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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Coco Girl (London, England) on 06/04/2012
★★★★★
I have had a thyroid problem for 9 years and before that I never ate sweet things. I became a sugar junkie and could not control my sugar cravings. Since discovering coconut oil I don't have the overwhelming urge to eat sugar and have much more energy. I also have lost some weight and feel so much better. I eat 2-3 dessert spoons of coconut oil and use it for my face and body. I have smooth beautiful skin and its so much cheaper than all those expensive products I use to buy. Thank you Earth Clinic for another amazing discovery.
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Aep (Small Town, Mi) on 05/21/2012
Hi, I know this is an old post, but I recently posted about my accidental success in finding my long lost sex drive after using Magnesium Chloride. I posted under the female hormones/ dysfunction. I was using MgCl (Swanson brand) to balance my urine pH, and insomnia. To give a history, I had cancer at a young age about 27 yrs old. Now, at 43, I have been with out my sex drive for nearly 15 years- when I finished chemotherapy. I have been seeking my health since then but doctors were not able to help. I researched a lot and decided to start with basic vitamins- b complex, methyl b 12, vitamin A, E and benfotiamine( a fat soluble B1). The methyl B12 and benfotiamine helped significantly with chemo induced nerve damage in my feet and hands 15 years ago. Within a week my feet burned and numbness increased and then started to get better. I was taking 150 mg benfotiamine and 3000 ug at the time. Improvement quickly followed. I later increased the b12 to 5000 ug and again the pain increased and then the numbness got even better. My numbness is not 100% but at least 80-90% better. I only feel the numbness now when it's really cold, and it is much much less noticeable. I have been taking these since thanksgiving 2011. A side effect I immediately noted with b12 was a significant increase in body temperature from 97.2 to 98.0-98.6. I also noticed more energy and less fatigue which is huge since I have had chronic fatigue syndrome since completing chemo in 1997. The vitamin A (30,000 iu daily) has kept me from getting all the usual colds and flu. I am normally the first person sick and the last one too since I usually get sick a second time after my family catches the illness from me! I did not get sick once since starting the vitamin A. I tried to reduce the dosage twice but both times started getting something in my lungs within a week or so of lowering the dosage. Needless to say, for now I am staying at the higher dosage. I found accidently that vitamin E reduced my menstrual cramps from needing three days of ibuprofen Every 6-8 hours to not taking any for the last three months. I started taking 1000 iu daily of natural vitamin E but will reduce to 800 iu once this bottle is gone.
Now for the most important fix: sex drive! I was taking magnesium citrate at about 50 mg daily then worked my way up to 200 mg daily internally. I also have ibs and had a low tolerance to Mg as it caused diarrhea. In order to get more Mg, I started MgCl oil and rub it undiluted on my legs and arms and belly just before bed. Most people wash it off but I guess I'm too lazy and just go to bed. If it itches- cuz sometimes it does, I rub on lotion or coconut oil. After about a month, my sex drive started to return. Sex is more enjoyable- no tightness or discomfort of low hormones like before, and the Big O is easier to achieve than ever. The magic of magnesium is worth every penny. And that is not counting the deep sleep, improvement in insomnia, and the reduction of muscle tension I never realized I had. The chiropractor had been adjusting me three times a week since the adjustment just wouldn't stick. Now he adjusts me once a week and only a couple spots compared to all over my back and neck before. I started each supplement individually due to my extreme sensitivities to supplements and foods.
I must say I also have a lot less spasms in my GI from IBS and food sensitivities since taking magnesium!
Ps. I have found this site tremendously helpful and only hope to give back!
Oh yea. Too much benfotiamine can cause diarrhea. I could only tolerate the 150 mg daily although the studies I read used up to 600 mg daily.
Good luck on finding your health and my God bless and heal you.
General Feedback
Posted by Katefeedback (Edmontoncome, Alberta Canada) on 05/21/2012
I don't know about BC Superstores, but in Alberta you can buy Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil in the Natural Foods section of Superstore for really cheap!
