12/05/2011: Erika from Novato, Ca/usa: "Just found your site a couple nights ago and have been on it for hours each day since. Thank you for providing this great resource!

I tried OP this morning while in the shower. I started with 1tsp of Coconut Oil as I thought 1 Tbsp. Would definitely make me gag. It was a solid and I knew it would take some time to melt, but within a second or two I was gagging and involuntarily spit it out in the sink. I didn't want to throw up so I waited a few minutes until I had myself under control and tried 1/4 tsp. It took all the self control I could muster to not vomit, but after 30 seconds it was melted and I started to swish. It was much easier once it was melted and just felt like I had saliva in my mouth. After 20 mins though, I had so much in my mouth, I wonder how I'm ever going to keep more than 1/2 tsp in my mouth (I plan on trying to work my way up).

What would be a good way to melt the oil first as I think that was what was causing me to gag. Any other suggestions on dealing with volume?"

12/06/2011: Cf from Delaware, Us replies: "To melt my oil, I fill a coffee cup about a third of the way with hot/boiling water, then place a small juice glass containing my solid oil in the cup of water. As long as the water is above 76 degrees, the oil will melt. Don't use the microwave. To deal with volume, you can spit out a little at a time when too much saliva builds up, but don't spit it in the sink. Use the waste basket, or a small paper dixie cup. Congrats on trying this process. I have been op-ing for 14 months now, and have seen quite a range of benefits from doing it."

12/11/2011: Cat from Tauranga, New Zealand replies: "I use coconut oil for pulling each morning and have about a tablespoon full at a time and find that by the end, there isn't so much saliva that I feel like I have to empty some out but I'm wondering if you are producing that much from the fact that your body is/was in need of a good clean out and it's releasing so many toxins... ? I would in that case, work my way up as you suggested to finally reach 1 tbspn. GOOD quality coconut oil should be quite beautiful and velvety, have a subtle taste and I would imagine, be much more pleasant that any other oil. Stick with it, you'll be so pleased with the results."

01/07/2013: Lexnatural from Boise , Idaho replies: "I tried a plain spoon full and my mouth was too full in abouth 12 minutes so now I use a teaspoon till it is too watery and spit it and get some more and continue that way I use abouth the recomended amount and time last night was my first time and the resul, no morning breath. Will continue happily."

03/19/2013: Kathy from the USA replies: "Why not use the microwave? I started OP and put it in a juice glass for about 20-30 seconds... Just enough to get it room temp. Our house is cold. What does the MW do to it?"

03/20/2013: Sbenton from San Antonio, Tx replies: "Once you start swishishing it around the temperature in your mouth turns it into a liquid. Does heating it or microwaving do any damage or boost the benefits?"

03/20/2013: Gavin from Manganui, Northland, New Zealand replies: "Microwaves reduce the anti cancer effect of broccoli by 98% so I wouldn't use the thing. It changes the vitamin content of food to practically nothing."

03/21/2013: Citygirl27 from Richardson, Tx, Usa replies: "If I want to melt my coconut oil, I put my jar of it on the metal part of the stove, and let the residual heat from the oven underneath melt it. You could also put your jar on a windowsill in direct sunlight or in a bowl of hot water. Right now, it is warming up inside and outside, and my coconut oil is more of a "slushy" consisency rather than a solid block because the temperature is rising. It will turn liquid at 75 degrees F (about 24 C). At any rate, it melts in your mouth after a few seconds, not to worry."

03/21/2013: Kathy from the USA replies: "WOW, where is the information about microwave reducing the anti cancer effects? I thought microwaving in clear glass with a lid contained the nutrients needed... I gave my steamer insert for a stove-top pan away."

10/02/2011: Bill from Ithaca, Ny replies: "Kate, Glad you are as impressed with EC as I am. It really is awsome. I'm writing to let you know that malaria can lie dormant in the liver and reoccur needing medication. Wikipedia malaria and then investigate 'MMS'. It's the only perminent solution to malaria on the planet. There's no way for the parasite to develope resistance to 'MMS'. Google Jim Humble and Good luck!"

