Coconut Oil Benefits, Side Effects and Reviews

Coconut oil soothes canker sores. Don't know if it heals them but for me it takes the pain away for a while.

While shopping at the grocer a few yrs back, I decided to purchase and try some cranberry juice and see what happens. Approx 6 oz juice on day one, repeat on day two, and by day three get a (at least temporary) boost in health. But it was only a few more days fallowing that my stomach became very upset with the caustic action of the Cranberry that is often reported.

In this case of aggravation, the simple alternative is the sugar D-Mannose. After suffering sudden and very high pertension, I was prescribed Lisinopril and got somewhat stable within an hr or two, but was yet hardly even able to walk (i was actually going about the house in a wheelchair) while a family member helped with chores. What better timing than I had just received some D-Mannose in the mail. I knew that my kidneys were at least in-part responsible for the hbp. I took about 2 grms of D-Mannose and within 20 min was out of the wheelchair and going about the house doing whatever needed done.

Fortunately, my digestive system has improved enough that the Cranberry doesn't aggravate near as much as before. Also I use concentrated soft-gels as apposed to otc juice.

As a side-note and in conclusion, I recently read an article recommending Cranberry as part of a regimen to improve urinary health of men suffering from enlarged prostate. The "holistic" approach proves the best in this case.

I began taking coconut oil internally for a skin issue. I can definitely verify that the results I've had are from coconut oil because I came off it for about 2 months and I went back on as soon as I noticed a difference.

The first thing I noticed was energy. I take the coconut oil (about a tablespoon) with my breakfast every morning, and my energy is through the roof. I used to feel like I absolutely needed a nap every day. Now, I'm awake all day no problems! I don't experience that usual 3pm dragging feeling that happpens to most of us. I just feel... idk more awake. It's really odd, but definitely great. I noticed my appetite has also been curbed. It's not in a starving way at all. It's as if the coconut oil helps my body metabolize my food more efficiently. I can relax and eat my breakfast around 10 am and the next time I'm craving a meal is at 6pm. I just drink water and tea between then, and I feel not "full" but satisfied. I don't really crave anything, I just feel sustained. Coconut oil has definitely helped my digestive system. I'm not sure if my recent weight loss is due to the oil or not, but I definitely did lose a noticable amount of weight. It's my body that I've loved, it just seems to have deflated the extra baggage. My bowel movements are also quick and easy. I'm more regular without feeling like my stool is too loose. Coconut oil just makes it a breeze to go. I also notice that my waste smells different, so that's a plus. I don't know if I can attribute this directly to the coconut oil, but in the months I took it, I definitely noticed overall mood stability, increased skin suppleness, reduced soreness after workouts, and it seems like my hair is growing in faster. Again, these are only results I've been able to note an absence of when I was off the coconut oil versus when I took the coconut oil.

A little shot of melted coconut oil in the morning honestly gave me a lot more than I bargained for! I love this stuff!

Cranberry is traditional for bladder infections, however, if one has interstitial cystitis this will only aggravate the situation. Make very sure of your condition first. I did this when I thought I had an infection and it got worse. Cutting acid food of all kinds is crucial to keep IC at bay. That includes coffee and green and black tea, sad to say.

Try organic cranberries..... Cranberries and lots of water help out with the pain and cleanses the bladder. I believe that all our herbs and plant here on earth are for something. Cranberries work well for bladder problems and pain into family. Stay away from soda and acid foods and drinks.

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

Have to agree about Tropical Traditions. Its lovely. And comes in glass. Is not the cheapest out there but cheapest scares me a little.

The cure to your yeast infections is 3tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar in a 8oz bottle and fill up the rest with distilled or purified water. Mix the two in a douche bottle and douche with it. You may also add 1cup Apple Cider Vinegar to bath water and soak 30mins. May need to do this every 3-4 hrs until symptoms are gone

A few years ago I stumbled on this site when looking for more natural cures for common ailments. I didn't like the idea of using antibiotics all the time, especially when I would be taking 750mg horsepills several times a day. Yuck!