General Feedback
Posted by E (Queens, NY) on 05/20/2012
★★★★★
I have never heard of coconut vinager but I know coconut oil is great for your hair! It is a wonderful deep conditioner! Here is a great video on how to use it best http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwe35UQTimk
How to Take Internally
Posted by Tom (London, Uk) on 05/19/2012
Oil Pulling
Posted by Miles (New York, NY) on 05/18/2012
Right seems we're moving into discussion about the practice of "oil exchange" for detoxing and healing from many health conditions. Maybe its discussed elsewhere on this amazing site! But here's a bit with few things that may be of interest:
It's said the ever-intelligent body pulls toxins and posions out of circulation by trapping them in the fat cells where they will stay for years unless detoxed. Over time the toxins accumulate, disrupt body functions and manifest as disease.
There's a number of people who've written about this:
* Udo of Udo's Oils wrote a book about how he healed himself using "oil exchange" after he experienced serious ogranophosphate poisoning (nerve agent used commonly in herbicides and commercial lawn care applications -- symptoms of which manifest as depression, anxiety, brain-fog and more. ) He says he drank up to 12 TBL of good oils daily (omega 3 like flax oil and omega 6 like borage oil) in conjunction with saunas to assist the removal of toxins.
* Dr. William Rea head of the Environmental Health Clinic, who's helped restore people to health after toxic exposures like 9/11, Katrina, and the Exxon Valdez clean-up, believes a huge percentage of "diseases" and conditions are related to chemical toxicity. Part of his protocol includes sauna to remove the toxins and good oils supplmentation, as well as PPC - phosphaytidylcholine which is found in lecithin (and naturally in egg yolks and krill oil), and is a lipid (good oil) that helps restore and rejunvinate cell membranes in the liver, instestines, brain etc. and is providing good results for maladies in these areas (like alzheimers, chemical sensitivity, Hepatitis C, cirrosis, etc.)
(See also Drs. Kane and Shoemaker who've had great results treat patients with chronic diseases using "lipid exchange" -- IVs of PPC and glutathine.)
and then
* Deepak Chopra recommends oil pulling ... which is perhaps a great "DIY" version. Curious if someone might explain how coconut oil specifically factors into this concept of "lipid exchange" for healing?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Umbrella Girl (Delhi, India) on 05/12/2012
★★★★★
Hi there! I've been a fan of coconut oil for some time now - been using it on my skin for the past two months and my acne problem had almost disappeared.
Then I read about taking it internally and decided to try that for the other health benefits as well. I weigh 45 kilos, so Ive been taking only a tablespoon VCO a day in the morning.
The first day I felt nothing, the second I broke out on the right sid of my face something bad. It was a cluster of pimples that refused to surface and just sat there under the skin! It was very painful. The third day, I had more painful spots along my jaw and the left side had two more painful pimples. But I stuck to the oil, halved my carbs intake and kept up a topical application of VCO. By day four, the pain was less, and it kept getting better throughout the day! Now it's day five and the pimples are coming to a head, are completely painless and my complexion has brightened! Over the last year my skin had gotten pretty dark and I thought maybe it was the coconut oil that was pushing the day's tan along. But today, suddenly, my face is three shades lighter! It's strange, I was even in the sun all day today! I guess it's the internal coconut oil working to push out toxins.
Now that I'm taking the VCO internally, I find I have a lot more energy, my skin has a healthy (albiet, pimply) glow and I feel great! I apply VCO on my face and rub it in gently, leaving it on overnight and washing in the morning.
My teeth are whiter too! I simply brush with coconut oil every day, no Western toothpaste for me, haha! I had a problem with pretty yellow incissors and now they are slowly becoming whiter and whiter and my mouth feels super clean!
I love VCO!
Ulcer
Posted by Jenn (Ottawa, On) on 05/10/2012
RBD coconut oil is not EVCO.
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Apelila (Santa Cruz, Ca. USA) on 05/06/2012
I'd suggest bio identical estrogen.
Circulation
Posted by Merona (Bellevue, Wa) on 04/29/2012
★★★★★
My temperature has always lower than normal. Having a subnormal temperature causes one always to run colder, than most, I dealt with it by wearing silk underwear, super long ski socks, and layers of clothes, covering my ears wearing cashmere hat, scarf, shawl, I always thought it was because I was so thin but then my dr pointed out that I was subnormal. I started taking organic coconut oil and that has helped tremendously.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Katy (Scottsdale, Az) on 04/28/2012
You have to use the real thing buy organic virgin coconut oil it is wonderful, and pure no chemicals! I think the cost is reasonable. Someone gave me two cans of LouAnns that didn't even smell like coconuts something about it seemed so fake I tossed both cans in the trash. I've been using Organic Virgin Coconut oil forever and it is superior. I would never support Walmart in fact they are usually protested if they ever want to come into our neighborhood because they completely destroy communities.
