Coconut Oil
Health Benefits

Coconut Oil Benefits, Side Effects and Reviews

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Posted by Marion (Riverside, Ca) on 11/19/2008

I was on a quest to find Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. So many people from this site rave about EVCO so it led me to do my own research about the benefits and truth of EVCO. It turns out that EVCO is the best oil on Earth! Not only good internally but also topically. Just good over all healthy for your body head to toe, inside and out. So of course I HAD TO HAVE IT! After searching in every grocery store and having no luck I decided to take the long drive to our Health food store.."Trader Joe's". Was totally dissapointed to find that there was none there either. Maybe it was out of stock? The trip wasn't a total waste because I picked up a bottle of Tea Tree oil for 6 bucks which is normally $13 in drug stores. I also bought some Organic Apple Cider Vinegar there too which I hear is very good. So I guess there is not a market for Coconut Oil in California?? I guess the brain washing and false information has really worked on us Americans. What a shame! So my last stop was Walmart. I have heard that Walmart carries the low quality Coconut oil made from dried COPRA. So I wasn't too optimistic since I was only going to purchase the high quality EVCO even if it meant I had to buy online. They had the cheap stuff but I FOUND USDA EVCO there!! Yay! I'm so happy = )~ Nutiva is the brand and can be bought online as well. For 29 oz. it was $19.99 pricey I know. But well worth it since I love it on my skin and cooking with it! I guess after my long story the point is never give up in your quest for ultimate health. Cheers to good health and many blessings!

Replied by Vivienne
(Paia, HI)
11/20/2008

I think various WallMarts carry different items, our local one carries Virgin coconut oil in the vitamin aisle. It's by the vitamin company "Rexall", I cannot remember the size, but it was about $10.00. They also carry Tea Tree Oil, which I bought - 50ml for $5.00.

Replied by Jasmynjade2
(Blanchester, Ohio Usa)
12/19/2010

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Cold Pressed, unrefined. Nutiva Brand..... 54 oz... SOLID....... At "The Vitamin Shoppe"
Online for $22 Plus S&H..... Great deal.

Replied by Oclady
(Tustin, Ca)
02/02/2011

They carry EVCO at whole foods, I got mine from the one in tustin at the district.

Replied by Kristy
(Menifee, Ca)
03/15/2011

I use to live in Riverside as well and found it at Vitamin Shoppe

Replied by Ocnaturaldoc
(Newport Beach, California)
04/03/2011

EVCO is available at Mother's Market, Whole Foods Markets, and online.

Replied by Happy Customer
(Hemet, California)
05/06/2011

I was able to get mine at GNC in my town. I think I paid $11.99 for 15 fl. Oz. I love it I wish I could find it in a bigger container but I am sure I could if I look on line.

Replied by Shansu
(Ulysses, Kansas - Usa)
02/21/2012

http://products.mercola.com/coconut-oil/

A very INFORMATIVE article and brief clip at this site.


Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Allison (New York, NY) on 06/04/2007

I just wanted to clear something up about Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. There is no such thing as "Extra Virgin" there is only "Virgin." This term has just been picked up from olive oil and used by marketers to market their product and try to convince people that their product is better than Virgin Coconut Oil. This is not true. So don't be fooled when a company says that it is "Extra Virgin Coconut Oil" it is still just Virgin Coconut oil.

Replied by Karmala
(Templeton, CA)
06/16/2009

on the contrary... there is a difference.. just as in olive oil... it has to do with the length of time from harvest to jar...

Replied by Shary
(Miami, Fl/usa)
01/13/2012

The person above is right. There is no such thing as Extra virgin coconut oil. There is no industry standard for coconut oil, as there is for olive oil. You can read about it more in depth at Tropicaltraditions.com. They happen to make one of the best (if not the best) virgin organic coconut oils. Made the old fashion way and without the use of any machinery. Their website has alot of information on the manufacturing and terms for coconut oil. So pay them a visit, I think you'll find the information helpful.


Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Pam (Santa Barbara, CA) on 02/25/2007

For people who are not sure if they are using Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. If it doesn't say that on the jar then it's not that. It is much more expensive to make and they will always label it that way. I have been taking coconut cream instead because I love it so much. I found the oil hard to take and there is plenty of fat in the cream to do the job. Pam

Replied by Karina
(Munich, Bavaria/Germany)
04/28/2009

QUESTION: So far I found VCO which is pure white. Another product I found is Red Palm Oil. Does this have the same properties as VCO or is Palm oil completely different? For now I stay with VCO but I was simply curious on the jarr of the red palm oil it said it has even more natural vitamin E - which is something I was looking for.


