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.
Bursitits, Arthritis
Posted by Laurie (Moriarty, New Mexico) on 11/24/2010
★★★★★
Ran into the phrase oil pulling while looking up natural ways to treat bursitis and arthritis. I was having severe pain in my right shoulder and arm, would hurt like crazy all day and get so much worse at night, I was about ready to go see about getting a shot for it. I knew that was not a great thing either, so went to the internet to see what else there was. Decided to give the oil a try. For the first time in months I am almost pain free, and this after only a few weeks of doing the oil pulling. I will never not do this again!! Am glad I ran into this sight, and I would recommend that everyone at least give this a good try and see what good things might come about. I use coconut oil, am going to try switching back and forth. Happy pulling! Laurie B
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mychelle (Pacific Northwest, Wa) on 11/23/2010
★★★★★
Hi, I am 44 years old and have severe allergies (corn, wheat, gluten, peanut, trees, molds, dust mites, ibuprofen, aspirin, nsaids and the list goes on) I had an allergic reaction in mid Sept 2010 to an antibiotic after a gum graft surgery. I ended up in the ER twice and have now developed chronic hives. I went to a new allergist who was highly recommended and although I really liked her, she prescribed several medications that my insurance held up with red tape. So, I was at home, miserable and nothing was helping.
I got online and found https://www.earthclinic.com and Oil Pulling. I was desperate and even though I have a very sensitive gag reflex, I got the oil (cold pressed sesame) and it has been a little over one week since I have been swishing 1 tbsp each morning. The very first time I swished, my nasal passages opened up while I was doing it. I thought NO WAY, are you SERIOUS?! Yep. Then, by day 2, I was coughing a productive cough and spitting up all this gunk. This is a good thing. My sinuses are now opened enough that I can use my neti pot again, something I could not do before unless I was on prednisone for the crisis my body was in. I loathed taking prednisone and now I know I will not have to take it again for clogged nasal sinuses. My husband reported that I am no longer snoring at night (another thing that happens when I am blocked with inflammation. )
I am still having hives but they are getting less and less each day and part of that is I believe because I am on a restrictive diet that does not include (corn/peanut/gluten/wheat). I have also noticed after just one week that I can chew on both sides of my mouth now because hot/cold does not bother me anymore. I love the way my mouth feels after I OP and brush. I feel like I have just stepped out of the dentist for a cleaning. Oh yeah, my gum graft does not bleed anymore when I floss now (which has little to no plaque since OP). So, I share all this to say, OP is working for my sinusitis and I am enjoying sleeping better because of it. I must admit, I do have a spit bucket because I am still coughing up gunk and I am not sure how long that will last! ? My mucous is thinning and white in color compared to the green/yellow it was before OP. I can't wait to see my doctor on the 29th of Nov. I am not going to tell her what I have taken or NOT taken until after her examination of me. My asthma is still not on track and I researching other remedies to help with that along with my inhaler. Any suggestions anyone??
About Oil Pulling
Posted by 818poochie (Grand Rapids, Mi) on 11/21/2010
★★★★★
This afternoon I oil pulled for the first time with about 1 tsp of EVCO and had an experience that I did not expect including a lot of mucus. This evening I read your post. You said that any water, oil or other liquid held in your mouth for twenty minutes would result in a mouth full of mucus. Because I do not like to be "fooled" about things I decided to test this before spending a lot of time oil pulling and fooling myself into thinking that the oil pulling was doing something special. My personal result is that after twenty minutes with a mouth full of water, all I ended up with was a mouth full of water and saliva. No other reaction even close to oil pulling with EVCO.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Sara (Rialto, California) on 11/10/2010
★★★★★
Hi everyone I am new to this site and the first thing I read about was all the benefits you get from apple cider vinegar and I tried it for heartburn that I had. For awhile I had a really bad stomachache from the heartburn so I did the Apple Cider Vinegar and it went away.
Well about a week later I came down with a really bad sore throat I had trouble swallowing I was getting paranoid cause I cant stand to be sick so I grabbed my Apple Cider Vinegar and did a mouthwash and gargle. Well lol I did it straight no water and after I spit it out I took a breath and couldnt so I held my breath with constant swalling till I could breath again. I guess maybe I should of drank something right after but I didnt. So anyways I was so relieved that my sore throat was gone. I was so happy so to get to the bottom of all this if you are op-ing and you have side effects can you use the Apple Cider Vinegar to clear some of the symptoms I want to do the op-ing but need to know if I can do other things to help with the symptoms thank you and good luck everyone.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Amy (Roanoke, Va,usa) on 11/06/2010
★★★★★
I started oil pulling 3 days ago. Using Sesame oil. Miracle of all miracles... My tongue had a thick white coating before op, now it is healthy and red. I had pain in my left tooth that the dentist said there was nothing wrong. I had trouble chewing on my left side for 2 years. Yesterday I was able to chew and the pain was 90% gone. I wake up feeling refreshed and am sleeping well. I have had insomnia and was waking up feeling awful and tired and grumpy... So I think op does work and everyone should try it.