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Mary (Sapphire, Nc Usa) on 04/21/2012
You might want to research Armour Thyroid. It is derived from pigs, making it a much closer replacement to human thyroid than the stuff made in a test tub. Some people notice no difference between synthetic thyroid and Armour but for others it's a huge difference. You can't know until you try it for awhile. The natural thyroid hormone is a complex combination of chemicals. Man made thyroid hormone is is very simplistic.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Leslie (St. Louis, Mo) on 04/08/2012
★★★★★
If I may - Dental conditions rather automatically involve swallowing some of the contaminants in your mouth with saliva or food, so it would be a good idea to begin ingesting a separate spoonful of coconut oil just to be on the safe side. It would also help to get into the habit of brushing your tongue and the soft tissues of your mouth with the oil to be thorough.
Let me also add that feeding this to your cat, dog and/or horse will help their teeth and breath also in addition to being very good for their coats and digestion.
Candida
Posted by Bikermom (Corvallis, Or) on 04/01/2012
★★★★★
Coconut oil has helped eliminate my longstanding symptoms related to SIBO and/or candida. The symptoms were experienced in my head and most unpleasant. I am grateful.
Lubricant
Posted by L (Us) on 03/27/2012
Seems to me coconut oil would be ideal. But when ya' google it, everything says it "degrades latex" (condoms). Even so, I'm leaning toward that not being true, but that the manufacturer of condoms (and sister company lubricants) would like for us to think it is. Wouldn't it be easy to do a test? Even if the coconut oil would degrade latex over time, would it really do so within the short time period of having ess-e-x? lol ;) I just read a testimonial on it at curezone and they had no problem with it and no condom failures in a year of using coconut oil as a lubricant. Another post there indicated they felt the condom manufacturers recommend water-based lubricants simply because most oil-based ones were made with petroleum products. Not considering vegetable oils.
Hair
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 03/25/2012 2048 posts
Kate, this could be inflammation; try the anti-inflammatory diet. Zinc Lozenges may help in the case of infection. Steam Inhalation w/ Eucalyptus oil might be beneficial. Magnet Therapy would be worth a try. You can wear a magnetized belt across the chest to rid bad energy and inflammation.
Hope this helps and good luck. Please post results.
Hair
Posted by Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 03/24/2012
Hi Kate: I sympathize with you as, at one time, my neck manifested goiter as well. Research coconut oil for goiter. Many people on this site have said it helps tremendously with a thyroid issue, even when doctors say you don't have one. Also... Are you a SOY eater? If so, please be aware that newer research has emerged indicating that SOY can adversely affect the thyroid, particularily of women. I know that when I elliminated it from MY diet (as well as grains that I was allergic to), extremely heavy, 10-15 days of bleeding and clotting periods, morphed into 4 days maximum, the normal period of my youth. Also, my thyroid, "lump neck" and pain went away. So, if I were you, SOY testing (eliminating it completely from the diet) is what I would do first for at least 30 days. Checking all food packages for soy and cooking your own meals w/o it, makes this totally doable. Then, I would start with a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil before bed. Good luck to you on this illuminating journey! Peace out... CAT!
Hair
Posted by Kate (London, Uk) on 03/24/2012
★★★★☆
I've been having a very confusing and scary time for two months with my throat and the top of my lungs closing up very tight (and on one occasion just stopping breathing totally until someone hammered me on the back). Battery of medical tests have found nothing except a small non-malignant goitre - now they are saying I should probably have my thyroid removed, see if that helps. I'm not going to do that. Thyroid counts so far normal. It's possible I partly messed up my thyroid a few years back by taking too much iodine.
Having tried everything on the home remedy front too, I'm finding the one thing that reliably untightens things is apple cider vinegar in the thyroid (means lying down a day with a poultice but at least I can breathe). Does anyone have any idea *why* it might be helping - and how I can use the clue to get better? And also can anyone think of medical tests I should try to see if it's either metal toxicity or some sort of infection? At the moment I look to everyone else like I'm malingering, while it feels like it could kill me....
