on toast. I soon got used to the change in routine and these natural cures are so much better than most alternatives, so why would you not give them a go?

I do seem to be having a reaction at present to my increased intake but hope to pull through (excuse the pun). Sore muscles, joints and or ligaments mainly. Can anyone confirm this as being a likely reaction please?

I would really appreciate feedback on this subject. Thanks, Michael

Lung Conditions, Thick Mucus

Posted by Michael (New Zealand) on 06/07/2016

Hi. As a followup to my recent post on clearing sinus blockages and cleaning teeth/gums with Coconut Oil, I should have mentioned that I also maintain an Apple Cider Vinegar routine, broadly as outlined in these postings.

I have also been dairy free for the last few months, so that I can really notice the improvement in my (life-time) E.N.T. sufferings. As is often the case with these things, one can be unsure of which remedy is responsible for the improvement.

One thing is for sure, you have to change what you eat and drink before any supplement can have a chance of being effective I feel. I now intend to do more alkalizing using Bicarbonate of Soda.

I hope my aches and pains may reduce over time.

Skin Issues

Posted by Dan (Arizona) on 08/07/2007
★★★★★

I first read about using virgin coconut oil (VCO) from _______'s book "_________..." I was quite skeptical, but thought this is something I could experiment with. The promises were great, and I had little to lose. Having been very skeptical, I am reporting only what I know to be a true, reproducible result of using coconut oil.

I began using it about 4 months ago. Beginning with about six teaspoons per day, I immediately noticed an improvement in my skin. I had less acne and my skin became smoother. There was also less oil on my skin and scalp. Since the age of 16, and I'm 38 now, I've had a problem with EXTREME oiliness of the skin and hair loss. The oiliness was also associated with itching and scalp irritation, crusts developing around the corners of my nose and in the skinfolds of my ears, including flaky ear wax. Other symptoms I had, whether or not related to my skin problem, were body odor, bad breath, weight gain and an extremely high appetite. Most likely it all was due to a Candida Ablicans infestation.

The VCO tempers most of these symptoms quite a lot. I'm sure VCO is directly responsible for lowering my scalp irritation, lessening scalp itching, reducing acne, eliminating the crusty, flaky skin anywhere and everywhere it accumulated and making my skin much smoother. Blackheads were a big problem for me, and they seem to be reduced somewhat. What hair I do have on the top of my head is thicker and more lustrous.

VCO does seem to somewhat temper my extremely high appetite.

In addition to VCO, I do have about 400mcg of Selenium per day. Selenium seems to completely eliminate body odor, almost completely arrests the falling out of my hair and helps lessen the extreme amount of oil accumulation on my scalp and skin.

I should mention that nearly all of these symptoms went away when I was on a very low carbohydrate diet and without the use of coconut oil or selenium. Again, this shows that mine is probably a Candida (Yeast) related condition.

Back to the Coconut oil. Here are things associated with VCO that I have not experienced: I've not noticed any weight loss, nor increased metabolism. It does not seem to help my sleep patterns. I have not concluded whether it improves my bathroom regularity. My digestion has always been impressively great, so there's nothing to improve along these lines.. Sometimes I do experience a higher energy level than I'm used to while using VCO. Historically, I'm a pretty low energy person. VCO may change that, but it remains to be seen.

Rest assured that taking VCO orally does improve the skin and it happens right away. In my opinion, VCO may fight Yeast infections and Candida related problems. Best of luck.

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.

Herpes

Posted by Maggie (Orlando, Florida) on 06/12/2008

Peter wrote last year that he had been ingesting cocoanut oil and belived he may have been rid of herpes. His commentary stated he would be taking a blood test to find out if the remedy worked. I would like to know if Peter has written back, and if not, would he please do so, to advise on any test result. Thanks.

EC: He hasn't written back yet, unfortunately. Hopefully he will check out the site again sometime soon!

Skin Issues

Posted by Ray (Charleston, SC) on 07/23/2007
★★★★★

I started taking Virgin Coconut Oil a few months ago at a rate of 2 to 3 tablespoons a day and applying it lightly to the face, arms, and legs I noticed skin tone improved and my skin that was always dry to the point where it itched if I didn't apply lotion right after a bath (and I don't use strong soaps that help to dry out the skin, I use the one advertised as 1/4 cleansing cream) was gone. I didn't notice the weight loss but I did have the small white headed pimples on my face and a few on my chest as some others have had. I think this is cleansing effect. It two made me worry about applying it, but I continued (I only apply at night before bedtime)and the white headed pimples left after about 4 to 7 days. I ran out of coconut oil and actually waited for more for about a month (UPS said the oil spilled, so they ordered another one). I started applying again and the white heads were there the next morning after my first night's application, this time in a smaller amount and instead of 4 to 7 days before clearing it cleared in 2 days. This time I also noticed my bodyfat has dropped. I hope I won't run out of Virgin Coconut Oil again.