Oil pulling with Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) has changed my life in several ways:

Sinus infections- I used to get these all the time! Since I started pulling, though, I feel any hint of congestion break, especially in the shower with that steam. I stopped pulling for awhile out of laziness and totally caught a sinus infection that was going around. Within minutes of pulling I felt the congestion start to break, especially in my ears! A little pulling, some cracking and popping in my ears and I was able to hear clearly for the first time in a few days! All the gunk started coming out. I need more tissues...

IBS-C- I was diagnosed with IBS several years ago but oil pulling I have much more regular and healthy BMs. My digestion is fabulous!!!

Teeth- People ask me how I get my teeth so white and when I tell them its not bleach they usually don't believe me at first! My mouth, teeth, and tongue feel cleaner and whiter for sure.

Energy- Overall my energy levels are so much higher when I oil pull. If I go without pulling for some time I'll go through a detox period where I may feel fatigued after oil pulling or break out slightly, but I know its a sign of healing.

I've read up and seen conflicting ideas about what it actually does. All I know is that it changes my body in a real way for whatever reason. I'm hooked... And tellin the world about it. Thanks Earth Clinic!

Use less coconut oil.

Has anyone ever made an ointment using Coconut Oil? If so, was it easily absorbed by the skin? I have been making ointments with Virgin Olive Oil however it really leaves a greasy trail on the skin.

Hi Lisa from Thousand Oaks, CA. Question for you. I am new to EarthClinic and so VERY glad I found this website. I've been taking ACV in my morning water and have found a few other uses for it with positive results. I started OP just this morning and surprisingly, it went well! (I have a strong gag reflex so I thought I couldn't do it but mind over matter.... I did it. Can't wait to reap the benfits of this with time. ) Onto my question, I bought organic CO and use it topically on my face and as an all over moisterizer. My husband uses it on his scalp for his eczema - works VERY well! But to ingest CO... It's in a solid form when you buy it. If I were to just take a tablespoon of it, would I melt it first? I understand if you cook with it, it would melt. Same for putting it in your coffee????? I put a tsp. Of pure cocoa in my coffee for health benefits and I can only imagine CO in my coffee with the cocoa would be pure heaven. I want to start taking more CO for weight loss, too, but not exactly sure how to take it orally. Again, do I melt it first? Sorry if this seems silly. Everyone posts that they take CO daily but don't really say if they warm it up first or swallow it in its solid form. Thank you!!

I would like for my elderly mother to try oil pulling as she suffers from severe arthritis but she has both upper and lower dentures, would this still be a viable option for her? Could she still 'swish' in the morning before putting her dentures in? I would love to be able to be able to tell her about this and for it to work for her so she would not be in so much pain. Additionally, what kind of coconut oil is best to use? Organic, extra virgin, etc? I'm new to all of this and it's all a bit confusing to me. I will be trying this myself as I suffer from chronic daily migraines as well as cluster headaches nonstop with no relief in sight and have been on massive doses of opiates to control the pain for six years now and I hate the amount of chemicals running good through my body. I and am hoping that this will help with the migraines and hopefully the clusters as well, not to mention a total body cleanse!

I use 1 tbsp of Coconut Oil and I add a few drops of oil of wild oregano for immune support OR clove oil if I have a toothache. I average 5 days a week and I do it in the morning. For three years I have not had a cold or flu. I started OP because I couldn't afford a dentist and I am thrilled with the results. Whiter, stronger teeth and pinker gums. Feeling good. I learned about this from Earth Clinic then checked out Bruce Fife's book from the library. Happy swishing!!

Heather that is really interesting, and I hope that the EVCO is helping you out!

I have stopped taking it internally. I was getting no benefit after about two months of consistently cooking plus drinking in my coffee. (1-3Tbls).

As far as for yeast, I would still recommend coconut oil for really any vaginal irritation, but I don't believe that it will absolutely "cure" anything.

As soon as I stopped reading all of the systemic candida/Weston A Price Foundation nonsense and started reading up on the cervix, I started to feel better. I was focused on every little uncomfort and every thickening of discharge.

I highly recommend that women view the Beautiful Cervix Project.

