Refined Coconut Oil to Treat Psoriasis?
There are many uses for coconut oil; one of them being an emollient (fancy word for moisturizer) for the skin. Recently, we have been informed of a few of our customers even using it to treat their skin disorders such as psoriasis.
Golden Barrel Coconut Oil works great as a moisturizer |
Psoriasis is a common, reoccurring skin disease that is characterized by red, scaly patches, papules, and plaques, which usually itch. Apparently, the cause of psoriasis is still unknown but a possible cause could be when the immune system misinterprets a healthy skin cell for a pathogen and then attacks that cell by producing new cells with the intentions of destroying the pathogen. It may also be a result of an allergic reaction to foods or drugs or even stress. Whatever the cause, it can be quite unsightly, uncomfortable, and unpleasant.
Apparently, there is no known cure for the skin disease, but there are several methods used to treat the problem. One treatment that has become popular recently is the use of coconut oil. The method is to take 2 tablespoons of coconut oil internally daily whether directly on a spoon or mixed with other foods that you typically eat on a daily basis. Another more common treatment is to apply a small amount of solid coconut oil right on the affected area and rub it in 3 times per day. The solid oil will melt on the skin as it treats and soothes.
If you do research for psoriasis treatment with coconut oil, most internet sources will tell you to use virgin coconut oil since it is the least processed. However, does that mean that refined coconut oil is ineffective or shouldn’t ever be used? The answer is no. Refined coconut oil contains exactly the same medium chain fatty acid composition as virgin coconut oil which includes lauric acid. Lauric acid, which is also found in breast milk, is great for the body as it provides antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal and antifungal functions. The real concern is whether chemicals are used in the process. Click here for more information on how our Golden Barrel Coconut Oil is processed and here for more information on the debate between refined coconut oil verses virgin coconut oil.
Here are some testimonies from a few of our customers that have used Golden Barrel Refined Coconut Oil to treat psoriasis:
Anonymous on July 26, 2014:
“For any psoriasis sufferers out there, this product is amazing. Just use a tiny bit, which is all that’s needed. If you are in an area below 76 degrees, the solid just melts right into the skin. Within a day I noticed a huge improvement. HUGE.”
Peg on August 14, 2014:
“Yes, yes YES!! I have been fighting psoriasis for years, and several years back now I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. I’m taking this as part of my nutrition regimen, and also applying to my plaque psoriasis. I made the mistake of using too much, but it was a minor mistake as I just rubbed it in further up my arms and down to my wrists, and on my shins and ankles as well as my knees and elbows where I meant to apply it. It liquifies nearly instantly at skin temperature, so work with a little TEENY bit, as you can always add more! I am applying twice a day, my knees are nearly CLEAR, and my elbows are vastly improved! I also am going to apply to my scalp on nights when I’m going to shampoo in the morning… Bonus – I love this for all my cooking needs! Just made up a batch of frosting, cut the butter by 2/3, and it’s wonderful! LOVE IT!!”
Obviously, this is not a cure and we are not necessarily making any definite claims as some people may have better results than others from using coconut oil. However, we hope the above info and testimonials help you to make an informed decision on possible treatments. If you have tried or are planning to try using our Golden Barrel Coconut Oil to treat any skin conditions or just as a moisturizer in general, we would love to hear about it. Leave a comment for us and others to see how it worked for you.
Yesssssssssss ? ! This really works. I have tried for months using different creams and nothing worked as quickly as coconut oil. Thanks !
Awesome, thanks so much for sharing.
where can i get this product?
Our products are in several smaller mom-and-pop stores around the country. You can also buy it through our website here: https://www.goldenbarrel.com/product/golden-barrel-coconut-oil-refined/.
Thanks so much for impacting us with your knowledge and time you spend to do research we appreciate.
I’ve been diagnosed with severe plaque psoriasis since I was 12 (I’m now in my 20’s) and have been using coconut oil since then. I used a medication (steroid) that the dermatologist prescribed to me as a trial run when I was first diagnosed but noticed that when I went off of it, my psoriasis came back worse. It also messed with my hormones and I started my period earlier than I normally would. I was also very moody and was more at risk for depression, so…
I started taking coconut oil every night (just 1 tablespoon) and within 2 weeks to a month, it was cleared. However, I’m going to become a registered dietician and have a few suggestions…
I started taking 2 tablespoons per night when I had a bad flare-up for about 3 months at the age of 14 and noticed that my heart was hurting often and I was having heartburn frequently. After learning the science, I’ve realized that since coconut oil is high in saturated fat, it was starting to cause arterial plaque (which is basically plaque that builds up on the walls in the blood arteries and veins and can cause serious conditions like cardiovascular disease and heart attacks). I felt it was best to stop taking coconut oil orally despite what people were telling me and have been focusing on changing my diet and lifestyle instead which had surprisingly worked better! If I ever have a flare-up from stress or other factors, I will apply coconut oil onto my skin every night instead of taking it orally. If it gets really bad, I’ll take a tablespoon of coconut oil sparingly just so that I’m at a lower risk of developing heart disease.
I know that coconut oil has either gotten a really good rap from the public or a really bad rap from many dietitians, however, after looking at it and using it for the last 10 years, I think as long as it’s used properly and in moderation then it can be really helpful.