[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/29/2010: Tracylove from Brooklyn, Ny, Usa: "I've been oil pulling with Coconut Oil for just over a week...and I feel HORRIBLE. My skin on my face has gotten dry (I also use it on my skin), I have black circles under my eyes, my throat is very sore and I've lost my voice. The worst is, I am constantly bloated and having awful heartburn...I am also eating like crazy, and always hungry. The heartburn only goes away after I've eaten something, which seems counterintuitive.

I am of the belief that this is detox, but not sure what exactly. I'm taking a day off from OP today, as I just don't feel good enough, and am still not feeling well. I'd like to make it through this, but not sure how long these symptoms last, or if I can take it much longer to see any benefits at all.

Any suggestions would help greatly!"

03/30/2010: T from Maryland, Usa replies: "This doesn't sound like normal detox to me. I'd stop the coconut oil immediately, wait a bit and then try a different oil, organic sesame oil perhaps. Coconut oil is not for everybody, whether oil pulling or ingesting."

04/12/2010: Jdixson from Belgrade, Mt replies: "my understanding is that coconut oil is a natural yeast killer, you may have a high candida load, and feeling herx from the oil, look up the benefits of coconut oil, it is different than the others"

04/28/2010: Chick P from Kodiak, Ak replies: "I am curious now, after reading what Alex wrote about the blood-type diet, and am wondering if those who have had side-effects from OP with coconut oil are having a reaction due to an incompatible blood type? Would anyone who has had a negative reaction mind posting if they have O-type blood? I am O and LOVE coconut oil, and use it in virtually all of my baking and have oil pulled with it a few times. It has the most pleasant taste of all of the types I have tried OP with but I don't want to use it if it would be bad for me! (Will do some research on this blood-type diet to become more informed on this subject.)

Also, maybe you are actually reacting to the type of coconut oil being used? If non-organic oil is being used, maybe the side-effects are actually a reaction to something that non-organic coconuts have been treated with which is being carried directly to your bloodstream... just a thought..."

04/29/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "I am type O but I haven't oil pulled with coconut oil yet, I will try soon. Some of the problems with oil pulling here were connected to the fillings in the teeth, I had those as well but before people just give up oil pulling I would suggest that you do the same I did and buy yourself a good book on oil pulling. It is not true that there is nothing to learn about the subject. I learned a lot and the most important was that the only filling that started to come out after I started to do oil pulling was because the tooth had some problems. I hope that all is well now...."

[YEA]  05/05/2010: Amy from Sugar Grove, Va replies: "I've been taking the Virgin Coconut Oil softgels for about a month now. I am type o blood type & have had no problems at all. I also use the Extra Virgin Coconut Oil as a mosturizer, my skin looks great! My cellulite is all but gone my spider veins are even disappearing! I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a mosturizer for my face though because I suffer from bad adult acne. The Olive Oil cleared up my acne , took away the begins of all wrinkles & almost all of my acne scars I've had for years are gone. I love it! I'll be 36 next month & I look 10 yrs younger! I love this site! I wash my face with baking soda & water & use Lemon Juice as an astringent."

07/27/2010: Ava from Ny replies: "Hi all, I have a question about which products/brands you used for the fantastic results! Please let me know which products worked for you as there are a lot of products out there that contain extra ingredients that causes side effects."

09/05/2010: Littlelight from Healdsburg, Ca replies: "As this practice has its origins in Ayurveda, it might be better to chose your oil based less on blood type, and more on your predominant Ayurvedic constitution:

Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. You can take a quiz to find it out here:
http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/constitutions/index.html

And get some info on which oils are best for your dosha here:
http://www.chopra.com/kapha

You might find a better fit using this method."

09/06/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "Hi Littlelight, I did both tests with a bit different results but I didn't manage to find the type of the oil I should use on the Chopra site? And anyway, if I am a bit of all of them should I use the oil suitable for the most strong type?"

[YEA]  11/10/2010: Sara from Rialto, California replies: "Hi everyone I am new to this site and the first thing I read about was all the benefits you get from apple cider vinegar and I tried it for heartburn that I had. For awhile I had a really bad stomachache from the heartburn so I did the Apple Cider Vinegar and it went away.

Well about a week later I came down with a really bad sore throat I had trouble swallowing I was getting paranoid cause I cant stand to be sick so I grabbed my Apple Cider Vinegar and did a mouthwash and gargle. Well lol I did it straight no water and after I spit it out I took a breath and couldnt so I held my breath with constant swalling till I could breath again. I guess maybe I should of drank something right after but I didnt. So anyways I was so relieved that my sore throat was gone. I was so happy so to get to the bottom of all this if you are op-ing and you have side effects can you use the Apple Cider Vinegar to clear some of the symptoms I want to do the op-ing but need to know if I can do other things to help with the symptoms thank you and good luck everyone."

