Posted by Alexandra (Wayne County, Ohio) on 01/30/2008
★★★★★
Since I started cooking with coconut oil, I have noticed that if I do catch a cold, it lasts maybe half as long and the symptoms are milder.
Posted by Amanda (Dover, DE) on 01/29/2008
★★★★★
I used coconut oil on my son's diaper rash. It went away in one night after I had been trying other creams for days and it just got worse. The exact measurements I used: well I put my fingers in the jar and scooped some out and rubbed it on!
Posted by Melanie (Sparks, Nevada) on 02/17/2012
That is wonderful to hear that your bald spot have hair growing like crazy! My dad suffers from bald spots as well, what should I tell him to do? Apply the coconut oil and leave it on for hours or use it like a shampoo?
Also I want to start using it on my skin. Using it both on my face as a cleanser and a moisturizer is good? I have decent skin so I am afraid to clog the pores and create acne. I have some blackheads I would like to get rid of and have heard coconut oil does work for this as well.
Sounds like coconut oil has tons of benefits, I am anxious to try!
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and respond.
Posted by Amelia (Adelaide, Australia) on 01/23/2008
★★★★★
Hi, i was on the phone to my mother last night and she has always been one to test and try every anti-aging, wrinkle reducing cream on the planet and never had any success. However when calling me up she kept ranting on about this miracle coconut oil and how she read about it in one of her anti-ageing books. She remarked that while she was watching tv my younger sister kept looking over at her, but my mum just ignored this, then she noticed that my sister was staring at her the next day. Eventually my sister asked "what are you using on your face?" to which my mum replied "nothing..." My sister then asked well have you got makeup or bronzer on..and again mum said "no". She told my sister that she had been swallowing 3 teaspoons a day of organic coconut oil. My sister couldnt stop remarking how young my mum looked, with all her wrinkles reduced by over 50%. Well now my sister who is only 16 is addicted to the stuff. Coconut oil really is a mircale.
Posted by Mirnah (Colorado, USA) on 01/22/2008
★★★★★
Coconut oil has been used for over a Thousand years by the People of Kerala(South India)where Coconut Trees grow very abundantly. Coconut oil is used for cooking & also for Hair & Skin care. Women from this region have beautiful radiant skin & knee length lustrous hair. Most Indian women apply slightly warmed coconut oil to the scalp & hair regularly and wash hair after 1/2 hour to 1 hour. I've done the same for about 2 decades now with good results.
Posted by Susan (USA)
EC: Sharon, please tell us the exact measurements (teaspoon/tablespoon, externally/internally, etc.) that you used on yourself and your animals. Thanks!
Posted by Charlie (Charlotte, Nc) on 03/05/2012
After reading your post, I would like to share I have a friend that was diagnosed with HIV, we have been researching avenues for possible cures. Is it really true you have shown major improvements with with your blood count since practicing a regime with extra virgin coconut oil? How often and how much should someone start this regime of coconut oil? Do you have any literature to share that you used for your research before beginning that I can pass along to my friend?
Posted by Ellie (Colorado ) on 10/22/2017
Seems like you have little to lose and much to gain by trying it.
Posted by Gail (Delray Beach, Fl) on 11/29/2010
I would like to know which Coconut Oil you recommend to take internally. There are so many out there and I am afraid to take the wrong one. I need MORE energy. Please reply. Thank you. Gail
Posted by Cocogirl (Los Angeles, California) on 01/02/2011
To Gail: a few good ones to try are Nutiva, Garden of Life, or Spectrum (the Spectrum unrefined NOT refined)
Posted by RP (Chicago, IL) on 01/16/2008
★☆☆☆☆
Nay for coconut oil for the face. I have read coconut oil was good for dark circles and rashes. I have really sensitive skin. I applied virgin coconut oil to my skin and instead developed a terrible rash. It's a shame because I love the smell. I instead use vaseline as a moisturizer, especially for a rash. I apply it in the shower and sleep with it on.
