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.
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Ron (Bradenton, Fl) on 07/06/2009
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism last year. I found this out because I had been gaining weight steadily, (over 40 lbs) even though I tried cutting back on my eating. I had no energy, couldn't sleep, was feeling anxieties, and just thought at one point I may be dying of something. My vision started to change too. So I went to my Dr., had tests done and was told my TSH levels were high, close to 12. I asked what the normal was, she stated between 3.5 to 5.6. My Dr. wanted to put me on synthroid. I asked how long I would need to be on it. She told me, for the rest of your life!!! I said there must be a natural cure. She said no. I wasn't convinced because I had heard from my mom (who is a nutritionist) that the body is designed to heal itself. Those words always stuck with me.
So I did research on my own and found that coconut oil was what I needed to get my thyroid back to normal. So I tried it. 1 TBSP per day for the 1st week, 2 TBSP per day the 2nd week, then 3 the 3rd week. I saw my Dr. at the 3 week mark and was tested again. My TSH level had dropped to 7.8. Dr. said it was just a coincidence and that I needed to be careful because it could spike again. I continued to take coconut oil (organic type) for another 3 weeks. This time when I was tested my TSH was down to 4.2. Even though it was down where it was supposed to be, she still felt that I was a candidate for Synthroid. It was at that point I came to the realization (as others before me have) that Dr.'s are out for the income, not to help. I have been doing great ever since. My thyroid is back to normal and I lost all the weight I had gained and even gained muscle in the process, without even working out! Since then, I have continued to do research on the healing properties of coconut oil and can't stop talking to everyone about it.
Oil Pulling
Posted by phogallen1 (Peoria, AZ) on 07/02/2009
Hi all i just started using coconut oil last night and i used 1 tablespoon and swished and held in mouth for about 20 minutes. All went well but i did noticed that right after i spit it out that my gums were like a transperant white around my teeth. I felt great but i looked a little strang. Also when i spit out the coconut oil it looked milky in consistency. I guess i was expecting something different dont know if that worked or not. I went to the dentist today and my mouth is a little sore. i am wondering if i can continue with the oil after just having my gums cleaned under the surface which was done today...........thanks phogallen
The Elderly and Children
Posted by Kyra (Cortlandt Manor, New York) on 06/30/2009
I give all of my children, ages 2 - 12 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil daily.
The Elderly and Children
Posted by Sangeetha (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) on 06/29/2009
Is VCO good for any age? My mother is 70 years old and suffers from diabetes and bigh blood pressure. I know VCO is good for diabetes. Is it also god for high blood pressure? Is it ok for a 70 year old with these ailments to drink VCO?
Also, due to so many benefits includes its ability to fight virus and bacteria, I wanted to give it to my 6 1/2 year old daughter, maybe in smaller quantities of 1 tsp to begin with, gradually increasing to 2 tsp. a day. Is it alright for a child that age to drink VCO?
Thank you in advance for responses.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Bewitching (Phoenix, AZ) on 06/22/2009
I have a dairy allergy, so I now use coconut milk in my coffee instead of cream. I buy the highest fat content milk I can find that is not preserved with any kind of sulfur product. I buy it at the local Asian store.
Seizures
Posted by Holli (Kansas City, MO) on 06/17/2009
★★★★☆
When I found out the long list of benefits for coconut oil, i bought some. Primarily for my 5 yr olds seizures, but figured we'd use here n there. My acne is clearing up- by moisturizing with it. My hair looks better-hot coconut oil treatment. And best yet, my 5 yr old has had noticibly fewer/calmer seizures this week! I'm just a geek on the net, not trying to sell anything, but wow. read up on it's versatility.
Gum in Hair
Posted by Karmala (Templeton, CA) on 06/16/2009
it also works great at removing pine pitch and tar...from hands and especially from dog's coat
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Karmala (Templeton, CA) on 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...
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Karmala (Templeton, CA) on 06/16/2009
I purchase my EVCO at vitacost. It is Jarrows brand... 32 oz for $12.93. Here is their description to show what healthy EVCO is:
Description: Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil Expeller Pressed. Rich and Full Coconut Flavor. Rich In Medium Chain Triglycerides. No Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) * No Hydrogenation.
Jarrow Formulas: Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil from the fresh flesh of the coconut palm fruit, (Cocus nucifera) is unrefined and expeller-pressed in a controlled, indoor environment. This specific process does not utilize any solvents and preserves the volatile compounds responsible for imparting the rich, familiar flavor of coconuts. Coconut oil is an excellent source of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), such as lauric acid (C-12) and caprylic acid (C-8).
