Oil Pulling Cures Questions
AMALGAM REPLACEMENT AND OP
09/25/2008: Ellen writes: "I am getting several amalgams replaced through out Oct/Nov. and I was hoping if someone could tell me if it's ok to continue oil pulling...even on the day of replacement. I dont want to mess up the new dental work, but I would like to oil pull as I know it would help elimnate the mercury from my body.
I am using a biological dentist who will take all the necessary precautions. Also I've been tested on all his dental materials to see which I'm the most compatable with. Is there anything else I should be doing to help the mercury detox from my body easier?
I would be truly appreciative of any help that can be offered...thanks!"
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BLISTERS AND FATTY LUMPS ON INNER JAW
09/16/2008: Frankie writes: "I think I am getting the idea of swishing oil in your mouth ...I am close to being diagnosed with Sjogrens (a lip biopsy is scheduled) and also have a situation with a root canal tooth harboring bacteria (?)and an upper jaw tooth that has had the mercury filling drilled into (but not totally removed) and then covered up with a white composite material. I am not sure if I am having an allergic reaction to the products/metals in my teeth; or if I have bacteria; or what exactly is going on. Anyway, I am having lots of blisters, fatty lumps on sides of inner jaw, swollen lips (the inside edge of my lower lip and sometimes upper lip get one huge blister on the inside rim that runs the length of my lip and out into the side of my mouth; I have many blisters in my lower lip area, white and red patches on my gums & swollen salivary glands. My mouth is getting very dry and it even makes speech difficult. I suck on ice alot to lubricate my mouth.
Can I use organic extra virgin olive oil in the same way as the Sesame and other oils?
Thanks. Frankie"
09/21/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "To Frankie from WV: Oil Pulling with Extra Virgin Olive oil works for me, so I don't think it will harm anyone else. Go for it! I've been using it for several months now."
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OP SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
09/02/2008: Jessica writes: "Is OP ok for a pregnant woman to practice? I am very interested in trying this but I am currently pregnant."
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QUESTION ABOUT OP AND BODY PIERCING
09/01/2008: Nora (nora.chamberlin /@/gmail.com) writes: "I have a general, beforehand question regarding oil pulling. I have spent all day looking into the remedy and am very excited to try it. However, I am also about to get my lip and cheek pierced. Now, my intuition has hinted to me that these two things may not be the best in combination--the oil pulling drudging out nastiness from the deep and the piercing creating an open wound in my mouth that could open my bloodstream up to all sorts of contaminants and undesirables. So, I would just like to know if anyone has had any experience with both a new facial piercing and oil pulling, how long is safe to wait to begin pulling after piercing and if there are any added remedies to combat infection potentially caused from pulling? Thanks for any advice."
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OP SIDE EFFECTS?
08/25/2008: Matthew writes: "Hi Molly, thank you for your input.
3/28/2008: Molly from San Francisco, CA USA writes: I've OPed for about three years now. And I've followed endless discussions about what it does and does not do. I now have a theory.
I don't think that OP "pulls" anything out of the system. What it does seem to do is infuse your body with EFA's sublingually (under your tongue) which enters the bloodstream bypassing gastric juices. I found a patent that uses oil as a transporter of medication for a sublingual medication. From what I read, Oleic Acid is commonly used for this transport.
As a long time OP'er, have you noticed any side effects? I'm particularly interested in the mention of negative effects on teeth that are mentioned in a number of posts. Many thanks!"
08/25/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "My answer to the oil pulling question for feedback: I think it does pull up something, at least from the mouth. I have been sporadically OPing when my dentures cause sores on my gums. It has pulled up to the top of my gum that my daughter described as looks like you have a tooth coming in. The best I can see it in the mirror, it is white enough to be pulling up mercury left in my gums from long ago amalgam fillings. It first started a couple of months back & went away after a few weeks of oil pulling. Returned a couple of weeks ago & started OPing twice a day - two slit opening above where filled tooth that was later changed to a crown and good part of white substance went away. Now have a smaller white spot of same color started inside front lower gum so guess I'll revert to twice or maybe 3 times a day OPing. Can't tell you how it works, but it does do something."
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CAN YOU EAT AFTER OIL PULLING?
07/07/2008: Tricia writes: "I have begun oil pulling but am unsure if I should not eat afterwards. I saw that you need to wait to pull if you eat or drink. Is this the same for after pulling? Thanks."
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ACNE-LIKE BUMPS ON FACE AFTER OIL PULLING
06/26/2008: Brown writes: "I've been oil pulling with cold pressed sesame oil for about two weeks. I've noticed a change in oral health, less constipated and "oiler" skin. I don't know if oiler skin equates to healthier skin, but I have noticed a outbreak of acne like bumps around the nose, temples and side of my head. Because of this adverse reaction, I'm considering stopping this treatment. Any thoughts as for the sudden acne outbreak?"
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TAKING ANTIBIOTICS FOR A SINUS INFECTION
06/24/2008: Peggy writes: "I am currently on antibiotics for a sinus infection and just found out about oil pulling. Should I wait to start doing it until all the antibiotics are finished? Also on effexor ex and clonopin. What effects should I expect? Should I wait (up to a year?) Haven't seen any remarks referring to this. Of course, have felt awful so maybe I didn't look far enough."
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QUESTION ABOUT OIL PULLING FOR 8 YEAR OLD
06/24/2008: R. writes: "Dear Ted, I'm curious about oil pulling for my 8 year old. She has literally suffered for months with very little relief from excessive nasal mucous. We tried the saline nasal rinse, which was too extreme for her. She gagged and threw up,which I understand adults can handle realizing the outcome. Maybe swishing for 15 minutes is too much to ask for a child. I am more comfortable with homeopathic and natural methods but I know children are impatient, especially when ill. I thank you for feedback."
