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.
HIV
Posted by Jay (Manila, Phillipines) on 12/22/2006
★★★★★
In the Philippines, studies have shown that coconut oil can cure HIV. Test subjects were given at least 12 tablespoon of coconut oil a day, and and after 6 months, HIV have been cured. I had no time to confirm this report but the story had been featured several times in radio and tv programs.
Cholesterol
Posted by Elizabeth (Buffalo, NY) on 12/01/2006
★★★★★
my cholesterol was 224 before using extra virgin organic coconut oil. doc took me off lipitor because of side effects. i started coconut oil 1 tbls or more/ 4 or 5 days a week. IN THREE MONTHS MY CHOLESTEROL WAS 176 ....! i'd changed nothing else about my diet, but do not eat egg yolks--hadn't for a long time.
Chronic Sinusitis
Posted by Janie (Palmdale) on 01/07/2006
★★★★★
I started taking 2tbl.spoons of coconut oil 2 times a day, 8-05 for systemic candida. I have suffered chronic sinusitis for years. By 9-05 my sinuses were completely clear. No more Allegra, Flonase, Clartin, Contac or any of that stuff. I gave my daughter a jar and her sinuses cleared up in 3 days. I am still battling the candida.
Stomach Issues
Posted by Blanche (Cebu, Philippines) on 06/26/2024
★★★★★
I used VCO to cure an unknown stomach ailment doctors couldn't diagnose. I was basically having bloody stools and felt food moving through my intestines. Was also very tired I was absent for a week I could barely get out of bed and only weighed 45kg at one point. I was doing a vegan diet for about a year which I believe caused it. Took me about 6 years of daily intake but the mysterious illness has been fully cured.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Deedee (Skowhegan, Maine) on 11/15/2014
Also last night as my cat was sitting on the ledge over the sink- I dipped the spoon in the jar and put a little on it to see if he liked it. He ate it right up-so this morning I gave him some more. I'm hoping it helps his coat with all the scratching he does, as he does have fleas. I also have flea traps plugged in 24/7 all year round and it keeps them at bay...
Coconut Oil and Healthy Fats
Posted by Mama to Many (Tennessee) on 06/25/2014
Dear Rebel,
You ask some good questions. I agree that there is not a one size fits all solution to health problems. I find it fascinating that here at EC, different people respond differently to the same things. It is one of the beauties of EC; lots of people sharing a variety of experiences and options.
The “what to eat” issue is huge. There are so many options, so many opinions. And I don't think there is just one answer. I think different diets are appropriate at different times. Even nature tells us this. For example, a baby cow drinks cow milk, exclusively. As an adult, she eats grass. (Well, cows are fed lots of things, but her natural diet is grass.) Baby humans do best on human milk for many months. Sick or convalescing people need gentle diets. Sedentary people need less food than those who are active.
I don't think there could be a “perfect” human diet. Human beings live all over the globe in different climates with all sorts of different availability of food. Different cultures have different values, beliefs, etc that affect what they eat. My understanding is that people living near the North Pole would eat things like seal and blubber. They won't have much availability for fresh fruits and vegetables, but still the culture lives on. And living in that climate people will need the extra fat to stay warm. The ladies there probably won't look like Barbie, but Barbie would freeze to death living there. I get nervous when I hear about the perfect diet “X.” It is often expensive and not available to many people. I don't think good health is only available to the wealthy who have internet access. If I have to get all of my food online to get the ““best, ” that makes no sense to me. Until recently, it was normal for people to live on local food. So I think a variety of diets will sustain a variety of peoples quite nicely. Sally Fallon's book, Nourishing Traditions has oodles of fascinating stories of people eating an unprocessed local diet. It seems to work out quite nicely for them.
Regarding fats, I agree that processed oils are not healthy. Olive oil is a food that has been used for food and healing for thousands of years. I think it is tried and true. Having seen coconut oil heal my son of mono a few years ago was pretty convincing to me of its health benefits. Should people be taking large amounts of it daily? Well, I am not sure. Most cultures did not have access to that until recently. So, when I consider what local options for fat I would have, it might be possum or raccoon fat. Oh, dear. I am not ready to go there! :)
I think sometimes our problems come in with eating mostly processed foods, eating too much food, getting too little exercise activity. I don't mean at all to imply that anyone with a weight problem or health problem is a lazy glutton. Not at all. It is much more complex than that. Chemicals from a variety of sources (foods, cleaning supplies, vaccines, mercury fillings etc…) can affect our health in a bad way. Overprescription of modern drugs is also affecting health poorly.
But I am not a purist in my food choices. I like to cook and eat healthy and like to use natural medicines. But for me there is a balance in that and being able to enjoy life. While eating potato chips on the couch in front of TV is not usually relational, often meals are a relational activity. To be unable to enjoy a meal prepared by someone else for you because of the fear of its contents will affect relationships. I am not suggesting celiacs eat gluten, nor diabetics sugar but the pursuit of a perfect diet tends can make some people obsessive and fearful, which isn't fun or healthy. I know because I have been there.
