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.
General Feedback
Posted by Pinks (Mumbai, India) on 12/23/2011

Hi, I luv this site. I have started oil pulling, but wanted to ask if I can use parachute coconut oil that everyone uses for the hair to ingest it. We have a whole variety of coconut oils here. They all say they are pure. They are but have never drunk them. Waiting for your feedback. Thanks

Blood Pressure
Posted by Sheila (Texas) on 09/27/2024

Something that worked for warts for us, is get a piece of sandpaper and sand off the top layer off the wart so that it's opened. Then put straight oil of oregano on it. Cover with a band-aid. We buy the stuff from Greece. (Zane H.) I like to buy that because it has a high potency and then I add olive oil with it to take for other uses. Anyway, I put the oil of oregano directly on my son's 2 warts. He had one on his finger and one above his lip. The oil of oregano turned his skin red around the wary the first time so after that I put castrol oil around the warts and then applied the oil of oregano. I did this for about 3 days. Then the warts just feel off at some point. He never noticed when. You can probably use any brand of oil of oregano. If you get a pill, just cut it open and squeeze right onto the wart (after protecting the surrounding skin, but be careful not to get anything on the wart. You just want oil of oregano on the wart.)

It might take longer for your wart but just keep applying the oil of oregano and it will come off. The key is to open the wart so the oil of oregano can get inside to kill the bacteria.


Coconut Oil Recipes
Posted by Katie (Greenwood, In) on 08/18/2011
★★★★★

I use this site all the time but have never posted before. Today, however, I'm dying to share! I've been adding 2tbs of coconut oil to my diet for the past month in various ways and I've experimented with using it in smoothies but it always clumps up when you add cold ingredients. Today however, I managed to make a 100% smooth no clump smoothie! I put coconut oil in a cup and placed it in a bowl of hot water to melt it and then smushed my fruit (just strawberries today) into the oil and added it to the food processor. Processed until completely smooth and THEN added my cold ingredients ( vanilla bean coconut milk ice cream and 1 crushed up ice cube for extra coldness. ) Result was as smooth as yogurt and delicious! Coconut oil has really been a cure all for me. I've lost a little weight even though my fat intake is obviously higher since I haven't changed anything else in my diet, my nails are stronger and look more clear, and the stubborn cystic acne I get around my jawline have all flattened out. The redness is still there, but with makeup on you can't even tell and no new zits have popped up and my skin looks better now than it has since I started getting cystic acne about 4 years ago. Finally being able to use evco in smoothies is just gonna make it better!


Meningitis, Encephalitis
Posted by Daniel (Bamenda, North West, Cameroon) on 05/28/2011
★★★★★

Thirty four HIV/AIDS patients suffering from fungal meningitis and encephalitis treated from October 2007 to December 2008 were analysed. The only objective sign observed in all the patients was oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush); it is thus the pathognomonic sign in fungal meningitis and encephalitis in HIV/AIDS patients.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis in an HIV/AIDS patient should indicate the risk of developing fungal meningitis and encephalitis. Memory loss was also one of most declared symptoms. The diagnosis of fungal meningitis was presumptive; only one was positive for Cryptococcus neoformans. The early diagnosis and treatment of fungal meningitis and encephalitis in HIV/AIDS patients with mfonfu oil (coconut oil) should be based on clinical approach by the presence of neurological and mental disorders, and oropharyngeal candidiasis. The recovery rate within the first two weeks of treatment with mfonfu oil (coconut oil) was 91.2% while the fatality rate was 8.8%.


This operational research confirms the effectiveness of mfonfu oil (coconut oil) in the treatment of fungal meningitis and encephalitis in HIV/AIDS patients. Mfonfu oil (coconut oil) would be used sooner or later to treat fungal meningitis and encephalitis in HIV/AIDS patients; it is effective, available, and cheap; and it is a revolutionary discovery for humanity!

Nevertheless educational campaigns for the prevention HIV infection are still paramount because there is not yet any specific medication against HIV.

