At a glance
Coconut oil suppositories are a commonly discussed home remedy in fissure communities. People make them at home by moulding coconut oil into small, insertable shapes and freezing them. The idea is that the suppository melts at body temperature, providing internal lubrication and a soothing effect.
This is not a medically validated treatment. There is no clinical evidence that coconut oil suppositories heal fissures. What people describe is comfort — reduced friction, less rawness, and a sense of doing something proactive. This guide covers what people commonly report about making and using them, not a medical recommendation to do so.
If you have an active fissure, seeing a doctor is the most important step. This guide is for people who want to understand what others have tried.
Before you start
A few important points:
- Talk to your doctor first if you are using prescribed fissure treatments. Oil-based products can interfere with absorption of some medications.
- Do not use coconut oil suppositories if you have signs of infection — fever, pus, increasing redness, or spreading pain. See a doctor instead.
- This is a comfort measure, not a treatment. If your fissure has been present for more than a few weeks, or is getting worse, you need medical assessment.
- Everyone’s body is different. Some people find coconut oil soothing. Others find it irritating. Start cautiously.
What you need
Based on what people commonly describe:
- Virgin coconut oil — unrefined, cold-pressed, no additives
- A mould — the most common options people mention:
- Silicone ice cube trays (small ones)
- The fingers of a disposable glove (tied off at the base)
- Purpose-made suppository moulds (available online)
- Aluminium foil shaped into small tubes
- A freezer — to set the suppositories into a solid shape
- A clean workspace — hygiene matters when making anything that will be inserted
The basic method
This is the approach most commonly described:
Step 1: melt the coconut oil
- If your coconut oil is solid, gently warm it until it becomes liquid
- A bowl of warm water works — place the jar in warm water until the oil melts
- Microwave in short bursts is another option, but be careful not to overheat
Step 2: pour into moulds
- Pour the liquid coconut oil into your chosen mould
- Each suppository should be roughly finger-sized — about 2 to 3 centimetres long and about the width of a finger
- Do not make them too large. Smaller is easier to insert and more comfortable
Step 3: freeze
- Place the moulds in the freezer until the oil is completely solid
- This usually takes one to two hours
- Once frozen, remove from the moulds and store in a sealed container in the freezer
Step 4: use
People describe using them this way:
- Remove one suppository from the freezer
- Let it sit for 30 seconds to a minute so the surface is not painfully cold
- Apply a very thin layer of coconut oil to the outside for easier insertion
- Gently insert — do not force it. If there is resistance, stop
- Lie on your side for a few minutes to let it melt and settle
- The suppository melts at body temperature within a few minutes
Timing
People describe different routines:
- Before bed — the most commonly mentioned time, as it allows the oil to work overnight
- Before a bowel movement — some people find that inserting one 15 to 30 minutes before a bowel movement provides internal lubrication
- After a bowel movement and sitz bath — once the area is clean and relaxed
What people commonly add
Some people add other ingredients to their coconut oil suppositories. Common additions mentioned in discussions:
- Vitamin E oil — a few drops mixed into the coconut oil before moulding. People describe this as adding a skin-healing element
- Cocoa butter — mixed with coconut oil for a firmer suppository that melts more slowly
- Nothing else — many people prefer pure coconut oil with no additions
We cannot recommend specific additives as there is no clinical evidence for any of these combinations. If you are considering adding anything, mention it to your doctor — particularly if you are using prescribed treatments.
Practical tips people share
- Size matters. Smaller suppositories are easier to insert and less likely to cause discomfort. A common mistake is making them too large
- Keep them frozen until use. Coconut oil melts at a low temperature. Room temperature will turn them back to liquid quickly
- Glove finger method. Several people describe this as the easiest: pour melted coconut oil into a disposable glove finger, tie it off, and freeze. The shape is naturally suppository-like
- Expect some mess. Coconut oil melts at body temperature and will eventually work its way out. A panty liner is commonly recommended
- Wash your hands. Before making them, before using them
- Label the container. If you store them in the freezer, make sure they are clearly labelled
What people report
What people say helps:
- Reduced friction and rawness during bowel movements
- A soothing, cooling sensation upon insertion
- Less discomfort overnight
- Feeling less dry and irritated in the area
What people say does not help:
- Coconut oil suppositories alone did not heal their fissure
- Some people experienced no benefit at all
- A few people found them irritating rather than soothing
- The mess and inconvenience led some people to stop
Important perspective
Coconut oil suppositories are a comfort measure that some people find helpful. They are not a proven treatment for anal fissures.
If you are making coconut oil suppositories because you are avoiding seeing a doctor, please reconsider. Fissures that do not heal within a few weeks may need medical treatment. Delaying that assessment is the most common regret people describe in online discussions.
A doctor can assess whether your fissure is acute or chronic, discuss evidence-based treatments, and help you understand what is actually happening. You can still use coconut oil alongside medical treatment if your doctor agrees — but medical assessment should come first.
For a broader look at how people use coconut oil for fissures, see our coconut oil for fissures guide. For information about prescribed topical treatments, see our topical treatments guide.