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 Bart (Brooklyn, Ny) on 08/19/2010
★★★★★
I've had a really bad tooth infection for the past couple days, so after scouring the internet for solutions, I found oil pulling. I'm a bit skeptical, but my good friend is currently on the regime, which seemed harmless to her. The only thing I had on the pantry was Extra Virgin Olive Oil.... Swished around 2 tablespoons worth for approximately 15 minutes, and the pain was leaving me! It kind of blew my mind. The next morning, the swelling in my gum went down slightly. It was pretty much gone the day after. I haven't noticed anything else with using it. The infected tooth is chipped in half from an accident awhile ago, and I've been waiting for a root canal. Luckily this will hold me over for another week.
Sinus Infections
Posted by Guestlisa (North Vancover, Bc, Canada) on 07/31/2010
I too had a yellow yolk like release after some ionic foot baths and liver cleansing. It was almost turmeric in colour and I will never forget it. OP is really great if one is ok with seeing and expelling toxic mucous as it frees. I have no problem with what my body produces, sounds, smells or other fluids... None at all. This stuff fascinates me.
Side Effects
Posted by Evelyn G. (San Antonio, Tx U.s.a.) on 07/24/2010
I had been doing OP for two weeks. I wrote on the 21st. of this month asking about my having had problems with the sun's glare and also having blurred vision at the same time. I stopped the OP and it has gone away. I would like to start the OP again, feeling that it has helped to take away a pain from my shoulder that I had for years. Don't know if I should or shouldn't start again. I would appreciate an answer, if anyone has one. Thanks. Evelyn G.
Side Effects
Posted by Mick (Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, Usa) on 07/21/2010
I ran across this website by accident and since I've had oral thrush/candidiasis problems (my own diagnosis not the medical profession since they have run tests A-Z several times and claim I don't have this)for many years resulting in extreme tiredness, bad gas, diahrea, bad taste in mouth when awakening, white junk on my tongue made much worse when consuming foods with sugar, I thought I'd try the oil pulling. Started two days ago with olive oil 3X a day then switched to sesame oil. Almost immediately I started having itchy rashes all over my body with both oils. I am continuing the OP but notice the itching gets alot worse during the procedure and within an hour or so after. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm almost ready to give up.
Side Effects
Posted by Evelyn G. (San Antonio, Texas, U.s.a.) on 07/21/2010
Oil Pulling With Sesame Oil Causing Sunlight Sensitivity
This is a question for Ted.
I have been Oil Pulling for two weeks and am having some problems. I have Glaucoma plus other health problems. I am 80 years old. Since OP with Sesame oil, I seem to be very sensitive to the sun's glare. Have to use sunglasses on top of my Transition glasses. To add to this problem, I have blurred vision for around an hour. Then everything goes back to normal. The pain that I had in my shoulder disappeared and I feel fine otherwise. I stopped OP for three days and the problem went away. Now I don't know what to do. Please advise me. I would like to continue with the OP but do not want to hurt my health in other ways. I also broke out with a small rash on my chest. I presume that it was the toxins going out of my body. Should I start the ACV, bicarbonate of soda and water for two weeks to detoxify my body and then start again? Thanking you in advance. Evelyn G.