09/18/2012: Hannah from New York, Ny replies: "My dentist said an infection is being caused by bone loss around an implant. I've had so many surgeries and implants already. When it started I didn't remember about oil pulling but today I did. Meanwhile, I've had to go on antiobiotics again. I put about three drops of Neem oil in coconut oil. Gratefully, I have no adverse reaction to the oil in my mouth. I'd be grateful for any comments about periodontal disease - if you have this and/or implants, how often do you do it? Thanks!"

09/18/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Hannah, Recently there has been a lot here on EC regarding this issue and some holistic thoughts on periodontal care. Here is a link to the info I put up here a couple months ago:

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/gum_disease.html#HEALTHY

Also, Blake from Greenfield, Wisconsin just put up a post earlier and it's here on the Latest Post page. Scroll down to find it because his post is very informative and the audio is awesome. I listened to it and it is well worth listening to. I'm sure you will learn a lot on our living teeth and how to restore their health.

Hope this info helps! Lisa"

04/19/2011: Jz from Buena Park, Ca replies: "I use unrefined extra virgin coconut oil (CO) 1 teaspoon melted. If CO is solid put in microwave for 10 seconds. more if needed. It only takes a few seconds to melt it. Put solid CO in pyrex shot glass."

05/09/2011: Nybe from La, Usa replies: "advice: do not microwave ANYTHING you put into your body."

[WARNING!]  05/23/2011: Katherine from Les Laurentides, Quebec replies: "Absolutely agreed on do not put anything into your body that is microwaved. Also, it would be really unnecessary to microwave the coconut oil. It melts at 70F / 21C, so it basically melts the second you put it into your mouth."

07/11/2011: Cooldoey from Montreal, Quebec (canada) replies: "you do not need to melt it - it will melt the moment it hits your mouth "

09/06/2012: Maryjo122 from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada replies: "I have a powerpack type of thing that is the power source to my laptop, my bedroom flatscreen tv has same thing.. I put my virgin coconut oil on that and it melts within 5 minutes. I keep my coconut oil in a small glass bowl and refill it as necessary.. Therefore ensuring no rancid oil. I make sure to wash the bowl between filings also. I am just now starting to use Oil pulling, see if it helps w/ my various ailments? here's to hoping......"

04/17/2013: Deborah from Macclesfield, Cheshire replies: "Don't heat anything that you put in body on a power source (laptop battery etc) they emit radiation..."

02/25/2011: Justafriend from Miami, Fl replies: "I was a vegan for a good while, until I did more research. Red meats are actually good for you, especially the organic red meats and the animals are taken care of and allowed to roam freely. The health benefits from eating meat along with low carb vegatables is great. I still love my vegatables but I also like healthy meats just the same. And trust me when I saw this you will fuction better if you taken everything that is of a organic nature of course their are a few exceptions on certain plants and other things that I stay away from such as soy, corn, wheat, yeast and milk."

02/25/2011: Joe from Detrot, Michigan, Usa replies: "I made the switch from Sesame & Olive to Virgin CC oil; what a difference. For me, EVCO was much stronger detox than the others; so much I had to quit after about 8 days to recoop. It sounds to me like you are experiencing a "healing crisis". Your body retains things from the past; as you detox you peal away the layers last in first out, thus you experience symptoms of a point in time much longer ago; interesting that you crave meat..."

12/01/2012: Jaki from Fremantle, Western Australia replies: "If you are vegetarian, chances are you eat a fair amount of dairy - better to eat a small amount of fish, veges, nuts and whole grains - organic, fermented tofu and tempeh are vastly different from "soy products" too. Meat, especially chicken, and dairy creates high inflammation in the body."