06/24/2008: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "It's not likely a child will tolerate a nasal rinse. It's too extreme. However sometimes most nasal rinse is too strong. The concentration for nasal rinse that is least irritating that are used are actually 0.75% sea salt and if possible, 10% xylitol. A nasal swab with a 25% solution of xylitol seems more feasible, using perhaps a cotton bud or some other similar devices. The use of a mist with xylitol spraying into the air and allowing breathing seems a more gentle approach. In a mist solution, however, I prefer a 2% sea salt with 25% xylitol as a mist inhalant is one possibilities.
A gentler method I believe is alkalizing the nasal and mouth area using 1/16 or 1/8 teaspoon of potassium bicarbonate and 1/16-1/8 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate in 1/4 glass of water. Taken usually once or twice a day. This will cause the alkalizing effect on the mouth/nasal/esophagus area followed by adding 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in the one liter of drinking water. The added sea salt usually have a drying effect and kills off the bacteria and viruses that way reducing allergies. Also some fish oil omega 3 may reduce some allergies and is taken once every other day for about a week or two. Vitamin C sodium ascorbate is also helpful as it reduces sinus problem by repairing damage sinus and also an antioxidant.
As to the oil pulling, for me 15 minutes is too long for many people. A reasonable time is 1-5 minutes is more than sufficient to remove toxins, especially heavy metals. I don't follow other people's oil pulling of 30 minutes since I have found shorter times to work sufficiently well anyway, especially heavy metals."
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QUESTIONS ABOUT OILS
06/09/2008: David writes: "1. I am wondering what the label on the "Sesame Oil"/"Sunflower Oil" should read, so that I purchase the correct oil for th optimum
effectiveness.
2. Is Expeller Pressed as good as Cold Pressed? Does it have to be Organic? Unrefined?
3. I thought I purchased Sunflower Oil and mistakenly purchased Safflower Oil, can this be a pulling oil?
Please advise. David"
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BEST PULLING OILS?
06/05/2008: David Lojacono writes: "What is the best Pulling Oil to purchase? Where would I find these pulling oils? What should the Lable read on these oils, so that I buy the most effective oils?"
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HOW DOES OIL PULLING WHITEN TEETH?
05/19/2008: J writes: "I've read the comments and many say about teeth becoming whiter. How does OP process achieve this? What if the teeth has been rigorously brushed to a yellowish color, any chance it will still whiten? Thank you."
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QUESTION ABOUT OIL PULLING WITH OLIVE OIL
05/13/2008: Mark writes: "I tried oil pulling with 350ml of Safeway extra virgin olive oil. After 15-20min of OP it did turn white and thin. I am not sure if it is working but I didn't mind trying for a while to test it. I then bought 3L of extra virgin olive oil "Filippo Berio Olive Oil" and no matter how long I try the oil still remains mostly yellowish after even 25min of OP. Any reason for this or does this mean something is wrong with that oil? Thanks."
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OIL PULLING AND DENTAL FILLINGS
05/09/2008: Tricia writes: "I have been op about 2 wks now, seems to be already helping arthritis. but i noticed one of my dental fillings seems to be out or loose (will be seeing the dentist next week). i just read that if you have metal fillings you should be doing saturated baking soda rinse instead. will that have the same helth benefits as the op? i have been using sesame oil."
08/19/2008: Anjali from Delhi, India replies: "are there any proofs yet about dental filling and crowns falling off with OP?"
06/04/2008: Andrew from Rochester, New York replies: "I seem to have a loose filling also, will all my fillings fall out, I have been oil pulling for 3 months to help my sarcoidosis, also taking acv and many supplements and it has improved, but I don't want all my fillings coming out. I use 2 tbsp every morning of cold pressed sesame oil organic."
09/23/2008: Kyrie from New York, NY replies: "Due to a host of illnesses brought on by accidents/surgeries and stresses, I went through and am still detoxifying for the last several years*. When I started, my gums were black in places. After a while, my gums have returned to a nice pink color. But as I continue to detoxify, my fillings are definitely shrinking. My detoxification is through chinese herbs so I am detoxifying by drawing these poisons back through my body. OP sounds like a great alternate solution - I'm going to start this week. Thank you everyone for your discussions - it is wonderful.
Anyway, I intend to get all the fillings removed as soon as possible. If you have mercury fillings, you will most likely start to lose them and so it's better to have them replaced when it's feasible. If you are detoxifying, it makes sense to get rid of one of the sources!!
* some people have a predisposition to having difficulty detoxifying (see US Govt findings on genetics/ Gulf War Syndrome). If you are in this group, it is especially important to remove mercury amalgam fillings. Others, it may not effect them as negatively (as they naturally process toxins much easier), but if you are like me, then it makes sense. Also, some detoxification programs may not be right for you as they are not right for me - my organs are so weak that I can not actually detox properly. For example - I am not allowed Omega 3 oils because they bind to the toxins which I am not excreting so it compounds the problems.
So much to know! Email me if you want particulars!"
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HOW LONG BEFORE EATING BREAKFAST AFTER O.P.?
05/08/2008: April writes: "Ok... I've read almost every miracle remedy and the most interesting to me would be oil- pulling. It has hardly any side effects and looks extremely effective not to mention beneficial for one's health. However, I have one question before trying the remedy... How many hours or min. after oil-pulling in the morning can I eat breakfast? Somebody please give me some feedback... I'll keep everybody updated on the process of oil-pulling Thanks!"