Coconut Oil Recipes
Posted by Peggy (Stillwater, Ok, Us) on 03/10/2012
★★★★★
All of us LOVE coconut oil and its benefits, my man, my cat, and my entire body!
My man noticed I changed my recipe for brownies by using coconut oil in place of the usual bottled, vegetable oil. He said they were moist, chewy, and delicious! He's the kinda guy that rarely says anything about a great meal, but I know after 15 years together, if he eats "it", he loves "it"! So, any form of a compliment means "it" gets a "5 star" rating.
My cat began enjoying coconut oil about 2 months ago when he began licking my hands after I applied the oil to moisturize my face and hands. I knew cats had been given coconut oil to remedy ailments but I knew my cat was not going to allow me to introduce anything to him. He's Top Cat and he decides! Now, gets his tablespoons full of coconut oil whenever he tells me. His coat is definitely sleeker and he seems more relaxed. I look forward to seeing more health benefits of his consumption of coconut oil "candy"!
My entire 55 year young, entire body, is showing signs of coconut oil benefits, too. I use to moisturize my face and hands after I use hydrogen peroxide as an astringent. I try to eat a tablespoonful of oil daily, and it is so satisfiying as it melts in my mouth. Yum!
Coconut Oil Recipes
Posted by Shelfarm (Crocker, Missouri) on 03/08/2012
I melt down 2-3 heaping Tablespoons of Coconut Oil in a saucepan. Do not boil just warm enough to melt the Oil. I put 2 heaping Tablespoons Hersheys Dark Chocolate in it, and I use 2 teaspoons Raspberry and 1 teaspoons Vanilla flavoring and Stevia to sweeten, Mix all till smooth, Pour in the bottom of a small plastic container and place level in freezer tell the Coconut Oil hardens again, about 10 minutes or so, depending on how hot you get the oil, so don't get it hot, just warm. Take out of freezer. Turn it out on a flat surface, it will fall out and you brake it in pieces, put candy in a small container with lid. Keep in the Refrigerator for a really Good For You Piece Of Candy. You can use any kind of flavoring you like. Keeps for days in the fridge. There is nothing in it to go bad. I eat this everyday, and I still lose weight. My husband loves it, I can't keep him out of it. Also I cook with it, I make homemade bread with it. I use it in my hair, and on my face. I just love it its a great oil to eat and use.
I love this site I have removed a lot of moles from off my face and other parts of my body, and the dark sun spots from off my hands. I learned how to do that by reading the articles from this site. Thank You everyone for writing in.
HIV
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?
The Elderly and Children
Posted by Roger (Colorado Springs, Colorado) on 03/05/2012
I am 66 and in pretty good shape/health. If I were to introduce coconut oil to an older person, I would start very small and watch for any changes.
Rancid Coconut Oil
Posted by Roger (Colorado Springs, Colorado) on 03/05/2012
There is no way that coconut oil can go rancid. However, obviously it was not right in some way, perhaps something was added to it. Rancidity means that it would have to have oxidized, and there is no place on the fatty acid chain for it to oxidize. This may mean that the oil was even worse, which would have been some sort of additive causing a bad smell.
Energy Booster
Posted by Roger Bird (Colorado Springs, Colorado) on 03/04/2012
Coconut oil is such an energy booster that I have to be careful to take it only in the morning if I want to sleep at night.
Coconut Sugar
Posted by Roger Bird (Colorado Springs, Colorado) on 03/04/2012
Coconut sugar is something else. I am very sensitive to excess regular, cane sugar. It raises my inflammation skyward, and presumably that is my insulin spiking. So I know that coconut sugar does not do that; I can eat it by the tablespoonful and have no problem.
One lab in the Philippines did a study on the glycemic index and the glycemic load. They reported GI = 35 and GL = 1. 4. This causes me to doubt them. The GL = GI times total carbs divided by 100. How could something that was almost 100% carb do that?
I found that this is the only lab that has done this study. The lab is in a country that is heavily dependent upon coconut exports. And all my Filipino in-laws lie like it was some kind of hobby; I never know if I am getting the truth from them or not.
The only sense that I can make out of my experience and this doubtful lab's results is that coconut sugar has a lot of long chain saccharides. But I find not this or a whole lot more on the Internet regarding coconut sugar. It seems that there is not a lot of study on coconut sugar; it seems that sometimes you really do get to the end of the Internet.
