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.
Skin Issues
Posted by Renee (El Dorado, Kansas) on 06/21/2007
★★★★★

Dry Skin and Virgin Coconut Oil: I purchased a jar of this a few days ago and am totally hooked. From the first application (topically) my skin let me know it was finally happy. I've not had supple skin since before puberty but I know I will all the rest of my days. Also using it on my hair for a few hours before shampoo'ng. Even the damaged part (ends) of my hair have shown improvement.


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?


Broad Benefits
Posted by Jackie (Newton Le Willows, England) on 05/27/2011

my sister has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and was wondering if coconut oil was any good for her could you please let me know how you benefited from using this it would be a great help thank you Jackie.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Shari (Dallas, Tx) on 07/30/2013

I read extensive research that vitamin C in doses of 3000 help control cancer, use natural suppleiments, not synthetic.


Skin Issues
Posted by J (Arlington, United States) on 06/12/2007
★★★★★

What is the difference between Organic Coconut Oil and Virgin (or extra virgin) Coconut Oil? I use the Organic Coconut Oil for removing my makeup at night. I was told that it cleaned out your pores. It does make my 60 year old complex very soft. I do get compliments on my complexion due to no wrinkles. [EC: We suspect there is no difference, merely a marketing ploy.]


Broad Benefits
Posted by Thereaa (Ireland) on 02/22/2015

Can you please tell me how much of the coconut oil you used per day. I have the organic raw coconut oil.


Skin Issues
Posted by Nicole (Newcastle, Australia) on 06/07/2007
★★★★★

I came across the comment about massaging your feet at night with coconut oil and decided to give it a try, while also using the coconut oil nightly on my face. I noticed straight away on the first morning after doing this that the coconut oil had dried and shrunk the few blemishes I had on my face. It had also left my skin feeling lovely and smooth. The dark circles under my eyes hadn't disappeared but I felt that they were a bit lighter. After the second night of this routine the circles seemed lighter again. On the third evening I was too tired to bother with massaging the oil into my feet, so I just used it on my face- the next morning when I woke up and looked in the mirror those dark circles had almost completely disappeared! Thank you so much for this wonderful site. It's already been more helpful than years worth of expensive creams,lotions and potions filled with nasty chemicals :-) [EC: Nicole is referring to our latest Fountain of Youth remedy, using coconut oil to massage the feet and calves.]


Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Karmala (Templeton, CA) on 06/16/2009

on the contrary... there is a difference.. just as in olive oil... it has to do with the length of time from harvest to jar...


Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Shary (Miami, Fl/usa) on 01/13/2012

The person above is right. There is no such thing as Extra virgin coconut oil. There is no industry standard for coconut oil, as there is for olive oil. You can read about it more in depth at Tropicaltraditions.com. They happen to make one of the best (if not the best) virgin organic coconut oils. Made the old fashion way and without the use of any machinery. Their website has alot of information on the manufacturing and terms for coconut oil. So pay them a visit, I think you'll find the information helpful.


Skin Issues
Posted by Maureen (Embrun, Canada) on 05/30/2007
★★★★★

I am trying acv and it has helped my digestion so much. Only been on a week so will keep you updated. Also virgin cocoanut oil has sofentned my sun damaged skin. No wrinkles when I wake up.No greasy skin as the oil sbsorbs into your skin.


Skin Issues
Posted by Guy Charles (San Diego, CA) on 05/23/2007
★☆☆☆☆

I love coconut oil, I sing it's praises to anybody who will listen. I've been using it on and off for a long time, and I love it. However DO NOT PUT IT ON YOUR FACE PEOPLE ! Just eat it, or on the body and hair is great.


Skin Issues
Posted by Shawn (St. Philip, Barbados) on 05/16/2007
★★★★★

Is this real? after one week of using coconut oil on my face my face feels like literal silk. my dandruff problem, which i battled for many years, has abated. i can finally grow my hair -- imagine that! my wife and i are in the process of taking it internally will share more later. thanks a million


Genital Warts
Posted by Mike (San Francisco, CA) on 04/30/2007
★★★★★

After extensive research on the web when I discovered I had genital warts I decided to give coconut oil a chance. I couldn't bare the thought of going to a doctor and asking them to look at a growth on my butt, worse, there were some just inside my colon (which is typical with genital warts on the anus). After 6 weeks of 2xdaily enemas and massaging in a tablespoon of coconut oil over the warts... they are completely gone. A lot of information on the web says genital warts don't go away without serious treatment (burning off, laser, freezing, etc). I am a believer in coconut oil. It worked on me. It also made my skin glow and feel baby soft. I found myself caressing my skin, amazed at the pleasant silky feeling. Rubbing it in my hair made it super shiney and healthy. I want to fill my hot tub with coconut oil and marinate in it for days.

Genital Warts
Posted by Katie (San Jose, CA) on 07/09/2008

I also heard castor oil helps too!


