Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil, or VCO, is the pure and unrefined form of coconut oil, as it is obtained through cold pressing and does not undergo bleaching. It is a popular traditional treatment option for various health conditions in Southeast Asia and other parts of Asia. This natural edible oil contains lauric acid, a saturated fat known for its medicinal properties. It also has capric and caprylic acid, which help combat bacterial infections.
A 2019 research published in the open access journal Heliyon demonstrates VCO’s antibacterial and immunomodulator properties against the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, which is associated with cellulitis.
Virgin coconut oil application on cellulitis is as simple as massaging the oil into the affected skin. Around a tablespoon of oil is used for this treatment. It does not have to be rinsed off, as the skin absorbs the natural oil. The recommended frequency for this treatment is twice daily. However, since topical coconut oil treatment has no side effects, it is possible to apply it more than twice if it provides the desired soothing effect.