[YEA]  03/07/2011: Ceecee from Cape Cod, Ma replies: "My 10 y/o daughter has had a sore throat (but no strep) for 2 months. After finding this site I decided to try it for both of us. After 15 min. we spit and rinsed. My daughter started coughing up nasty phlegm for about twenty minutes! Afterwards she excitedly said-Mom-I can breathe through both sides of my nose! Sunday she woke me up at 7:00 and asked if we could do the oil pulling again because "it made me feel so good yesterday" I felt good after my treatment and enjoyed two full nights of sleep, which hasn't happened in years! Will post back in 1 week to report on daughter's sore throat. Love this site-thanks so much!"

[YEA]  01/14/2012: Pat from Bay Village, Ohio, Cuyahoga replies: "I have been oil pulling off and on for about six weeks, mainly using coconut oil, yesterdat my gums and cheek swelled up like an abcess, I called my dentist and am still waiting for him to call back. I started op and think the swelling is going down already. Is this possible or am I CRAZY?"

03/07/2012: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe replies: "Just curious if your abcess swelling did indeed subside from the oil pulling. According to what I am reading, this is entirely possible."

06/02/2012: Citygirl27 from Richardson, Tx replies: "This is for tracylove from Brooklyn. Try switching to organic extra virgin coconut oil (or cold pressed if you are already using EVCO). Regular coconut oil that is not Organic or EV can cause reactions. Perhaps Ted or someone like him can elaborate, but with Organic EVCO it is absent of what can cause those reactions."

09/09/2012: Veronique from New York, NY replies: "Which is the better oil to use for oil pulling. I recently started and is using grape seed oil. Will I get the same benefits? I am not seeing much about this oil."

03/20/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "Hi Sis, after reading your post I went to the site you talk about and also thought about it. I think that the thing to do is to clean your teath before oil pulling for the simple reason that you remove the worst toxins and don't flush them around and around in your mouth. I will start to do it that way. Why keep the old stuff? One problem I am experiencing is a gag reflex which has been getting worse. In the beginning I could do it for maybe 15 minutes and occasionally for 20, nowadays always less than 10, no idea why but as I do it very strongly the liquid is white so maybe it works all the same. I don't notice any health improvements but sometimes things are happening even though you don't see them directly."

09/26/2012: Dh from Knoxville, Iowa replies: "After research I have concluded that brushing after op is necessary due to the fact that op is pulling toxins. Cleaning your mouth afterwards will rid your mouth of toxins just sitting on your teeth and in your mouth, while your body has recieved the benefits of the op and will still be detoxing and probably pulling into your mouth you will not be starting your day with a mouthfull of toxic oil which could have adverse affects on your oral health."

09/24/2010: V from Portland, Oregon, Us replies: "Allergy to coconut is extremely rare; hardly any cases have ever been reported. Your reaction, esp. dizziness you mention, may have to do with the antifungal properties of the oil, with yeast and possibly toxic metals. Yeast "helps" the body by ingesting toxic metals and storing them out of sight of your body. Check out http://www.yeastinfectionadvisor.com for more info on yeast and mercury. I know the dizziness well - have been detoxing since April and have just learned about OP. Will try soon and start with Sesame. Hope this helps - good luck :-)"

12/30/2009: Lee from New York, New York replies: "Linda from Chipley - Are you concentrating on the oil pulling too much? I melt it first (i like to add a little clove oil or peppermint oil to it) - then I leave the bathroom and make the bed, check email, etc. I actually forget that it's in my mouth. Just swish it around very gently and get busy with something else! Good luck."

01/02/2010: Linda from Chipley, Florida replies: "Lee, Thank you so much for the information. I was doing what you said in your reply. I was ready to give up. melt it first? lol, I never would have thought about that. I was watching the clock lol. So once again Thank you Lee."

02/24/2010: Mike from Virginia Beach, Va replies: "Coconut oil at room temperature is a solid. My brother swears by coconut oil for a lot of things, so he goes through it a bit. Things he's learned along the way is that virgin coconut oil is the best to use. Most that you find in grocery stores are refined, and can possibly be quite counter-productive. He also sets the jar in a bowl of hot water to melt it, which is really the only way you should melt it."

[YEA]  10/27/2009: Jen from Salt Lake City, Ut. replies: "I have been oil pulling with Coconut oil for about 6 months now and have noticed a lot of great results including increased energy and clarity of toughts. However the most significant is the improvement of my skin. I was haveing frequent adult breakouts of acne patches all the time, that I never had as a teenager, when one breakout would begin to clear another would begin. After oil pulling for about a month, my skin is clear and beautiful- no more breakouts. I also use Coconut oil as my primary moistureizer for my entire body and for cooking! I would like to say- if you begin to breakout a little more than usual in the beginning, don't stop, give it time- your skin will clear out! Good Luck and Thanks EC!"