Nutrient Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon
Servings per Container: Approx. 65
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Calories 125
Fat Cal. 125
Total Fat 14 gr 22%
Sat. Fat 13 gr 65%
Polyunsat. Fat 0.5 gr *
Monounsat. Fat 0.5 gr *
Trans Fat 0 gr *
Cholesterol 0 Milligrams 0%
Sodium 0 Milligrams 0%
Total Carb. 0 gr 0%
Protein 0 gr *
*Daily value not established.
Other Ingredients: 100% Unrefined expeller pressed, organic extra virgin coconut oil.
Make Your Own Coconut Oil
Posted by Sangeetha (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) on 06/11/2009
Has anyone else tried to make the cold pressed coconut oil at home? Did the coconut milk turn rancid the next day or did you get the fresh coconut oil out of it? Or as another reader had commented, the milk cream settled on top instead of the oil? I am considering trying to make little coconut oil at home and answers to these questions would be very helpful to begin with. If anyone else has any proven recipe for cold pressed coconut oil, I would appreciate if you can please post it here. Thank you.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Denise (Atlanta, GA) on 06/09/2009
Hello:
I have had chronic mucus build up for more than 15 years due to food and environmental allergies and have been using over the counter sprays and guifenisin tablets like Mucinex several times a day. I tried oil pulling for the first time this morning (for 20 minutes) using 1 tablespoon of Coconut Oil. After 20 minutes I spit out the oil and it was still white, not yellow. Based on all of the information I have read, if the oil has removed the toxins it should have turned yellow after 20 minutes. I am still congested, should I continue to use the coconut oil or switch to a different type, oil pull for longer than 20 minutes or simply give the oil pulling more time to work. Please advise. Thanks
How to Take Internally
Posted by Cheryl (Houston, TX) on 05/29/2009
★★★★★
I mix 2 t. of the EVCO with 6 oz. yogurt, 1/4 C. blueberries and 1/2 C. granola. It tastes great!
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Donna (Siesta Key, Florida) on 05/23/2009
Blessings everyone,
I have been purchasing coconut oil online for years.....the only website I recommend for quality, customer service and fast shipping is www.tropicaltraditions.com I love their gold label extra virgin oil. The also run special sales all the time. Good Luck to all.
Circulation
Posted by Kathy (Richardson, Tx. ) on 05/19/2009
★★★★★
I also felt a difference from taking EVCO in not being so cold all the time. Others that I work with would ask me if I was cold because the thermostat was set too low and they were cold. I thought that was unusual because I was the one who was always cold. I was taking about a teaspoon with my oatmeat every morning. One side effect from this was that by the end of the week I was sooo tired, like I feel when I am coming down with something. I didn't feel like doing my aerobics or walk the dog for 30-40minutes as I had in the past. So now I use it occasionally 2 or 3 times a week and even less depending on how I feel. But, I do use it as an under arm deodorant and on my feet. There is NO odor from my armpits even when doing aerobics. Apply enough of the oil so the skin around the armpit area is well covered. The coconut smell goes away after an hr. or two.
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.
Autism
Posted by K (New York, New York) on 05/13/2009
★★★★★
Epsom salts is magnesium (magnesium sulphate). Transdermal application of magnesium is more effective than oral ingestion, though magnesium chloride is better than magnesium sulphate. Magnesium has a significant impact on a variety of major health issues such as ADD, brain function, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart problems, athritis, migraine. Magnesium also protects the cell from poisonous metals like aluminum, mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium and nickel, which can contribute to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases multiple sclerosis, and learning retardation.
Magnesium is involved in over 300 processes in the body. Most people are severely depleted of magnesium. Just search magnesium on the web and you will see how crucial it is.
Coconut oil contains Lauric Acid, which both increases transdermal uptake of the magnesium sulphate and is beneficial to the brain and nervous system.
Good health primarily requires healthy saturated fats, adequate levels of magnesium and vitamin A & D in concert. There is a great deal of excellent information at The Weston Price Foundation, which is where I first learnt about the benefits of coconut oil.
http://www.westonaprice.org/splash_2.htm
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Sangeetha (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) on 05/09/2009
Can someone please tell me if it is necessary to melt the EVCO before taking it as a cure for side effects of hypothyroid? Is there any particular time this should be taken? Can it be taken close to taking thyroid medication?