Genital Warts
Posted by Jennywren (Perth, Western Australia, Australia) on 02/14/2012

.. And apple cider vinegar. Dab on affected area several times a day for a week or so. Works for me!


Skin Issues
Posted by Trish (Kansas City, MO) on 04/29/2007
★★★★★

I tried using coconut oil for a skin cream, on my body and face, but didn't have the good results most other people have had. I went to bed feeling like a grease ball, and the next day my face started to break out with bumps all over it. So I figured my skin is too senstivie. But I have found that if I rub the oil on my body before I use a sunless tanning spray or foam, streaks and uneven color are prevented from forming. I will rub more on drier areas, such as knee caps and tops of feet, and this helps with those areas becoming too dark. Just takes a while longer to dry.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Braying_donkey (Hamilton, On) on 02/26/2013

Capsules are a scam. Buy a bottle of the oil and take it normally.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Stella (Walnut Creek, CA) on 04/17/2007
★★★★★

I have been using the coconut oil for about a month and I love it. I was a lotion junky for whom price was not object. I once spent $60 on a body lotion! I spent even more for face lotions. I was never satisfied and always trying different products. I did not care if the product was natural, I just wanted the most effective thing. I even went to the Dermatologist bought their products. Well I just threw them all out. The coconut oil has been the best thing for my face and body. I have what I call the Double-Whammy, skin that is both aging and acne prone. The coconut oil has been perfect for me because it softens my skin while controlling and preventing break out. When I first put it on it felt so greasy I thought why am I putting this kitchen oil on my body! But after about 15 minutes it completely absorbed in the skin and left no greasy residue. It makes you you think about those other lotions you put on your body, I imagine they are similarly absorbed into your skin, kind of scary!

I love the coconut oil and will continue using it. But here's something odd. I put it on my Husband and he got terrible acne. I am wondering why something that works so great for me did not work for him at all? It's too bad, I would have liked for him to enjoy it too.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Raledo (Medford, Or) on 11/12/2009

Your hubby might be allergic to coconut oil if he broke out. I know when you start taking it internally, sometimes it makes someone break out. But I use it all the time on my skin and I love it.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Meow (Pekin, Il) on 08/27/2011

Your husband is probably NOT allergic to it at all, I would say that he had a "healing crisis" coconut oil is a great detoxifer. I would have him try it again for a while and see what happens.


How to Take Internally
Posted by Mel (Waterford, Connecticut, USA) on 04/16/2007
★★★★★

I feel a better understaning has to be presented in regards to how much EVCO should be ingested at the very start of using this product. As I believe the best way to start using this product is in cooking only to see if you can tolerate its effects. After a couple of weeks, try weaning on a 1/8 tsp in food for a few days, then up it to 1/4 tsp, then eventually to one teaspoon. Move up gradually to a maximum of one tablespoon once a day. I feel once a day is enough to get the benefits of EVCO. Please make sure it's Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ONLY! You will be safe if you will take these precautions. If you still have a problem digesting EVCO, you may be allergic to coconut products.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Yvonne (Bridgewater, NJ) on 04/09/2007
★★★★★

I have been using Coconut Oil externally as both a hair conditioner and a skin moisturizer for about one month and have seen an incredible improvement. My face is clear of blemishes and very smooth. It has also helped soften my naturally curly hair. There is no need for all of the useless and expensive products I have been wasting my money on for all these years!

Broad Benefits
Posted by Shari (Bedford, Pa) on 04/18/2011

How do you use coconut oil on your hair?


Broad Benefits
Posted by Betherfly (Lakewood, California, Usa) on 04/19/2011

I would suggest trying this: either use a small portion (maybe the size of a dime-quarter depending on your hair length) mixed in with your shampoo. Let sit on hair for a few minutes, then rinse. If you are using it for its more healing properties on the scalp, this is probably your best bet. Alternately you could add it to your conditioner if you are seeking moisturizing properties. Coconut oil melts fast and easily in your hand, so be aware of that. If you keep it in the fridge, you should be able to scrape off a portion with a butter knife. I am currently using it in conjunction with Ted's other remedies for vitiligo, skin is pinking (thanks Ted) and also the moisture portion is great!! Hope this helps, maybe others have some more qualified insight. Take care. Beth


How to Take Internally
Posted by Christine (San Diego, California) on 04/06/2007
★★★★★

I have been suffering with the symptoms describing hypothyroidism. Last week I started the EVCO and added the ACV, of course, decided to throw in the molasses. I will keep you all posted on my progress, trying to feel better and lose the 40 pounds I have picked up. Today I write because I have come up with a great drink. It kills two birds with one stone. Here goes:

ONE LARGE MUG
2 BAGS OF LIPTON CARMEL TRUFFLE TEA
ONE TBSP EVCO [Extra Virgin Coconut Oil]
ONE TBPS BLACK STRAP MOLASSES
ONE HALF TO ONE TBSP HONEY

POUR BOILING WATER OVER THE INGREDIENTS IN MUG AND STIR GENTLY WHILE STEEPING TO MELT THE COCONUT OIL.