02/02/2010: Craig from Round Lake, Il replies: "I just started (4 Days)the 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in the morning, with diabetes the first thing I notice is that my skin became smooth like I have been putting lotion on. No longer dry and scaly, I think it is the coconut oil."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  05/12/2010: Rachael from Georgetown, Ohio replies: "Danielle from Toronto, did your teeth every improve? I OP for two weeks and my teeth became so sensitive that I could not eat. I haven't OP for 2 weeks at all now, and my teeth still hurt. Never had these symptoms before OP. Just wondering if i should have stuck it out!"

05/13/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "I was thinking of trying OP with coconut oil but now I am afraid. With several other kinds of oils I have had no real problems other than with my filling. Maybe I don't try coconut oil..."

09/21/2009: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca replies: "This is just a thought. I would consider using the hydrogen peroxide method to really clear up all that mucus. It is absolutely amazing! Both my husband and I did it with incredible results and had our two kids do it as well. I didn't even realize just how much phlegm could be in a body! Chinese medicine has lots to say at the havoc it can wreak. Check out the H202 section."

11/05/2009: Marah from Edmonton, Alberta replies: "Just wanted to mention apple cider vinegar to you regarding the phlegm problem. I have been slowly coming down with a cold and my chest has felt congested for a few weeks now. Last night I took 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 tablespoons of non pasteurized honey. I drank it slowly, taking a sip at a time since I found it to strong to drink in one go. The results were amazing! By the time I was about half way through I felt the phlegm loosen in my chest and was able to cough most of it up. I thought this might help with the violent coughing because it really seems to help loosen the phlegm up.

Best Wishes!"

01/29/2010: Karen from Loogootee, In replies: "I would say that the anxiety which followed your oil pulling is from your body detoxing from copper. I am getting rid of copper, and it causes anxiety as it comes out of your brain and liver, and goes into your bloodstream."

03/29/2010: Lufelo4health from Seagoville, Tx replies: "The coconut oil melts once you place it in your mouth. As you op, which is swishing the oil around in the mouth and through your teeth, the oil will become a liquid."

09/04/2009: Sue from Greenville, Nc replies: "I have been OP with 1 T. sesame oil and also taking coconut oil - 2 teas/ 3 x day as a supplement (not OP with coconut). The OP has been fantastic, however, ingesting the coconut oil has caused some pretty intense detox reactions. Since it has such excellent antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties, I suspect your symptoms are related to the release of toxins from these organisms as they die off. I've experienced heavy metal detox symptoms with the sesame oil OP, but they've been manageable with the addition of a oral chelator or metal binder like charcoal, zeolite, etc. My brain feels much clearer, I have more energy and the mercury staining on my gums has decreased greatly. Try using a different oil, like organic unrefined sesame for a while before using coconut."

12/16/2009: Becky from Springer, Oklahoma replies: "In response to a possible heavy metal detox, which sounds very plausable, chlorella is one of the top ones for metal detox. When you start with high doses, one can actually see/feel the metals leave one's body in b.m.'s You can also have your hair tested for metal toxicity."

09/21/2009: Bevan from Dunedin, N.Z. replies: "Mate, check out this vid on you tube.. "foods that kill" -- sounds like it could be usefull for you.

**i plan to start tryin OP tomorrow... see what rice bran oil does...."

11/27/2009: Felicia from Santa Rosa, Ca replies: "As for your diabetes, please look into fenugreek and cinnamon supplements and organic apple cider vinegar. I have a close friend that I got on the regimen and he now has consistent blood sugar readings within normal ranges. He started with low and high blood sugar readings, they were all over the place. I wholeheartedly believe in apple cider vinegar for aid in many health problems."

06/25/2009: Kyra from Cortland Manor, New York replies: "You haven't done anything wrong. That is the result you want to achieve."

06/26/2009: Sarah from Hackensack, NJ replies: "Thanks Kyra:) I really appreciate your quick response."

06/26/2009: Sarah from Hackensack, NJ replies: "Today's the second day of OP, overall I feel good but I saw some red rashes on both my hands, is it normal?"

07/05/2009: Christine from Salisbury, Maryland replies: "hi sarah, when you pull with coconut oil it should turn white and thick that show's that it is working. The oil mixes with the saliva and the bacteria in your mouth and pulls it out and then after 15-20 minutes you spit it out and rinse your mouth out with water. It worked on my husband's sinusis and my blood pressure also my borderline diabetes. One Tbs. of a good organic coconut oil morning and last thing at night after cleaning your teeth is best, and don't put it down the toilet or sink because it will clog them.Hope this help's. from christine."

