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 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.
Dry Skin
Posted by Dilys (Stroud, UK) on 02/21/2009
Kay, also living in the UK and only just having found out about coconut oil where did you buy it and what make?
Hair
Posted by Cindy (Woodland, PA) on 02/15/2009
I buy my Virgin CoConut Oil on the website www.tropicaltraditions.com. It is really good. You can also get expeller cold pressed if you don't like the coconut taste. Check it out.
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Cathy (Villa Park, Illinois USA) on 02/13/2009
★★★★☆
I have been using Extra Virgin Coconut Oil since April of 2008. One tablespoon per day. I have Hypothyroidism and was having a lot of problems with brain fog. I was having difficulty doing my job and sometimes would forget where I was going when driving home for a few seconds. I am a creative person but was totally unable to express my ideas in artwork or my writing. I could not organize my thoughts. I could not make decisions or remember what I was supposed to do. This on top of all the other symptoms of hypothyroidism. 2 weeks after I started taking it the brain fog totally went away. I am very dependent on the coconut oil now as I do not want to go back to not knowing what I was doing. As for my other symptoms such as totally lost my sex drive which is destroying my relationship and sleeping too much and low energy etc. it has not changed any of that. My thyroid has gotten worse and I have had to double my thyroid medication (Thyroxine). I am working with a Naturalpathic doctor which was a very wise thing to do. She told me to keep taking 1 Tbsp of coconut oil per day. I just wonder if I should take more than that since I have heard of other people have been able to go off the thyroid meds when taking 2 Tbsp per day. She is also treating me for Adrenal Fatigue and cervical dysplaisia and fibrocystic breasts. I guess I'm a mess right now and just want to be well again. I am a big fan of the coconut oil because it is the one remedy that has made the most difference for me. Also I want to add that the doc specified I should use the solid coconut oil instead of the capsules which I started out on because she said that way you can tell if it has gone rancid. But I still use the capsules for backcountry trips and road trips for convenience.
If anyone knows a way to bring back the sex drive I would be grateful.
Energy Booster
Posted by T (Maryland, USA) on 02/11/2009
I downed a spoonful of virgin coconut oil (VCO) the other day and had the heart pounding problem that evening. That was the first time I'd taken it straight up. The earlier times I had ingested it, it was by spreading it on bread that was nearly toasted, letting it absorb a bit, then popping it back in for a moment to fully toast, in effect "cooking" the oil on the toast. I had read (possibly here?) that VCO in a cooked form is easier for the body to take. When I have eaten it this way, it never gave me problems. Might be worth looking into if working up from a smaller amount doesn't seem to be effective in preventing problems. It's tasty on toast anyway, especially with jelly/jam on top :-)
Energy Booster
Posted by Kelly (Augusta, Maine) on 02/11/2009
I had to start even smaller using 1/4 a tsp mixed with 2 tsps of peanutbutter. I then put this mixture on toast twice a day and build up gradually. I am also drinking 4 tbsp a day of apple cider vinegar with 100% fruit juice (I started this regimine first and then later added the virgin coconut oil into my morning and evening routine.) My skin is clearer than it has been for years, I have so much more energy and my depression seems like a distant memory although I am aware of it when under a lot of stress. Also, I am sleeping all through the night! I used to toss and turn all night long and now I wake up refreshed from a long night's sleep.
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.
Wrinkles
Posted by Jenni (Western Australia) on 02/10/2009
I am curious as to what results people have achieved using coconut oil for reducing facial lines?
Face
Posted by Joy (Solana Beach, CA) on 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.
Face
Posted by Dianna (Austin, Tx) on 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
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!
Face
Posted by Heather (WallaWalla, WA) on 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!
Make Your Own Coconut Oil
Posted by Cynthia (San Francisco, CA) on 02/03/2009
Making Coconut Oil: I have digestive problems and I heard that coconut oil will help me with the problem I have, but it seems as if coconut oil is very costly, so I thought I'd try to make my own but I was wondering if the boiling process is just as good as the fermentation process. If I use the boiling process would there be any lost of vitamins?
In some research I did, boiling the coconut milk to get coconut oil will not be as effective as processing it without heat and that some type of vitamins will be lost if I boil the oil. Is this true? Can you please help me.
Thank you!
Dry Skin
Posted by CONNIE (PENSACOLA, FL) on 01/28/2009
I READ THE RECIPE FOR USING COCONUT OIL WITH COCOA POWDER POWDER AND HONEY AND COULDN'T WAIT TO TRY IT. I RAN TO THE KITCHEN AND MIXED SOME UP AND AM EATING IT AS I TYPE. I LOVE IT!!!! I HAD WONDERED FOR A LONG TIME HOW I WAS GOING TO FORCE MYSELF TO EAT IT OFF A SPOON. I AM DIPPING WALNUTS IN IT. THANKS FOR THE TIP. CONNIE
Skin Issues
Posted by Kelly (Nashville , TN) on 01/25/2009
What brand of coconut oil do you use? And, does anyone know what the shelf life of coconut oil is? I have an opened jar of it that I have had for more than a year. It doesn't have an "off" smell but I was wondering if it would still be effective?