I do think food choices affect health. But I also think activity level, attitude and environment and lots of other things affect your health a lot too. Just my very wordy two cents! :)
~Mama to Many~
Broad Benefits
Posted by Andrea C (Wales) on 01/16/2014
Hi xxx It's Raw Milk you are supposed to use. The problem with Dairy now is it's heated and treated and all the digestive enzymes are destroyed in it. But also unless it's Grass reared organic Grain Free Cattle there will still be problem's with drug and all sort's getting in to the Dairy via the Animals treatment.
But the other thing is the gland to digest milk shuts down by the age of 3 in Humans and this is to digest Mother's Milk. But Raw Milk it's self has worked Miracles in some seriously sick people and many 'Stone Age' peoples drink a lot of dairy and keep Cattle as well.
All 'Hunter Gatherers' around the World consume Goat's or Cow's milk when they can get access to it and also honey when they can get it. But lots of people say not to eat that too.
Some of us are fine with some of the 'Forbidden Food's' others are not. But Raw Milk, and Raw Honey is the only one's anyone should eat if ever.
My Body makes it plain as day what it DON'T WANT, if not right away in a shrt space of time. And then I got to suffer as it comes out and sometimes it feels worse than when it went in and for longer!
But i'd rather THAT than the result of carrying on? If it's started to do thing's I'm now aware of, what the hell has it done to me before my body started screaming for help and I can't see it?
Only a fool would carry on and not take the time and discomfort of being long term ill and suffering? I have spent years of pain and tears to get stuff out of my system that nearly killed me. stole my life, and they called it MEDICAL HELP? MEDICAL EXPERIMENT' .
lOVE ANDREA C XXX
Broad Benefits
Posted by Suja Biju (Dubai, Uae) on 02/05/2013
★★★★★
Pure coconut oil which we extracted at home provides nice aroma for kerala dishes. It won't increase cholestrol. It helps me in reducing the hair fall and the dry skin problems.
Lubricant
Posted by Plumhappy (Eugene, Oregon) on 07/26/2012
I use coconut oil exclusively as a lubricant. Very nice since I am menopausal. No side effects plus it smells nice.
How to Take Internally
Posted by Cathy (Atlanta, GA) on 10/29/2013
You can purchase coconut oil in capsule form. It is very good for colitis and dementia.
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Posted by Hashiaussie (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/14/2024
Biologika Coconut Veggie Cream 100g now available in Australia for Aus$11.95. Good luck. There is a lot of information now about coconut and Alzheimer's. Coconut oil may work just as well.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Chris (Singapore) on 10/03/2011
★★★★☆
Hi, I was pretty open to trying coconut oil being a lover of all things coconutty from young. I started taking 3 tablespoons of this oil daily and applying this oil on my face. I can report the following benefits so far: very good bowel movements (not that I had bad ones before but there is a definite improvement), more restful sleep and my complexion is certainly looking and feeling softer. I didn't think I'd describe it such but it really feels that way. [Would like to see some weight loss off me... There's been about 3 pounds shed... So, we'll see]. This has only been for a month since I started using (consuming and applying externally) it.
Recently, I've started having this itchy scalp which has so called 'degenerated' into dry flakiness as well! I've tried every anti-dandruff shampoo there is available - the bottles line my shelf in the bathroom, believe me! - yet I'm still scratching my itchy flaky head like mad! Anyhow, last night, I've decided that I'll massage coconut oil to my scalp each night and shampoo my hair in the morning daily and see how it goes... Today's the first day after a coconut oil hair treatment and the itching is less intense. At least I got by today's work without having to scratch my head silly behind closed doors!!!
Watch this space, folks... and to all you consumers of coconut oil, I hope you're enjoying a better quality of life now...
Time to give my head that coconut-oil massage now... :)
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sheri (Thibodaux, Louisiana) on 02/05/2011
★★★★★
I have been using Organic "Unrefined" Coconut Oil for going on nine years. It has cured my Fibromyalgia and Arthiritis as well as my weight problem. Please note that I also changed my diet to an organic way of eating. My skin is beautiful and ageless. IT Works! End of story.
Coconut Oil Recipes
Posted by Tanya (Townsville, Queensland, Australia) on 02/10/2010
★★★★★
Favourite way to consume Coconut Oil
Delicious Dairy Free Alternative Coconut Chocolate Spread: I like to get my daily dose of VCO by making a spread with 1 part coconut oil, 1 part agave, 2 parts raw cacao powder, pinch crystal salt, pinch stevia - stir. I love it on wholemeal organic spelt toast :).
Broad Benefits
Posted by Gramma (Raymond, Alberta, Canada) on 09/13/2009
★★★★★
My husband and I use coconut oil as a rub for aches and pains. Hubby had his right shoulder replaced 10 years ago and coconut oil keeps him pain free. I need back surgery but am too old so I use coconut oil to relieve pain. We also use it to rub arthritic knees, hips, elbows and hands. We were in Majuro for 18 months five years ago and were introduced to coconut oil by the natives when I stepped onto a red ant pile and was severely bitten all over my legs. Instant relief from coconut oil. We don't measure, we just scoop out a little and rub it on. It has to be 100% pure coconut oil to work.