After Knee Replacement
Posted by Rick S (Long Beach, California, Usa) on 11/05/2010
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started oil pulling 3 weeks ago. After 5 days of OP twice a day I experienced having a terrible knee pains mostly on my left knee and my hands were painful like arthritic pain. A year and a half ago I had a complete knee replacement done. I knew and expecting to experience some sort of healing pains as the major side effects of oil pulling. Since I was not sure whether my artificial knee metal part may have loosened up due to oil pulling invading the glue that was used to bond the metal part to my knee bone or the knee metal parts have loosened due to abuse, I was not sure. My knee was painful the way it used to be before I had the replacement. I was almost in panic. I made an appointment to see an orthopedic doctor in USC, L.A. immediately. The earliest appointment that was available was 25 days from the day I called them.
After a week I noticed that all the pains were gone. In fact my left knee feels almost like a natural knee. I canceled the appointment and I decided to OP again. It has been 4 days now and my knees and hands are fine, no unusual pain.
Sinus Infections
Posted by Arsieiuni (Arley, Al, United States Of America) on 11/02/2010
★★★★☆
I tried this yesterday morning to combat an oncoming sinus infection and it was fantastic! One tablespoon of sesame oil (it's just a brand I keep on hand for cooking, bought from the local superdepartment store but no ingredients beyond the oil listed) in my mouth and I began swishing it and pulling it through my teeth. I did this as long as I could stand (being sick a the time makes it a little unpleasant as breathing was difficult) and spit it out. It was not quite colorless as the article implied it should be but it had gone from a rich brown to a pale, pale yellow-brown. I know I probably needed to swish it longer, but I couldn't breathe (due to head congestion, unrelated to the Oil Pulling). I did feel a little better instantly. I felt better through-out the day and night. Today, I didn't do oil pulling because the congestion has gone into my throat and I knew breathing would be worse, but it is something I'll continue to do for dental health and its other benefits. I feel it did help combat the sinus infection which has gone from severe congestion to mild congestion today. I also used cayenne gargling and ACV to combat the sore throat and congestion. I LOVE EARTH CLINIC!
Skin
Posted by Kim (Champaign, Il) on 10/28/2010
★★★★★
To Emily from Turlock, CA: you should be using Sesame (not toasted) Oil. You will find a big difference! Good luck.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Daniel (Christchurch, Nz) on 10/28/2010
Regarding oil pulling, If you leave water, or any other liquid in your mouth, without spitting it out for 20 minutes you- will end up with a mouth full of mucus. Just try it with any oil or liquid
Dental Issues
Posted by Natalie (Wayne, Ne) on 10/27/2010
★★★★★
I decided to try olive oil for pulling, because I had it in the cupboard. I am a mouth breather and sometimes it's hard to get my roof and tongue in my mouth clean. I figured that I used baby oil to clean up tar once, I bet olive oil might be able to get the real sticky stuff. VOILA! My tongue looks and feels so much better- also I can tell a difference in my gums. So far this is a great experience. I am not sold 100% on the claims to heal everything, but it has helped my mouth!
Inner Ear Infection, Imbalance Issues
Posted by Jeanette (Rush, Ny) on 10/26/2010
I am an aromatherapist, and if you were having just a regular earache I would recommend using a few drops of undiluted tea tree essential oil in each ear and the apply a warm watter compress to each ear. But this sounds more serious so I would bring our the big guns, and this means being very respectful of the power of this essential oil. The essential oil I am referring to is Clove oil. It contains a chemical composition called eugenol and this is a powerful anti-bacterial agent, as well as an analgesic (pain killer). Put a few drops of the clove or clove bud oil on a Q-tip and insert into the ear as far as it will comfortably go, do not get any oil on your hands or near your eyes, if you do get it on your hands avoid touching any mucous membranes and wash your hands repeatedly. This application is also good for toothaches and on cystic acne. When the ear is feeling better, or even when using the eugenol you can do the OP. I sincerely hope this information will help you. Personally if I were deserted on an island I would have to have the BIG THREE essential oils Lavender, Tea Tree, and Clove Oil
Whitens Teeth
Posted by Sue (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) on 10/25/2010
★★★★★
Hi There,
The best oil to oil pull with is coconut oil by far. Coconut oil is anti-inflamatory, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antivirus. It truly cleans your mouth, literally. It's the only oil I used that whitened my teeth. When I started using coconut oil, my teeth visibly turned white within a week. My gums looked healthier and plaque disappeared. If you research coconut oil you will know yourself how beautiful an oil it is. I would never used anything else for this or for cooking. It is also the best moisterizer as well. I look ten years younger since starting to use it as a moisterizer and adding it to my diet, truly. Good luck and keep oil pulling, you are doing your body a lot of good.
