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.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Giglez2u (Morrill, Ne, United States) on 09/30/2009
Okay, I have a couple of questions about vco. First, when taking it internally, exactly how much? I am completely unfamiliar with this stuff... Sencondly, I am reading that it can be used in place of moisturizers and conditioners for hair/skin. Again, how much? I have dry/oily skin in places and have color-treated hair (quite oily though) I don't want to make my problems worse by over-moisturizing. But, I'm seeing that the benefits far outweigh the negs, so I am going to try this. Any feedback would be appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!!!!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Melanie (Sparks, Nevada) on 02/17/2012
I am excited to hear this has worked for you and your family! I believe my dad is suffering from Carpal Tunnel Sydrome, do you think it might help? Should he just rub it into his wrist once a day? Any advice would be appreciate please and thank you! Melanie
Refined Vs. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Connie (Manitowoc, Wisconsin) on 08/12/2009
Before educating myself I began using refined coconut oil and experienced chest pain, probably from the oil. When I switched to unrefined virgin coconut oil the pain disappeared.
Skin Issues
Posted by Sarika (Abu Dhabi, U.A.E) on 07/27/2009
I have been looking for a remedy for smooth skin. Tried olive oil but found it too greasy and had breakouts on my face. I want to try coconut oil on the skin. would be glad if anyone has used it could share their experience with me. Thanks.
Skin Issues
Posted by Tavora (Brooklyn, NY) on 07/28/2009
Hi Sarika - coconut oil is a woman's dream (or at least for me!)...I sometimes use as it as an all over body moisturizer but mainly on my face. I wish I had taken before and after pics. Before VCO my skin was ruddy and blotchy - had dark marks, large pores and uneven tone. But NOW - not so! It's smoother, more toned, dark marks are gone and is nice and taut! I can see that "glow" people have commented about.....only thing is it doesn't seem to be clearing up my dark circles all that well. I've read drinking at least a gallon of water can help.
Tip: To ensure the oil is deeply saturated and is hydrating the skin - place a warm washcloth or small towel on your face after you've rubbed it on. Your skin will feel like butter! :0)
Skin Issues
Posted by Lana (Destin, FL) on 07/28/2009
I like to use coconut oil for my body, but for my face it is a bit too oily, even in small amounts. I think it all depends on your type of skin.
Moles
Posted by Nancy (Bangor, Maine) on 07/24/2009
★★★★★
I had a large mole on my breast, the cost to remove it was rediculous so I decided to try coconut oil. It took about 2 months of keeping the mole saturated with the oil, but it finally just came off in small pieces and has not come back.
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Melinda (Rochester, Ny) on 05/25/2011
I was actually diagnosis back in 2002 with pappillary carcinoma which was deemed cancer after the lump was removed from neck so I had to get my thyroid taken out completely. I have just started taken EVCO and was wondering from all great info on this site if it would still work for me? I am pretty much hypo all the time since I have no thyroid..... Just curious
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 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.
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 Roger (Colorado Springs, Colorado) on 03/05/2012
I am 66 and in pretty good shape/health. If I were to introduce coconut oil to an older person, I would start very small and watch for any changes.
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.
Seizures
Posted by Faithinhealing (Forest Park, Ohio, Usa) on 03/01/2010
Three years ago I started using raw coconut oil for my seizures after reading about the ketogenic diet which has helped people control their seizures. I kept my seizures away for three years until one day I stopped to detox with smoothies. That day I had a seizure and have since then gone back on a high fat diet to control them! I use coconut oil, olive oil, and real butter.
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
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.
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Desertpunky (Socaldesert, Ca/usa) on 01/02/2013
Before thinking exclusively about Armour Thyroid, check out your options if you are going to take a 'natural' thyroid at
www.stopthethyroidmadness.com and check out all the natural thyroids. This site says that Armour has changed their recipe and after taking it for a while, you go back to square one. Good luck.