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 :)
Posted by Lulu (Mpls, MN) on 06/22/2008
I agree on the rash being a cleanse rather than a reaction. I started using VCO on my skin a few weeks ago and I love the way my skin feels from it but at first I did have some flare ups of stuff that I thought were old and healed issues. Now after sticking to it things have gotten wonderful. If you try again to use VCO then just reassure yourself it is temporary healing. I think they call it re-tracing.
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!
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
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.
Posted by Kai (San Francisco, California) on 11/09/2009
★★★★★
I have sensitive skin and I love Coconut Oil! I started using it two weeks ago and my skin looks so much younger, toned and soft! I am not going to buy face creams anymore!!
Posted by Dori (Easton, Pa) on 09/22/2010
I have read so much about Coconut Oil. I just bought it this morning. Question: How do you put it on your skin? Rub it in then rinse? Does it just soak in? Please excuse my ignorance on the topic. Just starting to learn.
Posted by Dee (Porter, Tx, Usa) on 12/03/2010
Linda,
I understand not rinsing the coconut oil when using it as a moisturizer, but if you use it to remove makeup, wouldn't you have to wipe it off with a wet washcloth or a tissue? I was confused about that part. I am new to this site, and I'm trying to soak in the wealth of information. The only thing I have tried so far is the ACV.
Posted by Linda (York County, Maine) on 12/05/2010
★★★★★
Hi Dee - I guess I do tend to go over my face again once the makeup is off.... Dab a little more c.o. on a clean part of the washcloth but I then don't wipe it off..... It absorbs quickly and leaves skin really soft. Thanks for asking for the clarification....
Posted by Erin (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 11/01/2012
Oh people please stop saying that VCO negative reactions are toxin releases! There is no medical evidence to prove this. People can be allergic, causing a rash. VCO _is_ however great against fungus and bacteria, but it is not extracting toxins from skin causing "flare ups. " That just does not make sense, and it certainly does not make sense to tell somebody who has a negative reaction to VCO that it is a positive sign.
I have been consuming 1-2 tblspoons of EVCO (whether the E means something or not) and applying topically, and I have never received a negative side effect, except an increase in heart rate when I first started (medical information to back this reaction up). No toxin die offs. Often when people feel they are having a candida or toxin die off, it is because they are also drastically cutting back in carbs. Look up the medical symptoms to cutting out all sugars and complex carbs from your diet. Oddly matches the "die off" and "toxin" symptoms exact.
Posted by Neon (Singapore) on 11/20/2012
That's the confusing part. When to know it is purely the result of a reaction and not of a die off?
Posted by Erin (Pittsburgh) on 11/25/2012
Neon, there is no medical evidence to support a "die off" theory at all. I have done soooo much reading and have yet to find an actual medical physician to support this phenomena theory.
That said, I am not a doctor. I believe that people who cut out all sugar and carbs (or most) are denying their brains an essential nutrient that it needs to thrive. The symptoms of this carb deficiency are identical to the listed symptoms of "die off. " There is a medical systemic candida condition that results in people with compromised immune systems, and this is a lethal condition. You would know.
I take coconut oil every morning orally and it has never helped any external candida issues that are more common. Actual application did relieve symptoms greatly but did not solve the problem. I did not have "die off" symptoms bc I was not cutting out whole grains and all sugars from my diet.
The only negative symptom that I had was increased heart beat and sweating from an increased metabolism. I have read that this is due to the saturated fats improving the function of my heart, but I am not certain about this. The extreme heart palpitations went away as I decreased the dose and slowly increased to 1.5-3 Tablespoons/day.
It has been a month with no real negative side effects or positive results from consuming the oil. (Yes, I use the good stuff).
Posted by Michael (Elizabeth, NJ) on 12/31/2007
★★★★★
For the last 4 tears or so I have had a fungus on both big toes. The nail becomes thick and discolored with rough edges. Not an attractive sight. I have been using coconut oil now for about 9 months and can honestly say it has made a difference in the appearance of my toenails. One of the many properties of CO is antifungal. I can"t say enough about this tropical oil. I eat at least 3 Tbles a day I have more energy, have lost weight, no change in my cholesterol and love its taste. Try it and you will never go back to the other veggie oils.
