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.
Dental Issues
Posted by Joojoo (Tampa, Fl) on 07/16/2014
I have used coconut oil for oil pulling the last 2 days. Part of my gum is inflamed today, like red, puffy, and it feels kind of raw when I touch them with my tongue. I looked everywhere on the internet, and haven't seen anyone with the same experience. Is this normal? Are there ways to heal the gum or should I just keep pulling? I do have lots of fillings and 2 root canals. Thank you!
Side Effects
Posted by Maxine (Guayaquil, Ecuador) on 06/20/2014
Hi all. My local supermarket, here in Ecuador, has started selling Sacha Inchi "extra virgin" olive oil. I'd never heard of it before. Has anyone any experience of the oil or the seeds? I used it for the first time yesterday to oil pull and the detoxing effect was higher than when I've pulled with sunflower oil or virgin olive oil. Headaches, flu type symptoms, etc. I will, however, continue and see what happens after I've finished the bottle. Thanks in advance.
Side Effects
Posted by Cat (Austin, Tx) on 01/19/2015
You might also change your oils, see what won't make you gag. First time I tried it, couldn't go more than a minute without gagging on sesame oil. I switched to coconut and could at least go 5 minutes. Now, I can go 20+ minutes with sesame, coconut, and olive. So, don't get discouraged. If you need to, start with water and a couple of drops of oil -- reduce water and add more oil as you get adjusted to the oil in your mouth.
Detoxification
Posted by Malismjau (United Kingdom) on 10/26/2013
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello! I'm 24 years old female. I started coconut oil pulling about 4 days ago. At the beginning only 10 min in the morning whilst taking shower and didn't notice any particular changes. Last two days I have been doing it 20 min in the morning before breakfast and 20 min before bedtime. I had root canal done on two of my molar teeth 4 years ago. To start with I had infections and I couldn't get rid of them but than it just stopped and I was getting jaw pains every now and than.... yesterday my gums swell around the two teeth, my jaw pains are constant, I had sore throat. This morning I woke up with less swelling. Still feeling horrible. Also noticed that I stink of sweat and it was so intense I had to run to shower straight away. I feel so unwell. I smoke about 6 cigarettes a day. Today I could barely handle one. Feel like I have no carvings at all. Smoke makes me cringe. I am convinced that all toxins and bacteria is leaving my body and I feel very unwell. But happy at the same time and wont stop. I cannot believe I haven't fond this cure before.
Dental Issues
Posted by Cadillacmatt (Los Angeles, Ca) on 08/13/2013
★★★★★
I came across oil pulling while looking for a holistic approach to oral care. I had a filling break from my tooth and I didn't want for it to rot out like ive seen in other people's. So I tried it, at the time I only had evoo, and although the results are awesome, the after taste made me gag. I did the evoo for two weeks, the difference was noticeable, whiter teeth, just an overall clean ( fresh from the dentist type of clean). Then I bought some coconut oil. Way better tasting, same results!! I'm glad I found this technique and recommend it highly!!!
Detoxification
Posted by Steve (Las Vegas) on 08/13/2013
★★★★★
It sounds like you both are experiencing some detox symptoms. This does happen with oil-pulling sometimes. Some of the side effects can be racing heart, nausea, headache, flu-like symptoms, rash etc. Take some time off allowing your body to clear the toxins, drink lots of water and start again when you feel good. It's worth doing since you are clearing so much junk from your system.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Hamm (Florida, US) on 01/14/2015
I think real exercise would do you well. Play sports and if you can't do that, just run. 21 is tooooo young for health problems.
Castor Oil
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 02/12/2015
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice. The oil must be either sesame oil or sun flower oil. Castor oil can be researched by reading Edgar Cayce where the oil is called palma Christi. If not sure, just google. Namaste, Om
Castor Oil
Posted by Maryellen (Loveland, Ohio) on 09/04/2015
My grandmother kept us healthy by feeding us a tablespoon of castor bean oil each month. It is an old remedy that is not popular with AMA (almost free cure). We NEED a little poison from time to time. Why, the apple seed contains cyanide. ME
Skin
Posted by Jeffrey (Hartly, Delaware) on 03/12/2013
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling for several weeks, sesame oil, one tablespoon, each morning for 20 minutes. Before I started my facial skin was flaking severely. Now it doesn't! No flaking, period.
