Coconut Oil
Health Benefits

Coconut Oil Benefits, Side Effects and Reviews

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.
Circulation
Posted by Merona (Bellevue, Wa) on 04/29/2012
★★★★★

My temperature has always lower than normal. Having a subnormal temperature causes one always to run colder, than most, I dealt with it by wearing silk underwear, super long ski socks, and layers of clothes, covering my ears wearing cashmere hat, scarf, shawl, I always thought it was because I was so thin but then my dr pointed out that I was subnormal. I started taking organic coconut oil and that has helped tremendously.


Antibacterial, Antifungal
Posted by Brett (Hawaii) on 05/30/2021

No...too many serious errors in your Biochemistry and Physiology info. Stop, just stop, until you have your facts straight. Bad info is worse than anything for people, it makes everyone who seeks alternative information on treatment options look uneducated...go back, read your post and research MCT, Glycogen, fatty acid storage etc. and never repeat things you've heard people say unless you have read up on it from reliable sources of information.


Skin Issues
Posted by Sonam (New York, Ny) on 04/12/2015
★★★★★

So for anyone who's a seasoned VCO user, you already know how powerful its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties are.

I have eczema (I've had it since I was a baby), and I recently had a flare-up after consuming too much dairy and gluten for a period of 2+ months. I started using coconut oil on my eczema patches, and I had the same experience as you -- my skin got worse (a lot worse, actually, because it literally looked like it was peeling and getting even more inflamed than before). But the main thing to realize is that this is SUPPOSED to happen when you use a natural substance like VCO. It works by drawing out toxins through your elimination organs, and for a lot of people - especially those with prior skin abnormalities - the way those toxins come out is through the skin. Hence the temporary worsening of symptoms. My skin got way worse for a little over a week, as my skin condition was pretty severe, so the healing took longer than it would for most people. But once that week passed, it was clear as day. No redness, no dryness, no itching. I noticed it recently started to get worse again, but that's because I've been lenient with my diet over the past 2 weeks, so I plan to get back on my strict dairy-free, gluten-free, sugar-free meal plan.

Anyway, the main point is that yes, it's normal, and even encouraged, for your condition to get worse before it gets better, as this is a sign that deeper internal cleansing is occurring. Good luck!


Skin Issues
Posted by Cat (Austin, Tx) on 05/10/2010
★★★★★

Grandmother Guffys Method for forever soft, clean, ageless skin.

My grandmother Guffys skin was as soft and smooth as a babys butt till the day she died at 94. One day, when I was a younger woman constantly on the go, she noticed how dry and ashy my skin was and elected to tell me about her method of bathing. It was the only thing she said she did to keep her body clean and soft. First, she never took long baths (and NO, she did not smell). She said bathing dried out skin. Second, she never used hot water on her skin. Third, she never needed lotions. I listened; yet, despite the evidence before me, I did not take her advise. Hot showers were invigorating, I exclaimed. Who ever heard of not bathing, I secretly thought. Why do not the young listen! For years now I have suffered with extremely dry and itchy skin. FINALLY! I recalled my grandmother Guffys bathing method for clean, itch-less, soft, ageless skin. Here it is:

1) Massage 2-3 tablespoons of (antibacterial, anti-fungal) coconut oil over your entire dry, naked body, but not your face. Be sure to include your private areas and feet - get utterly greasy with it! Let it soak 5 minutes.

2) Take a clean, white, DRY bath cloth, folded in fours and scrub your entire body. When one side of the cloth gets cruddy, refold to a clean side of the same cloth. Don't forget private areas.

3) Shower/rinse in very lukewarm to cold water and ONLY wash your private areas with diluted baking soda and water or an organic non-soap or as I sometimes do, diluted ACV.

3) Get out of the shower and barely pat dry.