Skin Issues
Posted by Candy (Hobe Sound, FL) on 01/24/2009
★★★★★
I have been using Organic Coconut Oil for 2 years now as a "skin lotion". When I started using it I was 43 and already using a top product for anti-aging. The product had worked some to reduce wrinkles but in just a couple of days the CO worked so much better. now at almost 45 I have very little wrinkles. I use just a little bit on my fingers and spread so thin that no one can tell that I use an oil on my face. My 17 year old daughter uses it also.
I started using the CO for other things and one of the best is on a canker sores. It does not hurt unless you rub it too hard. I had no pain all day and did not have to put more on until bed time. I put a dab of CO on a Q-tip and applied it to the sore.
Athlete's Foot
Posted by Jim (Klamath Falls, OR, USA) on 01/13/2009
★★★★★
I had a very similar experience with the EVCO. I also use it for an underarm deodorant, along with ACV. I first apply the ACV and let it dry and then apply a very light amount of the EVCO. If I happen to get too much under the arm, I just dab it with a tissue. It does not stain and the light odor of coconut is gone within 1 hour max.
My athletes foot problem cleared in 3 days usage. Amazing how effective it is as an under arm deodorant. I just started to use it 2-3 times a day in hope that it will have a similar effect on my gastritis.
This is a great web site! Thank you all.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Tina (River John, Nova Scotia, Canada) on 01/07/2009
★★★★★
I have come up with a great way to take black strap molasses and virgin coconut oil. I make fudge out of three ingredients. I take 2 tbls BSM, 2 TBLS VCO, 2 TBLS OF a peanut butter or any nut butter preferably organic but not necessary, I have even used nutella. I melt VCO by putting it in a dish placed in sink with hot waterfor a slow melt. Add the peanut butter mix until smooth and add the BSM mix until smooth. Pour into a flat dish and refrigerate until hard. Then I cut it into one tbls size squares.I take one square in the am and one in the pm.some would want to increase the amount of intake, but this is the right amount for me. i also take the weekend off from consuming this. I make this every few days so that it is always fresh. I would love some feedback on this if you like it or if someone sees a problem with taking it this way. Hope this helps people to stomach some of the things that can be hard to take. This actually tastes all right.
Tina
Hair
Posted by Fay (Suwanee, ga) on 01/07/2009
Where do you purchase your EVCO? thanks
Sore Throat Infections, Chronic
Posted by Susan (Glendale, CA, USA) on 01/06/2009
Just to follow up on my own post...
It's now been 24 hours since I took the EVCO for the sore throat -- it cleared it up 100%. About a half an hour after taking it, it dislodged a very large, quite solid, disgusting piece of you-know-what from the back of my throat which I surprisingly blew out of my nose. I won't go into details, just trust me -- it was the source of the infection, the queen bee, if you will.
The thing to remember (which I had forgotten) was that if you're not used to taking ACVO, it will give you digestive issues -- I had severe nausea later since I had not taken EVCO in quite some time. But it didn't last that long, and was well worth it considering.
I have taken it about two more times since in tea, and it immediately makes my sinuses and ears crack and pop as things start draining out.
Sore Throat Infections, Chronic
Posted by Susan (Glendale, CA, USA) on 01/04/2009
★★★★★
I've somehow managed to catch a horrible cold and have battled a sore throat for 2 days now. I have absolutely NO tolerance for pain, so I've been miserable. I've been using cayenne pepper and ACV as both a gargle and added to hot water to sip on constantly, but it only gives little to temporary relief.
I decided to try some coconut oil in some pineapple tea that I had (hoping deep down it resembled a pina colada!) I saw that EVCO wasn't listed as a remedy for cold or sore throats, really, but I decided to give it a shot.
Wow, was it soothing! The horrible thing about sore throats is how dry and scratchy the throat gets which makes the pain ten times worse... but the coconut oil lubed everything up so nicely that it doesn't hurt half as bad! I have no idea how long this will last, but I'll take what relief I can get!
I did have a lot of success with EVCO after having a strange sinus infection last year at this time that made all the glands in my head so swollen. After trying everything and going to the doctor who gave me no-good antibiotics, I gave EVCO a shot, and within one day my glands had gone down, my head and decongested and I felt better. I love this stuff. I just wish I liked the taste better!