06/08/2008: Royce from Milburn , Oklahoma replies: "From all I have read here you can eat imediately after op but you need to brush teeth before and after op Then eat That is what Ted Said. So that is what i do. and yes it can make your metal fillings come out becuase the contain mercury and op removes mercury and other heavy metals, which is good, because they are more harmful than cavities. so if you op get ready to have some new fillings put in, but insist on the white composit fillings because the cotain no mercury and op pulling should not affect them."
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DEEP SINUS INFECTION
04/23/2008: Maggie writes: "I have just read your articles on "Oil Pulling". I have been diagnosed with a "deep" sinus infection on an MRI that stopped the healing process of my dental extractions. I have two openings in my mouth, one from a root perforating the sinus and another from sinus eroding the roof of my mouth.
I wonder if it is safe to do this oil pulling while these holes are present. I am desperate to get rid of this. I also suspect that the infections are loaded with yeast! They want to treat me with stronger antibiotics!! I took the saliva test and it was a positive.
Can oil pulling help yeast? Will my mouth get worse?
I really don't know what to do...so I'll give this a try.
And let you all know."
Gean from Salina, Kansas replies: "Dear Maggie, You might try the hot/cold treatment to stimulate circulation and healing. Get two basins, fill one with hot water, as hot as you can tolerate it, and the other with ice water - put ice cubes in it. Have a kettle of hot water nearby to keep adding to the hot basin as you go along. Get a cheap snorkel and breathe through that while you put your face into the hot water for 3 minutes, then the cold water for 30 seconds. Repeat this cycle of hot/cold three times, ending with cold. It's always a good idea to lie down and rest for 1/2 to 1 hour after hot/cold treatments, as the rest increases the white blood cell activity considerably."
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TONGUE PIERCING, BOWEL MOVEMENTS
04/21/2008: Lori writes: "I was reading about the oil pull and it sounds really interesting. My problem is I have a new tongue piercing that I have had about a week and I do not know if that would interfere with anything. Secondly, I am concerned about minimal bowel movements, this has been the case all of my life but now it is an issue, I have round hard belly and I would like to get rid of it and become more healthy.
I am concerned about the headaches and bouts of diarrhea according to the posts that are on the site that come along with the oil pulling and the metal of the tongue ring as well."
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OIL PULLING AND TAMOXIFEN
04/16/2008: KP writes: "Hi, I told a friend of mine about the oil pulling & was wondering if would affect her differently since she is taking tamoxifen. She had 2 lumpectomys in the past for non-invase breast cancer. She has to take the tamoxifen for 5 years but is not receiving any other treatment since they felt they removed all of the cancer. Please let me know if it would be safe for her to try oil pulling. thanks."
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ROOT CANAL AND DENTAL CROWNS
04/16/2008: Anjali Srivastva writes: "Hi, I am a 27-year-old lady from India. I had root canal treatment done on one of my incisors about 10 years ago and i had a ceramic crown placed. It is working fine and i have no problems with it. I started OP seeing its benefits on your site about 3 weeks ago and i am doing it religiously, but i am afraid my dental crown might fall off as there are no evidence in favor of OP for ppl with dental crowning or filling. Please guide me. Kind Regards, Anjali Srivastva"
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STRONG METALLIC TASTE
04/12/2008: Camille writes: "I have been oil pulling for app. 7 weeks to help with allergies and sinus problems, eczema, IBS and insomnia. I have suffered from extremely low energy levels for app. 1 year but seem to be getting better after using omega 3 supp., stress vit. and vit.c.( my hair always seems oily and dull now no matter that I wash it every day and with different shampoos ) I do not seem to notice anything with the oil pulling as yet however I have had a strong metallic taste in my mouth for a week that has not gone away yet. I started using organic sunflower oil for 20 min. which always turned white and recently switched to cold pressed organic sesame oil for 30 min. that never gets as white as the sunflower oil did. after reading your Q&A my new routine is : drink baking soda water, brush teeth with toothpaste, oil pulling, rinse with salt water,brush teeth without toothpaste and drink 2 1/2 glasses of water. Can you comment or make improvements to my routine and explain the metallic taste as no one else has mentioned it? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks."
05/18/2008: leelee from Boise, Idaho replies: "Metallic Taste Go Away: It is important to do oil pulling FIRST THING in the morning. Once you drink or brush, the toxins that have surfaced in your mouth (like the white film on your morning tongue) will be reabsorbed. Your metallic taste (I've had to "cure" this myself) is because you have unleashed some metal in your body and it has nowhere to go. Here is where you need to invest in a high quality mineral supplement. Calcium, for example, will bind to aluminum and carry it out of the body. Talk with a holistic practitioner about this as you will likely need to take as much as 1500 mg Ca per day. Chelated minerals work best. Calcium and magnesium are the big ones. Then they should be taken also on an empty stomach (after oil pulling). Good luck!"
06/01/2008: Zuuch from London, United Kingdom replies: "The metallic taste you describe and your other symptoms are caused by mercury poisoning released from dental amalgam fillings. You must please visit this site for support and information; http://members.aol.com/lynrennick2000/index.html#Bottom"
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SLEEPY AND LIGHT HEADED AFTER USING SESAME OIL
04/09/2008: Larry writes: "I have tried the SESAME OIL pulling for 3 days. I have stopped it for a week now. I have been feeling sleepy and light headed since then. Does anyone know how long this will last? Should i continue doing the oil pulling? I am a little worried about this. Please help!"
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CAN YOU DO OP WITH BRACES?
