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.
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!
Skin Issues
Posted by Cured (Niceville, Fl) on 01/05/2010
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Just had to add my two cents as I am fairly pale (white as ghost in winter though I tan well in summer) acne prone 31yr old female. I have suffered acne since puberty.
About 4 months ago I started using ACV as a toner which started to clear acne. I started turmeric capsules (i make these from the spice) and VCO as a face moisturizer about the same time (a month ago) so not sure which is giving me good results as they both work for acne. The first few week I experienced clearer skin but I did break out even more the second and third but now it is starting to get under control and the last few days it seems any break outs are not as severe and skin is almost blemish free.
Most likely it is a detox effect and will pass as I now believe I have some candida die-off symptoms. Try it on a different part of your body say hands or a small patch on your back. As I read these testimonials of side effects--it is sad for the ones that stop (most I read sound like candida die-off) seems they are the ones that can benefit the most. I agree there are a few that should not take it--do your own research on the internet and treat the advice of at least american dr's like a grain of salt. This is the information age--do your own research! No--nobody wants to deal with diarrhea, vomiting, embarrassing acne, flu like symptoms, brain fog and other possible side effects. These are temporary side effects of toxins that are in the body--and the body needs to expel them in some way or another. Start with a small amount--and start as young as possible (i read it is good for diaper rash) before you develop ailments that one by one rob you of YOUR life!
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!
Hair
Posted by Mary (Chicago, IL) on 02/08/2008
★★★★★
Of all of the remedies/cures I've tried on this board my ALL-TIME favorite is Coconut Oil, prefer Barlean's but also have used Garden of Life's version. Why? Because ever since I started using it on my hair it's become silky smooth without being greasy. It has made my once dry, unruly curly hair extremely manageable. Nothing has worked on my hair like coconut oil and I've tried every brand of conditioner known to man to make my hair manageable. Also, it's a great moisturizer on your face, especially if you live in a harsh climate like I do in the Midwest. I use it in the morning and at night. Also, I use it on my legs. It has reduced the dermatitis and itching I get in the winter. So definitely go to the health food store and buy this product, it's definitely worth it!
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.
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.
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.
Hormones
Posted by Pam (Ocala, FL) on 01/30/2007
★★★★★
I started taking coconut oil when I saw Doctor that wrote, "The Cure," on Rachael Ray Show. It is supposed to help with hormones. I have to admit, I'm not using as much progesterone cream since I've been using the virgin Coconut Oil. I put about a tablespoon in my morning oatmeal.
Hormones
Posted by Cat (Washington, Dc Usa) on 05/18/2010
★★★★★
I started supplementing my diet with coconut oil (3 tbsp 3x day) one week ago to help with weight loss ... and I've had a wonderful and unexpected side effect. I've been dealing with perio-menopause and hot flashes for the past six months. Interestingly, within 24 hours of beginning my coconut oil dosing, the hot flashes that I had been suffering from have all but stopped! I have gone from having about 20 hot flashes a day to maybe one or two, at most. Most days now I don't have any! Also, I am not always good about taking all my doses and one day I even missed all of them and the hot flashes did not immediately return.
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.