Detoxification
Posted by Ibiza (New York, Ny) on 07/20/2010
I've been oil pulling for almost two weeks now. I use 1 Tbls. Of Virgin unrefined VCO. I do it first thing in the morning after I clean my teeth but before any food. I read about it here and also read several people's testimonies about cleansing crises. I didn't think I would have one because, prior to oil pulling, I had been on a simple cleansing diet for two months, composed only of organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans, teas and water. However, I have started a crisis. Let me say that, after about 5 days of doing it, I started to have slight pain while urinating. It felt like the beginning of a bladder infection. It cleared up in about 3 days without doing anything special. Afterward, I also noticed that my urine felt "heavy, " and maybe slightly darker. Mind you, I was drinking a lot of water. I just felt like toxins were being eliminated. Yesterday, during yoga class, I noticed that my perspiration tasted different. It actually burned my tongue a little and I had to wipe my mouth! I also attribute this to toxins being eliminated. I take a lot of yoga classes and sweat sometimes gets in my mouth. It's normally slightly salty and not gross at all. But the biggest thing that happened is that my heat sensitivity issue shot through the roof. I had several sweating spells when I just could not stop sweating almost all over my body. It felt like a seizure almost. (I've never had a seizure but I imagine you feel very much out of control). I was working in a tight space and it was awful! I'm lucky to have found a great natural deodorant that worked fantastically but it was still a nightmare. Before I realized that it was a healing crisis, I was so depressed, thinking that I was going backwards. I have been dealing with hormone disruption for over two years due to exposure to toxins that stopped my period, caused hot flashes, which turned into heat sensitivity. Now that I know what the crisis is, and that my body is really cleansing a lot, I feel much better about it. Still, I am going to have to slow the cleansing down. I just can't have sweating episodes. I'm going to not do the OP two days a week when I have to go into work. I also just started alkalizing my water with drops. I imagine that my system is very acidic from the toxins. Becoming more alkaline must help. I am also going to switch to sesame oil, the traditional oil used for OP. I did a lot of reading and I think it's the one I need, even though I like the VCO.
I also started taking a tsp of VCO in the evening. I read that it is really good for high cholesterol and thyroid issues. My theory is that my immune system has been compromised by allergens, both natural and artificial. As a result, my liver is working too hard and my endocrine system has been challenged. I know that my hormones are completely crazy. My inner barometer is broken. I feel like my heat sensitivity is due to that and is also a response to allergens which are not being dealt with efficiently because my liver is overworked. I know that thyroid and cholesterol issues run on both sides of my family. This bad smelling and toxic sweat, I believe, is really a secretion brought about by high cholesterol. Lipids are being excreted through my skin and they contain toxins that are being carried out of the body. The sesame oil will help internally and also externally as a nightly massage. I am going to try scrubbing my skin periodically with baking soda because it actually itches a little (I guess from the toxins) even though I use a peppermint castile soap. The liver produces cholesterol when it can't get it from dietary sources. I'm not sure but maybe VCO and sesame oil ease the production of these lipids by the liver. Eventually, I will also take a tsp of sesame oil daily too. I will report back about the progress!
Insights and Theories
Posted by Christinej (Surprise, Arizona, Usa) on 07/09/2010
Canola oil should not be used for oil pulling. I agree with this comment 100%. I have researched Canola oil and it is bad stuff.
Detoxification
Posted by Karen (Henderson, Nv) on 07/03/2010
Hi, I just now found out about OP and after reading some of the posts of those using coconut oil and getting some pretty strong reactions the first thing I thought of was that you may have had a yeast reaction. Coconut oil contains caprylic acid which is a known yeast antifungal. Just google it and you can read about it. I think you are having a die off reaction to the yeast dying off especially those taking it also in food. You need to go slower. Look up candida and the spit test to check to see if you have candida and then do everything you can to cure it cause systemic candida is deadly. Good luck.
http://www.thecandidadiet.com/caprylicacid.htm
Caprylic Acid (or Octanoid Acid) is an anti-fungal agent found naturally in coconuts and breast milk. In the commercial world, it is found not only in Candida cures but also dyes and perfumes. http://www.fungusfocus.com/html/caprylic_acid.htm
Broad Benefits
Posted by Nicole (New Jersey) on 06/25/2010
★★★★★
This really works - sunflower and sesame oils tried!