Hair
Posted by Lakshmi (Edinburgh, UK) on 03/28/2009
★★★★★
I am basically from India. Coconut oil is a part of our life. People use it in cooking and it makes them fat. Coconut oil has very high saturated fatty acids. It is good if taken in very little amount it helps in detoxing the body. They are very good for external applications. In the place where i come from it is a habit to apply coconut oil on hair everyday like applying moisturiser for skin. It is really important in a weather like that which will dry out hair. It protects hair and give a beautiful shine. Now i dont live there I stopped oiling my hair and it is very thin and lifeless.
Hair
Posted by Karen S (Calgary) on 01/26/2014
I have to take issue with the poster saying that Coconut Oil makes you fat. Nuh uh!! Coconut oil's MCT are absorbed from the intestine thru the portal vein and straight to the liver! It does not get stored as fat. Please make sure you know what you are posting and that it's true before you do, because people believe this stuff and you might've steered somebody away from one of the most terrific things on God's green earth - Unprocessed Coconut Oil!
Autism
Posted by Charity (Faithville, Us) on 03/15/2018
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sheanna (Douglasville, Atlanta, GA) on 11/25/2008
★★★★★
I take 3 teaspoons of coconut oil a day, 1 teaspoon before each meal. I notice that it lowers cholesterol. Also, I have less headaches and feel awesome. I have also lost 20 pounds taking the coconut oil. Guess what - I still eat what I want! I haven't changed any eating habits. I also drink 6 to 8 glasses of water. I also use this as a hair care product on my scalp. I used to have two bald spots that have been growing like crazy. I have tried everything on my bald spots and nothing has worked but coconut oil. Extra virgin coconut oil is a blessing in my life.
Gum in Hair
Posted by Terese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) on 05/23/2008
In the past for gum in hair, I have used peanut butter, crisco oil, vegetable oil and have done the freezing method with ice cubes. That is a mess in comparison and takes forever. I have a 16 year old daughter with hair down to her bottom. I know about gum in hair. Nothing has ever worked for me like extra virgin coconut oil and in half the time. I wish I would have known about it 16 years ago. :0D
Snoring
Posted by Kelley (Perry, UT) on 05/11/2008
★★★★★
Every night before bed, my husband and I put a little coconut oil up in our nostrils/mose. Ever since we started doing thtis, he has a lot less trouble with allergies, and he says that I no longer snore! Not that I ever was a real loud snorer, but whatever heavy breathing that blockage or congestion was causing, it is now gone! It only takes about 1/4 tsp. - just a tiny bit on your fingertip for each nostril.
Tumors
Posted by Anita (Augusta, GA, USA) on 04/20/2008
★★★★★
I started taking coconut oil (virgin for eating and regular coconut oil for cooking) and in 3 months a tumor I had in my ear that I was suppose to have removed by a surgeon, shrunk to almost nothing, the doctor mentioned he had never had a patient were a tumor in the ear shrunk that fast, so I guess the coconut is working!
Energy Booster
Posted by Gislain (Phoenix, AZ) on 02/29/2008
★★★★★
I've had Coconut Oil sitting around my house and only used it for cooking. I heard it was a great alternative to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils. But since reading about the health benefits from Coconut Oil on this website, I thought it would be good to try for my depression and lack of energy I feel mainly in the mornings. Sometimes, I just cannot move or do anything! I ate a tablespoon and managed not to gag from the texture or lack of taste. Within a HALF-HOUR, I went from not wanting to be around and lethargic to INSTANT ENERGY! I was doing chores, showering, moving about and realizing that the Coconut Oil helped me start my day. It felt like I drank two cups of coffee! Throughout the day, my heart was beating pretty heavy so I will try taking half a tablespoon in the upcoming days. This is a WONDER FOOD!
Glands
Posted by Melynda (Niagara Falls, Canada) on 01/29/2008
★★★★★
I have had a chronic thyroid condition including goiter and hypothyroidism for years. I have been taking thyroidisine prescribed by my doctor, 1.75 mg per day for 1 1?2 years. The weight loss was slow and I always feel as If there is something stuck in my throat. I would often start coughing and throwing up, because of the condition. my T3 levels were at 90, after a year they are at 3, finally. However I now take coconut oil reliving the constant pain in my neck, therefore i take it everyday. it makes me feel alive, after many years. The weight loss has been slow, I will mix a tablespoon in my coffee in the morning. I spread it on bananas, just so I am getting the desired amount. I find it still hard to swallow, and when I combine my thyroid prescription with the oil, It makes all the difference in my comfort level of my neck area. Slowly, the goiter is shrinking. i will continue to buy coconut oil, the benefits are very great. It still often uncomfortable and I have weight to loose, It is a slow process, but the oil makes a great difference in my energy and throat irritation.
