Coconut Oil Benefits, Side Effects and Reviews

Hi Erin, I read your post and wanted to throw in a remedy for that yeast infection you've experienced. My daughter and I have sometimes developed them, usually after we eat too many sweets. We have tried the following with great success: Instead of dipping your tampon in melted coconut oil, moisten it with apple cider vinegar and leave it in for 3 to 4 hours, or sleep with it in. I hope this helps!

Hi Erin; I used black cumin (Nigella Sativa) for internal fungus and Yeast infection and it give me a very good result and a complete cure within one week, I think if you use it, it may give the same.

The way I used is: grind it then add ACV, let it stand around one hour to be a soft paste, take internally one teaspoon 2 -3 times a day (before or after meal), and put this paste externally 2 times a day

Not: don't grind alot of black cumin, just prepare for 2-3 days every time and keep it tightly in a jar because it oxidize by air.

Thank you both for the responses! Unfortunately, the ACV does not work for me (organic with the "mother").

Black cumin sounds interesting, and I will certainly look into that.

Really the coconut oil works (I say with hesitation), but the relief does not last. I am going to go to the doctor and insist on a culture soon to confirm that I have some resistant strand of yeast.

Hi Erin from Pittsburgh, Pa! Thank you so much for being a voice of reason here.

I too think that people are a bit over zealous when it comes to systemic candida claims. I get that we may have fungal issues, but, well, no need to rehash what you said.

I've tried many things on earth clinic for my chronic fatigue syndrome with severe insomnia, lack of energy and brain fog. Going after mysterious systemic candida was an epic fail. However, using Ted's remedies I have been able to get rid of local fungal issues, and coconut oil internally and externally has improved feet fungus (white powdery heels) as well as improving my ability to breath deeply (previously had shallow breathing. ) The latter was a remarkable improvement, and reason enough to keep using it as a general health tonic.

It has made no difference in my hormonal acne, or hormonal troubles. It dries out my chapped lips and hands when I use it instead of lip balm or lotion. The jury is still out on whether it truly offers any increased energy, but I like that it may be effective as an antiviral, and that it helps with cellular energy including brain energy via ketones. Viral and energy metabolism issues may be the source of my many problems, which are all the same symptoms of the mysterious systemic candida.

I am aware of the dangers of consuming polyunsaturated fats, so only use coconut oil in a reasonable amount for cooking. If I go long enough without cooking in it, I'll take it now in teaspoons, not the tablespoons I was downing for many months for candida. I did not lose weight with coconut oil, and it didn't noticeably reduce my appetite. Other things have worked for those issues, including giving up grains and sweets, and alkalizing.

I've used both RBD and EVCO forms. It's the specific type of fatty acids that work, not the organic or non organic forms of those fatty acids. If you can't afford organic, go to Walmart and get a $5 tub of their cheap stuff (Luannes?). It will work the same regardless of what the slick marketers tell you.

Anyhow, I think people post to earth clinic miracle cures for things they've only been using for a few days, and this bothers me. Use coconut oil, yes! Try it to see if it works for a given condition long term (I'm still breathing great! ).

The HIV and Alzheimer's research using coconut oil is promising; as is its potential for preventing SIDs. If I had a bad virus, or a vaginal yeast infection, I'd use it for sure.

Heather that is really interesting, and I hope that the EVCO is helping you out!

I have stopped taking it internally. I was getting no benefit after about two months of consistently cooking plus drinking in my coffee. (1-3Tbls).

As far as for yeast, I would still recommend coconut oil for really any vaginal irritation, but I don't believe that it will absolutely "cure" anything.

As soon as I stopped reading all of the systemic candida/Weston A Price Foundation nonsense and started reading up on the cervix, I started to feel better. I was focused on every little uncomfort and every thickening of discharge.

I highly recommend that women view the Beautiful Cervix Project.

I also switched to a menstrual cup rather than tampons which seems to have relieved a lot of irritation.

I stopped using coconut oil as a moisturizer as eventually it did seem to be creating acne and was not really moisturizing. The oil (a small amount with excess wiped off) was just sitting on my skin and eventually made me itchy (no this is not a toxin die off symptom). Winter skin is obviously contributing to the dryness/itch as well.

I still use coconut oil toothpaste occassionally because it does get rid of any white build up on the tongue very nicely.

I am never going to understand why so many people take the word of literally 1-3 doctors/dentists that published unreliable studies over 20-80 years ago (Weston A Price published in the 1930s and never intended to advise what the foundation puts out and though the foundation cites hundreds of sources in their panel's individual publications; there is only a handful of peer reviewed medical journals which at best were creatively interpreted by the foundation's authors). (Crook was over 20 years ago).