04/09/2008: Angela writes: "Wanting to try oil pulling. Can a person with braces try this or will the oil damage the braces?"
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WILL OP EFFECT MEDICATIONS?
04/04/2008: Yalanda writes: "I would really like to try oil pulling. My question is I noticed it will effect medication in the system; I take a med for my thyroid, will this remove the medication from my system or can I try this with no worries."
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LOOKING FOR RAW SESAME OIL
03/29/2008: Barbara writes: "I want to try oil pulling but can't find a health food store or Trader Joes that carries raw sesame oil. I live in Paso Robles, Calif. San Luis Obispo County. help would be appreciated Barb"
Earth Clinic replies: "Try looking online or checking out an Asian or International Market in your area."
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OIL NOT TURNING WHITE
03/20/2008: Heather writes: "I was wondering if it was common for others to swish with oil for 20 min or more and not have the oil turn white. I have tried both 1tbl sesame ond 1tbl olive and they still come back out close to their origional color. I have tried twice with each oil and always get the same result. Any suggestions would help! Thanks! Heather"
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OIL PULLING INFLAMED ROOT CANAL
03/14/2008: Ed writes: "Dear Ted,' I have read every Q and A but still have a question regarding one spot that is still getting worse after six weeks of oil pulling. All areas of my mouth have improved except the lower left incisor where I have a root canal. Initially a lot of areas flared up dramatically but I persisted and they are improving. The gum around the root canal tooth is receding exposing the root and the tooth is getting looser instead of tighter. I want to continue, what do you recommend? Sincerely"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Oil pulling does not kill all the bacteria that causes receding gums, but they are excellent in killing certain fungus that causes black teeth and heavy metals that get recirculated inside the body system. There are two remedies that I will try to prevent receding gums and I will use both of them: 1. Using a 1 - 1.5% hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash. Some people likes 3%, but I think it is too strong for some people. I prefer the food grade kind, no stabilizers and additive. Thats' the best kind. 2. I will take vitamin C sodium ascorbate 100 mg and some vitamin B complex three times a week. The B complex is helpful with gum problems especially the niacinamide B3 and the B2, which helps capillary circulation. A zinc chloride mouthwash can also be used to kill certain bacteria, I think there is one brand that uses that and it's called Lavoris. Receding gums is often caused by bacteria on plaque which pushes the gums to receded and it's worse if the saliva's pH is acid. Therefore 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/8 teaspoon of potassium bicarbonate (if possible!) to 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day will cause the saliva pH to recede. If this is all too complicated for someone, than I think a nice one tablespoon of sea salt to 1/2 glass of water used as a mouthwash is also possible. The salinity and the alkalinity usually kills most of the bacteria. As a warning, an ordinary common table salt won't work because it's pH is usually 5, at least the brands I buy here locally, while the sea salt's pH is quite often 7.5 to 8.5, which has more alkalinity and kills more bacteria and other pathogens. Some iodine added to the sea salt for example now and then can also help the healing and killing off some more bacteria too. The number of drops is often between 5-15 drops per 1/2 glass of water and sea salt can be added or not depending on whether the gums are sensitive to salt or not. As a footnote, hydrogen peroxide works deeper into the root canal, but sometimes I apply xylitol or d-mannose or mannitol, to help kill them too. They cause the bacteria to unglue and kills them by preventing formation of colonies as this removes the glue in which the bacteria colonies are attached to healthy cells. It also helped my friend's deep cavities from pain in many ocassions from further infection."
06/04/2008: Kevin from Montreal, Canada replies: "I have a root canal. I have noticed that it only flares up if I use sesame oil. That doesn't happen with any other oil (sunflower, olive, ...)."
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AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE TREATMENT
02/22/2008: Jennifer writes: "I actually have a question about oil pulling, I have a autoimmune system, (my immune system attacks my body) I'm very sick & tired of being sick & tired, are there ANY SIDE AFFECTS to oil pulling and how safe is it. I don't like taking medicine,(almost died from an allergic reaction, some help science is) I do try to treat things with home remedies, this is the first time I heard of it. Also my bf suffers from crohns disease,rheumatoid arthritis, and had a brain stem stroke, she is only 32 & has 4 kids could this benefit her & could there be any bad effects from meds she is on? Any replies will be GREATLY APPRECIATED! Thank You & God Bless! P.S. Sorry if I posted this wrong!"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "For my experience, an autoimmunity is due to a fungus like organism and heavy metals. That two is the major cause I have found and treating these two cause I have found to work the best. In event of an autoimmunity, I prefer much more to alkalize first, preferably 2 tablespoons of lemon juice plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken twice times a day. The alkalization tend to reduce the autoimmunity if done for at least two weeks. Therefore on the second or third week will I start oil pulling. To minimize the problems from oil pulling from detox effect as minimum and problem free, I will add a drop or two of peppermint oil into the oil, preferably olive oil to enable the reduction of heavy metals which tends to cause autoimmunity, by pulling heavy metals out of the saliva, which are circulated and recirculated constantly in the body. I will keep the oil pulling to do only 5 minutes or less would be sufficient enough to remove heavy metals. This can be once a day or preferably every other day. Finally the most important remedy against autoimmunity is the borax remedy which a minimum of 1/4 teaspoon of borax dissolved in one liter of water, plus perhaps 30 drops of 3% H2O2. The only reason why H2O2 is added to help increase energy in case the autoimmunity caused a weakness to the system. If there is too much H2O2 and causes some headache, I may take 1000 mg of sodium ascorbate vitamin C, which goes away relatively quick within a couple of hours. These are just the bare basic remedy that I have found most important for me. In addition the adding of d-mannose 500 mg taken three times a day is also helpful too. It prevents pathogens from attaching to healthy cells, however, I have found xylitol and even mannitol to have similar effects also. I have noticed that the above remedy were also helpful to Crohn disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. But in case of arthritis, the borax remedy needs to be taken 4 or 5 days out of a week, and 1/2 teaspoon of xylitol were at least added to help. The d-mannose 1/2 teaspoon can also be substituted or added also. Finally in emphasis of rheumatoid arthritis 20,000 i.u. of vitamin D2 and vitamin K2 250 mcg taken once a day further helps in emphasis of that condition. Glucosamine sulfate were only moderately helpful on the joint, at least in the short run."
