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.
Herpes
Posted by Mike (Spokane, WA) on 01/02/2008
★★★★★

I have suffered from fever blisters (herpes simplex) on my lips for many years. I read that VCO reduces viral loads in the body so I gave it a try. Have had spectacular results (better than lysine) and no more outbreaks for 9 months. Regarding some of the negative feedback, I was shocked to read of the problems people have had with VCO - I guess because my experience has been so positive. My suggestion is to add some butter along with the VCO. Not sure why this works but it also works to stop repeat when taking fish oil.


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!


Herpes
Posted by SG (Bakersfield, CA) on 08/25/2007
★★★★★

I wrote earlier about my experience with eight years of un-diagnosed herpes. Since then, I've been experimenting with it, and I've got complete control over it--I can make myself completely symptom-free, or cause an outbreak within 30 minutes.

THE CURES: Coconut. Yep, another vote for that one. I recently discovered Thai food, and they put coconut milk in just about everything. Taking special care to eat Tom Kha Gai (Food of the gods!) or Thai curry dishes several times a week, I've discovered that I have no need for my previous supplement: Gigartina Red Marine Algae, 1000mg (4 capsules) per day. And it's a lot more fun! To be fair, though, the Red Marine Algae works just as well.

If I want to cause an outbreak within an hour, all I have to do is not eat any coconut products for a few days, and then have a Diet Red Bull. Chock full of both Aspartame and arginine, if your doctor needs you to have an outbreak for testing purposes, this will do the trick. Drinking two of these per day sent me to the emergency room with horrible sores, and was how I discovered I had herpes. Other energy drinks (containing arginine) kept me having sores for the next few months until I realized the connection.

Cheap Coconut Oil Sources
Posted by Daphne (Brunswick, Georgia) on 11/19/2008

Extra Virgin and Virgin Coconut Oil are the only coconut oil's with health benefits I was told. If you spend $7 you could spend $10 and get better health results. I have the caplets and I love them. They are helping with my Hypothyroidism. I already feel so much better.


Hair
Posted by Tammy (Montreal, Canada) on 04/29/2007
★★★★★

LOVING this site. In my late thirties and sick and tired of all the products THAT DON'T WORK. Looking for a nautural way to help me stay young and fit. decided to use coconut oil unrefined to moisturize hair and had great results. Started to use it on my skin and after day one i'm impressed. I will start to ingest in a cup of tea in the morning because of all the benefits i'm hearing about. will update next week. Also so much hype about apple cider Vin. that I'm going to try it to cleanse hair, reduce pores, and ingest with honey to see what everybody is raving about. Keep you posted. comments are welcome.


Teeth
Posted by Lucille (Jersey City, USA) on 04/23/2007
★★★★★

Wow! I just read this cure [oil pulling] for the first time and decided to try it with my organic coconut oil. I still can't believe it but the chronic sensitivity I had in two of my teeth is gone! It's hard to tell which teeth were hurting! And my teeth feel different.


Hypothyroidism
Posted by Carolyn (Lorain, OH) on 02/25/2007
★★★★★

I have been taking virgin coconut oil for eight months now because I read it will help regulate my thyroid.I am hyper-thyroid and have been on medication for the past four years.Last month I stopped my meds.because I was told my thyroid is in remission now.I believe the oil is what helped me.


Glands
Posted by Michelle (Rock Springs, WY) on 01/13/2007
★★★★★

I had a low functioning thyroid, very dry hair and skin. Since taking the Virgin Coconut Oil I no longer need my thyroid meds. My hair is soft and silky and my skin has dramatically improved. I cook with it and I also put it on my face 2x per day. What a miracle, I have also noticed an increase in energy. Other cure I found for it was diaper rash. My baby had a really bad rash while teething, her bottom would bleed and none of the creams at the store seemed to do anything at all, so I tried the coconut oil and with one application her bottom cleared up dramatically and the next day it was completely gone!


Digestive Issues
Posted by Irene (Bayville, NJ) on 12/20/2006
★★★★★

Coconut Oil cured my IBS and Bowel Distention. It was a little tough getting used to the taste tried all sorts of ways to get used to it but I actually don't mind it in my morning coffee. It has also made my skin very soft and my nails are growing like crazy. I will keep this one in my diet I feel so much more energy and it has only been a week!


Lice
Posted by Dianna (Sapulpa, OK) on 12/06/2006
★★★★★

My daughter came home with lice, and a friend told me to use some coconut oil overnight to suffocate the lice and the nits. I had no trouble getting the nits out, and there didn't seem to be any bugs when I combed through her hair. The only problem I had was getting the coconut oil out of her hair. I used the coconut oil conditioner, which I think is different than liquid coconut oil, but it worked so well I had to share the tip.


Sinus Infection
Posted by Mary-Ellen (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) on 08/08/2006
★★★★★

Sinus, Allergy and Asthma Issues

I was totally fed up with the above symptoms. I spent 4 months of last year fighting my health problems... did some research into extra virgin co.. and thought why not.... well let me say i cannot believe the difference this oil has made to my overall health... look truly i recommend anyone to give it a go..... you have nothing to lose and so much to gain....!