I found this site just a week ago after coming home from the dentist extremely frustrated (on top of having a 1/2 numb face for the next two hours). Over the last few months I've been drawn to natural cures actually for my spouse, not myself, to help cure her polymyositis and fibromyalgia (off topic, but magnet therapy is helping). Anyway, after that trip to the dentist I said, "there HAS to be a better way!" Briefly, I'll state my history as having struggled with gum disease for at least the last ten years. It has gotten much worse in the last year. Unfortunately, I had an accident last fall that further irritated two of my teeth that were already slightly loose. When I went to the dentist last Thursday to see what could be done I was really upset that 1) my insurance wouldn't cover a deep cleaning because I'd had one within the last three years 2) I needed to get that cleaning (I agreed) to help keep my teeth clean and 3) that it would cost me ~$500 for just ONE side of my mouth ~ and the total would have been ~$1,600 out of pocket (includes injecting antibiotics directly into eight teeth/gum areas at ~$40/tooth)! Because I thought I *needed it,* I bit the bullet and got one side done but when I got home I was determined to find another way. It was too much discomfort and I didn't want to pay for it if I didn't have to. That's when I stumbled upon oil pulling. I thought it sounded absolutely too good to be true but with all of the testimonials and the fact that it had very little risk why not try it? Well, last Friday morning, 6/18/2010, I started with Sunflower oil. I lasted about 12 minutes. I thought it taste rather bland so I switched to organic, virgin sesame oil the next day and have been using that up until today, Friday, 6/24/2010. My results are as follows:
1-After day one I immediately noticed that my teeth became a little whiter
2-After day two I became really congested and had to blow my nose a LOT. I also had a couple of pimples pop up, which have since cleared. I think the sunflower was better for whitening quickly.
3-After day three I noticed that I was sleeping a lot deeper and had a ton of energy during the day
4-As of last night I noticed that both of my loose teeth are secured. I would say that one is 95% while the other is trailing at 90%!
5-My skin seems a little clearer.
I am ASTOUNDED by these results as I'm 29 years old and was worried to death about losing them. My own sibling who is a dentist in another state told me that something drastic needed to be done or I would lose them. :( Also, a dentist that I was going to every three months up until earlier this year (I've recently relocated) wanted to do a LASER procedure to penetrate the gums and fix the problem. I'm SO glad I didn't do that! The only reason I didn't do it is because the timing was bad with me preparing to relocate and that procedure would have also been ~$1,600 out of pocket. (My sister did tell me not to do laser because it was too invasive and not necessary).
At any rate, that's my report after a full seven days. I'm grateful to not lose my appetite like some others here because I'm underweight and am consuming a lot in order try and gain 10 pounds. That is another journey in itself, but it's coming along now that I'm tracking my caloric intake. OP has made junk food less appealing, which is a good thing. My process is to brush and floss as usual, OP for 5-10 minutes, spit, rinse, brush with water and baking soda and rinse one more time. It sounds like a lot but it's not that bad. Fifteen minutes go by quickly if you just fill it by checking your email. Besides, 15 minutes a day to save thousands of dollars and unnecessary pain is worth it! Oh, I also cut down on sodas tremendously over the last week. I had about three rather than one a day. I drank mostly water - had no desire for soda.
I'm so excited about this I want to tell my family and friends but I'm going to wait until 30 days go by. I know they're going to be skeptical, especially the dentist, but if she can get a hold of my dental records then there will be proof! My wife has now decided to try it. Yesterday was her first day and not more than ten minutes after doing it she felt "different" and had to release phlegm. This morning she woke up with me at 5:00 as chipper as ever, very energetic without the aid of coffee, an energy drink or Adderall. We're both amazed. I do worry that her healing process may be unbearable as she's been struggling with chronic illnesses for at least eight years, but it would worth it if she no longer had to deal with them or prescription drugs with horrific side effects.
Sorry, this post is a lot longer than I intended it to be.
Multiple Oils Tried
Posted by Lee (New York, NY) on 06/25/2010
Hi Mirna, I think you will be fine with the organic sunflower oil. It's interesting to try different oils and that's what I do, but I have used sunflower oil and it was good. FYI, I use organic coconut oil mixed with a few drops of clove oil - and alternate with organic olive oil mixed with a few drops of oregano oil right now. I'll probably switch back to sunflower oil when the olive oil runs out - Good luck! It's a good practice.
Multiple Oils Tried
Posted by Mirna (Quebradillas, Puerto Rico) on 06/24/2010
I wish to thank all who participate in Earth Clinics' blog. One question, in reference to OP and SunFlower Oil, it seems not many people us it. Is it because the oil does not have great qualities?? I most recently purchased Organic SunFlorwer Oil and want to know if anyone had any yea or ney for it> Thanks!!!
Skin
Posted by Phaedypants (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 06/24/2010
★★★★★
I`ve been oil pulling for 4 days, in hopes to reap all the great benefits... i haven`t visited the dentist in a very very long time, and was internet researching to find a safe natural way to keep my mouth clean and healthy....