In my opinion, coconut sugar is one of the best kept secrets in health, and I am sorry that it is. I hope that some enterprising grad students will do some serious scientific studies on coconut sugar.
Back Pain
Posted by Roger (Colorado Springs, Colorado) on 02/29/2012
★★★★★
I started drinking coconut oil and the following happened. My morning lower back pain disappeared. My stretching on a stretching measurement machine immediately jumped from around 93 to 110, as high as the machine could measure. My inflamed tooth became noticably less inflammed. My ability to ***try*** harder during weight lifting improved dramatically, as though I were a 19 year old. There may be other improvements that I can't remember right now. Coconut oil is the bee's knees.
Make Your Own Coconut Oil
Posted by Camilla (Istanbul, Turkey) on 02/28/2012
Thank you thank you!! Strange, I make lots of things such as jam, cordials, chutneys and so on, but never thought of making my own coconut oil. I live in turkey since a few years back, and can't find it anywhere. Now I can alternate with the the sunflower oil that I normally use for oil pulling. I tried EVO but though I love olive oil, I just couldn't oil pull with it... Once again thank you, and thank you for a wonderful site!
Make Your Own Coconut Oil
Posted by Toploader427 (Howell, Michigan) on 02/28/2012
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Mousehouse62 (North Richland Hills, Texas) on 02/27/2012
I also buy my VCO from Vitacost and through Amazon in which I can get some great deals! Yes, it does come in plastic, havent found it in glass yet but I use it after I shower, in all my cooking and have made desserts using VCO instead of the "oil" that was called for. I get compliments on my skin all the time and my son loves to snuggle up to me smelling like a coconut. I wont use anything else to cook with or slather with!
Make Your Own Coconut Oil
Posted by Dottie (Oro Valley, Arizona) on 02/27/2012
I would love to have detailed instructions on how to make coconut oil at home. Thank you!
Lubricant
Posted by Lynnsy (Syracuse, Ny) on 02/27/2012
★★★★★
My doctor told me that vegetable oils and condoms were fine. Just to avoid petroleum based/mineral based oils. We love the VCO and it has helped with the general irritation I experience with aging. It's been wonderful! Just insert a lump about the size of a large pea and by the time you get down to business, it's melted and very natural.
Make Your Own Coconut Oil
Posted by Toni (Bodden Town, Cayman Islands) on 02/22/2012
I have been making coconut oil and also butter, without using heat. I would be happy to answer any questions about the process.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Shansu (Ulysses, Kansas - Usa) on 02/21/2012
Herpes
Posted by Linda (Greenville, Sc) on 02/20/2012
I will try. I've had problems since 1995. Three this last 2 months. Put Virgin Coconut Oil on problem area and ingest it 1 tbl 3 times/day?
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Stephanie (Sugar Hill, Ga) on 02/19/2012
ARGAN OIL FOR SEXUAL DRIVE, JUST USE IT IN YOUR LOTION EVERYDAY OR YOUR SHAMPOO
Broad Benefits
Posted by Melanie (Sparks, Nevada) on 02/17/2012
I am excited to hear this has worked for you and your family! I believe my dad is suffering from Carpal Tunnel Sydrome, do you think it might help? Should he just rub it into his wrist once a day? Any advice would be appreciate please and thank you! Melanie
Broad Benefits
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.
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!
Flu
Posted by Bcgirl (Surrey, Bc) on 02/06/2012
My naturopath told me to stop taking agave nectar since it's basically the same as sugar and has many side effects including an upset stomach which I had. She told me to use stevia instead of honey.
General Feedback
Posted by Laurie (Pawleys Island, Sc) on 02/06/2012
Flu
Posted by Laurie (Pawleys Island, Sc) on 02/06/2012
I drink mine in a smoothie. Unflavored Probiotic yogurt, milk or almond milk, a tablespoon or 2 of coconut oil, vanilla, agave nectar or honey, and frozen berries. It is so good. I am not a breakfast eater, and since starting this smoothie in the mornings I have so much energy!
How to Take Internally
Posted by Hem (Chennai, India) on 02/04/2012
Dear Group, I find that there is quite a bit of interest in using coconut oil for medicinal purposes. It is true that it is very good for various digestive and other problems and its fatty properties allow for healing very quickly.