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 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.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Rccola (Clarksville, Tennessee, USA) on 11/14/2009
You can put coconut oil into gel capsules it works great! No bad taste at all. If you can't get to a store to purchase the gel caps then just get an old prescription and empty them out. Make sure you get all the contents out of the capsule and then fill it with the coconut oil, then swallow. Problem solved. :)
How to Take Internally
Posted by Stacey (Fayetteville, Nc) on 02/24/2010
You can get gel capsules at your local vitamin/supplement store.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Danhar (Alamogordo, New Mexico) on 02/04/2011
Any information on use of coconut oil for treatment or use on mouth sores due to chemotherapy?
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 Kat (Long Island, New York) on 09/16/2012
I have been taking it like a pill. I just take a spoonful, let it melt for a couple seconds in my mouth then drink water and swallow... It's just like swallowing a pill. Super easy.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Skin Issues
Posted by Jimmyjaya (Sibbu, Sarawak, Malaysia) on 04/08/2010
I was taken aback by the popularity of the VCO recently and the wide variety of its benefits recently when I read it on the web. We over here have been using it for time immemorial and little do we realise its true potential. Our method of extraction: boiling. The oil is mixed with other herbs for external application while the pressed milk is an ingredient in cooking. My grandmother used to choose different species of nuts for specific ailments. What we seldom do is to take the oil straight from the spoon and is what interest me in this thread. These are new ideas and experiences are learnt.Thanks everyone!
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 Joyce (Dallas, Tx) on 01/20/2011
★★★★★
I suffered from Seborheic Dermatitis for twelve years. I tried ACV, Coconut Oil, Borax etc. They helped relieve, but not cure it or make it go away. When I stopped the above treatments, I would get some flare ups. Finally, I read about the Master Cleanse aka lemonade diet. I did it with the intention to shed some pounds, but after the eleven days on the cleanse, I noticed my Seb Dermatitis had disappeared. I had a flare up about five months after I first did the Cleanse, so I did went ahead and did the Clenase again. Seb Dermatitis is gone and I do not suffer from it at all... My only explanation for this is the Master Cleanse and getting some toxins out of my system. So, good luck!
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Mary (Sapphire, Nc Usa) on 04/21/2012
You might want to research Armour Thyroid. It is derived from pigs, making it a much closer replacement to human thyroid than the stuff made in a test tub. Some people notice no difference between synthetic thyroid and Armour but for others it's a huge difference. You can't know until you try it for awhile. The natural thyroid hormone is a complex combination of chemicals. Man made thyroid hormone is is very simplistic.
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Apelila (Santa Cruz, Ca. USA) on 05/06/2012
I'd suggest bio identical estrogen.
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Bt (Cincinnati) on 07/21/2016
Try Magnesium Glycinate. You can take much more w/out getting loose stools.
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Joanne (Ca) on 07/23/2012
I'm so glad I have found this website and read how Coconut Oil has helped with Hypothyroidism! I have recently changed my prescription from Synthroid (of about 10 years) to Armour (after struggling with my Dr.), and changed my diet after meeting with a nutritionist. I have more energy and my sex drive is much better. I am taking Symplex F (by standard processing), but I honestly don't know if it's the supplements, the diet or my new thyroid pill! I just know that I'm feeling better! I still get a little bit of the "brain fog", and have dry skin & hair so I'm excited to start taking some coconut oil and hopefully that will help!
Good luck to all of you who are trying coconut oil! This is a great site!
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Cstreet (Champaign, Il) on 08/01/2012
How did you convince your doctor to prescribe you the Armour?
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Namaw (Bama) on 07/22/2016
I've tried every way to get magnesium and they all give me diarrhea. I've done the oil, under the tongue liquid, every compound. What can I do to get more mag? I feel like I desperately need it but can't find a way to get it without the diarrhea.
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 07/22/2016
Namaw, transdermally. Epsom Salt baths.
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Namaw (Bama) on 07/23/2016
I already do epsom salt soaks and magnesium oil sprayed on my skin. If I do both in one day, I get diarrhea. I have terrible cramping in my legs and feet at night and the mag oil applied then does help, but I just can't seem to get enough of it to not have the cramps. I bought the mag liquid that you hold under your tongue to let it absorb and was out from work the next day with diarrhea (but I slept so well! ). Maybe I don't need the magnesium for the cramping, but what should I try?