Also is Armour Thyroid a better suggestion than Eltroxin, if so, I can ask my doctor to switch me to Armour.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Karina (Munich, Bavaria/Germany) on 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.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Selena (Chula, GA ) on 04/23/2009
OMG I love this site. Sorry, this is about my 4th post in 2 weeks. I just wanted to say, I put coconut oil in my coffee too. It took me months to get off of a well known powdered coffee creamer. And boy do I love my coffee, it just wasn't the same without the creamy taste of the hydrogenated fat I was trying to avoid. But I finally made the switch to real milk in my coffee instead (now if I can just find a sub for the milk, haha). Recently, I thought I would try the coconut oil in my coffee (about 1/4 tsp. per cup) and Guess what, It reminds me of my forever longed for coffee creamer. I love it and recommend it.
EC: No need to apologize -- we love multiple posts. Send as many as you wish!
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.
Skin Issues
Posted by Mamasita (Vancouver, BC, Canada) on 04/20/2009
Thank you Shannon from New Glarus, finally reading some common sense here. I take cocunut oil in my food at normal doses, (the amount you would use any oil in your cooking) and i have not experienced any of these problems that i am reading so many people are having. I have noticed that most of these people are mentioning that they mix it in their tea or take it straight. You have to treat coconut oil like any other oil and use it wisely. Cook with it, mix it with your food in sensible amounts and you will experiece the true benefits. In countries that coconut is widely used, eg, India, south pacific ect..., you will never see the people eating it straight or mixing in their tea, they only use it to cook with and use to massage into their skin and skalp. They have used it in their cooking for thousands of years and never experience problems like we do in the west, we are too extreme. Its simple, be sensible dont overdue it, use it like you would use any other oil and you will be amazed by the benefits.
Dry Skin
Posted by Marilyn (Sewell, NJ) on 04/09/2009
Thanks to Lisa from SLC, UT for the VCO/Cocoa Recipe!
I'd like to share my modification of Lisa's recipe:
VCO Chocolate Truffles:
3 T VCO
1 1/2 T Cocoa Powder*
3/4 t powdered sugar (10x Confectioners)
Blend VCO, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder until thoroughly integrated. Form into 3 balls; roll balls in cocoa.
The above recipe will provide a daily recommended dosage of 3 T of VCO. If using the ratios in the above recipe, you can increase the amount to make several days of recommended daily dosages.
*Because I like dark chocolate, I used a special dark chocolate cocoa blend for the truffles and rolled the truffle balls in regular cocoa.
Note: Most special dark chocolate cocoas are a blend of natural and dutched cocoas and therefore have less antioxidants than natural cocoas.
Drawback - This may make it difficult to consume ONLY the daily recommended dosage of VCO.
Hair
Posted by Lakshmi (Edinburgh, UK) on 03/28/2009
★★★★★
I am basically from India. Coconut oil is a part of our life. People use it in cooking and it makes them fat. Coconut oil has very high saturated fatty acids. It is good if taken in very little amount it helps in detoxing the body. They are very good for external applications. In the place where i come from it is a habit to apply coconut oil on hair everyday like applying moisturiser for skin. It is really important in a weather like that which will dry out hair. It protects hair and give a beautiful shine. Now i dont live there I stopped oiling my hair and it is very thin and lifeless.
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.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by JB (New Iberia, Louisiana, USA) on 03/26/2009
I am new to this website and I think it's fascinating. Can't wait to try some of the remedies. I bought some virgin coconut oil capsules yesterday and was reading everything I could about it. I saw the reference to LouAna oil. It's a Louisiana product, and although it's an old and trusted brand for cooking made from soybeans and possibly cottonseed, I can definitely say that there are no coconuts growing anywhere around here and I wouldn't think they would import something so heavy. For what it's worth.....
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Rosy (Orlando, Fl) on 03/09/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Only use coconut oil that smells like coconuts for healing. If is has little to no smell it has been processed. If it is very cheep then buyer beware, you get what you pay for. Coconuts grow only in tropical areas, and it cost money to ship the product to us in nontropical areas. What are they cutting the coconut oil with to make it so cheap would be my question.
Same for Olive oil. They cut that often, and if you look it up on google you will find many stories of people doing this in Europe and sending it over here as the real thing. Nothing that is worth it's weight in gold with be sold for copper!
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Kyra (Cortlandt Manor, New York) on 03/08/2009
I also buy the large tub of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil from Wal Mart. I don't believe it is organic so I do not take it internally. My family and I use it on our bodies and in our hair.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by CoconutAddict (San Francisco, CA) on 03/08/2009
I buy all of my coconut oil online, but since someone mentioned you can buy them at Walmart, I decided to check it out. I did not find Louann's Coconut oil at the baking supplies section but I did find another brand at the Vitamin aisle. This is a 16oz tub, costs about $10 and it said that it's virgin coconut oil (I don't think it's organic). I did not buy it since I was skeptical. IMHO, LouAnn brand is probably refined cheap coconut oil made out of copra. But at least Walmart carries it while most supermarkets do not and I hope the real healing properties of coconut is finally coming out and more stores will start selling it to the public. I believe we as human deserve to know the truth about the stuff we eat and I prefer natural products over processed chemical things any day.