I could not stand the taste of the molasses, however it is so yummy in this tea. Hope you like it. I have noticed since the evco and acv that like most everyone else, my ENERGY has soared, skin soft, body temp up, hair and nails gowing, dry seriously cracking heels softer and healing (using oil dirrectly) no more claritin, sleeping better, brighter outlook. This is only my seventh day. At first I seemed to gain a little weight, but just today I noticed the scale is down 1 pound. I am keeping at it and will keep you posted. Christine

How to Take Internally
Posted by Atm (Greenville, S.c.) on 09/10/2012

Hi Christine, I read your post about you having symptoms of hypo thyroid. As I feel I have a lot of the symptoms as well. Since your post was in '07. I was curious to know how you have felt taking vo, if your still using it etc. Any feedback from you would be great.


Skin Issues
Posted by Keerati (Bangkok, Thailand) on 04/03/2007
★★★★★

This is more of a beauty experience. I am a college students and once in a while, I ran out of money to buy expensive face cream, so i tried this extra virgin coconut oil that i bought ages ago (for my hair)...on my face. and WOW...my skin was glowing. i have oily/ acne prone skin but it doesnt irritate me. infact, i've cut down the expenses such as face cream, toner, hair mask, makeup remover, body lotion, foot lotion, hand cream etc. WOW!...thats a lot of saving..with just one jar of coconut oil!


Broad Benefits
Posted by Chevygirl (Tuakau, Franklin, New Zealand) on 01/19/2012

Hi there, can you please tell me what is meant by 'pulling oil'? I've just started taking the oil orally and also using it for moisturizer, so will see how things go.

Btw... congrats EARTHCLINIC! AWESOME website! I'm addicted!


Broad Benefits
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 01/20/2012 2042 posts

Chevygirl, Oil Pulling is an Indian Ayurvedic whole body detoxification method only recently introduced into the western world. You swish veg oil around in your mouth for 20 min then spit it out. Be sure to use mouthwash before & after the pull. My first OP experience was beneficial with noticeable good results.

https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/oil_pulling.html


Energy Booster
Posted by Cathy (Anderson, Missouri) on 03/29/2007
★★★★★

About a week ago, I began taking about three tablespoons of EVCO daily and am already starting to feel like I have more energy. For breakfast, I make a packet of low sugar brown sugar flavored instant oatmeal. After it has been nuked in the microwave, I add 2 Tablespoons of EVCO, some extra oat bran and a tablespoon of ground flax seed. Sometimes, I also add a little Splenda. This is a great and tasty way to get your EVCO daily. I'm also hoping that the EVCO will help me lose weight, but I haven't taken it long enough yet.


Smelly Scalp
Posted by Gwen (Denver/Boulder, Colorado) on 06/05/2010

OMG! I have been obsessed with this problem for years! I called beauty shops, beauty schools, talked to others about it & NO ONE knew anything & looked at me like I was crazy! I call/called it "hat head" as guys I knew seemed to really reek when they removed their baseball type hats.

My daughter just returned from Iraq last Dec. & I realized she had a bad case of "hat head" that left "that" odor on her pillows. She has very long hair & is very clean with daily showers. I figured it to be from sharing helmets & such with other soldiers out in the field. Must be some new epidemic I needed to get over & learn to live with, yuk!

The only suggestion I ever got was Tea Tree oil shampoo that did not work! I too get "that" smell after about 24 hours of shampooing. (picked up the bacteria somewhere even though very paranoid & careful about that).

This might seem like & is a silly issue but has been driving me crazy for years! Thank you soooo much for posting this. I'm very relieved to know I'm not crazy & this actually works. Makes perfect sense to me once you think about it. I'll be passing this remedy along to every stinky head from now on, & keeping gallons of VCO on hand....LOL!


Smelly Scalp
Posted by Merryanne (Orange City, Florida, Usa) on 06/05/2010 113 posts

...the coconut oil is good,,,but if it was me I would also use vineger to wash the head 2 times a week,,,wet the head with the vingar and wrap in a towel and let it stay on for 15 miniuts,,,this will kill fungus,,I believe the smell is coming from a fungus, also use some fungus creams for really itchy spots..but vinegar is good to kill fungus..

EC: This section might also have some helpful remedies: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/scalp_infections.html


Skin Issues
Posted by Kristina (Waukesha, Wisconsin) on 03/14/2007
★☆☆☆☆

I tried coconut oil on my face for winter dryness because I also have acne. It does moisturize but it also for me caused more breakouts and made me oilier. Honey works much better for me (I rinse it off after a few minutes) I do use coconut oil on my daughter's sensitive skin for general moisturizing and it is effective even for deep moisturizing.



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