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.
Dry Skin
Posted by Lucinda (Lisbon, Portugal) on 11/26/2007
★★★★★
I have been using pure coconut oil in cooking and on my skin for 6 months now. I had no dry skin problems during the summer (portuguese summers are really dry) and have not had any adverse reactions on eating the oil. I love the oil. no more buying expensive face creams!!
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Kimberly (New Braunfels, TX) on 11/25/2007
★★★★★
I found great source online for organic VCO at half price of my local health food store and they have free shipping. I know we aren't supposed to plug specific brands but you can go to the site and see for yourself. If you want to cook with VCO (my boyfriend still frys anything he can get in his mouth!) it can get expensive. The site is
www.ecoviva.com. If the site name gets blocked out, please feel free to email me and I'll direct you to it. They are a small family-owned business in Utah that I found through a search engine, and no, I have no affiliation with them, other than to recommend a business out there that's offering really good value.
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.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by John (Baton Rouge, La) on 01/23/2012
Hi, is the Vitecom selling pure coconut oil?
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Carol (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 11/27/2012
★★★★★
Walmart does have organic coconut oil by Spectrum in their cooking oil aisles for under $7. However, it is refined. Also, Costco is now carrying cold pressed coconut oil in a large bottle. Can't remember the price or name because I just purchase it with everything else I get there.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Pbird (Been There, Done That) on 05/31/2013
Have to agree about Tropical Traditions. Its lovely. And comes in glass. Is not the cheapest out there but cheapest scares me a little.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Karen (Michigan) on 07/14/2014
Tropical Traditions...they have specials throughout the year. Best Coconut Oil around!
"You get what you pay for" is what Mom taught me.
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.
Refined Vs. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Cary (Phoenix, Arizona) on 11/07/2007
★★★★★
Most commercial grade coconut oils are made from copra. Copra is basically the dried kernel (meat) of the coconut. It can be made by: smoke drying, sun drying, or kiln drying , or derivatives or a combination of these three. If standard copra is used as a starting material, the unrefined coconut oil extracted from copra is not suitable for consumption and must be purified, that is refined. This is because the way most copra is dried is not sanitary. The standard end product made from copra is RBD coconut oil. RBD stands for refined, bleached, and deodorized. High heat is used to deodorize the oil, and the oil is typically filtered through (bleaching) clays to remove impurities. Sodium hydroxide is generally used to remove free fatty acids and prolong shelf life. This is the most common way to mass-produce coconut oil. The older way of producing refined coconut oil was through physical/mechanical refining (see Tropical Traditions Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil.). More modern methods also use chemical solvents to extract all the oil from the copra for higher yields.
RBD oil is also sometimes hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated. This happens mostly in tropical climates, since the natural melting point of coconut oil is about 76 degrees F, and already naturally a solid in most colder climates. Since coconut oil is mostly saturated, there is little unsaturated oil left to hydrogenate. Hydrogenated oils contain trans fatty acids.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin Coconut Oil can only be achieved by using fresh coconut meat or what is called non-copra. Chemicals and high heating are not used in further refining, since the natural, pure coconut oil is very stable with a shelf life of several years. There are currently two main processes of manufacturing Virgin Coconut Oil:
1. Quick drying of fresh coconut meat which is then used to press out the oil. Using this method, the coconut meat is quick dried, and the oil is then pressed out via mechanical means. (see our Green Label Virgin Coconut Oil)
2. Wet-milling. With this method the oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat without drying first. "Coconut milk" is expressed first by pressing. The oil is then further separated from the water. Methods which can be used to separate the oil from the water include boiling, fermentation, refrigeration, enzymes and mechanical centrifuge. (see our Traditional Virgin Coconut Oil)
If you would like so see how they process the extra virgin oil, then go to youtube and you'll find it under.
The Cocovida virgin coconut oil production process...Take 11
Ingrown Toenail
Posted by Maria (Vallejo, USA) on 11/03/2007
★★★★★
Two weeks ago i have toe nail ingrown .So i put cuticle remover till the nail is soft. I used Toe Nail Nipper and the ingrown nail was took off but the area was in pain and at night it was swelled. I put HOME MADE COCONUT OIL IN THE AFFECTED AREA AT NIGHT AND ON THE FOLLOWING DAY. oN the third day the affected area was healed and the swollen area has gone. I also used coconut oil if i have cuts coz of knife. This is my real experienced. Maria
Make Your Own Coconut Oil
Posted by Mellybag (Austin, Texas. USA) on 11/03/2007
★★★★★
Heating coconut milk to extract oil will not cause loss of nutrients except for vitamin e. This has been widely discussed in other vco forums/fora. Heat should be no more than 80F. So it would take you a real lllooonnng time to get your oil, however, it would be a good oil, no smell, no coconutty taste, clear as water and lasts very very long. I tested this method and my oil lasted 5 years. You have to keep it in a cool dark place and use glass bottle. Melly.
How to Take Internally
Posted by elimay (Canton, USA) on 05/10/2008
I am new to the use of coconut oil. I bought a jar from Walmart. Have not used it yet, because I am still researching. It does not say virgin, but it does say it is 100% all natural and it is non-hydrogenated. In the ingredients it only has Coconut Oil. A person named Mellybag said it has hexane (whatever that is) that has been removed and asks how you can be sure that it has> It does not say anything about it being in there, and is so much cheaper than other prices I have seen.
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 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"
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.
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
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.