I've read double blind trials and different studies that tried to indentify "candida hypersensitivity" which like "gluten sensitivity" just means that no infection or allergy is present so they call it "sensitivity. " All conclusively showed that placebo works as often as actual anti-yeast drugs used in treating systemic candida that results from severely compromised immune systems (and kills people).

Well...To each their own.

I certainly have nothing like chronic fatigue syndrome but experienced a lack of energy and a foggy brain pretty consistently. I found a vitamin supplement combo (B, E, K, Magnesium/calcium, and D, probiotics) that really helped along with increased exercise and water intake. Water is so crucial!

The cure to your yeast infections is 3tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar in a 8oz bottle and fill up the rest with distilled or purified water. Mix the two in a douche bottle and douche with it. You may also add 1cup Apple Cider Vinegar to bath water and soak 30mins. May need to do this every 3-4 hrs until symptoms are gone

Try organic cranberries..... Cranberries and lots of water help out with the pain and cleanses the bladder. I believe that all our herbs and plant here on earth are for something. Cranberries work well for bladder problems and pain into family. Stay away from soda and acid foods and drinks.

Cranberry is traditional for bladder infections, however, if one has interstitial cystitis this will only aggravate the situation. Make very sure of your condition first. I did this when I thought I had an infection and it got worse. Cutting acid food of all kinds is crucial to keep IC at bay. That includes coffee and green and black tea, sad to say.

While shopping at the grocer a few yrs back, I decided to purchase and try some cranberry juice and see what happens. Approx 6 oz juice on day one, repeat on day two, and by day three get a (at least temporary) boost in health. But it was only a few more days fallowing that my stomach became very upset with the caustic action of the Cranberry that is often reported.

In this case of aggravation, the simple alternative is the sugar D-Mannose. After suffering sudden and very high pertension, I was prescribed Lisinopril and got somewhat stable within an hr or two, but was yet hardly even able to walk (i was actually going about the house in a wheelchair) while a family member helped with chores. What better timing than I had just received some D-Mannose in the mail. I knew that my kidneys were at least in-part responsible for the hbp. I took about 2 grms of D-Mannose and within 20 min was out of the wheelchair and going about the house doing whatever needed done.

Fortunately, my digestive system has improved enough that the Cranberry doesn't aggravate near as much as before. Also I use concentrated soft-gels as apposed to otc juice.

As a side-note and in conclusion, I recently read an article recommending Cranberry as part of a regimen to improve urinary health of men suffering from enlarged prostate. The "holistic" approach proves the best in this case.

Hi maybe you should be tested for hiv and other sexually transmitted disease and change sexual partners sounds like your catching someone back or have an immune problem. I've definately had die off even before I even added the coconut oil and also took antifungal medication that helped in the past. I have changed my diet and am sticking to it which is the key factor to getting rid of candida. It could take more than two years to get rid of it. Fungus is extremely hard to kill of so I wouldn't expect any dramatic change for a long time rather than overnight.

Warning!

Hey, I don't know if you'll get this or have considered this (since your post is from last year) however please consider that your yeast is from cross contaminating yourself from your sexual partner to yourself. Of course us ladies always have a little bit of yeast in our vaginas, but men can also have it, and not notice any symptoms (as well under their foreskin) and keep passing it back and forth. This is very common. I thought of this when you said about a lubricant. There are other things like vaginosis that can be ruled out with a yearly pap test (please go yearly if you're sexually active) and can have the similar itching sensation. I would always recommend using condoms until you're absolutely sure you and your partner do not have a yeast infection (or any other infection for that matter), so I would get him tested too if ever in the same situation. Hope that helps someone out there!!

I too agree that something else could be going on with your immune system or cross contamination. I am in my 60s, was married at 21, had kids, etc. and have never had a yeast infection or bladder infection. I hope you will further check into why this is happening.

The reason your yeast infection symptoms had immediate relief by inserting a tampon was not due to the application of coconut oil. I have had multiple yeast infections over the years...inserting a tampon gets rid of the itch and burn because the discharge from the infection is now on the tampon and not on your vaginal skin...which creates the itch and burn. You could insert the tampon without the oil and get the same results. I insert a tampon to relieve the itch and burn til I can get some diflucan which works everytime. 200mg. Or taking two 1000mg pills.

Wow, I have tried many of what was mentioned and couldn't disagree more. I have found coconut oil to be miraculous and organic apple cider vinegar likewise....As I read along I kept thinking this person sounds like a troll, someone paid to discredit natural remedies as they are competition to corporations bottom line...But that's just me...

Check out the ketogenic diet. The Cantin Ketogenic diet talks about a "healthy fat usage" like coconut oil (expeller pressed), cold pressed virgin Olive oil, eating clean meats like organic chicken and Sockeye wild Alaskan Salmon. Reduce carbohydrates to 30 grams per day (it will be hard but could really save your life). Cancer ravages sugar but cannot survive on healthy fats. The idea is to get the body to a point where it will be fed healthy fats instead of sugar. The cancer "cannot stay alive when it eats the healthy fat. " Read her book (the Cantin Ketogenic Diet) ..... It provides exact menus for each day to make it work. Good luck.