Posted by Velvet (Mountain Home, Arkansas) on 12/30/2007
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Coconut Oil. I have been using CO for a year now and I have no outstanding reports to make on it, but today I tried the CO bath. Now I am disabled and I have a handicap hand rail and I use the non skid mat in my tub and I never gave it a thought that when I went to get out I could not. I used my wash cloth and a towel for more traction but I was not strong enough to overcome the oily tub and mat. I struggled for a long while and it took awhile for me to get turned over on my side so I could use my painful knees, but I finally made it up and out. This is just to let others who are disabled in their legs, knees, etc be careful and know that you are going to be very slippery. I am laughing now, but it wasn't funny at the time. For the record I have used CO on my face for a year now and I cook everything in CO and I take it 1 tsp at a time in my protein drinks. I do not do the TB amount. so far I have no bad re-actions. I just hope it is doing something good inside.
Posted by Sondra (Rialto, California) on 12/25/2007
★★★★★
Coconut oil cured my dry skin irritation. last 10 years or so I have been developing some sort of scalely skin on the lower portion of my legs happening in the winter months more so. The Dr. had no idea what it was, I was using victoria secrets lotions and aveena body wash and lotions. store brand harsh soaps, changed all my products to a healthier soap and now I virgin coconut oil as my all over lotion, this is the first yr I have not seen any irritation. VCO IS MY FRIEND FOR LIFE
Posted by Brynne (Irving, Texas) on 12/17/2007
★★★★★
I listened to a nutritionist last night who reminded me that the brain is mostly fat, and when we aren't sleeping well, feel irritable, can't concentrate, or even have headaches, our brains may be crying out for fat! As we add the coconut oil to our diet, our brains may find greater balance and we feel the soothing nature of the unctuos coconut oil internally as well as externally. This all happened when I recently took only 1 TBS of Coconut oil per day for 2 days and then started my cycle without the usual 4 aspirin headache...my cycle was so peaceful. I felt so quiet and easy throughout my body; there was no struggle to have my normal cycle.
Posted by Amnesiantoinette (Houston, Tx) on 05/03/2010
★★★★★
Yes, there must be something to that. I took aprx 1 TBS of coconut oil for the first time two days ago (in my coffee), and about an hour later...I had a physical and mental state of well being just wash over me. Was not expecting that at all! I was probably very deficient in healthy fats at that time.
Posted by Indigo (Atlanta, GA) on 12/10/2007
★☆☆☆☆
I see some people have had some issues with coconut oil not working for them. For me coconut oil has been a God send! However its not some magic elixer that is going to fix every ailment for everybody. Apple cider vinegar has done wonders for a lot of people, but I have my own personal uses for it b/c it does not do for me ALL the things some people claim it does. For instance, I know that my skin will go crazy if I'm not on birth control pills. And I also know a little bit of coconut oil (and I do mean a LITTLE bit) is an excellent moisturizer for those with problem skin. Although Virgin coconut oil is WONDERFUL (I put it on just about anything I eat at home) its not a cure all. If you have something off balance in your body,all the coconut oil in the world may not be able to help you. Go to the doctor for pete's sake! VCO is great for prevention, but once the damage is done, you're better off seeking professional help. Oh and make sure you are taking Extra Virgin Coconut oil.And not just coconut oil. the right one solidifies 77 degrees...I just put it on hot food to melt it.
Posted by Maggie (Springfield, Il) on 01/13/2010
Sorry you feel the need to use birth control pill for your acne. The pill is conected with breast/uterin cancer and heart disease, as well as just messing up our system the way it is beautifully intended to work. As for acne, I found that pure lemon juice used on a cotton ball for an astringent works great for acne. Pure olive oil as a follow-up moisturizer is great and absorbs quickly with no greasy feal. I use a cotton ball to apply that as well. I hope this helps. It's a whole lot cheaper all around.