I also switched to a menstrual cup rather than tampons which seems to have relieved a lot of irritation.

I stopped using coconut oil as a moisturizer as eventually it did seem to be creating acne and was not really moisturizing. The oil (a small amount with excess wiped off) was just sitting on my skin and eventually made me itchy (no this is not a toxin die off symptom). Winter skin is obviously contributing to the dryness/itch as well.

I still use coconut oil toothpaste occassionally because it does get rid of any white build up on the tongue very nicely.

I am never going to understand why so many people take the word of literally 1-3 doctors/dentists that published unreliable studies over 20-80 years ago (Weston A Price published in the 1930s and never intended to advise what the foundation puts out and though the foundation cites hundreds of sources in their panel's individual publications; there is only a handful of peer reviewed medical journals which at best were creatively interpreted by the foundation's authors). (Crook was over 20 years ago).

I've read double blind trials and different studies that tried to indentify "candida hypersensitivity" which like "gluten sensitivity" just means that no infection or allergy is present so they call it "sensitivity. " All conclusively showed that placebo works as often as actual anti-yeast drugs used in treating systemic candida that results from severely compromised immune systems (and kills people).

Well...To each their own.

I certainly have nothing like chronic fatigue syndrome but experienced a lack of energy and a foggy brain pretty consistently. I found a vitamin supplement combo (B, E, K, Magnesium/calcium, and D, probiotics) that really helped along with increased exercise and water intake. Water is so crucial!

Yes, that's normal. It feels nasty though, but it goes away after a few minutes or when you drink something. I don't know why it makes you get that scratchy feeling in your throat like that, but what I had really hard time with, was when I first started taking teaspoon or tablespoons in it in the morning, I'd get quesy for a good 30-45 minutes and have to lie down. It's been a couple years and I take it every morning and that feeling has gone away somewhat but I still get it sometimes. Coconut oil will make you nauseated especially in larger amounts. That's why it helps to eat with it.

Noticed a rash that looked like ringworm, found this site and decided to go with the coconut oil, can anyone tell me how long it takes to go away if I'm applying twice daily?

Hi, I read the book by Mary Newport on Alzheimers and she talked about coconut oil and I then started reading web sites to find out more.

I was hit by a car in the abdomen at 3 and flew 15 feet and hit a firehydrant with my head, so I have trauma to the brain, ADHD , Dyslexia and memory problems and learning challenges... so I followed some things I read and started on a tsp a day in my oatmeal and put a little on my skin and it soaked right in. My skin is EXTREMELY SENSITIVE , but NO Problems with the coconut oil. I am up to 3- 7 tsp. a day and coat my face neck hands and feet daily. dry heels are GONE.

I got a little acne at first and I've always had some but I haven't had any in a while , just kept putting the oil on the outbreaks. Hope it helps.

Hi Erin from Pittsburgh, Pa! Thank you so much for being a voice of reason here.

I too think that people are a bit over zealous when it comes to systemic candida claims. I get that we may have fungal issues, but, well, no need to rehash what you said.

I've tried many things on earth clinic for my chronic fatigue syndrome with severe insomnia, lack of energy and brain fog. Going after mysterious systemic candida was an epic fail. However, using Ted's remedies I have been able to get rid of local fungal issues, and coconut oil internally and externally has improved feet fungus (white powdery heels) as well as improving my ability to breath deeply (previously had shallow breathing. ) The latter was a remarkable improvement, and reason enough to keep using it as a general health tonic.

It has made no difference in my hormonal acne, or hormonal troubles. It dries out my chapped lips and hands when I use it instead of lip balm or lotion. The jury is still out on whether it truly offers any increased energy, but I like that it may be effective as an antiviral, and that it helps with cellular energy including brain energy via ketones. Viral and energy metabolism issues may be the source of my many problems, which are all the same symptoms of the mysterious systemic candida.

I am aware of the dangers of consuming polyunsaturated fats, so only use coconut oil in a reasonable amount for cooking. If I go long enough without cooking in it, I'll take it now in teaspoons, not the tablespoons I was downing for many months for candida. I did not lose weight with coconut oil, and it didn't noticeably reduce my appetite. Other things have worked for those issues, including giving up grains and sweets, and alkalizing.