Believe! This works! People who touch my skin always exclaim at how soft it is AND my husband who has scratched my back many a time has taken to gently rubbing my arms a lot. Just try it! It is not real expensive or hard to do and results are quick. If you are allergic to coconut oil, switch to a light olive oil or sesame oil. Soon you will do as I did - throw away all your bathing soaps and bottles.

Head Congestion
Posted by Sweetwater4life (Covington, Ga) on 02/01/2010
★★★★★

I have been suffering from pressure in the back of my (L) eye and then radiating to my forehead and (r) eye. I went to the doctor was given an antibiotic for possible sinus infection. Took antibiotic, did not work well. Still experienced pressure. I was reading a book about Barbados and the Rastafarian culture. They mentioned the use of coconut oil for head congestion. I am a firm believer in natural healing, and the use of herbs. So, I tried it along with clove oil (a droplet of clove, very strong). I mixed the coconut with the clove, and that night I slept all night without being awakened to pressure behind my eye and in my head. I have been doing this for 4 days and have not experienced the pressure that I have endured for close to 4 months. Also, clove oil is such a powerful oil, it has helped me with gingivitis (no more bleeding gums), muscle aches, bad breath, bee stings, and infections of the skin. Check it out.

Digestive Issues
Posted by Rick Z (Pueblo, Co) on 01/02/2010
★★★★★

Did major research on why I was having digesting problems and learned bad foods like fast food and what not decreases the good bacteria in the stomach thus leaving the bad bacteria to roam freely. I tried prilosec which didnt help much, I even tried changing my diet and finding that waking up on an empty stomach I will burp uncontrollably even drinking water.

So I researched on the why's, how's and what are my options? I found Colloidal silver to help eliminate any toxins or unhealthy bacteria, but that was not enough! I had to also give Acidophilus a try. I repopulated the good bacteria and taken Colloidal Silver precautiously. I started to see great progression with the belching, indigestion and heartburn. Then I ran out of my Acidophilus awhile back and have purchased Coconut Oil and said "Maybe I should give it a shot" What won't kill me will make me stronger, right?

So I took a teaspoon and noticed within a few minutes of ingesting it with food I noticed I wasn't burping or getting that sharp pain in the chest which I compared to a heart attack (scary stuff right there)

Since I stopped taking Acidophilus and Colloidal Silver, I just stuck with the 1tspn per meal of oconut oil to maintain a healthy digestive tract. I narrowed it down to either I encountered Candida Albicans or H.Pylori which both are in comparison of many symptoms. Gradually reducing the indigestion, heartburn, and other various problems I see going away and not at a slow rate or fast.

Everyday I notice a better progression. I'm only 26 and been eating unhealthy for at least 15 years. Sad America teaches us to stuff our face with fastfood instead of serving more healthy alternatives besides a salad or bottle water. Additives and antibiotics and horomones being injected in our cattle and other food eating products and hydrogenated products which in time will lead to dire situations. Yes I am young and shouldn't have these problems but yes People who don't eat right or exercise is heading down a dark road and might not come back, Jack!


Broad Benefits
Posted by Elisabeth (Encinitas, Ca) on 09/11/2009
★★★★★

My acupuncturist recommended I use Virgin Coconut Oil as a more stable cooking oil than olive oil and for it's is generally beneficial qualities. I loved it so much I started using it on oatmeal, on salad, in smoothies, on toast. Probably about 2-4 Tbsp a day total for the last 7 months. I also started buying organic coconut milk to make rice with and smoothies, fresh coconuts for the water and meat and ice cream made of coconut milk. Although I am extremely active my weight rarely fluctuates down - to my surprise I lost a few pounds after the first month of gorging on coconut products and it never came back. My recovery time (lactic acid pain) after sports has completely vanished and my joint/tendon issues are much shorter and less painful. I also used to have extraordinarily fragile skin and hair from years of medication and am noticing much less bruising, tearing, scarring etc and overall better tissue strength suppleness.


