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.
Psoriasis
Posted by Adria (Kennesaw, GA) on 05/30/2008
★★★★★

I have been taking coconut oil capsules (2000 mg twice daily) for 3 weeks today. It has completely cured the psoriasis I have had on my elbows for over 25 years now. I'll have to get back with you to let you know what else it has helped me with. But, so far, I LOVE IT!


Ulcer
Posted by WT (Spartanburg, SC ) on 05/29/2008
★★★★★

I've always been a fan of natural remedies since childhood. I discovered coconut oil years ago while looking for a vinegar and oil recipe. We've always used RBD (refined, bleached, deoderized) and now use the Luanna brand found in Wal-Mart. A couple years ago I had increasing stomach pain over a several week period. It started out like hunger pains and got progressively worse. It got to the point that it wouldn't go away even after eating. I figured it must be an ulcer.

I had read that coconut oil killed the ulcer causing bacteria. I got on the internet and researched the dosage and began taking a tablespoon in the morning and another at night.

After three days or so the pain was gone and I stopped taking it. A few weeks later the pain came back. I figured if you take antibiotics for 7-10 days I should probably do the same with the coconut oil. Again the pain left in three days or so but I kept taking it for a week. That's been probably three years or so. I also try and eat fried eggs once every weekend just for good health.

PS: an arterial ultrasound on my carotid arteries, taken last year after about 8 years consuming the stuff, showed no evidence of plaque buildup.

I've smoked up to 2 packs a day until quitting 2 years ago and have never taken cholesterol meds. I'm 45 and my dad was 90% blocked by age 61.nI also take 4+ Grams of cheap ascorbic acid vitamin C almost daily.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Johnnie (Tyler, USA) on 05/29/2008

Hi Jeanie, Just wanted to ask if you had surgery for breast cancer before taking the EVCO?


How to Take Internally
Posted by Wendy (Titusville, Florida) on 05/26/2008

My favorite ways to use coconut oil - as a butter substitute in hot cereals (oatmeal, ect), on toast, or waffles, or vegatables, I also use it in the pan for cooking my egg whites. when I try to put it in my shakes it gets hard and flakey- which I do not like. I also use it on my skin. I get about 1 tbs per day. Also just started trying Blackstrap molasses today. will report benefits in a few weeks- I hope.


Gum in Hair
Posted by Terese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) on 05/23/2008

In the past for gum in hair, I have used peanut butter, crisco oil, vegetable oil and have done the freezing method with ice cubes. That is a mess in comparison and takes forever. I have a 16 year old daughter with hair down to her bottom. I know about gum in hair. Nothing has ever worked for me like extra virgin coconut oil and in half the time. I wish I would have known about it 16 years ago. :0D


Dry Skin
Posted by Lisa (Salt Lake City, Utah) on 05/20/2008
★★★★★

I have been using coconut oil on my face and legs for about a month I also take a tablespoon daily along with oil pulling with sesame oil. The results are fantastic. Where I live is very dry and my skin has taken a beating for years. Dry patches on my cheeks and nose, legs so dry that I was embarrassed to wear shorts. But with the coconut oil I have glowing healthy looking skin.

Quick tip: If you have a problem taken coconut oil internally because of the taste or texture. Here is a great recipe:

Mix two tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 Tbspn of Cocoa Powder and sweeten with honey. It has a frosting type consistancy and is delicious.

How to Take Internally
Posted by Floss (Philadelphia, Pa) on 05/18/2008

I take my coconut oil in hot tea or warm to hot water, and also in the morning I make a smoothie and add that in last...Have been taking it since Aug of 2007, and lost 20 lbs and an added benefit was that it reduced my Cholesterol and Triglycerides..I was able to get off of the medicine that the Dr. had prescribed...

Gum in Hair
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn.) on 05/18/2008 490 posts

Just about any oil (including peanut butter) will do the same to chewing gum in the hair. If the gum is on something you can stick in the freezer, do so and after it is frozen you can chip it off.


