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.
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.
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.
Hair Loss
Posted by Pat (Athens, Alabama, Usa) on 04/24/2010
I would like to know HOW to use the coconut oil for my hair. I have been losing my hair - about a handful or so a day, not so great for a girl mind you. My scalp is very oily and sometimes I get small pimples and pustules and itching. I wash my hair daily to keep this under control and have just begun using a tea tree oil shampoo with good results for the itching etc. but the hair fall out has not improved and remained about the same. I've read several posts about the coconut oil and this morning I coated my hair with it and also massaged my scalp well prior to washing my hair. I had a terrible time getting it out and off my scalp. I was hoping for the conditioning effect and shine for the rest of my hair if nothing else. Instead I ended up having to wash my hair 3 times to get this stuff off my scalp and my hair ended up looking more "stripped" than shinny. What did I do wrong? Any, and I mean ANY guidance would be appreciated. with my hair coming out and this scalp problem too I'm at a loss. I recently started taking the VCO and blackstrap molasses internally but I don't think it's been long enough to have had any real effect yet. I'm hoping to start the ACV within the next week or two as well. The hair thing is getting scary though. I don't want to end up losing all my hair and if this keeps up I'm gonna be shopping for a wig within a few months... not a pleasant idea.
Thanks Earth Clinic, I'm glad to have found you. Just need to know how to do the VCO thing right.
Pat
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 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 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!!
How to Take Internally
Posted by Dreamerbob (San Diego, Ca) on 10/09/2011
We keep a jar of VCO mixed up with cocoa and stevia. Take a spoonful several times a day and let it melt in the mouth. Tastes yummy.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Lilli (Kenmore, Wa) on 02/11/2013
A friend melts the VCO with dark chocolate (both are good for you) as a treat then pours the mixture in ice cube trays. She uses the VCO that is flavored. You can buy unflavored VCO for cooking. I use mine in green tea, coffee, and toss a blob in with any hot food I am cooking like stews and soups. The flavored VCO is great in Indian and other Asian dishes.
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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Lisa (San Francisco, CA/US) on 02/21/2009
★★★★★
Arthritis/gout: I've had my first gout attack and was in excruciating pain for 4 weeks. I tried pretty much everything: ACV, turmeric, ginger, prescribed pain killers, acupuncture, cherry juice and the pain subsided but not much...
I lost faith in my doctors who prescribed me a bunch of pills that did not go well with my body not to mention long term liver damage. So finally I read posts from people who gave coconut oil to their pets. So I tried 2 tbsp of coconut and within 1 day felt better. Now I was still taking 2 tbsp of ACV along with the coconut so if the combination work better or not but I did feel 95% better. I am now taking less ACV and more coconut oil.
Folks, when you are desperate, you'll try anything to get healthy but keep in mind, you want to take unrefined, raw virgin coconut oil. I do not understand why most of our food has to be refined and over-processed? I hope the food industry will improve our food quality in a very near future. I even started researching on raw milk (which unfortunately is hard to find and gets quite expensive) where in some culture take it to cure their arthritis problems. Good thing is virgin coconut oil is pretty cheap and widely available online. I even use coconut oil on my face and hair, works great on my hair.
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Stephanie (Sugar Hill, Ga) on 02/19/2012
ARGAN OIL FOR SEXUAL DRIVE, JUST USE IT IN YOUR LOTION EVERYDAY OR YOUR SHAMPOO
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Rsw (Oh) on 07/24/2016
Hi Namaw,
This subject has come up in a group that meets for exercise each week in my church, and it has been suggested by one person (per her doctor) to take tonic water with quinine, while another lady said to stand on a low step with just your toes and the front part of your foot on the step, holding on to something to prevent falling, and then stretch your legs down towards the floor. I am not sure how frequently quinine can be taken nor the amount. I like magnesium oil but these remedies may be helpful if you can't take magnesium.
Wrinkles
Posted by Tina (River John, Nova Scotia) on 02/11/2009
It is a lovely moisturizer, but if you want a line minimize, treat your lines with castor oil every night before bed. Be sure to pat off the excess oil with tissue and use a pillowcase you do not care about in case of transfer.
Cystic Acne
Posted by Michael (Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia) on 02/05/2009
★★★★★
Coconut Oil (remedy): Is it possible to reduce high blood pressure /cholesterol by taking the oil directly? I wonder 'cos I'd been taking 4-tablespoon daily... after I was convinced by my gym colleague that his bp and LDL cholesterol levels dropped after taking the oil for few months.
I took the oil after I am convinced with the oil benefits by trying on my chest which has a lump (like pimple, but unable to press and break it) for quite long time. I applied the oil for 2-week and the lump just break-away when pressed. To my surprise, I can pressed out the lump and I noted "thick and oilly paste of discharge from the lump. Now my chest is clean and good looking!
How to Take Internally
Posted by Susan (Higganum, Connecticut) on 11/17/2008
★★★★★
How to take Coconut Oil recipe suggestion
I have been mixing 1 tsp EVCO (you don't need to melt it) with a 1/2 tsp peanut butter! I take it twice a day. It's actually pretty good! Enjoy! Susan
How to Take Internally
Posted by Haycee (Gauteng, South Africa) on 11/07/2008
Hercules coconut oil is distributed by Enaleni Pharmaceuticals, which was recently bought by the Indian Marico group. It is marketed as a hair care product and I am not sure whether or not it is suitable for internal use - it does not have the characteristic coconut smell. However, organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil is sold under the Crede Natural Oils label and is available in 400ml bottles at most health shops at a cost of around R70.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Sandra (Grosse Pointe, Michigan) on 10/28/2008
Hello everyone, I love this site. Thanks to everyone who contributes to it in one way or another, also thanks to the wonderful people maintaining it, I can only imagine the amount of work that must go into it.
As for the coconut oil, I too find the taste very unpleasant (and the texture too, I live in a cold place and the oil is often in solid form), but the way I get around it is by adding about 1 1/2 teaspoons to a bowl of lentils, I usually cook lentils (with turmeric, cayenne, tomatoes and other spices) over the weekend and during the week, I reheat them in a pan, and then add the coconut oil to the bowl. It is a great improvement in taste. I hope this helps.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Melissa (Kaukauna, Wi) on 10/01/2008
★★★★★
I've been taking extra-virgin (cold compressed) coconut oil for 1 month now. Wow the results are simply amazing. I suggest everyone tries it. It's great for many things..I've lost weight almost right away, and my energy wow, I'm loving it. I'm not tired anymore...and the cool thing is that your body actually tells you when it needs the oil...I have nothing bad to say about it.. GOOD LUCK
