Coconut Oil Benefits, Side Effects and Reviews

The best way to heat coconut oil is to put some in a eggcup and put that in a cup of hot water.

How do you drink it with tea?

First of all... make sure you are not allergic to coconut oil. If anything... it makes my skin to oily/greasy if I apply it frequently... same with my wife.

I have Keratosis Pilaris Rubra and have been using VCO for the past few weeks. However, I have not applied it nearly as much as you. What I have found that works really well with my skin condition is to not use soap on the affected areas. No soap at all! I know there are really good organic/natural soaps out there. But, I have simply replaced soap with apple cider vinegar for these bad skin areas.

This is what I do: Before I get in the shower, I spray a 50/50 solution of ACV and filtered water all over my skin and pat it dry with a CLEAN towel (if needed). Once my skin is completely dry, I apply a thick layer of VCO and really rub it in. Of course, this is really oily looking, so I jump in the shower and continue to work it in with the warm water. After I get out of the shower I use another clean towel to pat myself dry. It doesn't take much toweling because the oil makes the water beed right off. I have only done this a few times so far about every 3 days. So far... my skin is really starting to look better than it has in years (since as long as I can remember). The bumps are smoothing out and the redness is fading. Suprisingly, I do not have the body odor I used to have when I was constantly using soap.

I have read that a lot if not most of these skin conditions are somehow related to stuff you eat.... In many cases, it comes down to gluten and dairy as the main culprits. My wife has suffered with psoriasis for years and we are just now starting to realize all of the possible poisons we have been feeding ourselves. So, possibly take a look at your diet to see if you can improve it. For instance, starting next week... I am going to try an experiment. I am only going to eat RAW food (especially no gluten/dairy) for a few weeks and see how I feel. I have an idea that it's probably going to be a life changing experience. But, we'll see. :)

Try covering the affected area with aquaphor healing ointment every morning after shower and again before bed time.

So for anyone who's a seasoned VCO user, you already know how powerful its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties are.

I have eczema (I've had it since I was a baby), and I recently had a flare-up after consuming too much dairy and gluten for a period of 2+ months. I started using coconut oil on my eczema patches, and I had the same experience as you -- my skin got worse (a lot worse, actually, because it literally looked like it was peeling and getting even more inflamed than before). But the main thing to realize is that this is SUPPOSED to happen when you use a natural substance like VCO. It works by drawing out toxins through your elimination organs, and for a lot of people - especially those with prior skin abnormalities - the way those toxins come out is through the skin. Hence the temporary worsening of symptoms. My skin got way worse for a little over a week, as my skin condition was pretty severe, so the healing took longer than it would for most people. But once that week passed, it was clear as day. No redness, no dryness, no itching. I noticed it recently started to get worse again, but that's because I've been lenient with my diet over the past 2 weeks, so I plan to get back on my strict dairy-free, gluten-free, sugar-free meal plan.

Anyway, the main point is that yes, it's normal, and even encouraged, for your condition to get worse before it gets better, as this is a sign that deeper internal cleansing is occurring. Good luck!

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.

It is recommended to use virgin coconut oil for the body but not the face. What do we use on the face to help the skin look and feel softer?

Hey Cathy, I don't know why some say not to put it on your face. I clean my face with 1/2 strength acv, I use cotton pads soked in it and rub my face really briskly all over, and don't forget your nose, then rinse with warm water, let dry, then take a pea size piece of Virgin Coconut Oil and melt it in my palm. Rub my hands together and put it on my face, neck, hairline, behind my ears, and take Q-tip and clean my ears, etc, etc get the picture- and if my hair is dry after that I rub both hand over my hair. All on one pea size vco, I eat 2 or 3 Tablespoons a day on my food, I am 63 and have no wrinkles- other women my age hate me :)

I do often use VCO on my face (I am 53) especially while sunbathing and I have never had a problem. But now I am trying a new eye cream I bought in my health shop: sequoia cream. I had never heard of it but the lady told me that it gives you energy and advised me to also put it on the skin inside my elbows. Other than that I often also use jojoba, or rose oil after first having cleaned my face with ACV (not diluted). People often say I look like I am my daughters' sister......

