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 Phil (Palm Springs, CA, USA) on 05/30/2007
★★★★★

I am very active and love to play volleyball outdoors under the sun. I play once a week for 3-4 hours with full sun. The problem is the aftermath. It never fails. The day after I played outdoors, I would feel a tingling sensation around my mouth where the cold sore is about to come out. In the past, I would put all kinds of medications for cold sore and it would still come out painfully.

I found out that putting Virgin Coconut oil directly on my face/skin, after showering and/or after playing outdoors, the cold sore never came back. I am cold sore free for 6 months and going.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Sue (Orrtanna, PA) on 04/26/2007
★★★★★

My daughter and I are experimenting with the coconut oil and have seen some great results immediately. Her thyroid is working at 20 percent and the swelling is already going down after one week. I am taking it for the overall effects and also an organic liquid vitamin and am feeling great and have more energy. There are some small spots that look like melanoma from the sun and I'm putting the oil directly on them. I'm hoping to see results from that. Will keep you posted. I'm so happy we came across this. It's also helped with a very sensitive stomach.


Dry Skin
Posted by Jeff (Canada) on 09/14/2022

Saturated fats do not clog arteries. Stop spreading misinformation and do some research.


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.

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!


Cholesterol
Posted by Chegui69 (Long Beach, Ca, Usa) on 05/27/2011

Besides it working for cholesterol I've heard people using it for oil pulling etc etc....my questions would be is Virgin Coconut oil everyone is talking about the one in a paste form or liquid form? I'd like to go and buy some but don't know what the product is. thank you in advance


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....!


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.


Sinus Infection
Posted by Greta (Bc) on 11/08/2023

Could you please elaborate on the amount of coconut oil in the netti pot? How many drops or how much in a cup of warm water? I can't stand the constant stuffiness sounding as if I have a cold in my nose and recently developed nasal vestibulitis which will not heal and causes such intense itching it is driving me crazy. Thank you for any suggestions.


H. Pylori
Posted by Shweta (Denmark) on 07/06/2016
★★★★★

Coconut Oil has cured my H pylori infection. I would recommend it to anybody who is suffering from this nasty bacteria. Go for cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil and it will surely kill this bacteria forever. Also please do not consume any coffee and dairy product while on this treatment. Eat healthy and drink lots of water. Believe in nature.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Dena (Florida) on 06/23/2018

Coconut oil can do many great things, but changing your diet to a WFPB (whole food, plant based) diet will help your heart, lower cholesterol, high blood pressure, get rid of type 2 diabetes, etc! Promise! It helps your body heal! Try it!


Broad Benefits
Posted by Mike62 (Denver) on 01/24/2014

Kim: I have spent 7 years studying folk medicine from cellular biologists, sports nutritionists, old people and the food they eat, and this perplexes me. You take the oil, you get better, then you get worse, so you stop and get better again. You could email the experts, Tropical Traditions, and ask them.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Om (Hope Bc Canada) on 01/15/2014

Weston Price, Mary Enig et al. I highly question their understanding of nutrition in our times. Have there been No changes??

Dairy is dangerous now and I don't understand when people post recipe and ideas when dairy and meat are thoroughly poisoned plus the new wheat strains that brought havoc on the western population. Even so called grass fed animals do receive their potion of GMO's, like free run chickens, etc. You name it.

From vegetarian to vegan now, I am hungry quite often since foods are becoming increasingly unfit for health .But the good part is that one becomes innovative plus keeping in mind the fact that huge number of humans are on the border of starvation.

Most recipes and good old time food ideas don't pass the test any longer. Om


Oil Pulling
Posted by Debi Sunshine (Apple Valley, Ca) on 04/09/2013
★★★★★

I use 1 tbsp of Coconut Oil and I add a few drops of oil of wild oregano for immune support OR clove oil if I have a toothache. I average 5 days a week and I do it in the morning. For three years I have not had a cold or flu. I started OP because I couldn't afford a dentist and I am thrilled with the results. Whiter, stronger teeth and pinker gums. Feeling good. I learned about this from Earth Clinic then checked out Bruce Fife's book from the library. Happy swishing!!


Skin Issues
Posted by Joy (Battlegound, Wash) on 03/10/2013

Hi, I read the book by Mary Newport on Alzheimers and she talked about coconut oil and I then started reading web sites to find out more.

I was hit by a car in the abdomen at 3 and flew 15 feet and hit a firehydrant with my head, so I have trauma to the brain, ADHD , Dyslexia and memory problems and learning challenges... so I followed some things I read and started on a tsp a day in my oatmeal and put a little on my skin and it soaked right in. My skin is EXTREMELY SENSITIVE , but NO Problems with the coconut oil. I am up to 3- 7 tsp. a day and coat my face neck hands and feet daily. dry heels are GONE.