Appetite Suppressant
Posted by Shiva (Hyderad, Andhra) on 03/26/2009
★★★★★

drink two spoon of pure coconut oil which helps u to increse the apatite and helps u to cure thyroid .. it is my own experience.


Hypothyroidism
Posted by Cathy (Villa Park, Illinois USA) on 02/13/2009
★★★★☆

I have been using Extra Virgin Coconut Oil since April of 2008. One tablespoon per day. I have Hypothyroidism and was having a lot of problems with brain fog. I was having difficulty doing my job and sometimes would forget where I was going when driving home for a few seconds. I am a creative person but was totally unable to express my ideas in artwork or my writing. I could not organize my thoughts. I could not make decisions or remember what I was supposed to do. This on top of all the other symptoms of hypothyroidism. 2 weeks after I started taking it the brain fog totally went away. I am very dependent on the coconut oil now as I do not want to go back to not knowing what I was doing. As for my other symptoms such as totally lost my sex drive which is destroying my relationship and sleeping too much and low energy etc. it has not changed any of that. My thyroid has gotten worse and I have had to double my thyroid medication (Thyroxine). I am working with a Naturalpathic doctor which was a very wise thing to do. She told me to keep taking 1 Tbsp of coconut oil per day. I just wonder if I should take more than that since I have heard of other people have been able to go off the thyroid meds when taking 2 Tbsp per day. She is also treating me for Adrenal Fatigue and cervical dysplaisia and fibrocystic breasts. I guess I'm a mess right now and just want to be well again. I am a big fan of the coconut oil because it is the one remedy that has made the most difference for me. Also I want to add that the doc specified I should use the solid coconut oil instead of the capsules which I started out on because she said that way you can tell if it has gone rancid. But I still use the capsules for backcountry trips and road trips for convenience.

If anyone knows a way to bring back the sex drive I would be grateful.

Autism
Posted by Tegan (Illinois) on 03/14/2018

Hello,

I have 2 children one 5 one 3 one more moderately autistic the younger seems less if that makes any sense. I need help there is so much info out here I really believe that most of what causes autism is the overload of toxins produced by bad bacteria, outside, the fake food that we are given. I want to start some detoxifying programs but I'm afraid of the detox side effects I just want something that is safe. I keep hearing about cilantro, garlic, turmeric but how do I get my little ones to eat this when all they want is oatmeal and nuggets and French fries. Unfortunately my first born would not eat solids for a long time she now does but its all about texture she wants things that crunch and how can I give them these things. Can I somehow use it in the oil I cook their food in switch to virgin coconut oil to cook their food is that the same benefit as ingesting it..probably not. Looking for guidance as where to start.Thank you.


Canker Sores
Posted by Maddy (Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK) on 05/09/2008
★★★★★

I was suffering with mouth ulcers for some time and my GP gave me some cream to put on my tongue. The stuff was awfull and left a dry residue on my tongue. It did nothing for the pain. So I started using coconut oil. 1 Tablespoon, melted in microwave in a plastic cup (if you use glass the oil explodes and covers the inside of your microwave). Leave to cool enough so you can hold it in your mouth for approx. 1 minute, then swallow. I did this 2x a day for 2 days and my mouthulcers where gone. Maddy, UK

Cellulite
Posted by Veronika (Frankfurt, Germany) on 04/07/2008
★★★★★

I just want to quickly join this wonderful post and thank you all from the bottom of my heart for sharing your experiences. Recently, I started to use coconut oil internally and also as a moisturizer due to my dry skin and slight cellulite on my thighs. The cellulite disappeared within 2-3 weeks. What a joy! However, I got very ill. From your experiences I know now that the coconut was detoxifying my digestive system. I was miserable for two weeks, not knowing what was happening to me. I realize now how much I needed it. I salute to the coconut oil.