Gum in Hair
Posted by Terese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) on 05/18/2008
★★★★★

My son woke up with gum in his hair. I put extra virgin coconut oil in his hair, massaged it, and in less than 5 minutes the clump had gotten all gooey and soft and I was able to comb it out. For bigger hunks I would say let it sit for 10-15 minutes. It worked like magic!

Dry Skin
Posted by Kay (London, UK) on 05/17/2008
★★★★★

I suffered with skin complaints for a long time, I often got those little red bumps on my arms.also red lumps under and around my nose and general teenager style spots on my face. I started using coconut oil on the surface of my skin only. The brand I use is _____which is made in the UK and contains no other ingredients other then natural 'pure' coconut oil (thats what it says on the label). I experimented with different ways of using the oil on my face and body. I found that the skin on my face and arms became softer and I now rarely get spots or skin irritation (except at that spot). The best method for my face is to use the oil on my skin as a cleanser to open pores, then remove the excess with a cotton pad. After that I cleanse with an astringent. I use pure distilled rose-water which smells beautiful, closes my pores nicely and also makes my skin wonderfully soft. To top it off I moisturise again with the coconut oil, leave it on the surface to sink in a little, and take the excess of with a cotton pad (usually in places like my forehead and chin which don't absorb as much). I can't stress enough how much healthier my skin is. My complexion is brighter and I have less to no problem zones anymore.

Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Debbie (Charleston, West Virginia) on 05/15/2008

I looked at the LouAnn coconut oil at walmart yesterday. It is not Virgin coconut oil.. However, I did buy a can in Walmart's pharmacy that is Virgin Oil. I think it was 2 or 3 lbs. I used it last night on my skin and I am lovin' it!


How to Take Internally
Posted by Mel (Toronto, Canada) on 05/13/2008

I was wondering if Coconut oil was supposed to be sweet. I guess I am really naive when it comes these things since we are just starting to get into treating ourselves in a healthy manner instead of conventional MDs (not that there is anything wrong with that). I got some 100% Pure Virgin Coconut Oil. It was solid with a dark sediment. I stirred it but did not scrap the bottom and then took a spoonful and swallowed it. It was not what I was expecting and had to drink water to not gag. It this normal?


How to Take Internally
Posted by Jenneffer (Middleburg, Florida) on 05/13/2008

I have heard that Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy is great in helping emphazema, just something you may want to look into. Google "Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy"


Face
Posted by Kathleen (Rice Lake, WI) on 05/13/2008

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


Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Kathleen (Rice Lake, WI) on 05/13/2008

Remember that at store such as Wal-Mart, their slogan is "Always Low Prices," which doesn't mean that their products are always quality. That coconut oil may not be pure, which is what most specialty health stores offer.


Canker Sores
Posted by Sandy (New Windsor, MD) on 05/13/2008

Canker Sores: In response to Maddy from UK, VCO has a melting temperature of about 76 so it will melt quickly in your mouth or melt on low on your stove in a ramekin. Did you know that microwaves drastically change the composition of your food? There is probably somewhere in this site some good info on it. Blood warmed in a microwave can kill you, breast milk warmed in a microwave is detrimental to the baby, and studies done on blood samples from people after eating microwaved food shows deleterious effects


Dry Skin
Posted by Mary (Magnolia, Tx) on 05/12/2008
★★★★☆

Coconut Oil and Dry Skin: I have only been using CCO for 3 days. I have something wrong with my complexion. No dermatalogist has been able to figure it out. I am hopeful.I bought the brand Nutiva organic extra virgin CCO at walmart because it has no pesticides in it and although I hate the taste of CCO I am willing to give it a try. I have read some testimonies of bad reactions to CCO but I have suffered none thus far. It has reduced the wrinkles around my eyes. I am 45 but have been told I look 36. However looking even younger is better! Good luck to you!