@Alicia Vancouver

Not all coconut brands are alike. I have tried several and the best one I have used so far is N----va and A-----na. Never take coconut oil in pill. In order for you to get real benefits from coconut oil, you might have to start guzzle it. Don't just rely on getting in your food. Place it near a heater or some kind of heat source (DO NOT MICROWAVE) and drink it down by the cup. I read on another testimonial where someone drank a gallon of coconut oil to cure himself of brain tumour. I say its worth a try. The worst thing that can happen to you is you will poop alot and then after it will stop. When I first ate 4 tbs, it gave me the runs for a few days then stopped. If drinking it make you nauseous, drink freshly squeezed lemon juice. For some reason, I crave fresh fruits whenever I drink coconut oil especially citrus fruits.

I find I get more benefits from just drinking the oil than using it for cooking. I had a bad case of vaginosis (putrid), I realized I have an overgrowth of fungus and all sorts of nasties in my gut and so I started drinking half a cup or more of oil daily and within a few days the smell went away. I even put some on tissue to wipe myself. And ladies, if you drink coconut oil long enough, down there will aways be fresh and clean. And your poop won't stink as much. I used to be a regular user of coconut oil then I stopped. My skin was so great that I really thought it was the make up I was using. I even telephoned the company because they discontinued the makeup then I realized after I no longer drink the oil, my skin was going back to looking 30 something and not the 20 something I was used to. I am in my 30s and I was still getting carded at casinos and beer stores.

Now, I am going back to using coconut oil and I drink the amount based on the severity of my problems. For regular maintances 4tbs per day but you have a diseae I would start guzzling it down. You have to find your own balance and a good brand. If you can't keep it down drink fresh lemon juice. I could go on and on about the great benefits of coconut oil and why everyone should drink at least 4 tbs per day outside of what they cook with but I realize it is not for everyone and mostly people from the Tropics would understand. Just drink it or eat without food. Your benefit is at least beautiful soft, young looking skin. I drink it, I eat it, I put it on my body and in my hair. I even put some on my private to keep it soft and fresh. The above was my routine then I like an idiot stopped and now I regret it but I am back on my routine now.

I wish you health. If you need support, let me know.

Alicia, try apricot kernel oil for fine lines and wrinkles.....it's amazing.

Hello. My sister loves taking the coconut oil too and uses it on her face. I also have sugary cravings too. But I have to watch my cholesterol. Is coconut oil high in cholesterol? Its supposed to be good for certain skin conditions too. If anyone can get me more info on coconut oil, I will apreciate it. Thank you so much. Love this website!

hey, I have been observing the benefits of coconut oil and I have a lot of answers! I am in high school and doing my personal project on the benefits of coconuts because I was startled when I started researching about coconuts! It is a one of those miraclous edibles sent to us by God. Coconut oil has been proven to mildly help diabetics control their blood sugar level and improves the secretion of insulin. For the kidney, it helps dissolve kidney stones and also prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver. Pancreatitis can be treated. It is also a stress reliever along with its dental benefits and for the bones too! And do you know most indians use it for hair care, it really works and also for skin care for heart diseases and for those of you who find it really hard to loose weight, try the coconut oil! It also helps in immunity and for infections.

the book "the coconut oil miracle" might be a help for those who want to know more!

i have been taking coconut oil, and I really see the benefits! You will see it too if you take them often. :) x

Mihel, funny enough coconut oil didn't help me when my hands were cracked during last winter. I hever had problems in dryness of the skin in the winter, at least not very noticeable but last winter my lips and my hands got very cracked. Coconut oil seemed to make things even worse. I can use it during the summer as a sun screen but if I try to use it in my bath, for example, my skin feels very moist right after the bath but in the morning it looks even dryer, no idea why! I suppose everybody is different..... At the time someone else said here coconut oil didn't help her either! Mine is of very good quality so it is rather weird.... The explanation might be that some oils and creams only moist the exterior of the skin actually sucking the moisture from it, like lanolin. Glad it works for you though!

Francisca, I was wondering how you react to fatty foods like mayonnaise, oils, cream and butter? You may have a fat allergy and the body is rejecting the coconut oil?

