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.
Athlete's Foot
Posted by Jim (Klamath Falls, OR, USA) on 01/13/2009
★★★★★

I had a very similar experience with the EVCO. I also use it for an underarm deodorant, along with ACV. I first apply the ACV and let it dry and then apply a very light amount of the EVCO. If I happen to get too much under the arm, I just dab it with a tissue. It does not stain and the light odor of coconut is gone within 1 hour max.

My athletes foot problem cleared in 3 days usage. Amazing how effective it is as an under arm deodorant. I just started to use it 2-3 times a day in hope that it will have a similar effect on my gastritis.

This is a great web site! Thank you all.


How to Take Internally
Posted by Tina (River John, Nova Scotia, Canada) on 01/07/2009
★★★★★

I have come up with a great way to take black strap molasses and virgin coconut oil. I make fudge out of three ingredients. I take 2 tbls BSM, 2 TBLS VCO, 2 TBLS OF a peanut butter or any nut butter preferably organic but not necessary, I have even used nutella. I melt VCO by putting it in a dish placed in sink with hot waterfor a slow melt. Add the peanut butter mix until smooth and add the BSM mix until smooth. Pour into a flat dish and refrigerate until hard. Then I cut it into one tbls size squares.I take one square in the am and one in the pm.some would want to increase the amount of intake, but this is the right amount for me. i also take the weekend off from consuming this. I make this every few days so that it is always fresh. I would love some feedback on this if you like it or if someone sees a problem with taking it this way. Hope this helps people to stomach some of the things that can be hard to take. This actually tastes all right.

Tina

Autism
Posted by Teena (Melbourne Australia) on 03/15/2018 233 posts

Hi Tegan,

Coconut oil is very heat stable. I am very comfortable using it to shallow fry eggs, and occasionally deep frying. I also will (only) use ghee or grass fed lard as these provide health benefits and are heat stable.

Whichever detox you choose to start the children on, my advice to minimise detox effects is to start on much lower dose than is recommended. You could actually start with a pinch of a powder or a smidge of a liquid, keep that going for four days, then increase, gently, slowly. You are less likely to experience negative reactions if you go this way. Keep reading and researching for your family's health, may I suggest for your further research the turpentine castor oil protocol specifically for autism.

Many blessings on your good health journey.


Candida
Posted by Star Z. (London, UK) on 03/17/2008
★★★★★

I have been taking Organic VCO before meals for the last 2 days. A single heaped table spoon. It's yummy. I felt a tense pressure in my baby belly and my stomach has not stopped churning very low pain levels. There is also discomfort to my lower back. I was surprised to find a huge discharge below totay. I was unaware of the fact that I had trush. It disclodged and evacuated more discharge than the prescription medicine I take when I feel the discomfort of thrush. I have also been having an unusually thin poo, not watery, loser than the norm. After the display with the discharge I just wonder what is leaving my stomach! The fact that I didnt know it was there is not reassuring. This is the best detox I have ever done. I think in 3 weeks I will reduce to 1table spoon a day, as well as skin and hair application. This site does a fabulous job, somebody needs to tell Oprah. Star Z.


Chronic Fatigue
Posted by Henri (Los Angeles, California) on 08/23/2007
★★★★★

Hi I have been battling a string of health problems due to chronic stress. The one thing that made everything worse was chronic fatigue. 4 Days ago i could barely get enough strength to get out of bed in the morning. I searched this site for a cure, and found that virgin coconut oil helps. I had bought some a few weeks ago, i started drinking 2 tablespoons a day, it has given me enough energy to get through the day, and be active at work and even enough to go out after work and have a life. It has even helped with my bowel movements. all this after less than a week. I cant wait to see if it can help me with everything else.


Athlete's Foot
Posted by Shelly (Medford, OR) on 03/22/2006
★★★★★

I had a stubborn case of athlete's foot for several months. Tried every kind of natural/herbal cure that I could think of, but there was no relief. I read about coconut oil bringing healing to skin rashes, so I decided to try it. After a week of applying the oil, twice a day, the rash is gone. I'm also feeding it to our dog every morning with his food. He LOVES it! He 's a young dog with no apparent health problems, but I look at as a preventative measure and I anticipate that it will also help him with flea and tick problems. It's great to have such wonderful natural remedies!!!