The use of coconut oil (mfonfu oil) for the early treatment of fungal meningitis and encephalitis, supplementing ARV therapy, will greatly prolong the lives of HIV/AIDS patients.
All efforts contributing positively to the fight against HIV/AIDS from the top to the bottom and from the bottom to the top of the health pyramid such as this discovery should be highly considered and appreciated.

For futher reading my blog is : http://mfonfudaniel.blogspot.com


Body Temperature, Menstruation
Posted by Sheila (New York, Ny) on 03/20/2013

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.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Robert (London, Ontario) on 01/18/2011
★★★★★

Using coconut oil now for about a month with great results, my gums are much improved, are healthier, also helped cure my recent cold faster and I sleep better and feel rested in the morning. Coconut oil is really quite remarkable!


Lubricant
Posted by Sunshine (Fort Wayne, In) on 11/03/2010
★★★★★

How do I put this delicately? My boyfriend has a rather large penis. After months of vaginal tearing, doctor visits with no results, and pain I heard that virgin coconut oil can be used as a lubricant. It works like a charm. I cannot praise it enough. In addition to working well it's all natural (unlike the bottled lubricants you find) and it smells great!

Lubricant
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 11/04/2010

What a great idea.... I wanted to avoid the ones you buy in a bottle because you don't know what they put there but I never thought of VCO. I tried some vaginal pills you buy in the health shop but I didn't like them because either you insert them too early and they melt and run out, or too late and they haven't melted yet.... Terrible! My problem is different from yours, because of the aging process everything gets a bit drier (53) and I was getting a lot of bladder infections which are now more or less gone. Simple solution...... I only have one a year and that only when I don't drink enough!


Broad Benefits
Posted by Laura (Severn, Md) on 10/24/2010
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

One month ago I started using organic extra virgin coconut oil both internally (2 tbs a day) and externally to help with my dry skin. Since that time, I have noticed a huge difference in both the appearance and texture of my skin. Dry skin has been a problem for me for close to 10 years now and I feel like I have tried every lotion/moisturizer under the sun including other natural oils such as avocado and jojoba oil. I am 31 years old, and after one month of using the evco, I would say my skin looks 3 to 4 years younger and fine lines (from dry skin or aging?) are starting to diminish. My skin also feels much softer, my pores are smaller, and my cheeks are rosier.... Literally. The other thing I have noticed is that I have a lot more energy. Before using evco, I used to feel sluggish most days and needed to start each day with a large cup of coffee. Now that I spread coconut oil on my toast each morning, I no longer feel like I need the coffee to get going (although, coffee with cream and a little sugar still tastes sooo good! ). So for dry skin and energy, I would definitely recommend coconut oil as a remedy.

There have been minor side effects on a few occasions such as stomach issues and an initial acne break out, but I would say based on how I look and feel in general, these are indicators that the coconut oil is cleansing my skin and body. I also gained five lbs, but once again, I think the weight gain is good because it has always been hard for me to maintain a healthy weight!


Skin Issues
Posted by Jayjay (Atlanta, Ga, Usa) on 06/01/2010

I am new at this so hopeful this makes sense. I really need some information on using VCO. I have a skin condition that is like psoriasis, but worse. Having tried so many prescription medication that did not work (now I don't take any prescription medication for the condition), I wanted to try a natural remedy. I have been using VCO for about a week all over my body. At first my skin seems to get smoother. Now it is tightening and then swelling. If you can imagine having a bump with a head on it that is being squeezed, well that is how my face and neck feels. The VCO seems to be drying my skin. I have been applying the VCO literarily day and night.

1. Can you use too much VCO on the skin?
2. Have anyone's condition gotten worse before seeing results with VCO?
3. Should I take the VCO internally?
4. What are the side effects, if any, of using VCO externally?
5. How long should I be using the VCO before I see postive results?