However based on its usage in India, I would recommend that you ingest coconut oil by using it for cooking purposes rather than taking it directly by tbsp. I am not sure if that is good for the body. By using it for cooking purposes like frying, I think it is safer and will not give adverse reactions like nausea etc. As for skin and haircare, it is definitely very good, provides lustre and thickness to hair and is good for skin generally and especially in healing scratches and other minor problems.
Yeast
Posted by Madeline (Central, Nj) on 02/03/2012
For the athlete foot try apple cider vinegar. Wash you feet and use equal parts of the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide and after you moisturizer whith coconut oil. You have to be consistent and patient.
General Feedback
Posted by Southern Bell (Marietta, Ga, United States) on 01/25/2012
I have been reading about oil pulling with coconut oil. I am taking the capsules daily, plus adding coconut oil to my morning coffee. However, the coconut oil I put in my coffee has solidified due to the cold weather. It melts in my coffee.
I would like to try oil pulling with coconut oil, but does anyone know what I could do to make it a liquid for pulling?
Thanks.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Marybeth (Norfolk, Va) on 01/25/2012
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.
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by John (Baton Rouge, La) on 01/23/2012
Hi, is the Vitecom selling pure coconut oil?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 01/20/2012 2048 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
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!
General Feedback
Posted by G (Nyc, Ny) on 01/15/2012
I have read that coconut oil has an indefinite shelf life. You should be able to tell by the smell/small taste whether you can trust if it is "bad" or not.
General Feedback
Posted by Sweetberry (Ny) on 01/14/2012
Yes you can till about a year- it's not a red light, it's a stop sign to end usage.
General Feedback
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/14/2012
Hi, sell by date is often used to make you throw up stuff that is still good to use internally or externally! I think that you should have a good look at your VCO and decide if you think that it is still good or not! If you see no difference at all.... It is probably good! People here in Europe are throwing away millions worth of food and other things just because of the dates while most of it is perfectly alright! I wouldn't do it with meat, fish, dairy.... But then you see they are not ok anymore! Some countries are now trying to change the way food is labled to avoid such a lot of waste!
General Feedback
Posted by C. (Ajax, Canada) on 01/13/2012
I'm in Ontario, I've found it in my local grocery store health section ( never noticed it before I took the time to look for it) and in the bulk barn. Was cheap at the bulk barn by $3-4. I'm not sure what stores you have in BC, but a grocery store with a good health section is sure to carry it or a bulk barn if you have those there. Here in Ontario 900ml ( appox) was about 16- 20$.
General Feedback
Posted by Brooklyn Bridge (Union City, Usa) on 01/13/2012
The expiration date on my Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut oil Expeller Pressed by Jarrow Formulas is November 20, 2011. My question is if I can still use the oil for my skin? I would not take it internally.
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.
General Feedback
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Sharyg (Miami, Fl, Usa) on 01/13/2012
Try Amazon, or Ebay. They have great prices there and they ship to Canada. You can find Nutiva coconut oil on both sides, wich is a very good brand. You can also find Tropical Traditions, which in my opinion is the best. However it is more expensive.
Hair
Posted by Sharyg (Miami, Fl, Usa) on 01/13/2012
★★★★★
For hair, I use enough to cover the entire head until all the hair is saturated. About 2 or 3 tbsp. I cover with a shower cap or plastic bag for 30 minutes to an hour. If I'm cleaning the house that day I'll leave it in till I'm done. I then wash it out with a sulfate free shampoo. Love Peter Lamas shampoos. They are 100% vegan and they are the only sulfate free shampoos that I've found to lather real well, and not leave hair feeling like straw (wich castile soap does). After washing all the oil out I put in my regular conditioner for 10 minutes. Rinse, put in a little leave in conditioner and voila!!!! Beautiful amazing hair. Not only does it look healthy, but it looks so thick!!! Super shiny, and it is soft like silk. I was never before able to achieve hair like that. And I've spent thousands of dollars since my teenage years, in expensive hair treatments. This is it! The miracle I've been looking for!!!