Snoring
Posted by Kelley (Perry, UT) on 05/11/2008
★★★★★

Every night before bed, my husband and I put a little coconut oil up in our nostrils/mose. Ever since we started doing thtis, he has a lot less trouble with allergies, and he says that I no longer snore! Not that I ever was a real loud snorer, but whatever heavy breathing that blockage or congestion was causing, it is now gone! It only takes about 1/4 tsp. - just a tiny bit on your fingertip for each nostril.


How to Take Internally
Posted by Adrien (Indianapolis, Indiana) on 05/10/2008

Response to Elimay - from Canton in USA about Coconut Oil. This is my first time writing to this site even though I've used it quite often... For the past two months I have pulled coconut oil, usually first thing in the morning. I also take 1 teaspoon of coconut oil three times a day. So far I've great results. My skin is nice. Very clear, soft, radiant. My energy level has improve greatly. I'm alert and I feel rested after sleeping. Like so many others I lost weight without trying about 10 pounds or so.(An added benefit.) I am in the habit of taking care of myself but from time to time become lax. I exercise but recently have not been on a strengent exercise program like I need to be on. Anyway, I am 51 years old, in good health, and a woman of color. My diet is good with plenty of vegetables and fruit. I do not drink alcoholic beverages or smoke. Generally, my sleeping habits are good. I've included this info about myself because when reading, often this is left out and I wonder how close are my lifestyles to other readers. Like you, I purchased a less expensive brand of pure coconut oil from Walmart. I use this to pull with (and cook with sometimes). I also have a supply of the Gold Label (top of the line)oil which I ordered on-line from Tropical Traditions. I take this internally. This is pure, unrefined oil that has been separated from the coconut milk in a tradtional method. I use this on my skin, hair as well as cooking. I enjoy a salad dressing of 2 parts vinegar, 1 part honey and coconut oil. I love coconut and have bought shampoo,conditioners, lotions over the years. But, the unrefined oil is the BEST. Either of the products mentioned are acceptable for taking internally it's just a matter of taste and/or afforability. When I could afford the better brand I bought it. After reading about the methods of producing the oil I was sold on the best. May God bless and keep you through the power of His might. Sincerely Your, Adrien in Indy, USA


How to Take Internally
Posted by elimay (Canton, USA) on 05/10/2008

I am new to the use of coconut oil. I bought a jar from Walmart. Have not used it yet, because I am still researching. It does not say virgin, but it does say it is 100% all natural and it is non-hydrogenated. In the ingredients it only has Coconut Oil. A person named Mellybag said it has hexane (whatever that is) that has been removed and asks how you can be sure that it has> It does not say anything about it being in there, and is so much cheaper than other prices I have seen.


Canker Sores
Posted by Maddy (Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK) on 05/09/2008
★★★★★

I was suffering with mouth ulcers for some time and my GP gave me some cream to put on my tongue. The stuff was awfull and left a dry residue on my tongue. It did nothing for the pain. So I started using coconut oil. 1 Tablespoon, melted in microwave in a plastic cup (if you use glass the oil explodes and covers the inside of your microwave). Leave to cool enough so you can hold it in your mouth for approx. 1 minute, then swallow. I did this 2x a day for 2 days and my mouthulcers where gone. Maddy, UK

Coconut Oil Alternatives
Posted by Brian Barbour (Fayetteville, NC) on 05/07/2008
★★★★★

Hello, I really like your site. I have just discoverd great bennefits from Hemp Oil, you can get it through online from canada, it is suppose to be very similar to Coccunt oil with high in Omega 3 and 6 Also High concentrated THC Oil suppose to cure many Cancers, anti-iflamitory, athrites etc. Before the 1937 Marijuan Prohabition, Industrial Hemp was our Nations Biggest Crop, U can Make Ethanol, Fabric, Food. Without any Chemicals or Fertilizers. But since Dupont makes a Fortune selling Chemicals to Farmers, We are being screwd by our Politicians...Please spread the WORD!


Hair
Posted by Heaven (Berkeley, Ca) on 05/08/2008

How are you using the coconut oil on your hair and how much are you using? Thank you.