Skin Issues
Posted by Peg F. (Virginia) on 02/16/2023

I notice that when something is "good" for me, an unusual thing happens. The lymph system and interstitial tissue swell with fluid, causing my skin to be tight, and everything is tender and painful. I believe this is because the cells are getting extra energy and are using it to clean the house, throwing out the junk which lands on the outside. I believe another name for this is gout, a build up of uric acid, a byproduct of metabolism.

In any case, it may actually be a good sign although it is very unpleasant. In fact, I came to this site today to look for a way to flush out lymph. I'm going to try coconut oil internally and externally and see what happens.


Coconut Oil Application Tips
Posted by Rami (Santa Cruz, Ca.) on 05/18/2010
★★★★★

I loved the way the coconut oil felt on my body but I had a hard time putting it on. (I live in a colder climate and it was hard as a rock). I always take a bath at night so I scoped some out, put it in a plastic container and while I am drawing my bath water, I float the container. It melts quickly and perfect for application when I get out. If one took a shower one could put it in the sink with hot water while showering.
It is doing wonders for my dried up, sun damaged skin.

If I am going to be in the sun for long, I still put on sun screen over the coconut oil. It seems to lock in the coconut oil. I do the same at night (put other creams over it) and it locks in the moisture. The next morning my skin feels like a baby.

Thank you Earth Clinic, you have opened up a new world for me.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Grace (Des Plaines, Il) on 04/26/2010
★★★★★

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil cured my athlete feet in about a week. I also use the oil as a deodorant and i rub it on my face instead of a moisturizer. I had a very bad cyctic acne ( had to use accutane in the past)and i have left a lot of scars on my face. All the scars are fading away after 1 week of use evco. My skin feels smooter and softer. I recommend coconut oil to everybody.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Aliona (Seoul, Tukpyolsi, South Korea) on 03/05/2010
★★★★★

Thank you so much for sharing your good and bad experiences about coconut oil. I used coconut oil in all my foods for 2 months and lost 10 kilos. i didn't know coconutoil was a weight loss support. I just learnt about it yesterday.

A few weeks ago,a friend gave me a bottle of unrefined coconut oil from West Africa. After reading it's uses,i have decided to apply it on my acne destroyed face.I have tried washing my face with warm water then apply coconut as a moisturiser.It has done wonders in just two days and im determined to use it forever.

I have wasted thousands of dollars buying a hell of creams and drugs to cure acne but with no success. My last and only trial is coconut oil.my mom had advised me to use it sinc eit's available in Africa my motherland, but i ignored her advice but have chosen to take it now. will update u on my progress.Thanks to your website.


Coconut Oil Recipes
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines) on 03/10/2010

Hi Francisca...Coconut oil is probably the best oil to use raw or for cooking -- even better than olive oil in my opinion. I took 1 X tbspn of coconut oil three times a day in my regimen that cured my Candida -- also helped me to loose over 20 lbs and I never even changed my diet much. I cook everything in extra virgin coconut oil now. I also use real butter, and absolutely no margarines or other chemically processed vegetable oils or sugar or sweetners are allowed in my diet at all.

Read the research about why coconut oil is so good for us here(no adverts) :

http://www.coconutoil.com/research.htm

Extracts from "Coconut Oil: Why It Is Good for You"

"In 1987 Lim-Sylianco published a 50-year literature review showing the anti-cancer effects of coconut oil. In chemically induced cancers of the colon and breast, coconut oil was by far more protective than unsaturated oils [or vegetable oils]. For example 32% of corn oil eaters got colon cancer whereas only 3% of coconut oil eaters got the cancer. Animals fed unsaturated oils[veg oils] had more tumors. This shows the thyroid-suppressive and hence, immuno-suppressive effect of unsaturated oils[read vegetable oils]. (Cohen et al. 1986)."