Circulation
Posted by Jamie (St. Petersburg, FL) on 01/31/2008
★★★★★

My boyfriend was tired of seeing me uncomfortably cold all the time. He became uncomfortable knowing that I couldn't relax from always being so cold. He did some research and discovered that my body temp. was averaging 96.8 F. He suggested I take Coconut Oil for a while to see if it would help. We honestly can't believe it! I, for the first time, am not constantly cold. Yes, I do occasionally get cold but nothing like I use to. I'm actually relaxing now. It's has made such an improvement to my life. Would definitely suggest it for anyone with a similar situation.

Cholesterol
Posted by Pegiot (Leavenworth, KS) on 12/01/2007
★★★★★

My cholesterol was a little high (212) although my ratio of low to high density cholesterol was fine. I was already using a low carbohydrate diet and I added 1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil daily. After 3 months, my blood work was re-done. My total cholesterol had declined to 187.


Herpes
Posted by SG (Bakersfield, CA) on 08/25/2007
★★★★★

I wrote earlier about my experience with eight years of un-diagnosed herpes. Since then, I've been experimenting with it, and I've got complete control over it--I can make myself completely symptom-free, or cause an outbreak within 30 minutes.

THE CURES: Coconut. Yep, another vote for that one. I recently discovered Thai food, and they put coconut milk in just about everything. Taking special care to eat Tom Kha Gai (Food of the gods!) or Thai curry dishes several times a week, I've discovered that I have no need for my previous supplement: Gigartina Red Marine Algae, 1000mg (4 capsules) per day. And it's a lot more fun! To be fair, though, the Red Marine Algae works just as well.

If I want to cause an outbreak within an hour, all I have to do is not eat any coconut products for a few days, and then have a Diet Red Bull. Chock full of both Aspartame and arginine, if your doctor needs you to have an outbreak for testing purposes, this will do the trick. Drinking two of these per day sent me to the emergency room with horrible sores, and was how I discovered I had herpes. Other energy drinks (containing arginine) kept me having sores for the next few months until I realized the connection.

Circulation
Posted by Deloris (Covington, GA) on 07/06/2007
★★★★★

My husband suffers from cold hands and feet, but since he's using the Extra Virgin Coconut Oil(Organic) he has not had any problems since. I use it on my hair and it makes it look healthier and stronger than it has in years.


Hair
Posted by Tammy (Montreal, Canada) on 04/29/2007
★★★★★

LOVING this site. In my late thirties and sick and tired of all the products THAT DON'T WORK. Looking for a nautural way to help me stay young and fit. decided to use coconut oil unrefined to moisturize hair and had great results. Started to use it on my skin and after day one i'm impressed. I will start to ingest in a cup of tea in the morning because of all the benefits i'm hearing about. will update next week. Also so much hype about apple cider Vin. that I'm going to try it to cleanse hair, reduce pores, and ingest with honey to see what everybody is raving about. Keep you posted. comments are welcome.


Cellulite
Posted by J (USA) on 12/05/2006
★★★★★

I saw a reduction (though not a total elimination) of the cellulite I've had on the back of my legs since I was 18 (I'm 28 now). I ate a very poor diet high in refined flours and no amount of high-intensity cardio and rigorous dieting would reduce the rolls on the backs of my legs. I saw results in about a month. I also used it on the tiny red bumps on my arms and saw results in a week. I just this week started using it as a moisturizer on my face -- I have painful cysts around my chin. I had been using Proactiv, which worked for about a year, but the cysts came back. Also, I was concerned about what I was hearing about benzoyl peroxide damaging the skin. So I've been applying a thin coat of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to my skin morning and night. So far, the results have been... bad. I've had about a dozen tiny pimples and several old spots that I thought had healed flared back up. I'm not sure if my skin is healing itself and getting all sorts of junk out, or if I'm just clogging up my pores. I'm going to try to stick it out for another week or so and will update if it improves. I'm wondering which is worse... a few painful cysts around my chin or numerous tiny pimples all over my forehead and chin? Hmmm.



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