If you are using coconut oil on your face, then I would think this is what is making you look so much younger. I had this exact experience. I only use coconut oil on my face and would never use anything else as I have learned how many toxins are in moisterizers. Coconut oil is a safe moisterizer that is afforadable and not only moisterizes, but heals rejunates and protects your skin. I have a dog who had a skin condition that I cured with coconut oil and quickly. If people only knew how simple and easy it is to cure skin conditions such as ezcema, scabies, etc. With coconut oil. It's is truly a remarkable gift from God. Good luck, Ellen

Dear Merryanne from Orange City, Florida,
How long have you been using the Virgin Coconut Oil on your face? Your information is appreciated. Michelle

Hi Merryanne, what is ACV? I want to try this VCO because I have tried everything on my skin. As I have gotten older my skin is no longer my friend. Now I am 60, my skin has problem with cool weather. I break out with welps that then have me just scratching all over. I pray I can find this work because the doctors are just making me spend on money on creams that have not worked. waiting for your reply Merryann, Thank you Denniece

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)

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.

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.

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!

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!

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?

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

Yes, i do think your skin will look tanned because I have experienced it.

Thought this was me or I was seeing things. The last few weeks I have been using Virgin Coconut Oil as a body and face moisturizer and deoderant. Within the last week/week and a half I have started taking Turmeric in capsule form (home made). I don't recall the tanning effect prior to turmeric but I have definitly noticed within the last week a slight tanning effect taking place. I of course will continue to use both as I love the results and hope to experience more of this "natural" tanning effect.

Eat right does not work, look at Metabolic Typing, it works, your body becomes alkaline which is very important because acidity causes all our health problems. You are then advised what to eat that suits your body type & what vits & mins to take for optimum health so you save money on sups. Mins are more important than vits, imbalances cause a lot of problems.

thanks for the recipe for the face. Did you say it gets rid of wrinkles? def. worth a try. what is your exact recipe for the toner with the ACV, h2o2 (peroxide), water and moisturizer? thanks

This is just a feedback to Che from Roxas City, Phillipines of June 26, 2008 post. I followed her formula for the facial and just beware before you try it. The turmeric burned my face and left it with a yellow tinge, no matter how much ACV and hydrogen perioxide mixed with water I used. My face now has red spots and a rash....hopefully the VCO will calm it down. If not, there's always make-up. ")

I feel your pain! I recently have broke out on my face and wanted to calm down the bumps and redness. I mixed turmeric, msm and a little bit of honey to make a paste and plastered it on my face. I am VERY fair skinned and it turned my face orange at first. I freaked out and used a beauty bar soap mixed with a little borax to make a scrub. This helped tone my face down to a faint yellow. Still not good! So I took a cottonball and saturated it with jojoba oil and that took the rest of the color off perfectly. Let's just say lesson learned! I'll stick to just drinking the turmeric :)

I used coconut oil on my face today and yes, I turned reddish. But so far so good, it seems to be clearing up some pimples. HOWEVER, I started to get heart palpitations and I immediately took 1 tablespoon of Black Strap Molasses to stop the palpitations. So even if you use coconut oil topically, it can cause palpitations. Be careful!

The reason you had MORE pimples is because coconut oil is a potent antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal. The action of your body to create more acne is its way of expelling toxins through your skin.