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ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
02/20/2008: Jennifer writes: "I actually have a question about oil pulling, I have a autoimmune system, (my immune system attacks my body) I'm very sick & tired of being sick & tired, are there ANY SIDE AFFECTS to oil pulling and how safe is it. I don't like taking medicine,(almost died from an allergic reaction, some help science is) I do try to treat things with home remedies, this is the first time I heard of it. Also my bf suffers from crohns disease,rheumatoid arthritis, and had a brain stem stroke, she is only 32 & has 4 kids could this benefit her & could there be any bad effects from meds she is on? Any replies will be GREATLY APPRECIATED! Thank You & God Bless! P.S. Sorry if I posted this wrong!"
Earth Clinic replies: "Please read our remedy side effects page."
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ISN'T COCONUT OIL A LIQUID?
02/13/2008: Suzanne writes: "The EVC Oil I bought is not a liquid Have I missed something here. I love the results of the seasame oil but would like to try the cocnut oil . Do I heat this up a bit or have I made a mistake and bought the wrong stuff? Thank you."
Earth Clinic replies: "No, not the wrong item. Coconut Oil solidifies in cooler climates. It will "melt" in your mouth!"
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HAS ANYONE TRIED CASTOR OIL?
02/09/2008: Sam writes: "Hi, I am wondering if castor oil is another oil that can be used for OP. It has worked miracles for my family externally and does pull things out like ingrown nails and hair. So would this be a good choice for OP. Thanks for your time."
Earth Clinic replies: "No feedback thus yet on anyone trying castor oil! If you do try it, please let us know the results!"
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CAN IT DAMAGE TOOTH ENAMEL?
01/28/2008: Elisabeth writes: "I posted a question on the 23 of Jan, which I can't find on your site. I am concerned about oil pulling as I found out that both sesame and sunflower oil have a pH of 5 and I am wondering if oil pulling can damage tooth enamel. My teeth have been hurting and have become more sensitive after 5 months of oil pulling. Best regards"
05/11/2008: Nicole from Chicago, IL replies: "Response to Elizabeth (01/28/2008) regarding Oil pulling and dental enamel: I don't think oil can have a ph. Ph is the proportional concentration of H ions to OH ions when an organic compound is dissolved in water. If H is higher the solution is acidic and if OH is higher, alkaline. Both alkaline and acid solutions are somewhat caustic because these unstable ions are "looking for" other molecules with which to react. Oil cannot be dissolved in water, so as far as I know, it cannot alter the ph of a solution."
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HOW TO CONQUER THE SWALLOWING URGE?
01/26/2008: Caroline writes: "no one seems to have this problem, I cannot oil pull for more than 2 mins, cos my natural reflex is to swallow, do you have any suggestions as to how I can get over this? I am trying to do 2 mins and increase it by the day, unless you have better suggestion."
03/12/2008: Suzanne from Dorset, UK replies: "I just wanted to say to Caroline (1/26/2008) that I understand her problem because I get the urge to swallow quite easily too. For me the simple solution is to tip the head forward so that the oil leaves the back of the tongue and mouth for a few seconds. I can then lift my head up and resume oil pulling until the urge to swallow arrives again. In time, you will be able to control it better."
06/11/2008: Susan from Gainesville, FL replies: "Caroline, did you figure out an answer? I have the same problem with feeling the need to swallow! Can anyone help?"
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GAG REFLEX -- HOW TO GET OVER IT
01/26/2008: Caroline writes: "no one seems to have this problem, I cannot oil pull for more than 2 mins, cos my natural reflex is to swallow, do you have any suggestions as to how I can get over this? I am trying to do 2 mins and increase it by the day, unless you have better suggestion."
Jacie from USA replies: "Regarding Oil Pulling. This is a reply to Caroline from Boston, MA and for anyone else who might be experiencing the reflex to swallow the oil. I myself don%uFFFDt have the same response to swallow the oil but I thought your question was interesting and have been giving it some thought. I have only just started oil pulling, so I don%uFFFDt have a lot of experience or any results to report yet, nor am I in the health field, but I wanted to offer you some ideas. Here are some suggestions, and if anyone with authority on this topic can offer any corrections or cautions, please do so:
1) Consider using less oil, perhaps you won%uFFFDt have that internal nudge to reduce the amount in your mouth.
2) Conversely, consider using more oil, perhaps the sensation of fullness in your mouth may actually diminish the swallow reflex, by reducing the association with eating; and trigger an acceptance that "this is for swishing only%uFFFD.
3) Try a different type of oil. I am just using extra virgin olive oil right now because that is what I have on hand. As much as I revere olive oil for it%uFFFDs many health benefits and uses in cooking, I don%uFFFDt have a desire to swallow a whole mouthful; it does have a strong and distinct taste. (Great stuff, otherwise!)