07/18/2012: Mst from Dubai, Uae replies: "I have been doing oil pulling for more than two months now. First I have used extra virgin olive oil, then sesame seed oil and now organic coconut oil. Olive oil is fine, sesame is bitter, but coconut feels just right, mellow and easy to swish. But I haven't felt any improvement to my health yet (lower abdominal pain, knee pain and general fatigue). Should I first use ACV for a while? Is it ok to do both, oil pulling and then drink water with ACV?"

01/09/2013: Crissy from Longview, Washington replies: "Such a good question, did you find an answer? I want to try op but am reluctant, as I hate being sick and am afraid of dramatic side effects. I have menieres disease and do not want to wake that beast for ANY reason."

05/04/2012: Njs from Ontario, Canada replies: "Can pregnant women do oil pulling? Will it affect the baby? I am 32 weeks along and suffering constipation, bad breath and other things from pregnancy. Natalie"

05/26/2012: English Rose from Cornwall, England replies: "I did coconut oil OP when pregnant/nursing with no issues.. Only benefits!"

03/21/2012: Reefkeeper from As, Ore, usa replies: "I am not sure what this is about there seems to be no empirical proof of this, so like the nurse that I am, I saved the rements, took it to my favorite lab tech, they checked it and found a few normal oral flora and epithelas, so what are these toxins other than in people's mind. Mine and a few friends did not even have electrolyte changes???"

03/28/2012: Jan from Harper Woods, Mi replies: "Your reply is a bit confusing, maybe explain what your lab results were.

I too have tried oil pulling in the past, I used Sunflower oil since it had a very mild flavor and it seemed less strong in taste then the sesame seed oil did. I didn't stay with it long enough to experience results. But after reading through many of these posts I have decided to give it another try. I chose to use Coconut oil this time, since the taste is milder. I'm on day 2 now, and will commit to doing it twice a day for 20 minutes. I have gum issues with my teeth and have a continous bad taste in my mouth, so I'm hoping the oil pulling will resolve this."

[YEA]  03/31/2012: 2bconscious from West Des Moines, Iowa replies: "I have been using Coconut oil to Oil Pull every morning now for 6 days. The first day I had pain in my left shoulder, arm and upper back. The pain and concern caused me to go to the Urgent Care Center. The doctor diagnosis was inflammation, prescribed pain pills. I never took the pills. The next morning the pain was gone! I noticed my gums are getting pinker in places where they were dark in color. I also notice my energy level is higher!! I did also start walking on the treadmill every morning for 30 min. 1 1/2, 5 days ago!! I also use Coconut oil for my toothpaste and deodorant!! I love it!! Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil is a winner!!"

09/12/2011: Ck from Houston, Tx replies: "So what has happened with your OP? Have you seen a reduction in thyroid/hot flash issues? I suffer with these too and would love to hear your feedback..."

09/25/2011: Lainey from New Paris, Ohio replies: "Hi, I've been using Evening Primerose Oil to prevent hot flashes!!! It does the job almost immediately! If by the second night you haven't found complete relief, up the dosage! You might try muscle testing to set the dosage... I've been using this for YEARS! Give a holler at me if you have any other questions regarding this.... Blessings!!! Laineyisat[at]gmail[dot]com"

10/14/2011: Julie5510 from Baltimore, Maryland replies: "I've never heard of using oil pulling for hot flashes, but if it's like 'killing two birds with one stone' then it's with trying. I have done OP in the past but never with coconut oil. But I'll start tomorrow morning... I wanted to suggest what I use for hot flashes, 1 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp. Honey, 1/2 cup. Hot water. I drink it every evening and my hot flashes have disappeared."

[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS]  02/28/2012: Mrc from Louisville, Kentucky, Usa replies: "My holistic practitioner suggested I learn about and do some oil pulling to help with my fibromyalgia pain. I read everything I could find and figured what the heck - how could it hurt? I began 9 days ago. The first morning seemed odd simply having the stuff in my mouth for so long. It definitely got foamy and white. (The coconut oil simply melts in your mouth in a matter of moments). I op for 15 minutes each morning, for 5 days in a row. My hair got so soft it felt like silk. My skin was also incredibly soft and beginning to glow. My teeth were whiter, my mouth felt clean and silky.

