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.
Sinus Infections
Posted by Casey (Morehead, Ky) on 01/31/2011
★★★★★
Avocado Oil for Sinus Infections
Had horrible sinus infection. Read your page and tried oil pulling. All I had was avacado oil at the time. Swished for only 12 minutes, but within another 12 minutes my terrible headache was gone and about 90% of the sinus infection was also gone. An amazing cure! Thanks!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Metou (Trenton, Nj, Usa) on 01/30/2011
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi,
I just wanted to submit some feedback: I've been doing oil pulling for 2 months. In the first few weeks, I slept much better, and had a cleared up feminine problem. This is notable. I started the first month on organic unrefined sesame oil. The next month, I went to organic extra virgin cold pressed olive oil. Just this week I started with organic refined sunflower oil.
I am coming upon the third month oil pulling, and I seem to have some sort of gland issue: I sweat profusely, especially my feet and underarms, and am having a small odour problem.
Just this week, I have had swollen lymph nodes under my arms. It is painful, and I have been trying not to wear tight clothes till it goes down. I have had this a couple years ago, but not as bad as now. I feel some sort of inflamatory pain in almost all my lymph area- neck, groin as well.
I read how for this problem, you can take 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in a glass of water, with some sea salt. I did that for two days, and nothing happened. I then did just baking soda, for three more days, and still nothing. Except that my face seemed to glow after I took it.
I wanted to share these things. I love remedies for health, ayurevedic cures, and "potions". Thanks for the site, it is a gem.
Metou
Side Effects
Posted by Artistgirl (Detroit, Mi) on 01/30/2011
Has anyone experienced impacted wisdom teeth since beginning oil pulling? I Have been OPing with olive oil for four months and suddenly I have two third molars erupting on me at age 46! I lost a first molar to tooth breakage after a root canal about eight years ago. I do not have a bridge in that spot, so I'm thinking there is now room in the back of my mouth so the second molar has shifted which gives the third molar room to sprout. It is a whole tooth, crown, the works but it is lying lower than it should and is poking through the skin next to my tongue.
Also, I've lost a filling since OPing and another tooth has broken. LOL! What will happen next?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Cc (Brooklyn, Ny) on 01/30/2011
Hi the cracks in your tongue is definitely fissured tongue. The sensitivity/raw tongue could be geographic tongue. Are you a smoker? Or do you have allergies? I would cut back on the op a bit Also I would take some probiotics. That always helps me with my geographic tongue. Oh stay away from salty spicy foods until it clears up.
Whitens Teeth
Posted by Teck (Las Cruces, Nm, Usa) on 01/29/2011
★★★★★
I've been OPing for at least four days with extra virgin, cold pressed olive oil, about 15 - 20 min in the morning after I wake up. I noticed an immediate difference after the first OP, just in my teeth being slightly whiter and the clean feeling all over my teeth. Each day, my teeth have gotten whiter and stayed white throughout the day. I've been having some MINOR sinus drainage, but it also seems my face has gotten clearer (I'm pregnant, so I've been having facial issues with pimples and dry, itchy, red splotchy areas). After a full 30 days I will post again my results.
Inner Ear Infection, Imbalance Issues
Posted by Lynn (Raliegh, Nc) on 01/26/2011
For several years I had tinnitus in my right ear. My ear felt clogged up and I took remedies for the tinnitus. Then early in 2009, I began to have balance problems and head rushes upon rising. I finally had an MRI and it revealed a brain tumor (acoustic neuroma) the size of a golf ball, pushing my brain step to one side. It was removed with some residual effects a year and a half later, but nerves take the longest to heal in the body. I should have listened to my body sooner and gotten an MRI when the docs told me to several years ago. I know my body b/c I do everything nutrtionally sound for it and for over 25 years. I ignored the strange sensation on my tongue from the tumor sitting on the 7th cranial nerve. Bottomline, if you don't feel right about something that is happening in your body, you are probably right. Be proactive.