I am using 1TBS of sesame oil, and pulling for 20 minutes each morning. i have no problem with it...sometimes I lose track of time and pull for 25-30 minutes....
Maybe too soon to notice anything major, but my skin looks AMAZING! even the skin on my back, which is prone to acne, is clear and smooth....i don`t think i can remember a time in the last 15 years that i didn`t have a spot on my back. I don`t know if this is just the oil pulling, (i also tone my back with apple cider vinegar) but i`m pretty pleased!
My teeth look white, but they always are pretty white, and my gums look pink, but i think they always are too...i do notice a little less bleeding when i floss, and the general smell of flossing isn`t so unpleasant.
mostly, i cannot wait to get into some slinky summer dresses and show off my glowing skin!
p.s. for those of you with alot of ayurvedic knowledge...i`ve been told on two seperate occaisions by two people who studied ayurveda that i have a vata imbalance. (way too much air...i sense instinctively that this is true.) are there any other natural health methods that might benefit this?
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Lee (New York, NY) on 05/28/2010
★★★★★
Hi Gayla, Good luck with oil pulling. I never had a negative reaction to it. I use a variety of organic, cold pressed oils and it has become a peaceful part of my early morning ritual. Be relaxed about it and you will get to actually enjoy it! Lee
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Gayla1957 (Coolidge, Az) on 05/27/2010
★★★★★
I ran across this site by accident a couple of days ago, found it exciting, ordered organic sesame oil and organic sunflower oil. OP'd yesterday morning using ...extra organic grapeseed oil, for 20 minutes. It went well but I did swallow (not oil, I kept the oil in the front of my mouth). Tomorrow morning plan to use organic camelina oil, will have proper oils in a few days.
My girlfriend's granddaughter practices Chinese medicine. I sent her this website and asked her opinion, here it is verbatim:
"Interesting link. I'd have to disagree with the phrase that "According to Ayurveda, mucous is a poison." That is not what Ayurveda teaches. Saliva is very important in Ayurveda and is actually a healing aspect of the body. Saliva decreases Agni or toxins and increases the digestive and assimilation processes. In excess, saliva can be seen as an imbalance--and easily remedied. Sesame oil is good to use at night (swishing it in the mouth) to prevent teeth grinding. Sesame oil is used for a number of things in ayurveda. This type of mouth rinsing can also be done with Tea Tree oil diluted.
I'd also have to disagree with the Note #4 that things will get worse before getting better. Those that study Ayurveda or any other form of herbal medicine know that this effect does not and should not happen if you are using what is right for your body. It is sort of like the "No pain, no gain" myth. But hey, if it works for you and you feel better doing it. then that is all that should matter."
I'm still going to do OP, because it sounds compelling. I know our mouths are filled with disgusting germs because a human bite will almost not heal, it is so terrible. Perhaps it is these disgusting germs, whatever they are, that the OP'ing deals with.
Edema, Eczema
Posted by Jim (Charlotte , Nc) on 05/16/2010
★★★★★
my oil pulling regimine
I use both olive oil and coconut oil togather.(1 tsp ea). This seems to be very effective.My swish time varies from 10 to 20 min. depending on my tolerence for a stong herx, that day. It is clearing up a 4 year problem with leg edema/eczema
jim
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sabrina (Talking Rock, Georgia) on 05/14/2010
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started oil pulling with sesame seed oil last week. I saw changes in my gums and whiter teeth. I also had great results with my joints. On Wednesday the 1 week anniversary, I got the worst headache of my life. I haven't oil pulled since. So only 2 days. Could it be detox?
Dental Issues
Posted by Rachael (Georgetown, Ohio) on 05/12/2010
Danielle from Toronto, did your teeth every improve? I OP for two weeks and my teeth became so sensitive that I could not eat. I haven't OP for 2 weeks at all now, and my teeth still hurt. Never had these symptoms before OP. Just wondering if i should have stuck it out!
