Gout sufferer turns to coconut oil for cure

by Anna Vivienne
Borneo Post Online

KOTA KINABALU: To people in temperate countries, the coconut tree conjures up images of exotic islands surrounded by sparkling seas and bathed in glorious sunshine.

At times though, a vision comes to mind of a coconut falling on the heads of extollers of such ambiences which can inflict considerable pain.

To the people of Sabah, however, the coconut tree is used for practical reasons and viewed as one of the most useful trees in their life for as long as the tree continues to thrive on their shores.

This is because the coconut tree has many uses. The fronds can be made into attap roofs while the trunks can be cut and fashioned into floors on stilted homes — and even walls. The water is a thirst quencher with a pleasant taste and the young kernels are delicious as food.

When a coconut ripens, the white kernel can be scrapped and dry-fried into sweet additives for other foods like dry-fried sago or even ripe bananas. Or it can be squeezed for its milk or santan to be added to food to make it tastier.

The husks can be made into brooms while the discarded shells can be used as “firewood” and many more.

Curative properties

Coconuts can also be harnessed for their oil – usually known as virgin oil. Virgin coconut oil is believed to be effective in bringing relief to people who snore as well as moisturising and beautifying the skin.

It is also said to have anti-aging properties apart from helping to people attain ideal body weight; increase metabolism; reduce hunger, body fat, risk of heart attacks and high blood; protect against cancer; accelerate the replacement of dead cells as well as enhance fertility.

Whatever the coconut’s claim to fame may be, Ronnie Onginjan of Kampung Kimihang, Kudat, places his faith in virgin coconut oil to deal with his gout problem.

Gout is a painful condition affecting the heels, knees, wrists, fingers and other joints. Prolonged gout may lead to kidney stone formation and subsequent renal problem.

“I suffered from gout for several years and took various medications. There were always periods of relief but not really long. Overall, I was suffering from high blood pressure and was told I might have kidney stones.

“In 2009 I was in a very bad condition. I could not walk and all I could bear to do was sitting down. It was agonising. I was using crutches and relying on my family a lot to help me,” shared Ronnie, a sustenance farmer and self-employed.

The 56-year-old was hospitalised in Kudat for one week. As he could not eat, he was on a drip and could not think of doing anything except pray he would get back to normal.

He thought about a lot of things. People who visited him gave foodstuff and cash donations. He was grateful, of course, but foremost in his mind was getting well.

“I wanted to be with my family and be strong again,” he recalled.

Lucky break

One day, during a visit, a friend named Sopidi Modili from Matunggong gave Ronnie several bottles of virgin coconut oil.

Sopidi asked: “Why don’t you try this and see whether it helps?”

Ronnie did as suggested, faithfully taking a tablespoonful of virgin coconut oil three times a day.

“I knew I was grasping at straws but I was willing to try anything to get rid of the pain. I was not keen on surgery to remove the kidney stone either.”

Ronnie took virgin coconut oil for three months without fail — and is now happy to say he has not been using crutches since.

The ordeal left him with a burning desire to help other gout sufferers.

Read the Full Article Online: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/06/gout-sufferer-turns-to-coconut-oil-for-cure/

Virgin Coconut Oil:
How it has changed people’s lives and how it can change yours!