Then the 6th morning I spit out a couple of metal fillings from my teeth along with the foamy white stuff. I was so surprized! I have stopped oil pulling until I get to the dentist and get my teeth fixed. And my aches and pains do feel better. Although after I stopped I woke up two days later with a very painful sore throat and stuffy head. But it only lasted a day. On to the dentist and I will give this more thought as to if I will proceed."

02/29/2012: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa replies: "Mrc, my personal experience w/ O. P. (Canola Oil) was positive as whole body functions go, but after about 1 mo my teeth were showing signs of hurried decay and my breath (after pulling) got bad. Fortunately I didn't loose any fillings as was your case. So now I swish Colloidal Silver once daily or before pull, and always rinse mouth w/ commercial otc mouthwash fallowing pull. If the body is toxic w/ pathogens one gets the foamy oil condition. As an adjunct, I would recommend some herbal antibiotics like Neem, Olive Leaf, Grapefruit seed, Pau De' Arco. Immune boosters like Echinacea, Cordyceps, Reishi, Maitake. Shark Liver Oil, Bee Propolis, Raw Thymus Glandular are good immune boosters. I like to use any combination of these prior to pulling so as to absorb the die-off toxins from the pathogens.

Hope this helps and good luck."

05/04/2012: Meg from Jacksonville, Oregon replies: "I probably would only stick with coconut oil for pulling (read Coconut Oil Miracle by Bruce Fife). CO has so many heal properties! I would continue to use it especially if a filling came out - prevent any bacteria from getting to that area before the dentist can. I do not recommend any over the counter mouth wish -- just "google" each ingredient and you'll understand why NOT to use it...."

08/01/2010: Karla from Windsor, Ontario replies: "How long did it take to heal your receeding gum line by using Coconut Oil pulling?"

04/30/2011: Gingermegs from Sydney, Nsw, Australia replies: "I have a ganglion cyst on knuckle, but haven't been OP long enough to see any improvement. But I have been OP with VCO a few times and it never goes thin. Today I was sitting over the computer for longer than 30 minutes and the VCO did go thin for the first time. I also have Sjogrens, so have less saliva and may have less enzymes in it.

Is it important for the oil to turn thin and watery to be of use?

Thanks, D"

[YEA]  01/24/2012: Sara from Newport Beach, Ca replies: "I'm SHOCKED at my results from oil pulling using coconut oil. I have veneers, 5 on top they were VERY expensive purchased at a time when I had much more money than I do now, they were in dire need of replacing due top unsightly grey decay at the top. I started oil pulling about 3 months ago the GREY discoloration that was decay is GONE, my veneers & all my teeth look brand new. I thought I may be imagining it but went to the dentist today & he said my veneers don't need replacing anymore. He said I had very clean teeth & no plaque.

I have however NOT noticed the oil pulling fixing my psoriasis or my acne, but oh well it fixed my plaque, teeth issues & saved me over $10,000. :) I also don't notice any increase in energy. However it also COMPLETLY FIXED any and all sinus/allergies issues I had."

[YEA]  04/13/2011: Savya from Toronto, On, Canada replies: "Hi Guys, I am using coconut oil for OP since three days, I so happy with three days result, now my teeths are more whiter than ever and i am feeling good. I guess OP is working on my body. I will post my latest status from now on. I would say this website is god send gift for me. I will definately send this link to all of my friends.

God belss you all.... Keep smiling , keep Pulling."

02/03/2012: Shannon from South Park, Pa replies: "Hey, they same thing happened to my forearms but I never connected it. I just started oil pulling with organic coconut oil (3 times so far) and I have had a very itchy throat.... It feels like I am on the verge of losing it. I am oil pulling with my 6 year old daughter who suffers from severe sinusitis. She is a trooper and has made it up to 15 minutes.... Lots of drainage, but still a lot of congestion. I am hoping for good results! I have a few metal fillings in my back teeth... Should I be worried these are going to fall out?"