Blood Pressure
Posted by Brandy (Tacoma, WA) on 07/16/2006
★★★★★

I began using Coconut Oil as I heard it helps you lose weight and can lower your BP. My blood pressure has always been erratic, sometimes it will be as low as 117/70 or as high as 150/95. I exercise regularly, eat right, don't smoke, but still cannot get my BP under control. I started taking 1 tablespoon of the oil in the morning and at night. I noticed my BP was leveling off - but I also found I was gaining weight. I am not sure if it was due to the coconut oil, or if it was coincidental, but I put on 12 pounds! I stopped taking the coconut oil. I just purchased a bottle of organic Apple Cider Vinegar and hope this will aid in lowering my BP and get the 12 pounds off.


Glands
Posted by Rosemarie (Salem, OH) on 06/20/2006
★★★★★

I take Virgin Coconut Oil for thyroid function. It has cured flaky skin, cholesterol, glucose. I dropped almost 10 points on glucose, my skin is so soft I feel new! My good cholesterol was raised by 10 points, also. I am careful to take this everyday at the same time, with the same amount ingested (1 Tablespoon). I have never experienced any of the problems reported. It has made my skin so soft that my husband has to touch me all the time!! He can't believe the difference! I have always been very careful of eating right and exercising--this fits right in with my other regimes.


Glands
Posted by Geri (Monrovia, CA) on 05/07/2006
★★★★★

I know among many other things that pure Virgin Coconut oil helps thyroid, regulates body temp. Tropical Traditions website has the best info, product, and prices as well as giving the money from sales to the islanders who actually produce it. I provide health product recommendations to people and this is one of my top items, along with Apple Cider Vinegar.


Dry Skin
Posted by Nanci (Niagara Falls, NY) on 02/24/2009
★★★★★

I have used it all over & here's what I do - I keep some in a rubbermaid container (with the top on) that I toss into he tub while I shower. The heat makes it melty, so then I just pour it onto my palm afterwards & slather it everywhere. I also use it on my hair like a hot oil treatment before a shampoo.

For internal use: I soften it & pour it into those little candy molds & chill it, then eat them. My dog comes running when she hears me getting it out so she can have her VCO. (I saw a recipe here that mixes it with cocoa & honey) In the summer I use it before sun exposure - and gently tan without peeling.

You should only buy the Virgin Coconut Oils like Nutiva. If you're going to bother doing it, use the one that will give you the most benefits and have best quality.

http://nutiva.com/products/10_coconut.php find it on Amazon, Swanson, Vitacost etc.


Hair
Posted by Shana (Caddo Mills, TX)
★★★★★

I used Coconut oil as a hair conditioner to treat dry damaged hair. I use all natural hair care products from a wellness company I work for and the shampoo really dries my hair out pretty bad and the conditioner doesn't work at all, so I needed a natural hair conditioner and this worked awesome.


How to Take Internally
Posted by Kathryn (Waukesha, Wi) on 11/01/2017

Re: How to take coconut oil -

I swallow a spoonful as if it were a pill. Down the hatch and there you go!


Broad Benefits
Posted by Linda (Southern Maine) on 11/16/2014
★★★★★

Hi Deedee - from one Mainah to another, coconut oil is great. I'm happy to hear of its success for you and your husband (and your cat! ).

I used two drops of grapefruit seed extract in about three tablespoons of water for a facial wash. I guess I put too much G.S.E. in not-enough water because my face was burned by it....my skin was dry, dry, dry for almost two weeks....coconut oil helped tremendously. It's great for so many uses! I <3 it.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Erin (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 01/17/2013
★★★★★

Oh Coconut Oil... Where to begin...

I have been using coconut oil for 4 months now on and inside my body. I will say first off that I do not believe in this systemic candida issue and these "die-offs. " I do, however, believe in eliminating processed foods from my diet, while eating locally, organically, and sustainable. It is a learning process. So organic virgin coconut oil is great stuff. Here is what I have used it for.

Yeast infection: I am currently suffering from repeated yeast infections... Check that... I am just not getting rid this yeast infection completely. I have tried the prescription pills and OTC creams. Coconut oil is great for relieving symptoms and the infection temporarily. It has been more effective than the creams or prescriptions thus far. My infection has always been minor/mild. I am getting insurance in a few weeks, so I have not been to the doctor recently, so it is undiagnosed, and I am very well aware that I could be misdiagnosing (but after hours and hours and months of reading, I don't think that I am). It began with diagnosed BV and antibiotics (so I know the difference).

Put some coconut oil in a glass, and put that glass in a stopped sink with hot water (about an inch worth). The oil will melt pretty quickly while you brush you do your bathroom routine. Dip an organic cotton tampon in, swirl it around in the oil, and put it on up there. It is pretty much instant relief for me. I leave it in 2-6 hours. After doing this for three days my symptoms will disappear but always temporarily. Basically it gets rid of the problem on the surface but not entirely.