Dry Skin
Posted by Laurie (Sudbury, Ontario) on 12/14/2008
Hi , can you please please tell me how much one uses on face and body and how often , do u leave it on or rinse it off. Same with the hair. No one ever says ingredients.Thanks
Make Your Own Coconut Oil
Posted by Barbara (Benton Harbor, MI, USA) on 12/10/2008
Reading up your instructions on making oil...can you say how much oil I can expect to get from 1 nut? We would prefer to make our own, but aren't sure if it's feasible. Thanks B
Back Pain
Posted by Penny (Jackson, TN, USA) on 12/07/2008
★★★★★
I was pleasantly surprised it worked! Every winter I suffer with lower back pain. I read about the coconut oil and had some so I thought well I'll try it (I didn't expect it to work) I was so surprised my back pain was gone within minutes I mean no pain! this is wonderful lol. I just took about a small amount maybe teaspoon full in my hand and rubbed it on my back...now I'm a happy camper! Thanks for the tip. Penny in TN
Broad Benefits
Posted by Nichole (Stanton, CA) on 11/26/2008
★★★★★
Well I just want to say thanks sooo much for this remedy!!! I picked my nephew up for a visit this evening and found out he had a high fever when I picked him up. I found this site a few days ago and have been using Coconut oil to treat hypothyroidism which also caused a large nodule to form on my husbands neck... the coconut oil has been AMAZING! He has had anxiety attacks a lot lately but when he was feeling anxious I had him take some and within ten minutes he felt energetic and the anxiousness went away! I started using it myself and notice that I feel better both physically as I have more energy and mentally as I have this wonderful mental clarity. I've started giving it to my son as well and put it on some toast instead of butter or margarine and then added some jam.. tastes great and he cant tell the difference! Also a quick recipe to get kids to take ACV is to add a couple tablespoons to a bag of sliced apples, allow to sit for at least a day and the kids gobble them up!
K back to the fever... My nephews fever was at 102.3 when I looked up on this site what to use, he was feeling horrible with a really bad ache in his leg and his skin was so sensitive he didnt want us touching him. I found the egg white remedy and sent my mom to get four egg whites from downstairs, had him put on socks and soaked them in the eggwhites then bagged his feet so he could lay in bed. After an hour his fever just barely dropped so I got back on wondering what I did wrong... the socks had absorbed all the eggwhites so I got four more eggwhites and poured those into the baggies and this time put a second pair of socks over the bags to keep the egg whites on his feet. His fever started dropping in about 20 min to (99.4) then he got up and started playing with his cousin... so far its been about 45 min since adding the extra egg whites and he is feeling lots better, I cant account for the temp though because he's been running around playing lol. Right now its 101 but I think its cause hes not laying down and resting... I will post back later as to how long it took for his fever to break, I know it hasnt yet since he isnt sweating.
Broad Benefits
Posted by SHEANNA (DOUGLASVILLE, ATLANTA, GA) on 01/25/2008
★★★★★
I HAVE BEEN USING COCONUT OIL FOR 1 MONTH NOW. HAVEN'T SEEN ANY CHANGE YET. HOW LONG SHOULD I BE TAKING THE COCONUT OIL???? I USE IT AS A FACE WASH AND AS A FACE OIL. NOTHING CHANGE YET. I ALSO TAKE 3 TEASPOONS OF COCONUT OIL. 1 TEASPOONS WITH EACH MEAL. I NOTICE THAT IT LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL I HAVE LESS HEADACHES AND FEEL AWOSOME. I HAVE ALSO LOST 20 POUNDS TAKING THE COCONUT OIL.GUESS WHAT I STILL EAT WHAT I WANT 1 TAESPOON BEFORE EACH MEAL. I HAVEN'T CHANGED ANY EATING HABITS ALSO DRINK 6 TO 8 GLASSES OF WATER. I ALSO USE THIS AS A HAIR CARE PRODUCT ON MY SCALP. I HAVE TO BLADSPOTS THAT HAVE BEEN GROWING LIKE CRAZY. I HAVE TRYED EVERYTHING ON MY BALDSPOTS AND NOTHING HAS WORKED. EXTRA VIRGIN COCONUT OIL IS A BLESSING IN MY LIFE.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sheanna (Douglasville, Atlanta, GA) on 11/25/2008
★★★★★
I take 3 teaspoons of coconut oil a day, 1 teaspoon before each meal. I notice that it lowers cholesterol. Also, I have less headaches and feel awesome. I have also lost 20 pounds taking the coconut oil. Guess what - I still eat what I want! I haven't changed any eating habits. I also drink 6 to 8 glasses of water. I also use this as a hair care product on my scalp. I used to have two bald spots that have been growing like crazy. I have tried everything on my bald spots and nothing has worked but coconut oil. Extra virgin coconut oil is a blessing in my life.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Vivienne (Paia, HI) on 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.
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!
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Daphne (Brunswick, Georgia) on 11/19/2008
Extra Virgin and Virgin Coconut Oil are the only coconut oil's with health benefits I was told. If you spend $7 you could spend $10 and get better health results. I have the caplets and I love them. They are helping with my Hypothyroidism. I already feel so much better.
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
Dry Skin
Posted by Marion (Riverside, Ca) on 11/16/2008
Dear Lisa, Thank you so much for the cocoa and honey tip! I will definitely try it. Cocoa is also a natural source of Flavanol Antioxidants. The coconut oil and Cocoa combination should be really beneficial. I'm hoping this will take care of my chocolate craving and save me from all of the icky sugar and dairy that is in most chocolate candy. I love this site and thanks again! = )~
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 Mary Ann (Rural, South Africa) on 11/06/2008
Thank you so much. The name on the bottle is Hercules Pure Coconut Oil. I am not sure if Hercules is the manufactures name, but there is no other reference on the bottle. It is sold in the Medicinal Section in supermarkets and I think in Pharmacies as well.
EC: Sorry, can't find any information on this product! Anyone have ideas about coconut oil not marked for internal consumption?