My advice to EVERYONE is to start at lowest dosages on all these great remedies.. I now take a teaspon of Coconut oil every morning for my breakfast, before I exercise. It gives me energy, keeps me fungus, virus, food poisening, bacteria free and seems to be all I need till noon or so. It also keeps me regular and tummy trouble free. (I still take a garlic capsule whenever I eat out to pre-combat unknown food poisening which I have had in the past) Ingesting coconut oil, inward and outward, in the beginning, created a smooth, lightened complexion after a lifetime of horrible rashy eczema that wrinkled, scared and totally aged & ruined my skin. Then I had a die-off that had me worried as my skin got totally worse until it got better. But, I've learned the secret of using natural products: go slow, go light, go consistantly. T. So here is what I do now:

DAILY FACE CLEANING:

1. warm, , damp cotton round, doused with coconut oil to clean once in the morning and once at night. (If rashes due to my food allergies appear, usually around my mouth, I dab on a little Balmex before bed)

2. M-W-F night: Mask or scrub: mix BAKING SODA with a little water. This further lightens dark spots and controls bacteria.

These two things are all I do for my face. When my skin feels dry, I light-dab CO & water on it. Took years of self-experimentation to get this right FOR ME.

DAILY BATH:

1. Smear CO all over- let sit for 5 minutes, then scrub off with a dry white cloth;

2. Mix up a 1 cup (pudding consistency) of water, baking soda, and optional spritze of organic cologne in small plastic tub. Get into the dry tub and scrub down body with mixture, letting it dry on for about 2 minutes.

3. Rince off with lukewarm or cold water.

(This bathing routine takes -15 minutes each morning and has great benefits: clean, non-smelly skin, removes wrinkles, dark spots, eczema and dermatitis. Plus, no deodorant needed.

INTERIOR BODY:

1. Coconut Oil (1tsp) for breakfast. ACV (2tsp/4oz water) before bed.

2. Lunch and dinner consists of : Protein/meat, fruit, veggies (many raw as possible). AVOIDING Milk, Grains, Sugar as much as humanly possible or I have "bad skin days".

3. At least 2-4 beer mugs of water daily and I try to sneak in a homemade veggie juice drink or smoothie whenever I can.

DAILY FITNESS:

1. 5 minute warm-up stretcch

2. 16 minutes rope-jumping on thick rubber mat ( alternate 1min jump/1min walk aroud) When done jumping rope, I walk around until my pulse gets under 100, then I continue to #3.

3. 5 minutes: sit-ups, weighted side-bends, and push-ups

This is it for me each day. It's simple, doesn't require supreme effort, just consistency. And it works! So, I know what I have to do each day now and I just hop to it!

Thanks for this very insightful information. You must have a rockingbody! I've sent so much money to learn the things you've just said in the post. So Thank you! I will use this on myself and my daughter who has terrible ezcema. I really think her ezcema is agrevated by wheat, dairy and sugar. It's hard to get a kid not to eat these things. But, I will do the skin treatments and continue to work on reducing all the bad stuff in her diet. I'll post results in about a month.

Just had to add my two cents as I am fairly pale (white as ghost in winter though I tan well in summer) acne prone 31yr old female. I have suffered acne since puberty.

About 4 months ago I started using ACV as a toner which started to clear acne. I started turmeric capsules (i make these from the spice) and VCO as a face moisturizer about the same time (a month ago) so not sure which is giving me good results as they both work for acne. The first few week I experienced clearer skin but I did break out even more the second and third but now it is starting to get under control and the last few days it seems any break outs are not as severe and skin is almost blemish free.

Most likely it is a detox effect and will pass as I now believe I have some candida die-off symptoms. Try it on a different part of your body say hands or a small patch on your back. As I read these testimonials of side effects--it is sad for the ones that stop (most I read sound like candida die-off) seems they are the ones that can benefit the most. I agree there are a few that should not take it--do your own research on the internet and treat the advice of at least american dr's like a grain of salt. This is the information age--do your own research! No--nobody wants to deal with diarrhea, vomiting, embarrassing acne, flu like symptoms, brain fog and other possible side effects. These are temporary side effects of toxins that are in the body--and the body needs to expel them in some way or another. Start with a small amount--and start as young as possible (i read it is good for diaper rash) before you develop ailments that one by one rob you of YOUR life!