From "Thailand: Land of the Coconut"

"We hear a great deal these days about the presumed health benefits of Asian diets. China and Japan are presented as exemplars of "low-fat, high fiber, largely vegetarian" Oriental regimes. The foods of Thailand are often ignored in such discussions. The delicious, spicy cuisine of Siam is rich in saturated fat from coconut oil and lard, relatively low in fiber and features many and varied animal foods. Yet a comparison of autopsy reports on a group from Bangkok with a group from the US found that coronary occlusion or myocardial infarction was eight times more frequent in the US, diabetes was ten times more frequent and high blood pressure about four times more frequent.(4) Even more intriguing is the fact that Thailand has the lowest rates of cancer, for both men and women, of all the 50 countries studied by the World Health Organization.(3) Here is yet another paradox - Le Paradoxe Thailandais - that the "experts" would rather ignore than explain."

My own reasons for adopting my diet are simply historic. Before 1900, the only fats used within the Western diet were saturated fats like lard, tallow and butter, with a very small amount of monounsaturates like olive oil. This 1900 western diet was also enhanced by a much greater intake of salt(natural) by eating large quantities of salted fish and/or meat(or "jerky") because there were no refrigerators or freezers around to preserve these meats in 1900.

And even with this diet -- which by present day standards would be dismissed or defined as a "horrible and unhealthy" saturated fat and salty diet -- there was no Heart Disease, Cancer, Obesity, Altzheimers, Parkinson's, Diabetes, Arthritis etc. that exists in such epidemic proportions in the West today. Makes you wonder exactly how all that marvellous(sic) pro-vegetable oil research could have got it so wrong, doesn't it ?

In the Philippines, where I now live, I have observed that in the beautiful semi-provinces where I reside, most poor Filipino families make their own coconut oil for cooking by boiling or fermenting the coconut milk and living on a purely sticky rice diet that includes much caught fish as well as a considerable amount of dried, salted fish. And strangely, these poor people on this diet suffer no plague of 'western modern ailments' such as those I've defined above.

But also I've noticed in my treks into the larger and more modern Filipino towns and cities such as Manila or Cebu, I see and hear about the heart disease, the obeisity, diabetes, arthritis, Altzheimer's etc. The reason for this must be linked to the influx of MacDonald's, KFC, Burger King's and other fast food chains that always seem to spring up first in all the major towns and cities of poor developing countries. All that chemically processed food and fats from the fast food chains makes quite a difference in your diet or health and seems to have an entirely detrimental effect on the human body.

My diet hasn't got a fancy name. Just stay away from all processed food, avoid all veg oils, avoid canned goods, avoid sugar and sweeteners and you should become much healthier. And its not really a diet for me -- because a diet always implies that you will "come off the diet eventually". This has simply become a habit for life for me now.


Coconut Oil Recipes
Posted by Becky (Ca) on 11/12/2018

To Bill - (Philippines)

You state many times about drinking coffee. This is acidic, caffeinated coffee? The reason why I ask is this didn't interfere with your ability to alkalize? I can't seem to give up the darn coffee!

Can I ask all what you used to rid Candida? One thing that keeps confusing me is that I read the skin needs to be acid but many things you suggest for skin are alkaline. So if I am using baking soda for skin or bathing in it, will it cause issues with the changing skin PH?

Also I read your book a while ago. I can't do the protocol because it appears that all forms of Vitamin C make my Candida worse. I'm 48 and believe I've had this sense birth. Then explosive symptoms after they gave me antibiotics for ear infections over a period of 3 years.

Thanks for your input!


Head Congestion
Posted by Sue (Ossian, In) on 04/16/2011
★★★★★

My gums used to bleed. I have used non acidic vitamin c for 4 years. So long as I stay on it no problems. I work in a healthcare facility and no longer get the colds and flu's that are also going around. It has also done wonders for my skin. Very good for your lungs. I try to take one every 2 hours. I have done this for years and will continue.. It will work!!!


Flu
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.


Herpes
Posted by Claudia (Van Nuys, Ca) on 12/30/2009
★★★★★

I am 34 and coconut oil is the only thing that has worked for cold sores. I use coconut oil on my lips daily. When I feel a cold sore coming on, I use more coconut oil and the sore does not even grow. I also use coconut oil for my skin as a moisturizer as well and it works wonders. I highly recommend the use of coconut oil.


