Oil Pulling Benefits with Sesame, Sunflower, and Coconut Oils

on Jun 23, 2009| Modified on Sep 07, 2024
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Best Oil for Oil Pulling
Posted by Sandy (Bangalore, India)
★★★★★

Dear Earthclinic,

Based on all feedback received for oil pulling (as seen on your oil pulling pages), I have created the following list of cures by oil pulling with various oils:

1. Sesame Oil

  • Cleared vaginal infections
  • Improved tooth, gum, mouth, and bad breath issues
  • Tightened loose teeth
  • Heart felt better
  • Improved mood (depression replaced by happy thoughts)
  • Better vision (colors become vivid)
  • No underarm odor
  • Reduced cravings and helped de-addiction
  • Increased alertness
  • Reduced pimples
  • Cured TMJ disorder
  • Moisturized skin
  • Healed dry, cracked heels
  • Hair regrowth on bald spot
  • Cleared sinuses
  • Prevented colds/flu
  • Improved complexion (healthier cheeks)
  • Cured keratosis pilaris
  • More energetic
  • Reduced allergies
  • Appeared 10 years younger
  • Closed open pores on face
  • Reduced wrinkles
  • Returned swollen glands to normal for HIV+ person
  • Cured anemia within 1 month
  • Normalized lipase enzyme levels within 1 month
  • Reduced bloating/edema
  • Decreased fibromyalgia pain
  • Cured insomnia, led to deep sleep
  • Reduced dark circles around eyes
  • Cured hangover after alcohol consumption
  • Improved digestion
  • Reduced back, neck, and joint pain
  • Cured hives in 2 weeks
  • Reduced period pain and cramping
  • Experienced colon cleansing
  • Eczema disappeared
  • Glowing skin
  • Stopped headaches
  • Faded age spots
  • Healed canker sores
  • Subsided PMS
  • Eliminated asthma
  • Lost weight
  • Cured diarrhea

2. Sunflower Oil

  • Improved tooth, gum, mouth, and bad-breath issues
  • Whiter teeth, corrected sensitivity
  • Cleared sinus
  • Cured toothache
  • Balanced blood cholesterol when oil-pulled in the morning
  • Reduced postmenopausal hot flushes
  • Woke up refreshed
  • Thicker hair
  • Improved clarity of thought
  • Reduced swollen lymph nodes
  • Increased energy (many reported this)
  • Reduced dependence on caffeine (oil pulling gave a huge energy rush)
  • Improved blood circulation (cold hands/feet became warmer)
  • Reduced cravings
  • Healthier skin
  • Eliminated dry eyes
  • Cleared sugar from the body faster
  • Cured pulmonary fibrosis and cancer
  • Stopped vaginal discharge
  • Cleared breathing and improved sleep
  • Decongested lungs and eliminated coughing
  • Eliminated herpes simplex virus
  • Healed cold sores and canker sores
  • Cleared allergies
  • Eliminated hangover (due to alcohol)
  • Lost weight, especially around lower abdomen (4 pounds in 20 days)
  • Improved sleep
  • Reduced body aches, strains, and fatigue
  • Regularized periods
  • Eliminated ear itch
  • Improved vision and eye clarity
  • Eliminated indigestion and gas
  • Healed cracked heels
  • Reduced dark circles under eyes

3. Olive Oil

  • Improved mouth health
  • Reduced jaw pain
  • Cleared sinus
  • Nails grew fast with white tips
  • Hair grew fast and thicker
  • Increased energy and mental clarity
  • Elevated mood
  • Healed cracked heels
  • Softer hair and skin
  • Stopped wheezing/coughing
  • Stopped itchy/dry eyes
  • Thicker, softer beard
  • Helped de-addiction from tobacco, alcohol, caffeine
  • Reduced back pain
  • Cleared nasal and ear blockage
  • Lost weight
  • Minimized face pores
  • Reduced under-eye puffiness
  • Improved vision
  • Smoothed lines around eyes
  • Cured brain fog

4. Coconut Oil

  • Suppressed appetite, resulting in weight loss
  • Relaxing effect
  • Reduced nerve and joint pain
  • Easier breathing, stopped snoring
  • Reduced bloating/edema (in 6 days)
  • Stabilized blood pressure
  • Improved oral health (teeth, gum, breath)
  • Closed gaps between teeth
  • Cleared sinus
  • Heightened sense of taste
  • Cleared inner ear infection
  • Eliminated rocking/imbalance sensation
  • Glowing, moisturized skin
  • Increased energy, mobility, and vigor

5. Cod Liver Oil

  • Improved teeth health
  • Better skin

6. Avocado Oil

  • Healthier, shinier hair
  • Flattened bags under eyes
  • Cleared sinus

7. Cedar Nut Oil

  • Whiter teeth

8. Canola Oil

  • Improved mouth health

9. Walnut Oil

  • Got rid of gum problems

10. Castor Oil

  • Induces sleep

11. Black Cumin Seed Oil

  • Drained mucus

12. Safflower Oil

  • Pulled sensation in arm gone
  • Improved oral health (teeth, gum, mouth, bad breath)
  • Lost weight
  • Felt energetic and active
  • Cured Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Eliminated chocolate addiction
  • Improved hair and skin health
  • Healed scar
  • Improved periods and PMS
  • Improved voice
  • Improved sleep
  • Decreased hair shedding