I've used both RBD and EVCO forms. It's the specific type of fatty acids that work, not the organic or non organic forms of those fatty acids. If you can't afford organic, go to Walmart and get a $5 tub of their cheap stuff (Luannes?). It will work the same regardless of what the slick marketers tell you.

Anyhow, I think people post to earth clinic miracle cures for things they've only been using for a few days, and this bothers me. Use coconut oil, yes! Try it to see if it works for a given condition long term (I'm still breathing great! ).

The HIV and Alzheimer's research using coconut oil is promising; as is its potential for preventing SIDs. If I had a bad virus, or a vaginal yeast infection, I'd use it for sure.

@Alicia Vancouver

Not all coconut brands are alike. I have tried several and the best one I have used so far is N----va and A-----na. Never take coconut oil in pill. In order for you to get real benefits from coconut oil, you might have to start guzzle it. Don't just rely on getting in your food. Place it near a heater or some kind of heat source (DO NOT MICROWAVE) and drink it down by the cup. I read on another testimonial where someone drank a gallon of coconut oil to cure himself of brain tumour. I say its worth a try. The worst thing that can happen to you is you will poop alot and then after it will stop. When I first ate 4 tbs, it gave me the runs for a few days then stopped. If drinking it make you nauseous, drink freshly squeezed lemon juice. For some reason, I crave fresh fruits whenever I drink coconut oil especially citrus fruits.

I find I get more benefits from just drinking the oil than using it for cooking. I had a bad case of vaginosis (putrid), I realized I have an overgrowth of fungus and all sorts of nasties in my gut and so I started drinking half a cup or more of oil daily and within a few days the smell went away. I even put some on tissue to wipe myself. And ladies, if you drink coconut oil long enough, down there will aways be fresh and clean. And your poop won't stink as much. I used to be a regular user of coconut oil then I stopped. My skin was so great that I really thought it was the make up I was using. I even telephoned the company because they discontinued the makeup then I realized after I no longer drink the oil, my skin was going back to looking 30 something and not the 20 something I was used to. I am in my 30s and I was still getting carded at casinos and beer stores.

Now, I am going back to using coconut oil and I drink the amount based on the severity of my problems. For regular maintances 4tbs per day but you have a diseae I would start guzzling it down. You have to find your own balance and a good brand. If you can't keep it down drink fresh lemon juice. I could go on and on about the great benefits of coconut oil and why everyone should drink at least 4 tbs per day outside of what they cook with but I realize it is not for everyone and mostly people from the Tropics would understand. Just drink it or eat without food. Your benefit is at least beautiful soft, young looking skin. I drink it, I eat it, I put it on my body and in my hair. I even put some on my private to keep it soft and fresh. The above was my routine then I like an idiot stopped and now I regret it but I am back on my routine now.

I wish you health. If you need support, let me know.

Capsules are a scam. Buy a bottle of the oil and take it normally.

Try adding the Tablespoon of VCO in your hot cofee or tea. It is wonderful. It totally melts and is easy on the stomach. I do it daily. So good taste. And provides great energy.

Goldenchick, the coconut oil doesn't need refrigeration. If it goes bad it'll smell off or have black mold. Mine never went off, except for a little vial I kept in the bathroom. I think the moisture there made mold on it.

the question about how to store coconut oil. It does not get rancid or spoiled, ever! Go for 15 years and it will be good. This, according to my research on CO. In hot countries where it originates, most people have no fridges. It is a treasure from the gods. Enjoy. Om

I bought EVCO a couple of weeks ago but just now read on the label refrigerate after opening does this mean it as bad now since I have not not sure whether to throw it away?

I want to buy extra virgin organic coconut oil with short and medium chain.

A friend melts the VCO with dark chocolate (both are good for you) as a treat then pours the mixture in ice cube trays. She uses the VCO that is flavored. You can buy unflavored VCO for cooking. I use mine in green tea, coffee, and toss a blob in with any hot food I am cooking like stews and soups. The flavored VCO is great in Indian and other Asian dishes.