Face

3 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  67%
1 star (1) 
  33%

Posted by RP (Chicago, IL) on 01/16/2008
★☆☆☆☆

Nay for coconut oil for the face. I have read coconut oil was good for dark circles and rashes. I have really sensitive skin. I applied virgin coconut oil to my skin and instead developed a terrible rash. It's a shame because I love the smell. I instead use vaseline as a moisturizer, especially for a rash. I apply it in the shower and sleep with it on.

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

re: Coconut Oil side effects: The rash is a good thing! It means all the toxins from your body are leaving and this creates the rash! It will go away with regular use :)

Replied by Lulu
(Mpls, MN)
06/22/2008

I agree on the rash being a cleanse rather than a reaction. I started using VCO on my skin a few weeks ago and I love the way my skin feels from it but at first I did have some flare ups of stuff that I thought were old and healed issues. Now after sticking to it things have gotten wonderful. If you try again to use VCO then just reassure yourself it is temporary healing. I think they call it re-tracing.

Replied by Heather
(WallaWalla, WA)
02/05/2009

I think vaseline is a horrible toxin!!! It is petroleum based which is poison to your system and has to be removed by your body as such. Do not put petrol on your skin and keep using the coconut oil, the cleanse will complete and the rash will go away!! Vaseline is good as a firestarter if you are stuck during the winter in the woods....keep it in your car!

Replied by Dianna
(Austin, Tx)
02/06/2009

i can't actually believe that anyone would put vaseline on their face - but i have heard of it a lot lately. it is a by-product of the petroleum industry. besides probably being toxic going through your skin into your blood stream - it also clogs your pores so your skin cannot breathe. it may seem to work at first - but what you are actually doing is sealing your skin closed. if you put water on your skin and then seal it closed that may help with hydrating your skin with it - but i would advise against it. google vaseline and see what you think....
you may try using olive oil instead of VCO. just make sure before you use any oil on your face that your face is damp. the oils do not moisturize on their own - they seal in water. djh

Replied by Joy
(Solana Beach, CA)
02/07/2009

My late mother used to use vaseline all the time to moisturize her face and hands...and she had a lot of health problems. So this was just one more toxic thing...and she was not aware at the time that it was toxic.

Replied by Kai
(San Francisco, California)
11/09/2009
★★★★★

I have sensitive skin and I love Coconut Oil! I started using it two weeks ago and my skin looks so much younger, toned and soft! I am not going to buy face creams anymore!!

Replied by Dori
(Easton, Pa)
09/22/2010

I have read so much about Coconut Oil. I just bought it this morning. Question: How do you put it on your skin? Rub it in then rinse? Does it just soak in? Please excuse my ignorance on the topic. Just starting to learn.

Replied by Linda
(York County, Maine)
09/22/2010

Hi Dori-don't ever apologize for asking questions! This site is all about sharing and learning..... We take what we need and leave the rest! I use coconut oil to wash my face every night by wetting a washcloth then scooping up about 1/4 teaspoon of solid coconut oil-as soon as it hits your face, it'll liquify; it removes makeup well and leaves my skin very soft... I don't rinse, just allow it to absorb; I have not had a problem with breakouts from using it.... I tend to suffer from adult acne, but this treatment does not aggravate the acne at all.... Try it, I'm willing to bet you'll LOVE it :)

Replied by Dee
(Porter, Tx, Usa)
12/03/2010

Linda,
I understand not rinsing the coconut oil when using it as a moisturizer, but if you use it to remove makeup, wouldn't you have to wipe it off with a wet washcloth or a tissue? I was confused about that part. I am new to this site, and I'm trying to soak in the wealth of information. The only thing I have tried so far is the ACV.

Replied by Linda
(York County, Maine)
12/05/2010
★★★★★

Hi Dee - I guess I do tend to go over my face again once the makeup is off.... Dab a little more c.o. on a clean part of the washcloth but I then don't wipe it off..... It absorbs quickly and leaves skin really soft. Thanks for asking for the clarification....