Skin Issues
Posted by Sia (NYC, NY) on 03/07/2009
★★★★★
I have heard coconut oil works well for some ppls acne but avocado oil is great for acne and overall nourishig your face. It an antibacterial, natural sunscreen and helps in the collagen process. Organic extra virgin cold pressed olive oil is also great for skin, been using it for over a year now although, I am 31 and ppl think I am 23. Will try the coconut oil for my slight cellulite though, thanks.
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.
Skin Issues
Posted by Ed (London, Hornsey) on 03/04/2009
★★★★★
At 24 I had my first experience of seborrheic dermatitis, and had it for about 2 years. I can honestly remember one girl commenting 'it looks like his nose is turning green', to be honest I couldn't care less what she said, but there were times when i felt so low I didn't want to leave the house. I might have been exaggerating, but my nose was going from small red marks, to be inflamed burn marks, to a yellow gewy substance which would eventually harden.
I tried so many things. At first the steroid cream I used did the job in the short term. But it was no long term cure I was comfortable with. If I stopped using it it was back in a week. Maybe less. So I stopped using that pretty early. I also used aveeno yeast cream, aloe vera (from a bottle and from a plant), going on a yeast free and sugar free diet (to be honest this lasted about a month and a half, and don't think I went completely all out. But tried to cut the main stuff out), and garlic- none of these things worked.
Funnily enough, when I went to the states, it practically seemed to go on its own.
Then I decided to use coconut oil. externally (100% coconut oil- the brand is pukka). I applied it about once every day, not very much was needed as it is a very oily product. Actually I started by using this and taking it internally, eating crushed coconut from a jar with a spoon. but now I just apply it externally. I've been doing this for about 4 to 5 months now, and it is already feeling like a miracle cure, so I hope it carries on like this! I only had one major flare up since, whereas before I was getting one every other week. I hope I'm not speaking to soon, but it's really helped my confidence, and probably changed my life for the better. And something so simple! Just gotta thank the people on this website (and this website for this).
Of course a downside could be seen as it coming back if I stop using it. But who knows, it might even go for good!
Skin Issues
Posted by Shannon (New Glarus, WI) on 03/04/2009
★★★★★
After reading miraculous things about coconut oil a couple of years ao, I gave it a try. I read suggestions for what sounded like huge dosages, but instead I just started using it instead of butter on toast, and for cooking, and in hot cereal and baking--just to taste, like any other food. Other times I use olive oil, and I take fish oil sometimes. I like coconut oil a lot, and feel good with it, but my most interesting observation is that these past two winters have been the first in a long time when I've needed no hand lotion, and even doing lots of dishes doesn't dry my hands like it used to. And in general I notice that my skin seems much softer and smoother. But I can't imagine eating it straight off the spoon, or in the quantities some people talk about... Maybe some of the bad reactions are just *overdoses*, from eating more fat at once than the body's able to digest?
Parasites
Posted by Cindy (Woodland, PA) on 02/24/2009
★★★★★
I have been taking coconut oil for the last 2 weeks 1 teaspoon every morning and also cooking with it. Today, (this may sound gross)I had a pain in my back just around the rectum and after using the toilet I looked and found a dead worm in the toilet. YUK! I can't believe that came from me. So it must be killing off the parasites I have. Hopefully it gets them all.
Dry Skin
Posted by Nanci (Niagara Falls, NY) on 02/24/2009
★★★★★
I have used it all over & here's what I do - I keep some in a rubbermaid container (with the top on) that I toss into he tub while I shower. The heat makes it melty, so then I just pour it onto my palm afterwards & slather it everywhere. I also use it on my hair like a hot oil treatment before a shampoo.
For internal use: I soften it & pour it into those little candy molds & chill it, then eat them. My dog comes running when she hears me getting it out so she can have her VCO. (I saw a recipe here that mixes it with cocoa & honey) In the summer I use it before sun exposure - and gently tan without peeling.
You should only buy the Virgin Coconut Oils like Nutiva. If you're going to bother doing it, use the one that will give you the most benefits and have best quality.
http://nutiva.com/products/10_coconut.php find it on Amazon, Swanson, Vitacost etc.