12/21/2009: Sarah from Hackensack, Nj replies: "Thanks a lot Christine:)"

10/20/2012: U.n. Soldier from Vatican City, Italy replies: "Holy Cow! This oil pulling is amazing. That something so simple can have such huge benefits is just awesome. My gums have filled a sensitive hole in, in only 3 days! My teeth are white for the first time in my life! The first day I pulled with Grape Seed oil I slept like a baby the whole night through, which was just non existent for me. The other 2 days I have pulled with Extra Virgin Coconut oil. That is when the teeth whitening happened. Also pulled mucus out like a dam burst the first time. And get this, my molars which 3 days before did not all line up (they did not all touch at the same time when I clenched my teeth, or chewed)... Now they do! So tell how in the world is that possible! LOl I am in amazement, and happy, and sleeping like a baby with my new white straight teeth! Lol Give it a try, you will become a believer also:)"

10/20/2009: Winki from Cordes Lakes, Az, Usa replies: "Darlene, H2O2 35% food grade is the key. I've been an asthma sufferer since 3-4 years (36 now) I'm 2 months into usage of this old time cure. I've been expelling (detox crisis) beautifully. I can feel it pulling head as well as chest. My lung capacity has increased. I'm on maintenence daily dose and my 6 years olds are on low daily doses-diluted and in combination with vit-E/acidophilus, we also take v-A. If twins get mucousy-dry-A in a Tab. sp. mixed with unconcentrated juice and a cup of "GOOD" water. No distilled or reverse osmoses, but ph 8.5 for kids to 14 and 9.5 with older.

I even do inhalation treatment, due to being severely anemic, I alternate days in using h2o2 with floradix and molasses. This has been effective I believe. I get another cbc w/diff in 3 mos. According to my bio-feed, it's going well-pregressively well.

I also suffer with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, raynaud's, arthritis, ibs, spine as 85 yr old's. So, whenever I get a healthful tip without damaging side effects, I go for it. Just USE NECESSARY CAUTION and FOLLOW RECIPES CAREFULLY.

WINKI"

03/03/2010: Brie0001 from Winter Park, Fl, Usa replies: ""...and a cup of "GOOD" water. No distilled or reverse osmoses, but ph 8.5 for kids to 14 and 9.5 with older. "

What is GOOD water? How do I get it? How do I determine what the pH should be?"

06/05/2009: Michael from Grand Bay, AL replies: "I forgot to mention

5. high blood pressure down. went cold turkey 2nd day, just to see if this works, blood pressure stabilizing and strange as it may seems the oil pulling seems to have a diuretic effect. The edema has gone, in just six days(wow). cant beat this"

09/14/2009: Robin from Atlanta, Ga replies: "Hey Michael, just curious about how the coconut oil is still working for you and how much do you use on a daily basis?"

09/11/2010: Nadine from Fort Bragg, Nc replies: "Michael from Grand Bay, AL: I realize it was in June of 2009 of your post. But I am fairly new to this site and OP. I notice when reading through informative site. I have similar problems you had then. How has your blood pressure become and especially weight loss? And what oils do you now use or continue to use. Since I have these problems and more."

05/15/2009: Missy from NY, NY replies: "I don't have an answer to your question, I would just like to know where you found this toothpaste. Thank you."

EC: Sounds like he made it: ECVO = extra virgin coconut oil!

06/03/2009: TKim from Calgary, AB replies: "i did an internet search on homemade toothpaste and tried it - love it."

09/17/2009: Lita from Sanford, Fl replies: "I too read about op on this site and wanted to try it. When I went to the Health store I noticed that they sell a mouthwash made out of Tea Tree Oil. I didn't buy it since I wanted to follow the instructions. Now I am on my second day of op, but only once a day. I am going to try to go for more than once a day. But I was curious if someone knows if this mouthwash would have the same effect as OP???? Thanks to EC and to everyone that contributes to this site. "

01/07/2010: Heather from New York, Ny replies: "Doubtful that a Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash will have the same effect as oil pulling. Tea Tree is a powerful antiseptic and highly astringent. Certainly the mouthwash is not "made from" Tea Tree Oil (which would cause burning and damage to your mouth) per se, but rather CONTAINS a small amount of Tea Tree Oil for its antiseptic/antimicrobial benefits. This is different than pulling with a pure oil, which actually draws and flushes bodily toxins."

09/02/2010: C Anne from Boulder, Co replies: "I have to say I've been using tea tree oil directly for it's antibacterial properties mixed in a mini-bowl with baking soda & lemon oil w/a little dab of water to make a paste. I rub this directly on my abscess & gums in question & have noticed all pain, inflammation & redness has disappeared with 1 hour after doing. I rinse 2x with warm water, then 5 minutes later hit it with a peroxide rinse. Before bed I put 1 drop of roman chamomile directly on the gum/abscess & lavendar/tea tree mix on the skin following the gumline associated. The gum is healig & the abscess is almost 100% gone. This last mix is per Valerie Worwood formulas..."