Replied by Eric
(Seattle, Wa, Usa)
10/02/2011

So the flare up is a typical result of applying VCO? We just recently (2 days ago) applied VCO on my daughter's eczema on her face, and it has gotten worse. Some threads suggest that this is a good thing, I.E. , worse then better. I am worried of my daughter well being and would like confirmation from those who have experienced this. Thx.

Replied by Erin
(Pittsburgh, Pa)
11/01/2012

Oh people please stop saying that VCO negative reactions are toxin releases! There is no medical evidence to prove this. People can be allergic, causing a rash. VCO _is_ however great against fungus and bacteria, but it is not extracting toxins from skin causing "flare ups. " That just does not make sense, and it certainly does not make sense to tell somebody who has a negative reaction to VCO that it is a positive sign.

I have been consuming 1-2 tblspoons of EVCO (whether the E means something or not) and applying topically, and I have never received a negative side effect, except an increase in heart rate when I first started (medical information to back this reaction up). No toxin die offs. Often when people feel they are having a candida or toxin die off, it is because they are also drastically cutting back in carbs. Look up the medical symptoms to cutting out all sugars and complex carbs from your diet. Oddly matches the "die off" and "toxin" symptoms exact.

Replied by Neon
(Singapore)
11/20/2012

That's the confusing part. When to know it is purely the result of a reaction and not of a die off?

Replied by Erin
(Pittsburgh)
11/25/2012

Neon, there is no medical evidence to support a "die off" theory at all. I have done soooo much reading and have yet to find an actual medical physician to support this phenomena theory.

That said, I am not a doctor. I believe that people who cut out all sugar and carbs (or most) are denying their brains an essential nutrient that it needs to thrive. The symptoms of this carb deficiency are identical to the listed symptoms of "die off. " There is a medical systemic candida condition that results in people with compromised immune systems, and this is a lethal condition. You would know.

I take coconut oil every morning orally and it has never helped any external candida issues that are more common. Actual application did relieve symptoms greatly but did not solve the problem. I did not have "die off" symptoms bc I was not cutting out whole grains and all sugars from my diet.

The only negative symptom that I had was increased heart beat and sweating from an increased metabolism. I have read that this is due to the saturated fats improving the function of my heart, but I am not certain about this. The extreme heart palpitations went away as I decreased the dose and slowly increased to 1.5-3 Tablespoons/day.

It has been a month with no real negative side effects or positive results from consuming the oil. (Yes, I use the good stuff).

Replied by Bill
(San Fernando, Philippines)
11/26/2012

Hi Erin... I am quite surprised at what you say and all the assumptions you have made in your last post:

"Neon, there is no medical evidence to support a "die off" theory at all. I have done soooo much reading and have yet to find an actual medical physician to support this phenomena theory."

I would beg to differ here. Just type 'Jarisch-Herxheimer Effect' in Google search and see how many thousand hits you get. Die-off symptoms do exist and are well-recognised by both modern medicine and also recognised by alternative medicine.

"I believe that people who cut out all sugar and carbs (or most) are denying their brains an essential nutrient that it needs to thrive. "

The misunderstanding here can perhaps be resolved by recognising our natural historic diet and and the truly destructive effects of refined sugars and other processed foods in our diets today.

Up until 10,000 years ago our natural diets consisted of fruits, root vegetables, berries and raw meat. Then we started to eat cultivated crops like wheat and maze. Today our diets consist of heavily processed and refined foods that contain all sorts of pesticides, fungicides, additives etc that are not part of our natural diet. We have been eating agricultural, cultivated crops for thousands of years -- and the truth of it is that our bodies have still not adjusted to this agri-diet yet -- which is why some people still have allergies caused by gluten and lactose. And so what about the fairly recent introduction of so many chemicals and GMO foods into our processed food? Do you think all this proliferation of man-made chemicals in our diets is actually good for us?

There was also a huge difference in sugar intake between the early 1800s and now. Up to the 1850s, very little sugar was eaten -- and usually only in its natural forms such as raw honey. During this time auto-immune diseases like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, obesity, cancer etc were almost unknown. What people are also amazingly ignorant about is that the body doesn't really need sugar at all because the liver and the adrenals can also help to convert proteins and fats into sugar when they are needed for energy -- so you can easily get your energy from just fats and proteins in your diet.