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Hisjewel (America, New York) on 07/23/2016
Namaw,
Potassium also chases cramps. And for me Orange Juice works quicker than pills.
I use potassium to come off a fast without cramping.
Be sure to drink your 8 glasses of water.
HisJewel
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Melnda (Corona, CA) on 09/07/2022
Lugol's iodine or Iodoral can help increase your sex drive.
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?
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!
Make Your Own Coconut Oil
Posted by Tema (Kona, Hawaii) on 02/27/2014
If you are in the island, you can dry the coconut in the sun until it completely dry that it will come of the shell. Then crate it with a fine crater or blender and then squeeze out the oil. If your coconut meat is completely dry, you will see that the liquid that comes out will be oil and not milk. It is very important to make sure that the coconut meat is completely dry. You can put the coconut meat in the sun many times just to make sure that it is very dry through. I came from one of the islands in the pacific where the equator runs through some of the islands and we use every part of the coconut tree from the roots to the tips.
Make Your Own Coconut Oil
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 02/27/2014
Tema, could it be done in a slow oven?
Make Your Own Coconut Oil
Posted by Tema (Kona, Hawaii) on 03/02/2014
Yes, you can dry that in the oven on low heat. Just crack the coconut in half and put the whole thing in the oven until the meat moved away from the shell. Take it off the shell and continue drying it until it completely dry. It is very hard to squeeze the oil out so use your juicer if you have one. In the island we roll the crated dry coconut meat in coconut fibers. We tie both ends with the coconut string and we put them on a log that raised of the ground and press down with another log like a titter totter. It's a lot of work but to us it is a special oil. Another way of making a coconut oil is to crate a coconut meat and squeeze the milk out and cook it on low heat but stir frequently to avoid burning until the coconut milk begins to girdles. Continue cooking it until the girdles color turns brownish and you can see the oil already separating. Take a little girdle and roll it between your fingers to check if it's done. It the girdle is mushy or sticky between your fingers, then it is not done yet. Continue cooking the oil and check the girdle frequently until it rolls between your fingers. Turn off the heat and remove your pot from the heat and tilt it so that the oil and girdles are separated and more oil drain off the coconut girdles. Cool off the girdle a little bit but not completely cold and squeeze out more oil from it. Cool off your oil before you put it in a dry jar, water will spoil your oil. You will notice that you could taste a little sweetness in the oil and the girdle from the coconut oil is very sweet and delicious. It is edible. My grandmother taught me that if the coconut oil is not cooked properly, the oil will not last long. The smell will turn sour like and you can feel the stinging feeling on your tongue if you taste it. Enjoy making your coconut oil and let me know your result. Good luck and God bless.
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.
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 Helen (Fort Macleod, Ab) on 11/16/2009
I have read health info at health store that said coconut oil doesn't have a shelf life so it is probably safe. I would suggest low doses though. using it like reg. oil or butter sounds like a good suggestion. Helen
How to Take Internally
Posted by Virginia (Cape Coral, Fl) on 10/02/2009
I read that you should not use nut butters - maybe that's just when you're cleansing?
How to Take Internally
Posted by Bunny (Santa Ana, Ca) on 10/11/2009
Peanuts are often contaminated with fungus. Tree nuts, too. Coconuts don't seem to have this problem.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Bwana Mike (Kilauea, Hi) on 05/31/2011
In my studies of health issues peanuts often have aflatoxins that are carcinogenic and were linked to cancers of the liver in The China Study by T. Colin Campbell pg. 34-36. It was moldy peanuts used in Peanut butter (in the Phillipines) and corn that caused children in their study to die of cancer of the liver at early ages and adults when the reached around 40's. Whether higher standards are kept now there or elsewhere I do not know. In a recent book on raw foods diet it stated that all raw peanuts have the same AF toxins. I'd suggest to try another nutbutter like almond if you are seriously concerned about your health unless you have an allergy or intolerance to all nuts ground and tree. Do your own research if you will.
