Syrup & Paste

Coconut Oil

Cocos nucifera

B Limited clinical evidence

An effective skin moisturiser; small studies found it helpful for children's atopic dermatitis. As a food fat, it is very high in saturated fat.

Skin & HairHeart & Circulation
Coconut Oil – Syrup & Paste

Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim

PregnancyGenerally safe
BreastfeedingGenerally safe
ChildrenGenerally safe
Drug interactionsNo recorded interactions
⇄ Compare
On this page

At a glance

Coconut oil is pressed from dried coconut meat and turns solid at room temperature. Small clinical studies found it reduced skin dryness in mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in children. About 90% of the oil is saturated fat and studies show it raises LDL cholesterol; it is not a heart "superfood".

Parts used: seeds
Key constituents: Lauric Acid, Medium-Chain Triglycerides, Saturated Fatty Acids (~90%)

Updated: October 15, 2026

ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists.

What is it used for?

  • B Limited clinical evidence

    Limited clinical evidence: Supported by small-scale human clinical studies, though sample size and study quality are limited.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    Moisturises skin; small studies found it reduced dryness in mild atopic dermatitis in children. [2]

  • B Limited clinical evidence

    Limited clinical evidence: Supported by small-scale human clinical studies, though sample size and study quality are limited.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    Eaten, it raises LDL cholesterol more than liquid plant oils; use it in moderation for heart health. [2]

How is it used?

Topical

Melt a little in your palm and apply to clean skin or hair ends.

Amount: 1–2 times daily

[2]

Food

Can be used as a cooking fat within daily saturated-fat limits.

Amount: In moderation

[2]

Safety & interactions

  • May clog pores on acne-prone facial skin.
  • People with high cholesterol should limit it in cooking.
  • May cause allergy in people allergic to coconut.
[2][1]

Drug interactions

No recorded interactions

Side effects

  • Acne (on the face)
  • Diarrhoea if eaten in large amounts

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Did you know?

Coconut oil solidifies below 24 °C, which is why it looks like a white block in the jar in winter. [2]

Frequently asked questions

Is coconut oil good for the heart?

No. It raises LDL cholesterol; liquid plant oils such as olive oil are better.

Does coconut oil help eczema?

Small studies saw less skin dryness in children; it does not replace treatment.

Does oil pulling work?

There are only very small studies on dental plaque; it does not replace brushing.

Sources

  1. Herbs at a Glance: Evidence-Based Fact Sheets on Botanical ProductsNIH NCCIH · 2024
  2. Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009

Cite This Page

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/coconut-oil/

Related guides and comparisons

Other herbs in the same preparation form (Syrup & Paste)

Syrup & Paste →
Ivy Leaf – Syrup & Paste
⚠ Avoid in pregnancy

Ivy Leaf

A Strong clinical evidence

Hedera helix

Syrups and drops with standardised ivy leaf extract are used as an expectorant for chesty cough. The leaf itself is not made into tea.

Respiratory, Throat & Mouth

Syrup & Paste

Pelargonium Root – Syrup & Paste
⚠ Avoid in pregnancy

Pelargonium Root

T Traditional use

Pelargonium sidoides, Pelargonium reniforme

Pelargonium (umckaloabo) root extract is traditionally used for common cold symptoms; liver injury has been reported with it.

Immunity

Syrup & Paste