As for the dangers of eating excess sugars and carbohydrates in our diets, here is an interesting Korean 10 year study, involving 1,300,000 participants. Various medical body parameters were tracked in these people over a ten year period. About 20,000 people got various cancers and it was found that, in all cases of cancer death, these cancer sufferers had sugar levels above 110 mgs/decL. In all those that had remission and recovered -- which was about about 3% -- they were all found to have low sugar levels at or below 90 mgs/decL in their blood. From their analysis, the research concluded, "We observed linear trends in mortality with increasing fasting serum glucose level for all cancers combined and for cancers of several sites". See the research here"

JAMA Article on Cancer and Raised Sugar Levels

So when you ask yourself "How did I get my candida" -- the answer and root cause must be because of what we did and what we didn't put into our mouths -- constantly eating unatural refined processed foods, additives, pesticides, fungicides etc or drinking tap water laden with poisons also including chlorine, fluorine, bromine and heavy metals which is also combined with a complete lack of proper nutrients in our diets today.

It's also well-known that candida proliferates and spreads rapidly in the body when sugar is eaten in excess in the diet. Sugar simply feeds candida -- which is why some candida sufferers crave sugary or sweet food. So when you eat excessive sugar and carbohydrates in the diet (which seems to be the Western diet in a nutshell), it really does not really surprise me at all that so many people in the west suffer from candida problems now.

For more honest information and for a better understanding of your candida problem, I would also urge and recommend that you read either Orian Truss's book, Candida: The Missing Diagnosis or William Crook's book on Candida -- The Yeast Connection. Both these authors were practicing medical doctors who specialized in treating and curing candida problems specifically using alternative methods and proper diet as their main tools.


Fat Stripper

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Julie (Newcastle, NSW Australia) on 10/06/2007
★★★★★

I have been using coconut oil for some time now, taking it orally and cooking with it. Has anyone noticed how using coconut oil in a well used baking pan for the first time, strips the pan clean of old baked on oil residue. So much so that after baking with it, the pan will rust if you do not keep oiling it. Does this support the claim that coconut oil will cleanse your clogged arteries? Can anyone tell me how much oil you can make from 1 coconut please

Replied by Jennifer
(Mi, Usa)
09/21/2010

I read on another site written by a doctor who researched VCO that although it IS high in saturated fat it is a Medium Chain Fatty Acid, which means the saturated fat does not get ingested into our system. It is processed in our bodies as energy and then whatever is left is flushed out and takes all the bad stuff (toxins) with it!!

Replied by John
(Arlington, Texas)
03/21/2011
★★★★★

Coconut oil helped my dad get over pneumonia. It has a host of good benefits. Visit some sites where they are listed.

Coconut oil is white and solid when it is below 76 degrees. It is liquid and looks like water above 76 degrees. Unfortunately I had just bought a bottle of it for my dad, when my sister came in and poured the whole bottle down the drain. She thought it was water. lol.

Coconut oil was the only oil in a study in India which looked at the best hair oil to use. Of the three, only coconut oil penetrated the hair folicle and nurished the hair. The other two did nothing.

Yes coconut oil is not like other oils. It does not get used like other oils. It actually increases your metabolism and it is a bacteriacide, a viruscide and a fugicide. Check out the benefits for yourself.

Replied by Granny Laura
(Waco, Tx, Usa)
03/22/2011

You are so right about the coconut oil for hair. I put some on the dry ends of my hair last week before I washed it. I put a plastic cap on and just let it soak for 2-3 hrs. I didn't put the oil on my scalp, just the ends. I had thought I would have to have 2-3 in cut off as it was so damaged. It still looks good after washing it this time. Wonder what they would have charged for an oil treatment at the hairdresser's?


Flu

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  100%

Posted by Coconutgirl (Greenville, Sc, Usa) on 01/19/2010
★★★★★

I read several excellent books on coconut oil and gave it a try. After two years of taking around one heaping teaspoon a day or extra virgin organic (either eating it or cooking with it), I have not had a cold, sore throat, flu, cough etc, and I used to be cold a lot and have a lower body temperature. Taking the coconut oil has kept my body temperature normal. I believe I wasn't getting enough fat in my diet, since I eat about 75% vegetarian foods. I also stopped taking the flu shot when I started the coconut oil and still no flu. While everyone around me at work was sick during flu season, I got nothing! The books tell you to take much more, like a couple of tablespoons, but I am a small person, and coconut oil is expensive, so I decided to start with a small amount and stick with that. During the summer, I don't take it regularly, but during flu season, I take it or cook with it daily or at least 5 days per week. You can also just buy coconut and crack it yourself, but it takes time. The stores also have shredded coconut, which is great in oatmeal. Try different forms so you don't get bored. It's all good.