Hair
Posted by Sharyg (Miami, Fl, Usa) on 01/13/2012
Ditto on Tropicaltraditions!!! It is the best coconut oil and the most natural!!! And as she said, If you don't like strong coconut taste or smell, they have the expeller pressed oil, wich is very bland in taste and smell, but still has all the properties that make coconut oil great. Coconut oil has transformed my damaged, dry, brittle hair, into a beautiful shiny, healthy, thick mane!!! My skin feels like butter. And I just started taking it internally, so I'll see what it does for that!!!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Zug, Switzerland) on 01/12/2012
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!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Cecile (Cape Town, South Africa) on 01/11/2012
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!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/11/2012
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!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mihel (Clinton Twp, Mi) on 01/09/2012
★★★★★
I have been using this miracle food for a month or so now, and it has benefitted me in ways that I can't fathom would be possible with any other store-bought stuff, such as lotion. In the Winter, my hands crack and get very dry and have broken skin spots all over my palms. Since I've been using coconut oil in my hair as a natural gel, a face moisturizer, chap stick, and lotion, just having the oil on my hands has made perfectly soft and healthy and crack-free.
I use the oil to make a toothpaste and natural deodorant, which works wonders. I also have been losing much bad weight by taking a tablespoon of it daily by mouth. I've been cooking with it, and let me say, it seems to bring out the flavor in my food, rather make it taste oily and greasy like other cooking oils. My partner has been taking the oil by mouth each day also, and it has cured his gingivitis completely. The oil is a godsend, truly. I find that it has boosted my immune system, also.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Randy (Howell, Michigan) on 01/02/2012
You can experience the same detoxing results of oil pulling by taking LECITHIN. The powder form of LECITHIN is best according to Ted on EC.
Coconut Sugar
Posted by Kimi (Los Angeles, Ca) on 12/31/2011
★★★★★
I started using sugar after coming off of an intense candida cleanse (during which I used mostly xylitol and stevia). I find that coconut sugar doesn't aggravate my candida at all, and it tastes better than real sugar!
I sometimes mix xylitol and coconut sugar together- especially when a recipe calls for a bigger amount of sugar.
General Feedback
Posted by Alicia (Vancouver, Bc, Canada) on 12/27/2011
Thank you Glen, I appreciate you taking the time to respond, however I cannot afford upwards of 20 dollars for oil, with a min. order of 100$, plus shipping and handling. I'd also prefer to go and buy it when I need to rather than ordering online. Thank you for your input and Happy New Year!
Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Nevada (Smithfield, Pa) on 12/27/2011
We buy our coconut oil from
Vitacost.com and I believe it is the lowest price you will find for a 54 ounce size.
General Feedback
Posted by Glenn (Bay Roberts, Nl) on 12/27/2011
Alicia, there is a great place in BC you can purchase coconut oil online. realrawfood.com
General Feedback
Posted by Alicia (Vancouver, Bc, Canada) on 12/26/2011
Hello, can someone please recommend a good coconut oil that is available in BC Canada? Does it have to be organic and / or expeller pressed ? (don't know what that means lol )
I would also really appreciate if someone could answer some questions.
I was wondering about its use as a deodorant and after reading the many posts I'm a bit confused: does the oil HAVE to be extra virgin? How to apply it on underarms, how much? Will it be greasy and leave oil marks? Does it have to be solid or runny and does it matter?
Also I have read that some are eating it for general well being, how much and how often? Should it be cold or hot and is it better than apple cider vinegar? I know I'm asking a lot but I hope someone can help me out, this site is THE best for learning natural remedies!! I love reading the posts from all over the word. Thank you so much in advance for your help.
Happy New Year to everyone and thank you Earth Clinic!!
General Feedback
Posted by Baldev (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) on 12/23/2011 184 posts
Hi Pinks, This oil is ok for oil pulling but is not recommended for taking it internally. For internal use you should have extra virgin coconut oil which is cold pressed and not processed.
Baldev
General Feedback
Posted by Tina (Princeton, New Jersey, Usa) on 12/23/2011
Hi Pinks! I don't if I would use Parachute oil for OP. You need to use organic coconut oil for optimum results. Do you have a company called Mother Earth in any of the Mumbai malls? I bought organic coconut oil from them in Bangalore this summer- Mother Earth had a large store in Meenakshi mall. I use coconut oil as a moisturizer as well, and this was so good that I stocked up. Try Fab India too, they often carry a range of organic oils. Hope this helps!