Related Links:

Oil Pulling: Unlock Natural Oral Health & Detox Benefits


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Broad Benefits

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Lisa (Milton, Ga) on 06/28/2015
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Hi Sandy, I've started oil pulling with coconut oil. Within 3 weeks I stopped having tooth aches, loose teeth healed, TMJ & lock jaw disappeared. Lower back pain reduced, Arthritis in hands gone. Then I added Safflower oil. My libido returned to what it was prebaby after only 3 days! Other hormone related problems are also disappearing such as hot flashes, inability to regulate temperature, random bouts of rage or crying, and insomnia. I pull 3-6x a day for 20 minute periods.


Comments on Oils

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Nonukes (Hyogo, Japan) on 09/21/2014
★★★★★

It might be worth noting that although coconut trees grow in India, traditional Ayurvedic oil pulling involves sesame or sunflower oil. And it might be worth noting that the person who first promoted (so far as I know) OP with coconut oil also has an interest in a coconut growers? association of some kind. I don't remember the name of either, but he has published various books on coconut oil. Always ask what the guy is selling. Always ask who might benefit. It is possible that in India sesame oil and sunflower oil are more readily available or less expensive, so are available to more people. Could someone comment on why coconut oil is not used for Ayurvedic oil pulling?

I don't understand why anyone would use canola oil. There is no canola plant. Canola oil is highly refined rapeseed oil. As it comes from the plant it is highly beneficial to health, but in processing it has long exposure to heat, light, and air, all of which degrade it, so that it is unhealthful before it even arrives at the supermarket. Just search on YouTube canola oil how it's made. On various oils (not for OP but on oils in general) see raypeatdotcom (several articles).

Thank you for all the useful information on Earth Clinic.


Mustard Oil

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Tapas (Singapore ) on 05/14/2014
★★★★★

The best oil for oil-pulling is Mustard Oil.


Oil Pulling Compilation by Sandy

6 User Reviews
5 star (6) 
  100%

Posted by Cara (Usa) on 05/15/2016

Sounds like me. Don't really notice anything positive except whiter teeth. Might switch from coconut oil to something else. Sesame is the strongest. I am retaining water and gained a size in 6 weeks. Does it sting your throat and make you cough? I've been op for 6 weeks.

Replied by Maddio
(Endwell, Ny)
08/03/2016

Cara, thank you for mentioning the cough and scratchy throat! I was beginning to think it was only me. I get it most when I oil pull with coconut oil. Anyone have any solutions? Last night I sucked on a cough drop in bed, but don't want to do that every night.

Replied by Michael
(New Zealand)
08/03/2016

Hi Maddio, Just a couple of brief thoughts! Firstly, are you using a good quality Coconut Oil? And yes, I know that the "Extra Virgin" label is not the same as it would mean for Olive Oil. Complicated of course but you can google this subject. Secondly, maybe your body is trying to rid itself of some problems and you are experiencing some (hopefully) temporary symptoms. In the latter case, you can either stop doing the treatment for a while or reduce the frequency of the treatment and see what happens.Gotta listen to what is happening and maybe make the change required? I use Coconut Oil for both pulling and eating and don't have this problem but we all react in different ways. I do not plan to switch to another oil but you might wish to consider others. I did check with my supplier to ascertain if they had a quality assurance type programe in place and I was reasonably satisfied.

Replied by Paula
(Ca)
08/13/2016

I too have OP'd with Coconut Oil a few times and experienced the sore throat, and my tongue feels raw. I will try the Sesame Oil and see how I feel with that. I am trying to correct a tooth abscess naturally instead of having some invasive work done by the dentist. I also do salt water washes as well. If I do not see that I am on the mend in a week I will call the dentist.

Replied by Wendy
(FL)
10/22/2022

I had the same problem! Although I love the taste of coconut oil, due to this, I changed to Sunflower Oil. No more choking, coughing, etc! CHANGE OIL! :)


Oil Pulling Compilation by Sandy
Posted by Jim (Frostburg) on 02/02/2016
★★★★★

I strongly suspect 'oil-pulling' works because of the physical suction produced by the 'pulling'. This suction gets blood into the gum tissue, as cupping would effect in skin areas. Thus, there is no need to keep one dose of oil (or salt/borax/baking soda and water, if you prefer that agent) in the mouth for such an extended time; spit or swallow and take another sip. I also believe swallowing the used oil (or water) is actually of benefit as it introduces the supposed 'poisons' to your stomach, allowing that to register and trigger your body's self-defense -- the basis of homeopathy.


