Coconut is the fruit from the palm tree known as Cocos nucifera, a native of the tropics. Coconut oil is made from the meat of the fruit and contains mainly saturated fats, with a small amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, like oleic and linoleic acids. Traditionally, coconut oil has culinary, cosmetic and medicinal uses, and the fatty acids also work as an herbicide. Coconut oil remedies are used throughout the world and cover a range of disorders. However, it is important to consult a professional before beginning herbal therapy and to be aware of potential herb-drug interactions.
Acne
Acne is an outbreak of tiny pimples that usually appear on the face and upper part of the body. Acne can be caused by bacteria and clogged hair follicles, allowing a buildup of oil and dead cells under the skin. Conventional medicines, like adapalene and tazarotene, may control acne but can have unpleasant side effects such as allergic reaction, burning skin, itching and swelling. Coconut oil has antibacterial action against acne. A study published in the October 2009 issue of "Biomaterials" found that lauric acid, the predominant saturated fatty acid in coconut oil, has antibacterial action against Propionibacterium acnes, a gram positive bacterium that triggers inflammatory acne. This study demonstrates that coconut oil appears promising as an acne treatment and needs further testing on humans.
Head Lice
Head lice are parasites that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They are especially rampant among school children who share combs and come into close contact with one another. Lice and their eggs, called nits, can be hard to remove and reinfestations are common. Head lice are becoming resistant to conventional treatments like pyrethrin, permethrin and malathion, which can also have unpleasant side effects. A study published in the January 2010 issue of the "European Journal of Pediatrics" found that a spray of coconut oil and star anise was almost twice as effective as permethrin in eliminating head lice. There were also fewer side effects with the spray, since 33 people in the study developed head irritation from the alcohol in the permethrin lotion, but none reported side effects from the coconut-anise spray. The researchers state that, since this spray works by suffocating the parasites, there is no danger resistance can develop. Further studies may replicate these effects and demonstrate the efficacy and safety of this spray.
Obesity
Obesity, or too much body fat, is becoming a global health problem, according to the Mayo Clinic. Obesity can lead to serious health disorders, such as diabetes, hypertension and heart problems. Dietary changes, exercise and counseling are some of the ways people try to combat obesity. In difficult cases, doctors may prescribe drugs to reduce hunger and block fat absorption. These medications may not work for everyone, or may have a short duration, and patients will have to take them for life. Coconut oil may have a weight-reducing effect when used as part of a normal diet. A study published in the 2009 issue of "Lipids" compared the effects of soy bean oil and coconut oil in 40 women who also followed a balanced diet and walked 50 minutes each day. After one week, the women in both groups showed a reduction in the circumference of their waists, but only the coconut oil group showed higher good cholesterol, or HDL, and lower bad cholesterol, or LDL. The research demonstrates that supplementing the diet with coconut oil may reduce abdominal obesity without raising cholesterol; further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
References
- "Biomaterials"; The Antimicrobial Activity of Liposomal Lauric Acids Against Propionibacterium Acnes; D. Yang, D. Pornpattananangkul, T. Nakatsuji et al.; October 2009
- "European Journal of Pediatrics"; Clinical Trial Showing Superiority of a Coconut and Anise Spray Over Permethrin 0.43% Lotion for Head Louse Infestation, ISRCTN96469780; I.F. Burgess, E.R. Brunton, N.A. Burgess; January 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Obesity
- "Lipids"; Effects of Dietary Coconut Oil on the Biochemical and Anthropometric Profiles of Women Presenting Abdominal Obesity; M.L. Assunção, H.S. Ferreira, A.F. dos Santos et al.; July 2009
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