General Feedback
Posted by Pinks (Mumbai, India) on 12/23/2011
Hi, I luv this site. I have started oil pulling, but wanted to ask if I can use parachute coconut oil that everyone uses for the hair to ingest it. We have a whole variety of coconut oils here. They all say they are pure. They are but have never drunk them. Waiting for your feedback. Thanks
General Feedback
Posted by Simon (Somewhere, Usa) on 12/17/2011
Which is the lesser of 2 evils? Potentially irradiated coconut oil or dead (pasteurized) local butter? The coconut oil seems to have so many health benefits. Since it's often imported, it may be irradiated. They find loopholes to not have to tell us things. People still seem to rave about it here, irradiated or not so I reckon it still is effective. Anyway to neutralize the possible effects of irradiation? Does Lugols work for this?
Oil Pulling
Posted by Melanie (Owen Sound, Ontario Canada) on 12/14/2011
I don't know about oil pulling - but I went with my mother few years ago to her deep tissue massage session. The therapist told me that many people start to cry, or have depression after deep muscle massage - because of the toxins that are being released from the muscles. I think the same could apply to oil pulling - if the toxins are being pulled out the depression could be a side effect.
Clinical depression lasts for few weeks with no let-up. So sad feelings from toxins being released should ease up as the body toxins decrease.
I am not a professional, but makes sense to me.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Liz (Boston, Massachusetts) on 12/12/2011
Well, there's a double standard if I ever saw one.
The list of potential cures from oil pulling is quite lengthy. If its curing potential is great, why is it so far fetched to believe that it could also have side-effects?
If it has the 'power' (if you will) to cure ailments, why would it not also have the power to cause some in those who have sensitivities? That seems perfectly reasonable.
To say; "Come on, you don't believe that swishing around a little oil in your mouth gives you depression, do you?" could be flipped to "Come on, you don't believe that swishing around a little oil in your mouth CURES pain issues, sinus issues, migraines, acne, etc. do you?"
You can't have it both ways.
There was no need to mock the poster and question their integrity solely because their experience didn't conform with your personal theory. This is a forum where sharing experiences (both Yea's and Nay's) is encouraged, not scorned.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Zug, Switzerland) on 12/12/2011
Come on, you don't honestly believe that swishing a bit of oil around in your mouth gives you depression, do you? I have to be honest, sometimes I think that there are people who infiltrate sites like this trying to prove that the people here are wackes and if that is the case it is very wrong. It can be that you honestly believe what you are saying, some people just have to blame anything they are feeling on what they are trying out but come on, getting depression from swishing a bit of oil around in your mouth, once a day for three days.......
Oil Pulling
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Usa) on 12/12/2011 2048 posts
Holly, I would stay with the pulling because the side effects are evidence that you have some type of toxin or heavy metal in your body (that needs to be out). All toxins in general are damaging to lipids, sugars, and amino acids; and as such, can have notable side effects like depression.
Also, I have had to up my oral care since O. P. because of the heavy toxin loads (no depression on my part). otc mouth wash, colloidal silver, H2O2 are mandatory for infection prevention. Also consider other types of oil ( I use Canola or Canola blend), and if you foam up quickly, reduce your pull time to 15 or 10 min.
You may need to use some charcoal or bentonite to help remove the toxins. Tyrosine, St JohnsWort, and 5-HTP will help with the depression. NAC will boost glutathione which you seem to be insufficient. Any form of magnesium will help (i use Epsom salt foot bath daily). Vit-C is also critical in detox (i use 500mg before and 500mg after O. P. to lesson my symptoms).
If your negative symptoms get overwhelming, take a few days off O. P. Try a 2 dys on 2 days off until your negative side effects disappear (depending on how toxic your body is).
Hope this helps and good luck.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Hollly (Algonquin, Illinois) on 12/11/2011
I've only been OPing for 3 days, once a day in the morning or whenever my stomache is empty. I'm using organic extra virgin coconut oil. The very first day I started, I got a wave of horrible depression. I'm continuing with the pulling but the depression now isn't getting better. I am sensitive to lots of chemicals, substances etc. so I am naturally prone to depression, but I can feel that this depression is something different.
Do I stick with it? Should I stop and give myself a break? Is depression a common side effect? :