Recently I did sesame oil swishing. I didn't rinse my mouth out completely after each swish. I was told to let it sit in my mouth after spitting. Bad advice and I should have read more info on it. Long story short, I got sick. I was miserable for several days. I will start it again but this time I will do it correctly.
Chronic Sinusitis, Loss of Smell
Posted by Dr Faith (Broken Arrow, Ok) on 01/22/2011
Sometimes bags under your eyes are from Adrenal fatigue, so herbs like ashwaganda or holy basil are helpful. Keep up the good work!
Side Effects
Posted by May (Hamilton, New Zealand) on 01/20/2011
Hi I am doing oil pulling again Last time I did it was about eight weeks ago I started to feel better after about four days except for flem in the throat that was almost gone when I stopped. Teeth felt healthier and gums improved very quickly. I stopped as To many visitors and interuptions over festive season. Ive started again and this is my third day and I have severe pain in right side about kidney area. Ive had pain here before in the past when Ive eaten to much sugar or drunk a couple of glasses of alcohol so I dont do this very often. The pain is like a constant ache- any suggestions? Ive been drinking lots of water but a bit nervous to keep going with OP in case Im damaging something.
Smoking Cough
Posted by Aliii (Kingston, Jamaica) on 01/19/2011
After o/ping for about three weeks I had a crazy burning sensation on my shin. My skin also itched. Then my shin had a bright red spot that literally healed like a burn!!!! I stopped o/ping (sunflower) but recently started with no side effect.
Safflower Oil
Posted by Eileen10121 (Roseburg, Oregon, Usa) on 01/07/2011
I saw someone else ask this but I could not find the answer. How is safflower oil for OP? I use it topically for other things. Thank you, Eileen10121
Side Effects
Posted by Nasrin Jiwan (Mombasa, Kenya) on 01/03/2011
I have been OP for a month now. The concern is I am having a funny sensation in my tongue. Could this be due to some kind of deficiency or OP.
Side Effects
Posted by Flower (Newark, Vermont) on 12/31/2010
Hi Ted and all that read and respond to this site. Thank you for all this great information! I have been oil pulling for a week with sesame oil and I have been exeriencing dizziness, light headedness. Headaches and eye twitching. I believe this may be a healing crisis, but I want to make sure. Is this normal to feel worse and to feel dizzy and light headed? Is there anything else I should be doing. I began taking Apple Cider Vinegar and honey a couple of weeks ago, then started oil pulling with sesame oil a week ago, 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes before I go to sleep. Thank you for any help that you can give me. Sincerely, Flower
Side Effects
Posted by Juliet (Nashville, Tn) on 12/31/2010
Hi Theresa, My understanding of a healing crisis is that it only lasts a few days (like no more than 3). If it lasts longer than that it is not a healing crisis- it means that your body isn't in need of that particular treatment at this time. I started oil pulling with coconut oil and my skin broke out and stayed broken out for a couple weeks while oil pulling and everytime I tried after that. I stopped. Got some energy healing work done and then tried again a month later and it helped. Another thing is maybe sesame oil is not the best oil for you. You might want to try a different oil.
Chronic Sinusitis, Loss of Smell
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 12/31/2010
Eye bags sometimes have to do with kidneys. Make sure to drink lots of water.
Chronic Sinusitis, Loss of Smell
Posted by Michelle (San Francisco, Ca, Us) on 12/30/2010
★★★★★
OP and Chronic Sinusitis, Loss of Smell
Hello, I began oil pulling about 10 days ago. I do it about 2x's per day, once with sesame and once with coconut each session for 15 minutes. I have a chronic (for years) postnasal drip and loss of smell (2 years) about 4 days into op a huge (this is so gross, sorry) congealed mass of mucous came from somewhere deep in my sinuses. Followed by another and then some smaller ones. Then there was a more liquid-y stream flowing for a couple of days which turned into a pretty bad cold. That miraculously cleared up in a couple of days.