Skin Issues

Posted by Gevena (Trotwood, Ohio) on 07/16/2007
★☆☆☆☆

Coconut Oil I used organic cold pressed coconut oil and it made my skin worse than it already was.Within 3 days after using it on my skin and drinking the recommended amount I woke up in the middle of the night on fire,it was so bad on my face I had to use cortisone cream (prescription)just to calm down the rash on my face!It may work wonders for others but in my case, it just made a bad situation worse.

Skin Issues

Posted by Theresa (Ireland) on 02/22/2015

I'm just posting to say I could not stop laughing at how you worded your comment on the coconut oil, your were on fire lol. I'm a new founder of the stuff organic brand thats unrefined and all that. When I used it first I looked like I had sun burn but this passed as I had used too much. Now I've got the hang of it and its working wonders for me in every way. Hair skin nails energy all great for me and I'm only on it a week.

Cheap Coconut Oil Sources

Posted by Noel (Georgetown, Texas) on 07/09/2007
★★★★★

If you're on a budget (aren't we all) I have found a TWO POUND tub of Coconut Oil at WAL-MART for $2.82. The brand is LouAnn and it is in the aisle with baking supplies and oils. No need to buy that expensive stuff at the health food store.

Cheap Coconut Oil Sources

Posted by Kathleen (Rice Lake, WI) on 05/13/2008

Remember that at store such as Wal-Mart, their slogan is "Always Low Prices," which doesn't mean that their products are always quality. That coconut oil may not be pure, which is what most specialty health stores offer.

Cheap Coconut Oil Sources

Posted by Tina (Dunbridge, Ohio) on 07/08/2008
★☆☆☆☆

I just bought Louann's Coconut oil(30oz) at Walmart and it was $7! Still on the pricey side to me and it's not organic.

Cheap Coconut Oil Sources

Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 08/26/2008 490 posts
★☆☆☆☆

After reading someone's contribution to EC that coconut oil had been purchased at Walmart baking section I went looking to see because I knew that the virgin coconut and EVC oil was much more expensive than price she quoted. I finally got around to visiting Walmart's baking section and a few days ago and did find a 3l.5 fl. oz (.98 QT or 93l mL) container of LouAna coconut oil, labeled l00% pure and natural, only ingredient listed as coconut oil, distributed by Ventura Foods, LLC. of Opelousas, LA. 70570. I don't know if this is what the contributor was talking about or not. Nor can I say that it is definitely coconut oil or not. What I can definitely say is that every time I have purchased VC or EVC it has had a very strong odor of fresh coconut or coconut milk, which I happen to like the smell of. There is no odor whatever of coconut about the above product, however using it on my hands makes them feel softer.

Cheap Coconut Oil Sources

Posted by Kyra (Cortlandt Manor, New York) on 03/08/2009

I also buy the large tub of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil from Wal Mart. I don't believe it is organic so I do not take it internally. My family and I use it on our bodies and in our hair.

Cheap Coconut Oil Sources

Posted by Rosy (Orlando, Fl) on 03/09/2009
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Only use coconut oil that smells like coconuts for healing. If is has little to no smell it has been processed. If it is very cheep then buyer beware, you get what you pay for. Coconuts grow only in tropical areas, and it cost money to ship the product to us in nontropical areas. What are they cutting the coconut oil with to make it so cheap would be my question.

Same for Olive oil. They cut that often, and if you look it up on google you will find many stories of people doing this in Europe and sending it over here as the real thing. Nothing that is worth it's weight in gold with be sold for copper!

Cheap Coconut Oil Sources

Posted by Donna (Siesta Key, Florida) on 05/23/2009

Blessings everyone,

I have been purchasing coconut oil online for years.....the only website I recommend for quality, customer service and fast shipping is www.tropicaltraditions.com I love their gold label extra virgin oil. The also run special sales all the time. Good Luck to all.

Cheap Coconut Oil Sources

Posted by Ellen (Arlington, Tx) on 07/16/2012

The LouAnn brand of coconut oil is a cooking oil. It is not organic, extra virgin, coconut oil. You can buy organic EVCO at Wal Mart, but they sell it in the vitamin section, not the cooking oil section. It costs around $10 there. I made the same mistake once. They are not the same product at all!

Cheap Coconut Oil Sources

Posted by KT (Usa) on 04/16/2014

When you refer to "LouAnn" do you mean "LouAna"?