Dental Issues
Posted by Jowhitney (Portland, Or) on 10/04/2012
On growing bone: see recommended diet by westonaprice.org. The dentist and researcher Weston A. Price watched post-depression malnourished kids grow secondary dentin in their cavity-ridden teeth. Many of us are much less-nourished than we think. Valuable foods like raw milk (see realmilk.com for info and local listings), homemade mineral-rich bone stock and dietary sources of all-important vitamins A & D have disappeared! You CAN re-grow bone. It's a matter of nutrition.
Dental Issues
Posted by Lee (Boone, North Carolina) on 04/09/2012
★★★★★
I just started oil pulling 3 days ago. My main desire is to cure joint pain, but one thing I noticed after only 3 times is that my mouth feels great. I was having a lot of pain in a tooth that has had a root canal & another tooth with a cavity. I was getting ready to get a dentist appt. But the pain is completely gone after the oil pulling. I hope it works that well on my joints.
Dental Issues
Posted by Earlygirl (Sacramento, California) on 03/15/2012
★★★★★
I started oil pulling with coconut oil about three weeks ago based on comments posted here on Earth Clinic. I had just had my semi-annual teeth cleaning at the dentist's office and the hygienist was really cranky with me because she was finding 4s. I must say that since I started oil pulling, (once a day in the morning on weekdays, weekends off) my gums are a much lighter pink color and they seem to be growing back. And when I floss, there is no blood. I am thrilled and looking forward to going back for my next cleaning and seeing the hygienist's reaction.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jennifer (Chicago, Il ) on 03/06/2012
★★★★★
1st my boyfriend tried OP he started almost 2 wks ago we noticed 1st the fresher breath then he noticed the dark pigmentation on his face clearing, his nails looking healthier, and his feet on the heels softer which before the callus was bad so I started on 04mar12 the immediate result that I experienced was a spurt of energy which usually in the am I am so restless and exhausted then I noticed the fresh breath and healthier looking nails only after 3 days of OP ~Wonderful~
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mrc (Louisville, Kentucky, Usa) on 02/28/2012
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sara (Newport Beach, Ca) on 01/24/2012
★★★★★
Oil Pulling Completely Removed Plaque and Decay From Teeth
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.
Side Effects
Posted by Mark (Newton Abbot, Devon Uk) on 05/14/2013
Hi Mike from Wilmette, Usa: This also happens with me. I did not have any issues with any of my teeth apart from one can be sensitive to extremely sweet foods like honey, but otherwise no problems. When I oil pull with black seed oil (BSO) my teeth often hurt like heck and are very sensitive to temperature for several days.
I only seem to get this with the BSO so now I use other oils I would suggest trying other oils until you find a suitable one for you also look into enamel issues of your teeth
I suspect the oil is merely highlighting an existing issue that is already there, In my case too much pineapple (very acidic) may have reduced my coating of enamel which then allowed the oil to highlight this problem
I am now looking into fixing my enamel properly through diet and no longer use BSO.
Dental Issues
Posted by Clay Vessel (East London, South Africa) on 12/18/2011
Hello, Earth Clinic. I am so glad to have found this site which I have already recommended to others. I have a concern about the possible danger of Oil Pulling and the presence of amalgam fillings in one's mouth.
I'd like a response from Ted, or any person who is an authority on Oil Pulling.
I have been so impressed by the experiences of others with regard to Oil Pulling and am keen to do it regularly. However, I have one amalgam filling left in my mouth, a tooth which also had root canal work done on it years ago. On all the sites I have looked at, it seems that the amalgam filling and Oil Pulling combination is not mentioned very often, and many who report great results do not say whether they have amagam fillings or not.
How can it possibly be safe to swish oil around ones mouth in the presence of a mercury filling?
I know the solution is to have the amalgam filling removed, and I have removed all of the others (slowly, over time). I am reluctant to remove this last one because a) it's expensive and I can't afford it just now and b) a doctor said that it may do more harm to remove it than to keep it in. Despite the protocol that is followed (rubber dam, charcoal drunk afterwards) there's no escaping the mercury vapour that one inhales during the procedure. So for now, it remains in. The filling is big, and old.
I have just completed ten weeks of chelation with a doctor to remove heavy metals from the body, because of all the amalgam fillings I used to have. He used weekly injections with a Vit C and calcium combination. Am concerned that by Oil Pulling, I may inadvertantly re-introduce mercury into the bloodstream again.
