Coconut Oil And Massage

[Jestgar]

Indian Pediatr. 2005 Sep;42(9):877-84.

Oil massage in neonates: an open randomized controlled study of coconut versus mineral oil.

Sankaranarayanan K, Mondkar JA,Chauhan MM,Mascarenhas BM,Mainkar AR,Salvi RY.

INTRODUCTION: Oil massage for newborns is reported to improve weight gain by better thermoregulation. A role for transcutaneous absorption has also been suggested. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to compare the effect of massage with coconut oil versus mineral oil and placebo (powder) on growth velocity and neuro-behavior in well term and preterm babies. STUDY DESIGN: Open Randomized Controlled trial. SETTING: The Premature unit and the postnatal wards of a major teaching hospital in a metropolitan city. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Intramural preterm appropriate for gestational age babies weighing between 1500 to 2000 grams and term births weighing more than 2500 grams fulfilling the inclusion criteria constituted the two gestation age categories studied. Babies in each group were randomized to receive massage with either coconut oil, mineral oil or with placebo. Oil massage was given by a trained person from day 2 of life till discharge, and thereafter by the mother until 31 days of age, four times a day. Babies were followed up daily till discharge and every week after discharge for anthropometry. Neuro-behavioral outcome was assessed by the Brazelton Score at baseline, day 7 and on day 31. RESULTS: Coconut oil massage resulted in significantly greater weight gain velocity as compared to mineral oil and placebo in the preterm babies group; and in the term baby group, as compared to the placebo. Preterm infants receiving coconut oil massage also showed a greater length gain velocity compared to placebo group. No statistically significant difference was observed in the neurobehavioral assessment between all three subgroups in term babies as well as in preterm babies.

[HawkFire]

Wow, Jestgar, this is so amazing that they are looking into skin absorption. A long time ago, I gave up all chemical creams, shampoos, deodorants, toothpastes, cleaners... I had to come to terms with my sweat marks under my shirts, but I reminded myself daily that nearly every breast tumor contains significiant amounts of the chemicals that block sweat glands. I use coconut oil straight from the jar for hand lotion now. I also use 100% cocoa butter sticks for the same purpose. My dear friend has had an "itchy ear" for 10 years of her life. Last summer, she mentioned it to me as it was acting up particularly bad. Everything she'd ever taken for it through doctor prescriptions, had done nothing to cure the itchy ear. I told her coconut oil is antibacterial and to use a qtip and carefully wipe down the inside of her ear. She did. She talked about how I cured her ear to everyone she could find who would listen. For her, this coconut oil was amazing. She is a coconut convert, as she calls herself now. She tells me about all the people she sees and tells about the coconuts. She and I now eat coconut every day and talk about the different studies.

When you hear that what you spread on your body can have an effect, doesn't it change the way you view your Lubraderm, your Vasiline, your Nutragena- these hand lotions are conducting poison straight into your body. Your liver and kidneys will have to work to eliminate those chemicals, they will fail, and the chemicals will build up in your organs. Coconut oil contains Lauric and caprylic acids which are so good for your body. I love this study you posted. Some people are thinking.

[Jestgar]

When you hear that what you spread on your body can have an effect, doesn't it change the way you view your Lubraderm, your Vasiline, your Nutragena-

Yeah, pretty scary. I was actually thinking this might be useful info for moms of underweight babies, as they try to get their nutrition under control.

[CarlaB]

I had to come to terms with my sweat marks under my shirts

I found that when I got my far infrared sauna, at least it was just sweat with no smell at all. If I miss my sauna for a couple days, the smell will come back. It just shows how much we detox through the sweat glands. Now I don't need deodorant. Antiperspirant is just bad ...

I use all natural stuff on my body, too. Coconut oil mostly, but when I got really dry skin I bought some other oil at Wild Oats that was still all natural ... even scented with all natural vanilla.

[HawkFire]

Do be careful with all natural oils as well. The lavendar, tea tree oils and some others cause breast tissue to develop in males and to initiate pernicious puberty. Simply showering with lavendar or using dryer sheets with lavendar can cause males of any age to develope fatty breast tissue... it goes away when the exposure ends, but is quite unnerving.