Posted by Barbara (Toronto, Ontario) on 06/30/2011
For the person taking the birth control pill for acne instead you should try Tumeric spice or tumeric capsules (main ingredient must be curcumin and nothing else) fortified with black pepper to help absorb it. Tumeric is also a miracle herb in which it eliminates many ailments almost within 30 minutes depending what exactly you are suffering from. For alergy sufferers 1 tsp of tumeric powder spice mixed with 1 cup of milk will clear up your sinus, pain and watery eyes completely and you will breath again. Tumeric is a pain reliever because it eliminates inflammation and cures a lot of other problems too. I found a lot info about tumeric on this site as well.
Posted by Cheryl (Summerville, Sc) on 08/24/2011
In my experience, most acne is a virus and an imbalance in good bacteria in the colon. It's often not enough to take probiotics or coconut oil because it does not kill it entirely. The best one thing for acne is black walnut because it is very good at killing all the things that cause breakouts AND will balance the good/bad bacteria at the same time. And yes, cleansing and supporting the liver is important too, but if you're not killing things when they come out, you're just re-circulating everything. I suggest working with a professional on this one because killing stuff is not an easy process most of the time and it's hard to know if it's die-off or you need to back off because your organ are in overload.... Because that's what probably caused the problem in the first place. There are different parasite killing herbs for different parasites, viruses, etc... So if you're going to get the job done... You need to know which one you have... Get tested.... Muscle testing is best and I'm an advocate of nutritional response testing.... Good luck!
Posted by Sharyg (Miami, Fl, Usa) on 01/13/2012
Ditto on the turmeric. It really does work great for skin. There is also an indian Turmeric cream which will clear your complexion super fast and make it beautiful as well. It is called _______ Turmeric cream. Try it. You will keep buying it forever.
Posted by Jm (Chesterland, Oh) on 09/17/2011
What coconut oil capsules do you take? I bought extra virgin coconut oil from the vitamin shoppe can you take it by spoon? thanks!
Posted by Lucinda (Lisbon, Portugal) on 11/26/2007
★★★★★
I have been using pure coconut oil in cooking and on my skin for 6 months now. I had no dry skin problems during the summer (portuguese summers are really dry) and have not had any adverse reactions on eating the oil. I love the oil. no more buying expensive face creams!!
Posted by Kimberly (New Braunfels, TX) on 11/25/2007
★★★★★
I found great source online for organic VCO at half price of my local health food store and they have free shipping. I know we aren't supposed to plug specific brands but you can go to the site and see for yourself. If you want to cook with VCO (my boyfriend still frys anything he can get in his mouth!) it can get expensive. The site is
www.ecoviva.com. If the site name gets blocked out, please feel free to email me and I'll direct you to it. They are a small family-owned business in Utah that I found through a search engine, and no, I have no affiliation with them, other than to recommend a business out there that's offering really good value.
Posted by Carla (Ravensdale, Wa) on 12/29/2009
Hi Kimberly - The "Free" shipping is on orders of $100.00 or more at the site you mentioned. Their coconut oil is higher priced (like over DOUBLE!) than the type I buy at iherb also. NOT a "good deal" in my opinion! Just an fyi for others.
Posted by John (Baton Rouge, La) on 01/23/2012
Hi, is the Vitecom selling pure coconut oil?
Posted by Carol (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 11/27/2012
★★★★★
Walmart does have organic coconut oil by Spectrum in their cooking oil aisles for under $7. However, it is refined. Also, Costco is now carrying cold pressed coconut oil in a large bottle. Can't remember the price or name because I just purchase it with everything else I get there.
Posted by Pbird (Been There, Done That) on 05/31/2013
Have to agree about Tropical Traditions. Its lovely. And comes in glass. Is not the cheapest out there but cheapest scares me a little.