4) Consider adding some toothpaste to your mix, it may cause your reflex system to associate the oil pulling with your habit of not swallowing your toothpaste when you brush your teeth. I don%uFFFDt know if any of the ingredients, natural or synthetic chemicals, in either the conventional or natural types of toothpaste might be contraindicative to oil pulling. (For myself I have recently switched to an all natural brand in order to stop taking the fluoride.) Perhaps a chemist such as Ted, or someone who has more background in OP might offer their opinions about this suggestion. Please jump in here, I%uFFFDm just tossing out an idea, maybe someone can build upon it.
5) Be gentle with yourself. Say, OK I found I can handle 2 minutes doing this, that%uFFFDs great! Now this time I%uFFFDm going to try for 3 minutes. Whatever amount of time I accomplish, I will acknowledge my efforts & my success! Literally pat yourself on the back afterwards. Slowly work up to more time.
6) Use your mind as an ally. Rather than focusing on trying %uFFFDnot%uFFFD to swallow, focus instead simply on the sensation and movement of swishing. It%uFFFDs like the old pink elephant test %uFFFD if you try not to think about a pink elephant, what do you think about? A pink elephant, of course. So in this case you want to keep your thoughts focused only on what you DO want. First, get relaxed, take some enjoyable deep breaths. Imagine that you are going to have a pleasant experience. Be very present to what you are doing. Perhaps create a routine of where to swish first, second and so on, in order to help your concentration. You could create a rhythm. Try putting on some favorite music! You might laugh, but, don%uFFFDt you agree things are more effective when they are fun and not so serious?
7) Along the same lines you might like to use some visualization imagery, like seeing in your mind%uFFFDs eye some waves in a pool being splashed about as people are playing and having a good time in the sunshine. It would help keep your attention on your goal and the positive image creates positive endorphins. You don%uFFFDt have to see a vivid picture, just work with whatever association or image you come up with. Any of this should get easier with practice. Trust yourself!
A side note: using positive imagery whenever you can is very helpful in home remedies and all healing!
Peace, Light & Blessings!"
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OP BEFORE OR AFTER BRUSHING TEETH?
01/22/2008: KAT writes: "I have been doing oil pulling for 2 weeks a question and comment: why brush first? I undersand the need to brush after but why first. I have noticed a decrease in the white stuff on my lips in am which I have alsways thought was yeast. That is it so far. It is hard to swish and chomp for 15 to 20 min. 10 to 15 has been the most I can do. I am using Sunflower oil."
1/19/2008: Chris from Toronto, Canada writes: "question for oilpulling. I brush my teeth before I go to bed. I do oil pulling with sesame oil when I wake up in the morning, then I brush my teeth and have breakfast afterwards.Now you are recommending oilpull between brshing teeths.What is the rational of brushing teeth before oil pulling?"
10/22/2007: Rainbow from San Carlos, CA writes: "Found some discrepanices in the instructions. This website suggested "before brushing the teeth" while oilpulling. com says "after brushing teeth". Which one is correct?"
Earth Clinic replies: "All of the instructions from India report to oil pull before brushing teeth."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "My preferred way is to do oil pulling between brushing of teeth. However, the second best that was done is to do the brushing of teeth first than oil pulling. The reason why that is done is I did encounter some health issues with such use in a many cases.
The bacterial and virus loads is extremely high whenever the teeth are NOT brushed. When the oil pulling is done WITHOUT brushing of the teeth, during the swishing, the bacteria gets removed from their usual places and expands to other areas in large amounts, such as throat, tonsils, esophagus, etc. which lead to severe inflammation AFTER the oil pulling, despite the fact that a brushing of teeth was performed.
The fact is the loosened or free bacteria (freed by oil pulling) has expanded to other areas before brushing during the swishing of the mouth.
This has happened in a number of cases so when bacteria loads were removed after brushing, then doing oil pulling the problems were reduced. However, the issue about stray oil in the mouth needs to be removed completely therefore, an optional brushing of teeth may be needed.
The rationale for that is heavy metals are oil soluble and may be found in the stray oil left in the mouth. If not all oils were remove from the mouth, heavy metals are not removed.
Therefore, I prefer that it is done between brushing, but if that is not possible, doing the oil pulling after the brushing is preferred as it reduces the bacteria and viruses load which increases if they were not removed first by brushing of the teeth.
It should be noted that thick plaques can best be removed by brushing of teeth, and not by oil pulling. If it were that easy, we won't need the brushes to clean the thick plaque, but they do require mechanical force to remove these.
Assuming on the other hand, that oil pulling was done first, then brushing of teeth, it is quite possible some of these thick plaque, and I have seem some large ones the size of a peanut (they hide in the way back of the teeth) can be dislodged with the oil pulling by a simple swishing of the mouth, but the interesting part is some parts of these thick plaque do accidentally get into the throat if the brushing of teeth were not performed and these can be toxic to the stomach or may cause inflammation of the throat or even the esophagus. There are other reasons besides this, but these are the common problem I have encountered."
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SHOULD I REPEAT THE PROCESS?
