--- title: "Coconut Oil: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "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." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/coconut-oil/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Syrup & Paste](https://herbadex.com/en/form/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 & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **Generally safe** Breastfeeding **Generally safe** Children **Generally safe** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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 Moisturises skin; small studies found it reduced dryness in mild atopic dermatitis in children. \[2\] - B Limited clinical evidence 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 Products](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance) NIH NCCIH · 2024 2. [Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)](https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780702029332/trease-and-evans-pharmacognosy) 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 - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Horse Chestnut](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/horse-chestnut/) A Strong clinical evidence Aesculus hippocastanum Standardised horse chestnut seed extract may help chronic venous insufficiency with swollen, heavy, aching legs; never eat raw conkers. 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[Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Syrup & Paste](https://herbadex.com/en/form/syrup-paste/) ### [Bitter Melon in Olive Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/bitter-melon-in-olive-oil/) B Limited clinical evidence Momordica charantia A folk remedy of bitter melon steeped in olive oil. Small studies saw a modest fall in blood sugar; it has not been shown to heal ulcers. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Syrup & Paste](https://herbadex.com/en/form/syrup-paste/) ### [Black Mulberry Syrup](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-mulberry-syrup/) T Traditional use Morus nigra A black mulberry syrup traditionally used in Anatolia for mouth ulcers and sore throats. It is rich in anthocyanins and high in sugar. 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