Sinus Infection
Posted by Joe (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 01/02/2022
★★★★★

I had covid last week, rather mild, but my sinuses took a beating. I have always struggled with dry and inflamed sinuses and will usually get an infection yearly. Well I tried getting into the local clinics to get an antibiotic. No luck. For 4 days I tried and they are so overwhelmed that the wait is 4-5 hrs if you can even get registered. So sitting in the parking lot this morning I came across your website. I went to the store and bought some coconut oil and went home and started applying it in my nostrils and using it in my neti pot. It is evening now and I am in bed and I feel wonderful. I have no pain. I have no congestion. And best of all, I can smell and taste my food again. I am amazed that this happened in less than 12 hrs and I dont need and antibiotic or prednisone. I am going to continue using the oil daily in hopes of not needing the Afrin any longer. Thank you so much! Feel free to use this as a review.

Virgin Vs Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Michael (New Zealand) on 12/17/2016

There have been several postings recently concerning the many merits of Coconut Oils in their various shapes and forms. Nothing wrong there, EXCEPT that folks seem to be unaware that whilst the appellation "Virgin" and "Extra Virgin" actually mean something when one is referring to OLIVE OILS, they don't mean a hell of a lot when one is referring to Coconut Oils, (if you are seeking clarification on industry-applicable, certification authorities that is)!! This is NOT BAD, it is just that one should look at Coconut Oils from a different perspective and not judge them by similar criteria. So, as far as I am aware, one should not place too much reliance on a brand of C.O. that claims to be a virgin as if you were looking at an Olive Oil! As for "Extra Virgin", I don't think anyone would be bold enough to make such a claim. The Pacific Islanders do the best that they can, but the processing to a very high standard has various challenges and costs associated with it. Cold-pressed, "organic" and filtered oils, as well as processed oils, are out there. The Island oils usually get imported into New Zealand for final quality control. If you wish to learn more you could do worse than refer to an internet site where a few independent reviewers, review these issues/concerns and where these technicalities are nicely put forth (including any health concerns you might have). Coconut Oils are a real gift to humanity. I like my one. I consume a half teaspoon each day. We are now able to track our oil to a specific (Pacific) Island which is rather nice. Just trying to sift through the dross of misinformation!! Knowledge is power folks. Get acquainted with your foods!

Cheers, Michael


Appetite Suppressant
Posted by June (Charlotte, North Carolina) on 10/30/2014

I suspect the nausea is your gallbladder reacting to too much fat. I get the same response from coconut oil and any rich, fatty foods and generally have to avoid them. I suggest you stop for a day and then lower the amount of coconut oil and see if that helps. If not, try another supplement.


Appetite Suppressant
Posted by Alanna (Beverly Hills, California) on 02/29/2016

Sandi - I don't personally use coconut oil for weight loss, but it appears just from reading several topics in here that people start with one teaspoon and go on from there, up to a couple of or a few tablespoons, for whatever it is they're taking it for. I don't know if this is helpful to you or not, but I hope you get some help in losing weight.


Canker Sores
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 07/02/2013

Coconut oil soothes canker sores. Don't know if it heals them but for me it takes the pain away for a while.


Hair
Posted by Debbie (Stanfield, Nc, Usa) on 12/06/2012

I started using coconut oil on my hair about a month ago. I have EXTREMELY dry and really frizzy hair. I put it on til my hair looks oily (not drippy oily but like its about time to wash it oily (lol)). I do not wash it out. I'm retired so I dont have to go out if I dont want to, if I did I would probably pull it back or wear a scarf. Because my hair is SO dry, I dont wash but once or twice a week. Within a day of putting on my hair, it has totally soaked in and not frizzy and not oily looking. (told you my hair is extremely dry). When my hair has been shampooed and i'm blow drying or hot ironing, I put some on (like when you put on "heat treatment" that is over the counter that you're supposed to use before blow drying or heat ironing).... I dont have to use all that stuff the hairdressers recommend using.... Shiney stuff, body stuff, heat treatment stuff, etc etc etc. I love the way my hair is starting to look AND with only ONE product. I use it also on my legs for conditioning but just started that and it takes a bit longer than lotion. Also, I started Apple Cider Vinegar about 3 weeks ago and my energy has really improved. I need to check and see what all Apple Cider Vinegar is supposed to do but I know I have some more energy. I LOVE THIS SITE!!!!