May I suggest that EVERYONE read the V Book. There is a crazy amount of misinformation on this site. Read this book. The chapter on yeast infections is online so just google it. Learn about your body apart from only second hand naturopath advice which, if you understand the complexity of scientific experimentation- studies, you will understand that a naturopath (though sometimes helpful) is not a substitute for a doctor... Meh.. But to each their own. If you have reoccurring yeast infections, put some coconut oil up there to get you through and insist on a culture from your gyno.

Please do not get into these year/s long extraordinarily restrictive diets that drive you to the point of thinking every ache and pain is the candida monster thriving inside of you. Eating a little sugar does not cause yeast infections... Now, if you are drinking a liter of pop a day and over a quarter of milk with a bunch of cookies, etc...well...

Moisturizer/stretch marks: Coconut oil makes a great moisturizer. My boyfriend loves it. I would like to use it as a sexual lubricant as well.

After a month of regular use there is no noticeable difference in my stretch marks.

I do use it on my face and upper shoulders where I have the occasion pimple break out. Coconut oil does not reduce nor cause pimples as far as I can tell. I definitely do not breakout from coconut oil, but it does not seem to have much of an effect on existing pimples. Things are pretty much as they ever were, though I have received compliments on my skin.

Toothpaste: Google a recipe. I have been using it as a homemade toothpaste base for only a week now. Nothing incredible to report, but I do not think that I have bad breath.

Shaving cream: I only shave with coconut oil now! I put a little melted oil on my legs and shave away. It is great! Razor burn is not completely eliminated, but definitely greatly reduced.

Consumption/Internal Use: Okay... I have added 1-3 T in my coffee for... 4 months now, every morning. This does _not_ eliminate yeast infections. It does absolutely nothing as far as preventing/stopping yeast infections. No changes whatsoever from ingesting.

Eating this stuff does increase your metabolism. This means your heart rate will increase and your body temp increases so you will sweat more. I hate this. I have not lost weight (getting back into my yoga routine now.. Exercise and eating right is the only way to lose weight... There is no special tonic). The increased sweating (especially at school or in work when I tend to be more nervous) is terrible. I don't like it. I don't smell great from it either.

This is not a herx reaction or any kind of toxin die off. People that throw out "herx" every time someone has a negative reaction (most of them either allergic or due to severely depriving oneself of carbohydrates/sodium/sugar) make me insane. Look up coconut oil. It raises metabolism and heart rate. I do not have a mysterious systemic candida condition that everyone has and every single doctor ever attempts to mask from their patient's eyes in order to line their pockets with more yeast money. If you are sensitive to raised heart rates (I am and the first day was kind of rough so I had to start smaller and build up the dose) then start with just a little and work your way up. I am going to work my way back down on this one as I am not sure that a little increased energy is worth the sweatiness and warm sensation all day. We will see.

But most importantly, eating coconut oil does not do anything for yeast infections... At least not for mine. I will say that topical application as described above has worked better than Apple Cider Vinegar (did nothing... I started using Apple Cider Vinegar for everything and it did nothing for anything, but I do use it to cook), garlic (did nothing... Ingested and stuck some up there overnight a few times), yogurt (did nothing), probiotics (love for digestion but as suppositories they do nothing for me, and I have tried all of the most recommended brands made especially for vaginal flora harmony).

Broad Benefits
Posted by Connie (Michigan) on 05/05/2017

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...


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

@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.


General Feedback
Posted by Ed (Oakville, Canada) on 07/25/2012

It is all because of the CHOLESTROL SCAM for the past 50 years. Media and medical industry promoted Sunflower oil, Corn Oil which is zero transfat and cholestrol free.

Really, sunflower oil and corn oil are not real traditional cooking oil.

The traditional cooking oils are:

Olive Oil
Coconut Oil
Sesame Oil

which can be used in any amount in cooking.

In India, the medical industry persuaded Coconut is rich in Cholestrol and convinced people to use sunflower oil.

But, cocounut oil is rich in Vitamin E which promotes proper blood flow in the body, prevents oxidation and balances the cholestrol. Foods cooked in coconut oil is very delicioius when compared with sunflower oil.

IT IS ALL BECAUSE OF SCAM, PEOPLE LOOSE THEIR TRADITIONAL VALUE ALL OVER THE WORLD.


General Feedback
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 07/26/2012

Regular coconut oil is fine for external use I.E. Skin, hair. For consumption, personally I am creeped out by anything except the organic VCO. You might not feel you need organic, but use at least VCO for consumption. It is going to retain more of its beneficial qualities.


How to Take Internally
Posted by Plumhappy (Eugene, Oregon) on 07/26/2012

I like to put coconut oil in my oatmeal. You can just swallow it from a spoon as well but it gets my gag reflex going.... I fry my eggs in it and love using for oriental cooking and curry. Curried butternut squash soup is fabulous with coconut oil in it.



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