Posted by Karen (Michigan) on 07/14/2014
Tropical Traditions...they have specials throughout the year. Best Coconut Oil around!
"You get what you pay for" is what Mom taught me.
Posted by Connie (Manitowoc, Wisconsin) on 08/12/2009
Then you would say that coconut oil that is not of the highest quality will solidify in cold water, while high quality oil will remain liquid? And also that a slight yellow/tan color in the oil indicates it is of superior quality, as well.
Posted by Cary (Phoenix, Arizona) on 11/07/2007
★★★★★
Most commercial grade coconut oils are made from copra. Copra is basically the dried kernel (meat) of the coconut. It can be made by: smoke drying, sun drying, or kiln drying , or derivatives or a combination of these three. If standard copra is used as a starting material, the unrefined coconut oil extracted from copra is not suitable for consumption and must be purified, that is refined. This is because the way most copra is dried is not sanitary. The standard end product made from copra is RBD coconut oil. RBD stands for refined, bleached, and deodorized. High heat is used to deodorize the oil, and the oil is typically filtered through (bleaching) clays to remove impurities. Sodium hydroxide is generally used to remove free fatty acids and prolong shelf life. This is the most common way to mass-produce coconut oil. The older way of producing refined coconut oil was through physical/mechanical refining (see Tropical Traditions Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil.). More modern methods also use chemical solvents to extract all the oil from the copra for higher yields.
RBD oil is also sometimes hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated. This happens mostly in tropical climates, since the natural melting point of coconut oil is about 76 degrees F, and already naturally a solid in most colder climates. Since coconut oil is mostly saturated, there is little unsaturated oil left to hydrogenate. Hydrogenated oils contain trans fatty acids.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin Coconut Oil can only be achieved by using fresh coconut meat or what is called non-copra. Chemicals and high heating are not used in further refining, since the natural, pure coconut oil is very stable with a shelf life of several years. There are currently two main processes of manufacturing Virgin Coconut Oil:
1. Quick drying of fresh coconut meat which is then used to press out the oil. Using this method, the coconut meat is quick dried, and the oil is then pressed out via mechanical means. (see our Green Label Virgin Coconut Oil)
2. Wet-milling. With this method the oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat without drying first. "Coconut milk" is expressed first by pressing. The oil is then further separated from the water. Methods which can be used to separate the oil from the water include boiling, fermentation, refrigeration, enzymes and mechanical centrifuge. (see our Traditional Virgin Coconut Oil)
If you would like so see how they process the extra virgin oil, then go to youtube and you'll find it under.
The Cocovida virgin coconut oil production process...Take 11
Posted by Maria (Vallejo, USA) on 11/03/2007
★★★★★
Two weeks ago i have toe nail ingrown .So i put cuticle remover till the nail is soft. I used Toe Nail Nipper and the ingrown nail was took off but the area was in pain and at night it was swelled. I put HOME MADE COCONUT OIL IN THE AFFECTED AREA AT NIGHT AND ON THE FOLLOWING DAY. oN the third day the affected area was healed and the swollen area has gone. I also used coconut oil if i have cuts coz of knife. This is my real experienced. Maria
Posted by Mellybag (Austin, Texas. USA) on 11/03/2007
★★★★★
Heating coconut milk to extract oil will not cause loss of nutrients except for vitamin e. This has been widely discussed in other vco forums/fora. Heat should be no more than 80F. So it would take you a real lllooonnng time to get your oil, however, it would be a good oil, no smell, no coconutty taste, clear as water and lasts very very long. I tested this method and my oil lasted 5 years. You have to keep it in a cool dark place and use glass bottle. Melly.
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.
Posted by Angela (Sheldon, Iowa) on 08/10/2009
When looking for a good coconut oil, look for unrefined,virgin,or extra virgin on the lable. Cold pressed is another key word. It's the way the oil was extracted is what detirmines how good it is for you. Allot will say organic but it is questionable. Do your homework. I've been told ___ ___ ___is a good brand.