Pure coconut oil which we extracted at home provides nice aroma for kerala dishes. It won't increase cholestrol. It helps me in reducing the hair fall and the dry skin problems.

Check out the ketogenic diet. The Cantin Ketogenic diet talks about a "healthy fat usage" like coconut oil (expeller pressed), cold pressed virgin Olive oil, eating clean meats like organic chicken and Sockeye wild Alaskan Salmon. Reduce carbohydrates to 30 grams per day (it will be hard but could really save your life). Cancer ravages sugar but cannot survive on healthy fats. The idea is to get the body to a point where it will be fed healthy fats instead of sugar. The cancer "cannot stay alive when it eats the healthy fat. " Read her book (the Cantin Ketogenic Diet) ..... It provides exact menus for each day to make it work. Good luck.

Thank you both for the responses! Unfortunately, the ACV does not work for me (organic with the "mother").

Black cumin sounds interesting, and I will certainly look into that.

Really the coconut oil works (I say with hesitation), but the relief does not last. I am going to go to the doctor and insist on a culture soon to confirm that I have some resistant strand of yeast.

I have been using organic virgin coconut oil for quite a while now and must say... wowwww... I aIso use it for cooking, and applying it on my lips and face and have noticed the great changes.. I eat from the jar around 3-4 teaspoons a day and love it not to mention the great favor it adds to tea. I can only say anyone that is having problems with it especially in their bowel movements must be using a cheap imitation brand. I have tried both the jar brand and also by the bulk at bulk barn in canada. It's also a little cheaper at around $8.75 per kilo or 2.5 pounds.. I will be using it for ever now and everyone I talk to loves it in cooking with their foods and also in their salads by melting it down in a pan.

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.

I have to be fair, I also used some shampoo and condition at my parents place that might have done it too. But it is true that coconut oil can strip hair so be careful. I did leave mine on overnight and trying to think back to the cause more, I just want to be fair. Thanks.

WARNING!

Coconut oil (EVCO) made my hair very soft and shiny but it stripped my salon hair dye out. I saw online that olive oil and coconut oil can do that. Maybe I will try Henna/Indigo dye next time (though I heard the Indigo can get stripped out too). Be careful it ruined my $60 dye job.

Hi Erin; I used black cumin (Nigella Sativa) for internal fungus and Yeast infection and it give me a very good result and a complete cure within one week, I think if you use it, it may give the same.

The way I used is: grind it then add ACV, let it stand around one hour to be a soft paste, take internally one teaspoon 2 -3 times a day (before or after meal), and put this paste externally 2 times a day

Not: don't grind alot of black cumin, just prepare for 2-3 days every time and keep it tightly in a jar because it oxidize by air.

Hi Erin, I read your post and wanted to throw in a remedy for that yeast infection you've experienced. My daughter and I have sometimes developed them, usually after we eat too many sweets. We have tried the following with great success: Instead of dipping your tampon in melted coconut oil, moisten it with apple cider vinegar and leave it in for 3 to 4 hours, or sleep with it in. I hope this helps!

Oh Coconut Oil... Where to begin...

I have been using coconut oil for 4 months now on and inside my body. I will say first off that I do not believe in this systemic candida issue and these "die-offs. " I do, however, believe in eliminating processed foods from my diet, while eating locally, organically, and sustainable. It is a learning process. So organic virgin coconut oil is great stuff. Here is what I have used it for.

Yeast infection: I am currently suffering from repeated yeast infections... Check that... I am just not getting rid this yeast infection completely. I have tried the prescription pills and OTC creams. Coconut oil is great for relieving symptoms and the infection temporarily. It has been more effective than the creams or prescriptions thus far. My infection has always been minor/mild. I am getting insurance in a few weeks, so I have not been to the doctor recently, so it is undiagnosed, and I am very well aware that I could be misdiagnosing (but after hours and hours and months of reading, I don't think that I am). It began with diagnosed BV and antibiotics (so I know the difference).