Coconut Oil Recipes
Posted by Michelle F. (USA) on 05/07/2008
★★★★★

First: Thank you very much for Earthclinic.com I have been using it for everything from kidney stones to acne and fibromyalgia and autism! Eventually I find something that works, usually try a couple before I am sure what it was that did the job, but it gets done! You help so many people, God bless you!

I have just finished reading "the reader" section on Coconut Oil and so many people find it hard to swallow! I have to share my recipe for Whoopie Pie cream, I make them for my four kids and they love the cream.
It is so light and creamy twice now, I've made a batch and eaten it all before I get the cake part made! My son with autism gets his MCFAs and anti-fungal, great trick! Better than the commercial candy, all natural or organic! Really, a frosting that will help you lose weight? Just kidding!

CHOCOLATE COCONUT OIL FROSTING
WHOOPIE PIE CREAM!

1/2 cup Organic Coconut Oil
2 Tbls. butter (optional)
1 heaping Tbls. Unsweetened Cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. vanilla
pinch of Sea Salt (optional)
1/4 cup of Organic Powdered Sugar

Whip the Coconut Oil and Butter, add the Vanilla, whip for a couple minutes (Whip it Good) Add pinch of Salt if desired and the Cocoa Powder, mix well and add the Sugar until mixture reaches desired sweetness.
If you add too much sugar, you can add more coconut oil and whip again! If you are only making the oil palettable, you can stop adding sugar when you can eat it.

This is the most amazing frosting on chocolate cake, or Whoopie Pie filling!
My kids love them. I asked my four-year-old, "Kenny, don't you want your Whoopie Pie?" he said, "That's O.K. Mommy, you can eat it, I will say 'Whoopie!'

I use Coconut oil to cook, and on my face everyday immediatly following the shower for rosacea and severe acne. It helps a lot!
I am starting internally today, after reading all the testimonies!


Skin Issues
Posted by Crystal (Ohio) on 05/02/2008
★★★★★

I started taking extra virgin coconut oil in order to asisst in losing weight-it has not done that but I do notice a massive difference in my complexion. I have had acne since highschool-since taking EVCO, I do not break out anymore. for a month my skin has been clear! Crazy but true.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Sharon (Pace, Florida) on 04/22/2008
★★★★★

I wrote in the past that I used coconut oil to treat my cats Rhino Virus and ringworm. For myself I take 1 Tbs orally. I have used in on my hair before I wash it. My hair is so soft afterwards.It's great for dandruff. As for my cats I treated the ringworm topically and the rhino virus was treated orally. My cats seem to really like it. They get about a tsp orally. They like it liquid so I run it under hot water. My dogs get about 1 Tbs and they love it too. It has helped Yeast on the skin and allergies. I work as a groomer so I try it for several skin problems.


Tumors
Posted by Anita (Augusta, GA, USA) on 04/20/2008
★★★★★

I started taking coconut oil (virgin for eating and regular coconut oil for cooking) and in 3 months a tumor I had in my ear that I was suppose to have removed by a surgeon, shrunk to almost nothing, the doctor mentioned he had never had a patient were a tumor in the ear shrunk that fast, so I guess the coconut is working!


Yeast
Posted by AC (West Midlands, England) on 04/21/2008
★★★★★

I read about Coconut oil on this site and went to my local health store to ask if they had any. They said no, but they suggested I take caprylic acid, which is in coconut oil and helps cure yeast overgrowth. I purchased it to help cure my athlete's foot and stomach discomfort.

I purchased it and I took one 350MG tablet daily as per directions. It did not cure my athlete's foot like I wanted, but I felt less hungry, less tired, and my stomach felt better. I also lost weight without serious effort. I've been taking it for two months now.

Warning: I experienced two things while taking this: stomach discomfort and a slightly yeasty odor coming from my body for a week or two.

The yeasty smell rubbed off on my washcloth and towels. I discovered by accident that putting a capful of hydrogen peroxide (the regular kind from the pharmacy, not the food grade kind) in my bathwater stopped this. It stopped me from emitting the yeasty smell and from transferring it to my wash cloth and towels.


NEXT