Side Effects
Posted by Cyngi (Philadelphia, Pa) on 10/21/2010
I have been oil pulling for a week today day #1pain in my head was gone. I feel like I am coming down with the flu , runny eyes /lots of mucus/pain in my shoulder/heel I think I will go back to using sesame oil maybe coconut oil is not good for me , let me know if these symtoms are part of a healing process.
Dental Issues
Posted by Cassie (Boston, Ma) on 10/20/2010
★★★★★
I tried this for 3 weeks before I had to go to the dentist on a lark because I hadn't been flossing and I was dreading the blood, pain, and lectures I'm used to at the dentist. I oil swish coconut oil while I'm showering every morning for about 10-15 minutes. Just got back from the dentist yesterday--she said, "Wow. You have really been trying hard! " She said there was virtually no plaque. Plus, when she flossed for me and cleaned and scraped what little plaque there was there was no pain and no bleeding! I'm never stopping! First pleasant trip to the dentist ever.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tim (Portland, Oregon) on 10/16/2010
★★★★★
Sesame Oil Pulling - I have been Oil Pulling for 2 years now and I can say, amazing! Oral health vastly improved, no sinus blockage, and I can feel the toxins being "pulled" out of my system. I look forward to 15 to 30 minutes of swishing prior to breakfast.
Keratosis Pilaris
Posted by Summerhaunt (Licking, Mo, United States) on 10/15/2010
★★★★★
Keratosis pilaris isn't ingrown hairs, but a buildup of proteins or keratin and looks like tiny hard white pimples (but aren't pimples). I've used several different oils, but coconut oil has worked best for me. Only 2 or 3 sessions of oil pulling smoothes out the bumps from the keratosis pilaris. It will take a bit longer for the red spots where the bumps were to heal up and fade away though. And I have noticed that if I don't oil pull the bumps will come back.
Side Effects
Posted by Summerhaunt (Licking, Mo, United States) on 10/15/2010
When you first start oil pulling the oil may start out a little thin, then it will get thick as you swish it around (it varies each time as to how thick... Sometimes not much, sometimes alarmingly thick), then it may thin out. When it starts to thin out is when you want to spit it out. Many people believe that when it's getting thick is when it's "pulling" the bad stuff out, and when the thick oil then goes thin is when it's full of the bad stuff so it's time to stop swishing. I have noticed the days when I do have it get thicker is when I'm feeling more yucky and toxic, and I feel much better after my swishing and spitting it out.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Summerhaunt (Licking, Mo, United States) on 10/15/2010
★★★★★
I think one of the reasons they say to oil pull away from meals is because the swishing and chomping when you oil pull stimulates the gall bladder (chewing motions signal to the gall bladder that food is coming so release some bile). Waiting allows the oil pulling to stimulate the liver and gall bladder and get a mini-liver cleanse. If you do it too close to a meal, then you're not getting the added benefit of the liver/gall bladder stimulation.
Also, perhaps too close to a meal has the oil absorbing some of the nutrients your body is trying to absorb from the food. But it's good either way... Still lots of benefits to get from the oil pulling whether you do around food or not. Better to do the oil pulling whenever you can make the time than not do it at all.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Summerhaunt (Licking, Mo, United States) on 10/15/2010
★★★★★
Consecutive Oil Pulling Sessions
To Tahiti: Once I did it all day while doing a 6 hour car drive. I kept a BIG cup with a lid next to me for spitting into. I had no problems at all oil pulling that long. I have also done several back to back, with no problems. I know of several people who also have done 5 or 6 back to back who reported a feeling of euphoria after perhaps the third or fourth. I have never gotten the euphoria, but it has helped clear brain fog, pain, keratosis pilaris, softened skin, and given energy boosts.
Dental Issues
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 10/14/2010
Hi Dee, no, as I used to be a photographer and travel writer I had my fillings changed to modern ones a few years ago as the dentist was afraid that I would get problems due to my many flights.
By the way, I want to thank all the advice I got here after losing my tooth. I have chose to do an implant but I will do it in a very good clinic in Switzerland since we found out that I lost my tooth (which had had a root canal and the filling replaced a lot of times) only because the dentist here in France didn't care to cap the tooth. We don't know why he didn't do it yet but we have written him a letter. All the dental treatments cost a lot of money, so did pulling the tooth and now the implant is going to be awfully expensive, all for no reason! Be careful and if you don't trust some treatment get a second opinion, it may be worth the money!