Put some coconut oil in a glass, and put that glass in a stopped sink with hot water (about an inch worth). The oil will melt pretty quickly while you brush you do your bathroom routine. Dip an organic cotton tampon in, swirl it around in the oil, and put it on up there. It is pretty much instant relief for me. I leave it in 2-6 hours. After doing this for three days my symptoms will disappear but always temporarily. Basically it gets rid of the problem on the surface but not entirely.

May I suggest that EVERYONE read the V Book. There is a crazy amount of misinformation on this site. Read this book. The chapter on yeast infections is online so just google it. Learn about your body apart from only second hand naturopath advice which, if you understand the complexity of scientific experimentation- studies, you will understand that a naturopath (though sometimes helpful) is not a substitute for a doctor... Meh.. But to each their own. If you have reoccurring yeast infections, put some coconut oil up there to get you through and insist on a culture from your gyno.

Please do not get into these year/s long extraordinarily restrictive diets that drive you to the point of thinking every ache and pain is the candida monster thriving inside of you. Eating a little sugar does not cause yeast infections... Now, if you are drinking a liter of pop a day and over a quarter of milk with a bunch of cookies, etc...well...

Moisturizer/stretch marks: Coconut oil makes a great moisturizer. My boyfriend loves it. I would like to use it as a sexual lubricant as well.

After a month of regular use there is no noticeable difference in my stretch marks.

I do use it on my face and upper shoulders where I have the occasion pimple break out. Coconut oil does not reduce nor cause pimples as far as I can tell. I definitely do not breakout from coconut oil, but it does not seem to have much of an effect on existing pimples. Things are pretty much as they ever were, though I have received compliments on my skin.

Toothpaste: Google a recipe. I have been using it as a homemade toothpaste base for only a week now. Nothing incredible to report, but I do not think that I have bad breath.

Shaving cream: I only shave with coconut oil now! I put a little melted oil on my legs and shave away. It is great! Razor burn is not completely eliminated, but definitely greatly reduced.

Consumption/Internal Use: Okay... I have added 1-3 T in my coffee for... 4 months now, every morning. This does _not_ eliminate yeast infections. It does absolutely nothing as far as preventing/stopping yeast infections. No changes whatsoever from ingesting.

Eating this stuff does increase your metabolism. This means your heart rate will increase and your body temp increases so you will sweat more. I hate this. I have not lost weight (getting back into my yoga routine now.. Exercise and eating right is the only way to lose weight... There is no special tonic). The increased sweating (especially at school or in work when I tend to be more nervous) is terrible. I don't like it. I don't smell great from it either.

This is not a herx reaction or any kind of toxin die off. People that throw out "herx" every time someone has a negative reaction (most of them either allergic or due to severely depriving oneself of carbohydrates/sodium/sugar) make me insane. Look up coconut oil. It raises metabolism and heart rate. I do not have a mysterious systemic candida condition that everyone has and every single doctor ever attempts to mask from their patient's eyes in order to line their pockets with more yeast money. If you are sensitive to raised heart rates (I am and the first day was kind of rough so I had to start smaller and build up the dose) then start with just a little and work your way up. I am going to work my way back down on this one as I am not sure that a little increased energy is worth the sweatiness and warm sensation all day. We will see.

But most importantly, eating coconut oil does not do anything for yeast infections... At least not for mine. I will say that topical application as described above has worked better than Apple Cider Vinegar (did nothing... I started using Apple Cider Vinegar for everything and it did nothing for anything, but I do use it to cook), garlic (did nothing... Ingested and stuck some up there overnight a few times), yogurt (did nothing), probiotics (love for digestion but as suppositories they do nothing for me, and I have tried all of the most recommended brands made especially for vaginal flora harmony).

Before thinking exclusively about Armour Thyroid, check out your options if you are going to take a 'natural' thyroid at www.stopthethyroidmadness.com and check out all the natural thyroids. This site says that Armour has changed their recipe and after taking it for a while, you go back to square one. Good luck.

Thanks so much for the feedback everyone!

Hi, for oil pulling: Swish for about 15 minutes then spit it out in the toilet. I usually then swish with a little water then brush my teeth with toothpaste. Some will tell you not to use toothpaste but I just have to. Hope that helps.