I didn't know I had such a fat 'allergy', couldn't explain the excessive heaviness in my upper chest(thought I had panic syndrome) and phlegm in my throat I was 'allergic' to every and all facial moisturizers I tried. I felt extremely ill after oil pulling with coconut oil. I investigated these weird symptoms... After a lot of searching I came across Donald Lepore's book 'The Ultimate healing system' he suggested that a lack of SULFUR causes this. I have been supplementing with B Vitamins biotin is necessary herbs like fenugreek, eyebright, dandelion and fennel contain sulfur I also took the sulfur Tissue homeopathic salts namely Calc sulf, kali sulf and nat sulf (I know you will easily find it in Switzerland). I still bath 2x a week in Epsom salts(magnesium sulphate) I eat good amounts of eggs, garlic and onions. My problem is complete solved INCREDIBLE sulfur! I would never have guessed.

My milk 'allergy' has been solved by bringing my potassium levels up Himalaya salt and carrot juice goes to show search and you shall find!

Coconut oil is again a firm favorite of mine!

Hi Cecile, no, I am not allergic to fats! I even like a bit of fat on my meat, chicken and I eat a tbspoon of oil everyday, be it grapeseed oil, olive oil, avocado.... Like you I also eat a lot of raw garlic, onions and eggs. I don't drink milk though but the more I read the less I think that we need it! No idea why coconut oil didn't work for me in the winter or in my baths but I was not the only here who felt the same way. In the sun it is ok. Anyway, this year I don't have such dry hands and lips anymore. We were living in France last year and here the building is so heavily insulated that we can't have the heating on meaning we have a lot more humidity!

To Chris from Singapore: Glad to see you using coconut oil. However the reason you are better but not cured is that you need to help the coconut oil with strong probiotics to balance the bacteria in your intestines. The fungus causing your skin and scalp issues probably initiated its growth from your intestines and overwhelmed the good healthy bacteria types there when your immune system was weak or compromised in some way(possibly antibiotics?). It spread to other areas whenever the environment was suitable. Now that you are attacking it, it is withdrawing to safe areas and will spread again if your immune system is weakened.

Taking a strong probiotic (one that has at least 6 different strains of bacteria) would help create a balanced intestinal tract and eliminate this fungul overgrowth at its source. I emphasize the minimum 6 strain probiotic (from a good health food store refrigerated section) because some people think yogurt will do the job. FOR AN ADULT, THE PROBIOTICS IN A SMALL TUB OF YOGURT A DAY IS NOT GOING TO BE EFFECTIVE FOR ANY PRE-EXISTING SKIN OR SCALP CONDITION.

Pattyc from Milwaukee, even though I don't suffer from either of these ailments, I have loved ones that do. I am curious to know if you applied the EVCO topically or if you injested it? Could you give us a little more detail? Thanks

Hi Sheri - Thanks for sharing! You are the first person I have read from who has used VCO for such a long period of time, and this is very good to know! I have been using it for almost two years now, and don't ever intend to stop!

I have noticed that my energy level after taking it (in the morning in my coffee - 2 tbsp) is amazing - and another thing is that my eyelashes and hair in general have really started growing!

I have not lost any weight, Not huge deal, but would still like to drop 10 -15 like a lot of people have reported... But feel so much better using it, that I never intend to stop!

Hi Sheri, I'd love to know where to get and what kind of the unrefined Coconut Oil that you use. Also how much internally and do you use it externally? Thanks

How much VCO were you taking and how long did it take before you noticed a difference in your arthritis and fibromyalgia? I have started using 4 T a day (going on 2 weeks and before then I was using 1 -2T) hoping to see some results in my RA. So far, none but I keep thinking it is too early.

One month ago I started using organic extra virgin coconut oil both internally (2 tbs a day) and externally to help with my dry skin. Since that time, I have noticed a huge difference in both the appearance and texture of my skin. Dry skin has been a problem for me for close to 10 years now and I feel like I have tried every lotion/moisturizer under the sun including other natural oils such as avocado and jojoba oil. I am 31 years old, and after one month of using the evco, I would say my skin looks 3 to 4 years younger and fine lines (from dry skin or aging?) are starting to diminish. My skin also feels much softer, my pores are smaller, and my cheeks are rosier.... Literally. The other thing I have noticed is that I have a lot more energy. Before using evco, I used to feel sluggish most days and needed to start each day with a large cup of coffee. Now that I spread coconut oil on my toast each morning, I no longer feel like I need the coffee to get going (although, coffee with cream and a little sugar still tastes sooo good! ). So for dry skin and energy, I would definitely recommend coconut oil as a remedy.

There have been minor side effects on a few occasions such as stomach issues and an initial acne break out, but I would say based on how I look and feel in general, these are indicators that the coconut oil is cleansing my skin and body. I also gained five lbs, but once again, I think the weight gain is good because it has always been hard for me to maintain a healthy weight!

What type/brand of coconut oil do you use. Do you smell of coconut when you put it on your skin?

I use Nutiva extra virgin coconut oil. The smell of coconut oil on my skin is faint, but it is also a good smell... My boyfriend says I smell like an exotic island treat!!