Cheap Coconut Oil Sources

Posted by Pam Dial (League City, Tx) on 06/17/2016

I buy the Central Market unrefined expeller pressed coconut oil. I have been using it on my face as a cleaner and for a moisturizer. I am also covering my body with it. I have been so happy with the results. My skin is soft, my age spots are fading. I wish the brand had more information. Is it cold pressed? Most are made from the copra, I do not want that. Sometimes labels are vague. Be sure to look out for hexane (bad) in the ingredients. Also make sure it has not been bleached, heated or refined.

Dermatitis

Posted by Jill (MH, USA) on 07/04/2007
★★★★★

I have been taking coconut oil soft gels for 2 months now. It has tremendously took my dermatitis away. I have suffered from dermatitis for 5 years now. Used tons of creams and ointments. Yet still never got full relief. Since taking the pills I have been irritation free. I feel as good as before I developed it. It to me its just amazing.

Hair

Posted by Kate (London, Uk) on 03/24/2012
★★★★☆

I've been having a very confusing and scary time for two months with my throat and the top of my lungs closing up very tight (and on one occasion just stopping breathing totally until someone hammered me on the back). Battery of medical tests have found nothing except a small non-malignant goitre - now they are saying I should probably have my thyroid removed, see if that helps. I'm not going to do that. Thyroid counts so far normal. It's possible I partly messed up my thyroid a few years back by taking too much iodine.

Having tried everything on the home remedy front too, I'm finding the one thing that reliably untightens things is apple cider vinegar in the thyroid (means lying down a day with a poultice but at least I can breathe). Does anyone have any idea *why* it might be helping - and how I can use the clue to get better? And also can anyone think of medical tests I should try to see if it's either metal toxicity or some sort of infection? At the moment I look to everyone else like I'm malingering, while it feels like it could kill me....

Hair

Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 03/25/2012 2042 posts

Kate, this could be inflammation; try the anti-inflammatory diet. Zinc Lozenges may help in the case of infection. Steam Inhalation w/ Eucalyptus oil might be beneficial. Magnet Therapy would be worth a try. You can wear a magnetized belt across the chest to rid bad energy and inflammation.

Hope this helps and good luck. Please post results.

Hair

Posted by Sara (Cathedral City, California) on 08/28/2016

Hi Kate. I been having a problem with my thyroid for the last past 15 years. About two years ago my thyroid starting to enlarge to the point that mine thyroid now is growing all the way into my chest. In the last Ultrasound I had they found I have 5 nodules on the right side of my thyroid and three more on the left, the biggest one now is 26mm. Which used to be 10 millimeters. My problem is that my TSH (thyroid stimulation hormone ) is overactive. My endocrinology put me on methimazole to slow down The process of my Thyroid making to much hormones so far I haven't have any problem with me shocking Or with my breathing. The Dr's. Doesn't seem to be very concerned, All I know is that my Thyroid is huge And the nodules I have (8 total) keep growing Very upset and confusing!! Tell your Dr. You want to have a blood test of you T3-T4- and the TSH. Also tell him you want to have a ULTRASOUND of your Thyroid...about Apple Cider Vinegar. I only take this after a meal to lose wait and to brake down Colestero.

Best luck to you!!

Skin Issues

Posted by Holly (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) on 06/30/2007
★★★★★

I just love coconut oil! It's simply my every moisturizer! I used it as a hair oil and face moisturizer for a while now, but when I moved closer to the beach a few months back I noticed my skin always seemed dry..so I tried using it all over my body! WOW! its been 2 months now and each day that has passed I noticed I use less and less oil..it curing my dry skin! This stuff is the things dreams are made of! I love, love, love, it. Try it, tell you family and friends there is nothing naturally better for your skin, it affortable (a little goes a long way) and so multi fuctional as coconut oit!

Skin Issues

Posted by C.J. (Rossford, Ohio) on 06/26/2007
★★★★★

I developed adult acne at age 18 despite dry skin. Recently, I was told to take zinc for my acne, but was already taking 200% and didn't want to risk overdosing, so I thought I'd crush a tablet and make it into a mask with coconut oil. Coconut oil sounded really good to me as it would moisturize and fight acne at the same time. Using this mask daily has made my acne much less red and started the healing process on my lingering acne scars. The zinc promotes healing and the coconut oil is supposed to have antibiotic properties. I crush one zinc tablet and add the contents of one coconut oil capsule to make a mask. Leave it on for 20-60 minutes. The longer the better, in my experience. Rinse it off with water and a mild soap. Follow up with a balancing toner.