I got a little acne at first and I've always had some but I haven't had any in a while , just kept putting the oil on the outbreaks. Hope it helps.


How to Take Internally
Posted by Brian37 (Auburn, Wa) on 02/22/2013

Try adding the Tablespoon of VCO in your hot cofee or tea. It is wonderful. It totally melts and is easy on the stomach. I do it daily. So good taste. And provides great energy.

Storing Coconut Oil
Posted by Om (Hope, , B.c. Canada) on 02/21/2013

the question about how to store coconut oil. It does not get rancid or spoiled, ever! Go for 15 years and it will be good. This, according to my research on CO. In hot countries where it originates, most people have no fridges. It is a treasure from the gods. Enjoy. Om


Storing Coconut Oil
Posted by Jenny (Philadelphia) on 05/31/2018

Store it in a glass jar. I have mine in glass and it has never spoiled even in the bathroom! :)


Skin Issues
Posted by Vic (Niagara Falls, Ontario. Canada) on 01/22/2013
★★★★★

I have been using organic virgin coconut oil for quite a while now and must say... wowwww... I aIso use it for cooking, and applying it on my lips and face and have noticed the great changes.. I eat from the jar around 3-4 teaspoons a day and love it not to mention the great favor it adds to tea. I can only say anyone that is having problems with it especially in their bowel movements must be using a cheap imitation brand. I have tried both the jar brand and also by the bulk at bulk barn in canada. It's also a little cheaper at around $8.75 per kilo or 2.5 pounds.. I will be using it for ever now and everyone I talk to loves it in cooking with their foods and also in their salads by melting it down in a pan.

Skin Issues
Posted by Melanie (Wanganui, New Zealand) on 07/23/2013

The best way to heat coconut oil is to put some in a eggcup and put that in a cup of hot water.


Coconut Oil and Hair Dye
Posted by Coco (Anon) on 01/20/2013

I have to be fair, I also used some shampoo and condition at my parents place that might have done it too. But it is true that coconut oil can strip hair so be careful. I did leave mine on overnight and trying to think back to the cause more, I just want to be fair. Thanks.


Coconut Oil and Hair Dye
Posted by Jill (Chicago) on 01/02/2015
★★★★★

I have 100% all natural coconut oil that has worked really well for my hair. At the age of 48 my hair is drier than it used to be and the pricey conditioner I have wasn't helping. The coconut oil has made an amazing difference in my hair and it hasn't ruined my dye job. But I leave mine on for about 45 mins. Not sure what the diff is between virgin and natural.


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.


Weight Loss
Posted by Ysanna (Road Town, Tortola, BVI) on 08/05/2012
★★★★★

Great info. I have been using coconut oil in all kinds of ways and it is very helpful. It moisturizes my skin, is great for my hair and helps me to lose weight. It is one super food. Thanks.


General Feedback
Posted by Kosmik (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) on 07/25/2012

I am seeing a lot of credits for coconut oil and while living in a country that used to have coconut trees every where you go, it has quickly become the thing of the past. Coconut oil was the only cooking oil in the old days but its unheard of nowadays. You can't even buy it at groceries.

Now when you guys talk about CO, do you mean virgin coconut oil VCO? So are you really cooking with VCO. It must have cost a bomb. Will ordinary coconut oil have the same benefits?

And what about palm oil? Is it any good?

General Feedback
Posted by Plumhappy (Eugene, Oregon) on 07/26/2012

Raw VCO is best since is not processed. The cheapest I have been able to find it is $18 for a quart. It should be white not off white. A very good site to get info on VCO and palm oil is tropicaltraditions.com. They sell both, regularily have specials and have wonderful recipes as well, many of them gluten free. Yes it is expensive but compared to drugs and doctors, its cheap.


How to Take Internally
Posted by Wendy (Columbus, Oh/usa) on 07/26/2012 25 posts

@Lita: Yesterday, after getting home from work, I decided to try 1 tablespoon of molasses and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in a cup of hot water. After it all melted, I sipped it. It was pretty good! I guess the only way to tell, is by trying it! :-)


How to Take Internally
Posted by Blitz_40 (Clay, Alabama) on 10/28/2013

I take a tbsp of coconut daily, but I cannot chew & swallow the solid form. I keep a glass drizzle bottle on an electric candle warmer. I turn it on in the mornings when I get up & the oil melts in about 30 minutes. I take my dose & then switch off the warmer until next time. I do use the solid for pulling, but I just let it melt before swishing. I just cannot do it for swallowing, I gag every time : )


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.


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 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 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 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 12/27/2011

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!


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.


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 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!



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