Blood Pressure
Posted by Beth (Pembroke Pines, Fl, Usa) on 11/18/2011
★★★★★

I am amazed at how well coconut oil has worked to normalize my blood pressure. I am a very healthy and petite woman who was diagnosed with high blood pressure at the age of 27. My diet is clean and I exercise regularly and with high intensity, but nothing lowered my blood pressure except medication. It was about 160/90 without medication, but stayed steady around 110/70 so long as I took it daily. After I began taking coconut oil daily (just 1 Tbsp. A day does the trick), I noticed that my blood pressure was getting TOO low! I stopped taking my medication and kept an eye on my daily readings. The coconut oil keeps my blood pressure just as low as the medication did! I am surprised there aren't more reports here of coconut oil normalizing blood pressure (I have read that it also works for people whose pressure is too low).

I have been spreading the word of coconut oil to anyone and everyone! There are other benefits as well, but I'll post those in the appropriate sections. :) The next challenge I'm going to give it is trying it on warts (the banana peel remedy isn't working for me).

Antibacterial, Antifungal
Posted by Brett (Hawaii) on 05/30/2021

No...too many serious errors in your Biochemistry and Physiology info. Stop, just stop, until you have your facts straight. Bad info is worse than anything for people, it makes everyone who seeks alternative information on treatment options look uneducated...go back, read your post and research MCT, Glycogen, fatty acid storage etc. and never repeat things you've heard people say unless you have read up on it from reliable sources of information.


Skin Issues
Posted by Sonam (New York, Ny) on 04/12/2015
★★★★★

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!


Skin Issues
Posted by Cat (Austin, Tx) on 05/10/2010
★★★★★

Grandmother Guffys Method for forever soft, clean, ageless skin.

My grandmother Guffys skin was as soft and smooth as a babys butt till the day she died at 94. One day, when I was a younger woman constantly on the go, she noticed how dry and ashy my skin was and elected to tell me about her method of bathing. It was the only thing she said she did to keep her body clean and soft. First, she never took long baths (and NO, she did not smell). She said bathing dried out skin. Second, she never used hot water on her skin. Third, she never needed lotions. I listened; yet, despite the evidence before me, I did not take her advise. Hot showers were invigorating, I exclaimed. Who ever heard of not bathing, I secretly thought. Why do not the young listen! For years now I have suffered with extremely dry and itchy skin. FINALLY! I recalled my grandmother Guffys bathing method for clean, itch-less, soft, ageless skin. Here it is:

1) Massage 2-3 tablespoons of (antibacterial, anti-fungal) coconut oil over your entire dry, naked body, but not your face. Be sure to include your private areas and feet - get utterly greasy with it! Let it soak 5 minutes.

2) Take a clean, white, DRY bath cloth, folded in fours and scrub your entire body. When one side of the cloth gets cruddy, refold to a clean side of the same cloth. Don't forget private areas.

3) Shower/rinse in very lukewarm to cold water and ONLY wash your private areas with diluted baking soda and water or an organic non-soap or as I sometimes do, diluted ACV.

3) Get out of the shower and barely pat dry.

Believe! This works! People who touch my skin always exclaim at how soft it is AND my husband who has scratched my back many a time has taken to gently rubbing my arms a lot. Just try it! It is not real expensive or hard to do and results are quick. If you are allergic to coconut oil, switch to a light olive oil or sesame oil. Soon you will do as I did - throw away all your bathing soaps and bottles.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Diana (London, England, United Kingdom) on 03/10/2010
★★★★★

MY FATHER HAS PARKINSONS, I BOUGHT COCONUT OIL AFTER ACCIDENTLY FINDING A SITE ABOUT THE OIL, I FOUND IT INTERESTING READING, MY FATER HAS 2 TBS A DAY AND WE HAVE NOTICED HE IS MORE ALERT AND TALKATIVE AND INTERESTED MORE IN WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND HIM, AMAZING, I READ THAT THE BRAIN IS MADE UP OF FATS, AND MY THEORY IS THAT AS WE ARE TOLD NOT TO EAT SATURATED FATS THAT BEING THE BAD STUFF,WE ARE ACTUALLY STARVING OUR BRAINS, I NEVER KNEW THE COCONUT OIL WAS MADE OF 92 % HEALTHY AND GOOD SATURATED FATS THE KIND OUR BRAIN NEEDS TO FEED ON, I AM ALSO TAKING 2 TBS A DAY I HAVE LUNG DAMAGE DUE TO SEPTICEMIA AND AT TIMES HAVE TO TAKE STEROIDS, I HATE THEM AS THEY MAKE MY FACE LOOK FLUSHED, SO I STOPPED AND JUST TAKE THE COCONUT OIL ALONG WITH A WARM DRINK OF CAYENNE PEPPER A LITTLE GINGER AND LEMON, I FELT BETTER VERY QUICKLY, IT WORKED FOR ME, I ALSO NOTICED MY HAIR IS GETTING MORE COLOURFUL I AM A NATURAL REDHEAD AND OVER TIME THE COLOUR HAS BECOME DULL, AFTER A FEW WEEKS MY HAIR IS GETTING RED AGAIN I AM SO HAPPY, I RUN TO THE MIRROR EVERY MORNING TO CHECK IT L.O.L. I THINK COCONUT OIL IS AMAZING.