Flu
Posted by Jill (Wisconsin) on 01/31/2008
★★★★★

I have been taking coconut oil , not every day, but maybe 2-3 times a week, and I have not got sick once since I started taking it 4 months ago. I am usually the first one to get a cold or flu in fall and winter, but thanks to coconut oil, I have remained Healthy!


Flu
Posted by Tony (Quezon City, Philippines) on 08/27/2007
★★★★★

I used to be a regular sufferer of flu. About 3 years ago, after reading in a book that coconut oil can kill the influenza virus that causes flu based on in-vitro studies, I took 4 tablespoon of Virgin Coconut Oil when I had flu, went to sleep and woke up after about 6 hours later and found my flu amazingly gone. Since then, I take at least 1 tablespoon of Virgin Coconut Oil everyday, and when I feel an onset of flu, I increase the intake up to 4 tablespoon and predictably the flu would not continue.

Replied by Atlantis
(Spokane, Wa)
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

Replied by Anon
(Brazil)
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!

Replied by Laurie
(Pawleys Island, Sc)
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!

Replied by Bcgirl
(Surrey, Bc)
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.

Replied by Ellane
(Orange County)
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.


Fungus

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  100%

Posted by Michael (Elizabeth, NJ) on 12/31/2007
★★★★★

For the last 4 tears or so I have had a fungus on both big toes. The nail becomes thick and discolored with rough edges. Not an attractive sight. I have been using coconut oil now for about 9 months and can honestly say it has made a difference in the appearance of my toenails. One of the many properties of CO is antifungal. I can"t say enough about this tropical oil. I eat at least 3 Tbles a day I have more energy, have lost weight, no change in my cholesterol and love its taste. Try it and you will never go back to the other veggie oils.


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.


Fungus
Posted by Annabelle (Victoria, Australia) on 08/17/2006
★★★★★

I had toenail fungus for 5yrs. started using virgin coconut oil applied topically with amazing results. Used loceryl lacquer for 3yrs did not get rid of it. Used some oxygenated melaluca cream which helped & may have cured it but smelled so bad it really wasn't practical. I read about coconut oil on internet & gave it a go, i didn't think it would seriously work. I massaged it into top of nail & all around it & made sure it was under toenail which was easy as it is liquid (hardens in cold weather but melts on contact with skin). Now 1 big toenail totally cured, other toenail is almost gone but it was much worse and was first to be infected. Absolutely amazing and i don't even apply it everyday!!! Doesn't smell. I rub it into all my other toenails (hoping this will prevent them from getting it in them). I bought a brand from my local health food shop and made sure it was 100% virgin and this one was cold pressed-don't know if that means anything but i'm sure other brands would work, I am just thrilled with results and grateful that i gave it a go.


Gallbladder Pain

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Noel (Manila, Phillipines) on 02/27/2007
★★★★★

Chronic gallbladder pain: I took 2 tablespoons of VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) and within 2 weeks felt much better. It also helped me in my bowel movements. I used to very irregular. Now its every day! VCO that has been extracted using a cold press method.

Replied by Ten
(Quezon City, Philippines)
09/26/2011

Hi! What brand VCO do you use? :) Nature's Gift VCO made gain weight after 5 days of taking 3T a day.


General Feedback

5 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  60%
1 star (1) 
  20%
(1) 
  20%

Posted by Madhubala (London, UK) on 09/16/2014

I am interested in virgin coconet oil. How can I use it?


General Feedback
Posted by Candy (Bk, Ny United States) on 12/04/2012

I am taking coconut oil for HSV1 and HSV2 but I have a toddler who still breastfeeds will the coconut milk affect her in any way? How long should I take this oil?

Replied by Ed2010
(Oakville, Canada)
12/04/2012

I will tell you something interesting. There is a province/state in India named "KERALA" which is derived from the word "KERAM" meaning coconut in its native language, which is "Malayalam". It is the land of coconut trees.

People here use only Coconut Oil for their cooking, for almost everything. It is one of the staple food in this province. It is also applied in the hair by most of the people.