Sunscreen
Posted by Sandy (sandhya) (Bangalore, India) on 12/10/2009
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

coconut oil is not a sun-screen. In fact, coconut oil promotes sun burn. Never expose urself to the sun with coconut oil on ur skin.


Sunscreen
Posted by Renee (New York, New York) on 07/28/2009
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

I tried the coconut oil as sunscreen, and got very burned! I was out at the peak of the sun for four hours, but in any case, coconut oil does have amazing benefits, but this is not one of them. At least not during peak hours.

Sunscreen
Posted by Mikola (Cincinnati, Oh) on 05/31/2011
★☆☆☆☆

I agree with Renee. I foolishly used EVCO for sun protection yesterday, a very sunny day, and I have a very bad sunburn as a result.


Coconut Oil Recipes
Posted by Cocofan (Los Angeles, CA) on 05/14/2009
★★★★★

Coconut Oil in Almond Milk: I am a big fan of coconut oil. My skin looks great and regular external usage has cured my acne.

To take it internally, I heat a small cup of warm vanilla almond milk in the microwave. Then, I add a spoonful of coconut oil. It's a delicious treat. I have also found that I no longer suffer from the intense sugar/carb cravings that I used to have before I started taking coconut oil.


How to Take Internally
Posted by LaToya (Bronx, NY) on 04/23/2009
★★★★★

I've started using VCO recently. I mix a teaspoon into my hot coffee. It tastes great, actually. Don't know if thats an ideal way to take it, but it tastes good.

How to Take Internally
Posted by Lemonsour (London, England) on 11/11/2009

Hi, I just found this site and have started on some of the most popular practices...basically Apple Cider Vinegar and Virgin Coconut Oil. I only started today so i am hoping to see some good results over the coming weeks. Just wanted to add to this thread, that i took ur advice and add one teaspoon to my coffee twice a day....and i think it tastes great! The boiling water melts the VCO quickly, and very easy to drink. So thanks for the tip. I have also started drinking one teaspoon of ACV in a glass of water, which is fine to be honest...not hard to drink at all. Now i just hope i get even a few of the great things stated on this website..fingers crossed!!


Broad Benefits
Posted by Eileen (Bath, NY) on 03/07/2009
★★★★★

Healing is Happening! I have been using VCO for a little over 3 weeks now. I have had a persistent bubbly, red rash that comes and goes on my legs for many years. Also, break out on my face with pimples. I also have Fibromyalgia. I heard about the benefits of VCO and started taking it. Over the past weeks, I have noticed several things to indicate that healing is happening. I stopped using cortisone cream for itching on the rash and apply VCO 3 times a day. I am now taking 4 Tablespoons orally. My rash broke out worse at first, but is now beginning to subside. My face has been sloughing off- my pores are becoming clearer all over my entire body. I went through a lot of breakout at first and even a couple of sties in my eyelash areas. I had some nausea and loose bowels, but that eventually passed. My nails are really stronger and healthier. My hair is shiny and soft. I haven't yet seen much improvement in my Fibromyalgia, but, I am looking forward to some kind of positive healing in the near future. I had a wart on the instep of my foot that is almost gone. My skin was dry and itchy all the time and I have seen a great improvement. Initially, I had a lot of sneezing attacks and a lot of clear mucus draining out of my nose. In the mornings, my eyes would water profusely. That has all stopped. I breathe much better than I have in many years. I used to crave starches and chocolates. I don't have those cravings any longer. I have found that if I take a tablespoon of VCO 1/2 hour before a meal, I eat less. I have lost a total of 8 lbs. My breath is fresher and I stopped having to use deodorant. I am looking forward to what the future has in store for me and I am hoping to improve my metabolism and energy level. I will update in a couple of months to let all of you know if there are further improvements.



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