I so want to do Oil Pulling - it sounds so effective and makes sense to me, and my husband, who is also keen. We've done it twice already. But could it be that Oil Pulling in the presence of mercury might outweigh the benefits of Oil Pulling altogether and make the practice more harmful than good? I would value knowledgeable comments and advice. Thanks, Earth Clinic
Dental Issues
Posted by Barbara (Hydro, Ok) on 04/18/2012
It's possible you are allergic to the sesame oil. That could be causing your weakness, lethargy, etc. Might try a different oil.
Chronic Fatigue
Posted by Hef (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 09/22/2011
★★★★★
I have started oil pulling along with Black Strap Molasses for the last two days to address my consistent fatigue (day and night )issues. I was trying to get 8 hours of sleep every day along with exercising in the evening I was feeling better but couldn't get rid of morning lethargy and the tiredness during the day. I read about BSM and O.P here and started doing it. Today is my second day.
Surprisingly enough, I am waking up up quite alert in the morning, without the urge to keep lying on the bed and snoozing. I really woke and wanted to get out of the bed..... otherwise I would feel lethargic even after 8-9 hours of sleep and flee like going to bed again.
Last two day were really different I must day. I'll continue doing both for next few weeks and post my update here.
It just feels amazing to be alert .... During the day!
Detoxification
Posted by Brian (Minneapolis, Minnesota) on 08/08/2011
★★★★★
First time oil pulling although been winning the battle with other detox methods I figured why not try another along with them it couldn't hurt alternating. Just tried olive oil, and let me say olive oil doesn't taste bad however that being said after swooshing it through my teeth and around my tongue I started vomiting and nasal drainage was pouring out so fast I had to blow my my nose and cough much mucous up. After vomiting a few times I felt better so I went another round hoping to make it more than 15 seconds and I did for near a minute although I hit that point again and when spitting out the oil it was foamy with still a yellow tinge although this was my limit for the day.
I noticed instant results and will keep you updated as I feel over the next couple weeks, btw I had to mouthwash afterward from vomiting and to get the oil residue out and using listerine was more painful than I have ever experienced the past 40 years. I'm winning the fight of having a brain tumor, abdomen tumor, and foot tumor, along with lead and mercury poisoning over the years that left dense metaphesial lines on bones in my wrist. I'm still waiting to see doctors for treatment after diagnosed last February. I'd be dead if I hadn't taken matters in my own hands. Since my several month on off detox regimen with pectosol, chlorella, selenium, ALA, and a couple others I have felt abdomen gummed getting smaller by 60% and look like I'm 27 and not 38 in this short time. Winning as Sheen would say!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Traxxxi (San Jose, California, United States) on 06/09/2011
★★★★☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
I recently started OPing every morning with Organic Sesame Oil and noticed immediate positive results: my skin softened and pores shrank dramatically (I actually got many compliments on my skin), my dry eye symptoms were completely gone after 15 years of suffering, my eczema started to disappear, my Chronic Fatigue lessened and I had more energy, and my chronic sinusitis started to clear up. I was truly amazed and in such relief!
After two weeks of OPing, some of my symptoms have returned and even worsened. My skin looks tired and dry again, my eyes are extremely dry, bloodshot and in pain, My fatigue is worse then ever and I have barely enough energy to get out of bed, my eczema is back, and suddenly I'm having dandruff. Luckily my sinusitis has not returned. What is happening??? I was so hopeful that I had finally found a cure for the ailments that had plagued me for so long. I have a myriad of other health issues, in addition to the aforementioned, that I was also hoping would eventually improve from OPing. I can't help but feel frustrated and heartbroken. Any insight and/or suggestions will be so much appreciated. Thank you!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Marissa (Atlanta, Ga) on 03/27/2011
★★★★★
low energy: I've been oil pulling with extra virgin Coconut Oil for about 4 days now. I am sleeping through the night, I have an easier time getting out of bed in the morning. My skin is glowing so much and the little fine lines are disappearing. I still have dark circles under my eyes though. Also, I am having more bowel movements.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tee Tee (Kingston, Jamaica) on 03/10/2011
★★★★★
I did some oil pulling today with coconut oil. Though I could only do it for 2-3 minutes I still felt the effect. I feel lighter, freeer, more energized, definitely more healthy. I have been fighting a cold/infection for a while and after OP, alot of phlegm has been coming up and each time I feel better and better. My chest is completely clear now, all congestion is gone. My sinses are clear too, no more congestion. My mind too feels more at peace.