01/19/2008: ANNALEE writes: "Hi I have been oilpulling for over a week now, and can feel the benefits of this, clearer head and sleeping better. My question is, even tho you recommend pulling for 10 - 20 mins, I have noticed that the oil in my mouth turns white really quickly, sometimes after just a few mins. Does this mean i have high levels of toxins?? I was wondering if I should spit it out after 5 mins and start again and repeating the process to reap the full benefits, as I seem just to be swishing the toxic substance around in my mouth!! I use unrefined sesame oil, do you think repaeting the process within the 20 mins would be of more benefit to me??"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Annalee: When I first used oil pulling it becomes white within a minute or two. Therefore there is really no need to continue to all the way to 20 minutes and just spit it out when it does become white. I noticed, and it might be just me, that continued oil pulling took longer and longer time of swishing to get the white liquid. Hence, it may be that there is less toxins with continued oil pulling. Of course the only way to really know for certain is to actually analyze that. What I do know for sure, is that there is free heavy metals that the oil pulling does pull out from the saliva of the mouth and prevents it from recirculating, poisoning the system. Therefore with continued use, the oil soluble heavy metals get removed with continued use. And I have noted that it doesn't take 20 minutes to remove most of that, however it is the frequency of use such as two times a day or three times a day, which are more critical, given of course that the person in question does have high heavy metal toxins (at the very least) may required to do it more often."
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WHICH OIL IS BEST FOR ME?
01/17/2008: Cynthia writes: "I started OP 5 days ago with Sesame oil thinking it would help my Bacteria Vaginosis that I cannot seem to get rid of. Should I be using Coconut Oil instead? Also, I have developed a sore throat, should I include a couple of drops of Tea Tree Oil in my OP? Thanks so much!"
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SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
01/02/2008: Amy writes: "Question: I would like to try oil pulling because I have a sinus infection and don't want to take antibiotics. Catch: I'm pregnant. Since this would be detoxing, could it get into my system and effect my unborn?"
06/01/2008: Zuuch from London, United Kingdom replies: "Sinus infections can be cured almost immediately using green tea nasal douche or 'neti' as its called in India. (Basically its pouring water through your nose with a teapot - it wont sting if theres no chlorine in it ) If you put small amounts of garlic and ginger juice into the tea it will clear up infections very quickly, usually with just one treatment. Under no circumstances should you take anti bios for sinus infections, particularly if pregnant. Search web for techniques to do neti."
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SUNFLOWER OIL
10/17/2007: David writes: "To Whom It May Concern: RE: "Protocol" for Sunflower Oil. My question: "Are there different potencies of sunflower oil? Is so what potency should I use for this Protocol? And, this Protocol is referring to the Sunflower Essential Oil and not the oil used for cooking?" What kind of sunflower oil should be used to do the job for this protocol? Please advise..."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "My own protocol for sunflower oil are somewhat different from the standard protocol itself as the desired objective to achieve is different, which is to remove heavy metals. The antiviral and especially noted is the antibacterial properties of it which kills the bacteria or fungal substances that cause black teeth is noted). The generally studied sunflower oil for oil pulling involves using the refined sunflower oil, as it is more efficient in pulling out especially the heavy metals. Hence the different potencies of sunflower oil in regards to effectiveness in oil pulling, technically a refined oil would work better. The reason why I know this is based on experience that a sesame seed oil is commonly cold press using a giant metal roller drums, whereby oils have a general affinity to heavy metals since metals are hydrophobic just like the oil and becomes soluble. I get many more complaints from sesame seed oil then I do from sunflower oil. The scientific study recommended the use of refined oil. The potencies of sunflower oil in that regard is more geared to being refined. If the use for nutritional purposes, the best potencies are the sunflower that are not refined, but taken as a whole. The objective is different and potencies in that regard are different. In regard to antiviral potencies, because of the extra virgin olive oil seems to gave the minimum of the problems and do have some antiviral since the olive leaf plant in itself is antiviral, mostly from the oleuropein. In that regard the potencies, at least in my opinion is best served here. Hence if essential sunflower oil is considered in regards to oil pulling, it is more limited in that ability because of its lack of being refined and its ability for cleansing, removal of heavy metals effect is somewhat more limited. But if it is used as a nutritional supplement,an non-refined sunflower oil, is more ideal, having many potential nutritional qualities. "
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OIL NEVER TURNS WHITE, PROBLEM?
10/13/2007: Joy writes: "Dear Ted, I have been oil pulling with sesame oil for a few days now. I do it in the morning when I first get up with no food or drink on my stomach. Then I do it in the afternoon before supper, again on an empty stomach. I have followed the instructions to the letter and have pulled for 20 minutes. However, every time I spit,it is very think and liquified; but it is still a pale yellow and never white. Am I doing something incorrectly? I have swished continually during the whole pulling time. I have not seen any significant changes in my sinus troubles--good or bad (which is what prompted this procedure after trying every other holistic method out there). Should I try OP with sunflower oil? Please respond. Thanks! Joy "
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "My personal experience is I don't like sesame seed oil that much despite other website claims on the contrary. I also get the most negative feedback from sesame seed too.
Thus most of the benefits I do note came from either sunflower oil or the virgin olive oil. For sinus problem, that's a different ball game altogether and would dictate what oils I would use. Hence, extra virgin olive oil used as oil pulling (the color of the extra virgin oilve should be green) and its antiviral component is an important factor here. I would also try some olive leaf extract or if I have an olive tree, I will wash it and eat them fresh. The olive leaves are high in oleuropein, and this might be found also in trace amounts in the extra virgin olive oil too.
A standard sinus problem require also 1000 mg of vitamin C (rose hips) taken two or three times a day for at least a month to note a decrease, although zinc acetate are also important in its own right because of that being antiviral.
If a sinus is indeed chronic, I would consider adding BHT 500 mg taken only a couple of days and usually that helped me. Certain species of virus causing the sinus are sensitive to peppermint oil, so perhaps eating peppermint leaves, or adding peppermint oil a couple of drops a couple of times a day help. The reason why I know this was I also once had a chronic sinus problem decades ago, of course.