Dental Issues
Posted by Dee (Dublin, Ireland) on 10/13/2010
Hi Lisa,
I really appreciate your reply and feel even more reassured now. I will keep at the oil pulling. My lower molars are all mainly amalgam and I have had them for many years too. All the best, Dee
Dental Issues
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 10/13/2010
Hi Dee, In regards to my fillings, yes, they are silver amalgams and they are over 40 years old! Strangely enough, my fillings have held just fine over the years but, two of the teeth have crumbled off around them! Thus, that is why I have the one porcelain cap. The other tooth I just left alone because it is the very back one and doesn't bother me. Honestly, I don't think oil pulling will do anything to your teeth in a negative manner. Hope that helps.
Dental Issues
Posted by Dee (Dublin, Ireland) on 10/13/2010
Hi Lisa, Were those old fillings you have in your mouth amalgams? I hope so cause that would make me feel even more reassured. Dee
Dental Issues
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 10/13/2010
Thank you Bessie, Francisca, and Lisa. Your input has been helpful. I think I just may have to give oil pulling a try! Much appreciation. :-) Carly
Dental Issues
Posted by Dee (Dublin, Ireland) on 10/13/2010
Hi Francisca, Many thanks for your reply. Do you have any amalgam fillings at all? Dee
Dental Issues
Posted by Dee (Dublin, Ireland) on 10/13/2010
Hi Bessie, Thanks for your answer, I feel better knowing that and would love to hear from even more people still. Thanks to you all, Dee
Seeing Stars
Posted by A.c. (Houston, Texas) on 10/13/2010
★★★★★
I oil pull every morning for 20 minutes day. This has been my practice for over a year now. One weird thing happens pretty regularly after I spit out the oil: I see stars. Can any one explain that phenomenon? Thanks.
Dental Issues
Posted by Bessie (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 10/13/2010
Hi Carly - I have several amalgam fillings, several porcelain fillings, two root canals and my husband has crowns but neither of us have experienced any problems at all with oil pulling. I've been oil pulling for over a year now, usually with sesame oil but I've also used coconut and olive oils.
Totally off the subject, but another thing I do for oral health is massage my gums (thumb on one side of the gum, forefinger on the other) - massage with light circular motion. It strengthens and brings circulation to the gums. I do it in the shower, because it can get a bit "drooly" - hope this helps! Cheers.
Dental Issues
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 10/13/2010
Dee, I had a root canal over a year before I started having problems. I think that it was a coincidence that the filling started falling a while after I started OP. The dentist kept laughing and filling the tooth again and again (and we kept paying for it.... ). When I went there the last time because I started feeling a funny sensation when I would eat or drink and was prepared to tell him that he had to find a solution for my problem the tooth was broken from so much work done to it and had to be pulled. It was a big shock as I have great teeth, to lose one at 53.... Afterwards I discovered that the tooth could have been saved if he had put a crown on it on time.... But he didn't! Was it the OP? I think that somehow that was a coincidence but I will never know. Anyway, he should have done a better work. We are going to write him a letter and see what he says. This is going to cost us a lot of money and bother because now I need an implant. It took me maybe two weeks to start to accept what had happened. Would I have done OP if I knew what I know now, even if it had nothing to do with what has happened... I don't know but I should have been more alert and have gone somewhere else for a second opinion and I would surely still have my tooth. What OP does for me is to prevent me from feeling pressure on my down teeth which is very annoying. For the rest I have never noticed anything. Once in a while I mix a drop of clove oil to give my mouth a good clean. I do have a few old porcelain filling, no problems there! My verdict and actually the one of the dentist... OP can't have had anything to do with it. After all it is nothing more than swishing a bit of oil in your mouth! What consoles me is that root canals are not always a good thing because if you have an infection and don't feel it they can cause a lot more problems without you knowing where they come from but... Implants can give infections as well and they are so awfully expensive...
Dental Issues
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 10/12/2010
Hi Carly and Dee, I did oil pulling for a few months last year and have a mouth full of fillings and two caps. One is gold and one is porcelain. I didn't have any problems at all with any of them while oil pulling. Perhaps, the problems were pre-existent for those who had trouble and the oil pulling brought light to that. By the way, the fillings are from when I was quite young and the gold cap is from when I was about 12 and the porcelain about 3 years ago. Hope this helps in your decision to try this procedure.
Dental Issues
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 10/12/2010
I would also like to hear from people who have had no issues with their fillings - I have not done it due to reading the posts on the amalgams where people have had problems. I have a mouth full of amalgams darn it. Anyone? Thanks. Carly
Vitamin E Added
Posted by Zsaqwe (Brownsville, Texas) on 10/12/2010
I just started with oil pulling. Thanks for the suggestion to add vitamin E. I am in. I will start and see what happens. Thanks