The population of "Kerala" is 33 Million, then you can imagine what a staple food it is. So, you can take coconut oil. Good Health


General Feedback
Posted by Hannah (Paris, France) on 11/24/2012

Hello, I've been suffering from chronic symptoms that range from random pulsations in my stomach that cause anxiety attacks, vulvadynia, acne and strangely oily hair to more psychological and what I suspect to be hormonal issues for the past few years (I'm 25).

I have been on food allergy diets, and a series of antibiotics for constant infections, H-pylori, and Kidney infections etc. And do acupuncture regularly. I know something global is wrong with my body, but no one seems to know what... I'm sick of pumping chemicals and antibiotics into my body since they only reduce symptoms temporarily but leave me with a greater problem in the long term.

I took my first tbsp of Coconut oil yesterday and felt kind of weird and kind of good. Today I took a tsp. in the morning and plan on taking a tsp at night. I want to introduce it into my diet as gently as possible because my body is extremely sensitive and I want to make sure I tolerate it well.

I woke up today (kind of) and I was SO tired. I have been sleeping ALL day and had to force myself out of bed at 5pm (only because I was worried I wouldn't be able to sleep again at night.

In general I find I sleep a lot more than others and have a lot less energy, but today I just feel like someone bludgeoned me over the head... Is this normal?

Should I cleanse my liver or something else first before introducing the oil? I also feel I have a little bit of a headache, I saw that that was a side affect... about how long should I take the oil for before I know whether or not my body tolerates it?

I was thinking maybe I should do a liver cleanse, but I am a vegetarian and my problem is actually that I don't have ENOUGH fats in my diet, and I think I'm just about the last candidate for a fatty liver...

I guess, if I could condense this text, I would just ask, what is the most gentle way to start using Coconut oil, and how will I know if I should stop? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Replied by Timh
(Louisville, Ky, USA)
11/25/2012
2063 posts

Hannah: First make sure your air, food, and water are pure; then begin detoxing your body with the best women's multivitamin/mineral supplement you can afford. Also supplement the glutathione precursor NAC or N-Acetyl-Cysteine (this will detox the liver and more). One of the major problems w/ the vegan diet is lack of quality protein. For overall recovery, strength, stamina, etc. Either take Liver tablets or eat cooked liver as it is one of the most nutritionally dense foods. Whey protein powder mixed w/ milk or juice is also a very excellent quality protein.

Replied by Mel
(Nj, Nj, Usa)
11/25/2012

If I were you, I would put a little bit of coconut oil on the back of your hand, and leave it there for a few hours. If you notice that specific part of your hand starts to turn a little red or reacting in any way, you may be allergic to coconut oil.

I'm female and your age too and I'm very sensitive to many holistic products, and I am allergic to coconut oil. I found out the hard way though by putting some on my face like lotion, and it turned my face all red and irritated. I made sure it was organic and everything. I'm even allergic to apple cider vinegar!

So once you clear that away, and if you find out you arent allergic, then it just may be your body cleansing and rebuilding itself. Stopping the dose may just prevent you from gaining the benefits. Theres alot of information already posted here on how to introduce it gradually.

hope this helps!

Replied by Tapike
(San Augustine, Texas)
11/25/2012

Anytime you start using a remedy that is supposed to help cleanse & purify the body or flush illness out of the body, you need to be prepared for side effects such as nausea, headaches, tiredness, etc. Used herbs that help to cleanse your body. For instance, herbs such as red clover blossoms & burdock root help to cleanse the blood. Milk thistle, cinnamon, barberry bark, peppermint leaft & ginger root help cleanse the liver & gallbladder. There are several good formulas & remedies, even accupressure, that can be used to cleanse the liver & gallbladder, a process that should be used in conjunction with any cleansing process. Certain types of hot herbal baths & cold wraps can help pull impurities out of the body thru the skin. And there are, of course, some herbal enemas that help to cleanse the lower bowels.

If you have a sudden reaction to a cleansing, simply back off of it for a day or two or change your schedule so that you're doing it every other day or just a couple of times a week, at first, instead of everyday. You can increase it as your body gets more used to it & the negative reactions become less.

Also keep on hand items that will help to boost your energy levels or help you to sleep better. Things like ACV, honey, blackstrap molasses & bee pollen can help increase your energy. Concentrated supergreens drink mixes & other herbs in capsule form can help do the same.

Replied by Hannah
(Paris, France)
12/15/2012

Thanks so much for the feedback everyone!



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