Head Congestion
Posted by Sweetwater4life (Covington, Ga) on 02/01/2010
★★★★★

I have been suffering from pressure in the back of my (L) eye and then radiating to my forehead and (r) eye. I went to the doctor was given an antibiotic for possible sinus infection. Took antibiotic, did not work well. Still experienced pressure. I was reading a book about Barbados and the Rastafarian culture. They mentioned the use of coconut oil for head congestion. I am a firm believer in natural healing, and the use of herbs. So, I tried it along with clove oil (a droplet of clove, very strong). I mixed the coconut with the clove, and that night I slept all night without being awakened to pressure behind my eye and in my head. I have been doing this for 4 days and have not experienced the pressure that I have endured for close to 4 months. Also, clove oil is such a powerful oil, it has helped me with gingivitis (no more bleeding gums), muscle aches, bad breath, bee stings, and infections of the skin. Check it out.

Appetite Suppressant
Posted by Shiva (Hyderad, Andhra) on 03/26/2009
★★★★★

drink two spoon of pure coconut oil which helps u to increse the apatite and helps u to cure thyroid .. it is my own experience.


Hypothyroidism
Posted by Cathy (Villa Park, Illinois USA) on 02/13/2009
★★★★☆

I have been using Extra Virgin Coconut Oil since April of 2008. One tablespoon per day. I have Hypothyroidism and was having a lot of problems with brain fog. I was having difficulty doing my job and sometimes would forget where I was going when driving home for a few seconds. I am a creative person but was totally unable to express my ideas in artwork or my writing. I could not organize my thoughts. I could not make decisions or remember what I was supposed to do. This on top of all the other symptoms of hypothyroidism. 2 weeks after I started taking it the brain fog totally went away. I am very dependent on the coconut oil now as I do not want to go back to not knowing what I was doing. As for my other symptoms such as totally lost my sex drive which is destroying my relationship and sleeping too much and low energy etc. it has not changed any of that. My thyroid has gotten worse and I have had to double my thyroid medication (Thyroxine). I am working with a Naturalpathic doctor which was a very wise thing to do. She told me to keep taking 1 Tbsp of coconut oil per day. I just wonder if I should take more than that since I have heard of other people have been able to go off the thyroid meds when taking 2 Tbsp per day. She is also treating me for Adrenal Fatigue and cervical dysplaisia and fibrocystic breasts. I guess I'm a mess right now and just want to be well again. I am a big fan of the coconut oil because it is the one remedy that has made the most difference for me. Also I want to add that the doc specified I should use the solid coconut oil instead of the capsules which I started out on because she said that way you can tell if it has gone rancid. But I still use the capsules for backcountry trips and road trips for convenience.

If anyone knows a way to bring back the sex drive I would be grateful.

Autism
Posted by Tegan (Illinois) on 03/14/2018

Hello,

I have 2 children one 5 one 3 one more moderately autistic the younger seems less if that makes any sense. I need help there is so much info out here I really believe that most of what causes autism is the overload of toxins produced by bad bacteria, outside, the fake food that we are given. I want to start some detoxifying programs but I'm afraid of the detox side effects I just want something that is safe. I keep hearing about cilantro, garlic, turmeric but how do I get my little ones to eat this when all they want is oatmeal and nuggets and French fries. Unfortunately my first born would not eat solids for a long time she now does but its all about texture she wants things that crunch and how can I give them these things. Can I somehow use it in the oil I cook their food in switch to virgin coconut oil to cook their food is that the same benefit as ingesting it..probably not. Looking for guidance as where to start.Thank you.



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