My head feels so clear now I can hardly believe it. This is Great!!! I am really wondering though, about the bags under my eyes. They seem more intense to me than usual. Does that make sense at all? Do I really have a chance to rid myself of these? I hope some of you have had real experience of this. If so, how much time should I give it to expect real results? If any of you have had more success with a particular oil for eye bags, I would love to know what worked for you. Thanks, Everyone
Side Effects
Posted by Therese (St Johnsbury, Vermont) on 12/30/2010
Hi, I have been oil pulling with sesame oil for a week and I have noticed that all my symptoms are much worse, almost exagerated to the point of not being to handle the pain! Everything I have read about oil pulling says that this probably is a "healing crisis" and I should continue with the oil pulling so that I can get better BUT I have to admit that I didn't think I would feel this bad!
I have the following symptoms: dizziness, pain in my neck, upper back and arms (which I have had some neck problems in the past), also the dark circles underneath my eyes are actually darker, I feel exhausted and my anxiety is through very high... Basically I feel and look like a mess!! I pull oil for 20 minutes every morning. Has anyone else had a healing crisis as bad as mine? I hope these symptoms will lessen soon. This site has been a HUGE inspiration for me! Thank you for all the information and personal stories! Therese
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Jen (Malvern, Pa) on 12/26/2010
★★★★★
I have a private holistic practice and over the past 25 years have had my sensitive clients start with 3 minutes per day the first week. 5 the second. 7 the third and then up to 10-15 depending on how they respond. I had one client stay at 3 minutes for 3 months before he could work up to 5. I think that some of the intense side effects are due to the dental component of the root canals, tmj joint and brain aspects releasing as we need to understand the cranial component of this method as well. An offering for more sensitive clients and to recognize the body isn't to be pushed but encouraged. Namaste, Jen
Dental Issues
Posted by Kai (Seattle, Wa) on 12/23/2010
★★★★★
Best thing ive found for bad breath is h202 (hydrogen peroxide) even the basic 3 dollar bottle from the drugstore will work. Its pretty amazing, I smoke and the ONLY thing that takes the taste and smell out of my mouth is hydrogen peroxide (confirmed by my girlfriend haha) I can even taste the smoke when I spit out the peroxide, it bubbles it all out, hold it in your mouth closed until there is pressure building up from the bubbling, maybe 5 minutes.
If the oil pulling is giving you the bad breath (though that doesn't make much sense, there's nothing in oil that smells bad but may be causing a reaction) I would do this for awhile and see if the bad breath continues, then stop the OP and see if it goes away. One more thought, you may have tonsil stones or some other abcess in your mouth thats collecting bacteria. I had a bad case of strep awhile back that permanently messed up one of my tonsils, there are big spaces in it now and bacteria collect and form "tonsil rocks" its really gross but very treatable and very common. Just a thought, good luck!
Dental Issues
Posted by Brendan (Adelaide, South Australia) on 12/22/2010
★★★★★
Hi Billy, In my experience you might not notice any changes for a while. I started oil pulling a while ago and did it for several weeks and then gave up because I didn't notice any differences, but I resumed oil pulling recently and have been doing it for the last month or so and I have to say, I have turned from a sceptic into a believer as it has gotten rid of my sensitive teeth. I used to get tooth pain when I drank cold water or went from cold to hot too quickly but one day while rinsing my mouth after oil pulling I noticed something, when I felt the usual sensation of the pain coming I noticed as that sensation built it got to a point when I expected a pain to kick in but then it suddenly stopped and I felt the sensation subside, it was quite an odd feeling but it made me think, maybe this stuff does work. I've continued oil pulling and I am now convinced it has even further fixed the problem as I get no pain or sensitivity any more. It's crazy to think something that sounds so silly and simple at first, actually works. It has really made me think about what is possible. I think you should give it a fair go as four days is way too short to tell. I know its time consuming and a bit uncomfortable but you do get used to it and I find now I can just tune out and go about doing whatever I need to do in the morning without it bothering me. I use sesame oil and ive just started using hemp oil too, I do one of each now for 20 mins for each every morning and then rinse thoroughly and drink half a litre of water before breaky. Also I'm interested to know how iodine helped your dermatitis, could you write a bit about how you used it as I have dermatitis on my face which is a massive problem for me. Thanks mate, Brendan.