Oil Pulling Compilation by Sandy
Posted by Emma (Massachusetts) on 02/01/2016

How does one hold anything in their mouth (and swish) for 15-20 minutes without the need to swallow?

Replied by KT
(Usa)
02/01/2016

Dear Emma,

I hold whatever I swish up in the front of my mouth, more between my teeth. You could try to practice that with some water first to see if that helps you. Good luck!

Replied by Susan
(California)
02/02/2016

If you absolutely have to swallow, cough, or whatever, spit the oil into a cup and put it back into you mouth and continue swishing after you've swallowed, etc.

Replied by Pam E.
(SouthWestern California)
11/10/2022
150 posts

I'm small (including my mouth), so when I tried oil pulling with 1 Tbsp for 20 mins, it was hard to keep from swallowing or drooling. It was the buildup of saliva that made it so hard, but there's enough room for that if I use less oil! ... Use the same self control you use when the dentist is doing extended work in your mouth to not swallow.

Replied by Michael
(USA)
02/07/2023
★★★★★

Dry-swallowing is how I do it. Basically tell yourself the oil is for cleaning, not swallowing, and will your body to respond thus. Using sunflower oil--may try coconut oil for variety--and my body does feel like something unpleasant was extracted after complete the oil pulling. Early stages here, so got no more to offer yet.

Replied by Kelly Ann
(AZ)
04/29/2023

Swish as long as possible, then spit and use more, swish again -- do it for 20 min but do it for less time with more product if you saliva glands are going bonkers -- if it doesn't even out, let us know.


Oil Pulling Compilation by Sandy
Posted by Harsha (Karnataka) on 05/16/2015
★★★★★

Good comparison, especially between coconut oil and sesame oil. I try both often and feel that they are far better than any other.


Oil Pulling Compilation by Sandy
Posted by Billie (Ohio, US) on 04/06/2015

Does anyone have any ideas on helping me from not gagging while trying to oil pull? I've tried flavoring the oil with essential oils, but I can't seem to quit gagging. Thank-you!!

Replied by KT
(Usa)
04/07/2015

Maybe try a smaller amount for five minutes.

Replied by Becky
(South Carolina)
06/09/2015
★★★★★

Billie, I divided it up into 4 tsp, each in a shot glass. The first tsp I added a small amount of raw honey, then followed by the other three tsp's . Swishing with each tsp as long as I could.

Replied by basa
(prague)
04/05/2023
★★★★★

A few years later in reply, but I pull with organic raw coconut oil. I put a gallop of a spoon in my mouth and got used to the texture, imagine it's some kind of a desert. Nice coconut taste helps. You can mix it with a drop of quality essential peppermint oil like Young Living or DoTerra but oil on its own suffices. Imagine how all the toxins are being sucked into the oil by the sloshing action and all the benefits you get from that should by a mile outweigh the time you get used to the texture .. its only 12-15 mins a day and the benefits are enormous. Good luck.


Oil Pulling Compilation by Sandy
Posted by Marilyn (Flanders, NJ ) on 06/24/2009
★★★★★

Sandy - You are awesome, thank you so much. It's been difficult to get my friends to dedicate their time to reading all the testimonies that are so important. When I discovered this site, I did have the time, and was convinced easily by the wonderful feedback. So now, I can point out your hard work to my friends with confidence. I am so grateful! Bless you.


Sesame Oil

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Sue (Phoenix) on 02/01/2020
★★★★★

I began oil pulling with organic sesame oil just five days ago and hooked for rest of my life. Wish I would have known about this 20 years ago. In just using oil for five days, I have totally not had any urge for sweets...chips...etc. I have always been a healthy type of person, but, have had problem with sweets. Now using oil pulling and my detox toothpaste, I am sure now the several problem gum pockets will totally disappear. Now looking forward to getting rid of 15 pounds of body fat! I have, in the past, tried everything to try to suppress my appetite for sugars and fatty things. Nothing worked. This is crazy just in five days I can look at a bag of Reese's Pieces and Cheetos and NOT even want.


Sesame Oil
Posted by Murray (Melbourne, Australia) on 03/29/2013
★★★★★

Research indicates that Sesame and Sunflower oils are the best two for OP. I also read that Sesame Sesame seed oil is absorbed quickly and penetrates through the tissues to the very marrow of the bone. It is said to enter into the blood stream through the capillaries and circulates. The liver does not sweep sesame seed oil molecules from the blood, accepting those molecules as friendly. As I am wanting healing for a chronic form of leukemia this circulation to the bone marrow is potentially beneficial. The challenge is this: When I OP with Sunflower oil for 20 minutes it turns white but not when I OP with Sesame oil. I therefore tried a 50/50 blend of Sunflower/Sesame oils for 20 minutes and it DID turn white. My question: Is there benefits from blending the two oils? Will I get the benefits to my bone marrow from the Sesame oil if it is blended with Sunflower oil? Are there dangers in blending these two particular oils or things I should be aware of? Thanks in advance :-)