It is still always a foundation of good health that before I do anything, I simply have to alkalize myself otherwise most remedies simply won't work. A bare minimum remedy required me to take between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day, for at about 5 days out of a week. Once the body is properly alkalized does the other remedy responds. I can't stress how important this is. It is the same if you try to raise fish aquarium where monitoring the pH of the aquarium fish tanks are critical to the health of the fishes too.
We humans, don't take care of our own species as well as other animals. Perhaps human are somewhat predatory for our own species. Hence the best way out of this paradox is to do what we do to fishes!"
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HOW DO I KNOW IF IT'S WORKING?
10/09/2007: Peggy writes: "I have been doing oil pulling for three months now. Morning and bedtime. I am not sure how I feel about it. But I know that it moves heavy metal. I use the extra virgin olive oil for 20 minutes each time and it is white foam. My question is difficult to me and requires Ted to answer.
How do you know that this is working and how should I feel after three months of use? How often should I be doing this? My mouth feels great afterward. I'm just not sure. So I bought a 7 day total body detox cleans which I am on my third day. After this I have bought the Humic Fulvic Acid That Ted mentions about. I will do this daily for life after I complete the detox program. Ted is this too much to be doing. I so want to be healthy. I have the BSM, ACV, VCO, 3% Hydogen P. and started the Lecithin Granules ( apple cinnamon flavor) I love this with Rasberry juice three times a day. I hope to see improvement in my cholesterol. Which I will update on the site after doc visit. Ted please help! I am overwhelmed and need all these. But is it wise to do all this daily? Thank you and I thank God every night for this site and its members. God Bless!"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Peggy:
'Ted is this too much to be doing. I so want to be healthy.
For me, I don't believe in doing it every day. The body always needs a break, such as a 2 day break once every week at least. My intention of oil pulling is to do it once a day. So the fact that you are doing it twice a day seems a bit too much. For example, people who do chelation therapy typically feel better (more energy) getting less colds, but the effect should be felt on the THIRD month, assuming it's heavy metal toxicity.
A good scheduling of oil pulling is to make sure it does not cause you to be sick too much where the oils overwhelms the body. To prevent that, it is why I added the extra peppermint oil to the oil pulling, as well as doing this between brushing of teeth. There ARE certain people who do oil pulling to feel worse during the oil pulling. So if it feels worse, than the body is rejecting the oils, or the quality of the oils is not good. I get the least effects with the olive oil. As to the reason why, it might be that the component of olive oil might have the some active antiviral which are also found in olive leaf extract that is also found in extra virgin olive oil. Typically most of the problems experience seems to be other oils and the olive oil extra virgin, or virgin has the least of the problems, to such an extent that oil pulling with olive oil sometimes need not be added the peppermint oil. While other oil pulling people use the traditional non-olive oil, such as sesame seed and sunflower, my own experience shows it is the olive oil that people usually don't get sick from. A feeling of a clean mouth is one indicator that the mouth is in good shape and the fact that it is free from noticeable side effect is the other that I might look at. However, a positive oil pulling energy levels is something that is important.
As to the cholesterol issue, taking granulated lecithin at leat for me, weight loss and lower cholesterol is seen on the first month and that I think is quite good.
It should be noted that I take supplements whenever I feel I need to take it, with possible exceptions of alkalizing which has to be taken whenever the pH is off, which in my case, can happen quite often. I am somewhat conservative in my approach and take them whenever I feel the need for it from such symptoms lack of energy, toxicity, and dark circle under the eyes.
While it is true that I do not take them everyday, those that I do take everyday, the body also needs a rest. If a sickness is felt when oil pulling it might mean that the body's level of toxins are high and some "space" is required. Such as instead of doing it everyday, it might mean doing it every other day. If people don't feel side effect and feels better with more frequent use, than, the body is probably telling what is happening to the body. However, even a positive sign, in my instance, still requires we stop two days a week, so that the body can have a time to relax and detoxify itself also. Assuming it was done non-stop, as in some supplements I noted, a pull back is noted on usually 8th day of continuous taking of detoxing supplements, such as chlorella, EDTA, chinese parsley and the like.
My approach is to do it in somewhat extreme moderation and not do too much. The reason why I find this the best is that people sometimes get too enthusiastic and overdo it. Whenever side effects from overdoing things is felt, people than abandon them prematurely. So the best approach is to start slowly, give it a rest such as two days out of a week, as a general rule of thumb.
Yes, it is best to have everything, but at the same time we need not take them everyday, and some we can take it when I feel there is the need. Some exceptions occur with lecithin, getting urine pH to alkaline, and perhaps, oil pulling to some extent, especially if the mouth feels great, and I don't get sore throat from such use.
Technically it is quite possible to do all, if some people feel the need, but even if that is considered, a two day break is still needed. Oil pulling twice a day may seem too much at least for me, but certain people with mouth problems do in fact do that twice a day."
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METAL FILLINGS
09/28/2007: M writes: "So if you have metal fillings it may or may not effect them. My husband is worried his fillings will come out and then he will have the expense of new ones. I told him that could be a good thing.What has the spitting in water things? I am using coconut oil, *Should it be olive or sesame?"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "The oil pulling won't remove the fillings, generally speaking, but if it does, getting a resin composite fillings doesn't have a heavy metals and looks great cosmetically. Aside from the mercury safety issues from metal fillings, the metals tend to expand and causes the teeth to crack and in my case, the entire teeth disintegrated. While a resin does the opposite, it tends to shrink overtime, creating a leak. The advantage of the resin is it tends to preserve the structure of the teeth without pushing out to crack the teeth. When doing a composite filling make sure the component of the mix is not an estrogen disruptor but a brocolli or cabbage, which have indole 3 carbinol, will ev