Hacking, Dry Cough
Posted by Mary (Chicago, Il, Usa) on 12/21/2010
★★★★★
Oil Pulling for a Hacking, Dry Cough
I first tried oil pulling last January after having the swine flu for over 3 weeks. I had tried tons of doctor prescribed antibiotics, but I still had this horrible hacking dry cough. I first used 1 tbsp sesame oil and swished it around in my mouth for 20 minutes. While I was spitting out the oil, I noticed the congestion in my chest loosening and before I knew it I was hacking up tons of phlegm. I felt so much better and kept it up until I was fully recovered a couple days later. I also noticed my teeth were super white after oil pulling. I have since used coconut oil and it works just as well. I have found it's best to do this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach so I keep the oil in the bathroom and swish it around while I shower.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Robanatta (London, Ontario) on 12/16/2010
★★★★★
I was experiencing mild conjunctavitis in my left eye -not red but burning, itching, and mucous discharging. After my first OP with the coconut oil it was almost completely gone! I also felt lighter and had more energy, as well as my sinuses felt clearer. I hadn't noticed that my sinuses were congested, but they're just... Clearer?! ?
Then I did a OP with safflower oil several hours later. I'm finding that my throat is releasing toxins now. I'm starting to hack-up crap from my lungs -I'm an ex-smoker for 5 months now- and they feel like they are REALLY starting to clean out. I do have a mild head-ache, and a mild soar throat (only on the right side (weird! )), but I still feel healthy... I'm going to use the extra virgin coconut oil in the morning -I like the natural anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties of the oil as well as the MC-triglicerides- for a power cleanse in the morning. And then, I'll use the safflower oil with oregano for the other two treatments in before lunch and dinner. I might even try hemp oil before going to bed, as I've read that it makes one sleepy after using it. (I don't have trouble sleeping as it is, but any extra help might be good). GLTA... I'm glad to have heard about OP and this web-site...
Detoxification
Posted by Randy (Jersey City, Nj, Usa) on 12/03/2010
Could just be a healing crisis--toxins wanting to leave your body. That's a good thing, keep doing it. Just be sure not to swallow... Spit out and clean your mouth thoroughly.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Dibraccio (New Brunswick, New Jersey) on 12/03/2010
★★★★★
I was suffering from severe burnout. My health was failing. For the past 3 months, I had shooting pains all over my body, I had dizzy spells, pains in my lower back and lower right abdomen. I started oil pulling and the symptoms started to fade the first day I did the oil pulling routine. Within 4 days ALL of the symptoms vanished!!! It seems like miracle!!! This experience has caused a profound paradigm shift in my consciousness and has caused me to reevaluate many of my beliefs about health care and healing. I am thankful there is an internet where one can obtain vital information like this.
Detoxification
Posted by Cruz (Yonkers, New York) on 12/02/2010
When I started to pull olive oil 3 days ago, next morning wake up with a BIGGG HEADACHE! Ok, when to the bathroom and do it again, finish the second day (morning)and some yellow mucus never seen before came out thru my nose. Headache is gone. After that was clear mucus and stuffy runny nose.
Today is the 3 day and have whole day with stuffy (and runny nose), sneeze and cold like, no taste. Dont know what to think. If I still feeling that way maybe I stop pulling and try to massage my gum with the oil (the way my Mom did with babies to clean their (our) mouth.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mary (Southern Alberta, Alberta, Canada) on 12/01/2010
To Mychelle, from Pacific Northwest: a liquid menthol called "White Flower" used as a few drops on a tissue, put in a paper bag, and inhaled/sniffed can really help open airways. Most good Healthfood stores, or Chinese pharmacies carry White Flower.