Sinus Infections
Posted by Kaitlin (Chester, Va) on 05/10/2010
★★★★★
I have been incredibly ill with a sinus infection the last three days--high fever, sore throat, yellow mucus, horrible headaches, and even vomiting. This one was really a doozy; I haven't been this sick in a long time! I tried oil pulling with the extra virgin olive oil I had in the cupboard, and after three minutes I had to spit it out because I started coughing up mucus and didn't stop for five minutes. My head started clearing up, too. While my throat is now even more sore from the coughing, the rest of me feels relief for the first time in days! I will definitely continue oil pulling and update on the results.
Ganglion Cyst
Posted by Swanny (Swansea, West Glamorgan, United Kingdom) on 05/08/2010
★★★★★
I started Oil pulling with coconut oil about three weeks ago, mainly for receding gums. I haven't actually noticed any improvement yet there, although my teeth are now really white and my gums do look nice and pink, but the main thing I wanted to say was that my unsightly ganglion cyst (with which I have suffered for many,many years) has vanished. Previously I had been bashing it with a bible to get rid (I've also tried red clay mud and huge quantities of ACV with tumeric that made me quite ill).I have been putting cocnut oil in my daily porridge instead of butter (only about 1 tsp per day), and it's obviously done the business.
Well pleased.
Ganglion Cyst
Posted by Swanny (Swansea, West Glamorgan, United Kingdom) on 05/08/2010
★★★★★
Oil pulling with virgin coconut oil cured my ganglion cyst - I was oil pulling to help my receding gumline...the ganglion cyst (which I have had for many years and was very unsightly) was a complete and unexpected bonus.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Amy (Sugar Grove, Va) on 05/05/2010
★★★★★
I've been taking the Virgin Coconut Oil softgels for about a month now. I am type o blood type & have had no problems at all. I also use the Extra Virgin Coconut Oil as a mosturizer, my skin looks great! My cellulite is all but gone my spider veins are even disappearing! I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a mosturizer for my face though because I suffer from bad adult acne. The Olive Oil cleared up my acne , took away the begins of all wrinkles & almost all of my acne scars I've had for years are gone. I love it! I'll be 36 next month & I look 10 yrs younger! I love this site! I wash my face with baking soda & water & use Lemon Juice as an astringent.
Detoxification
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 04/29/2010
I am type O but I haven't oil pulled with coconut oil yet, I will try soon. Some of the problems with oil pulling here were connected to the fillings in the teeth, I had those as well but before people just give up oil pulling I would suggest that you do the same I did and buy yourself a good book on oil pulling. It is not true that there is nothing to learn about the subject. I learned a lot and the most important was that the only filling that started to come out after I started to do oil pulling was because the tooth had some problems. I hope that all is well now....
Detoxification
Posted by Chick P (Kodiak, Ak) on 04/28/2010
I am curious now, after reading what Alex wrote about the blood-type diet, and am wondering if those who have had side-effects from OP with coconut oil are having a reaction due to an incompatible blood type? Would anyone who has had a negative reaction mind posting if they have O-type blood? I am O and LOVE coconut oil, and use it in virtually all of my baking and have oil pulled with it a few times. It has the most pleasant taste of all of the types I have tried OP with but I don't want to use it if it would be bad for me! (Will do some research on this blood-type diet to become more informed on this subject.)
Also, maybe you are actually reacting to the type of coconut oil being used? If non-organic oil is being used, maybe the side-effects are actually a reaction to something that non-organic coconuts have been treated with which is being carried directly to your bloodstream... just a thought...
Sinus Headaches
Posted by Chattvol (Cos, Colorado) on 04/27/2010
★★★★★
I've been Oil pulling for about 5 weeks with coconut oil. I use about 2 teaspoons in the morning and let it melt in my mouth. I've worked my way up to 17 minutes in the mouth. The most immediate change is I no longer suffer from almost daily sinus headaches. My teeth feel cleaner but unsure if they are actually whiter. My skin feels not as dry. Just the change in my sinuses is enough for me to continue. Do you guys change your oil every few months and do you oil pull more than 1x per day? Thanks
Dental Issues
Posted by Lisa (Port of Spain, Trinidad)
★★★★★
I began oil pulling 3 weeks after I suddenly developed very horrible bad breath. I have no cavities, am not a smoker, dont drink alcohol, coffee and carbonated beverages and I'm a vegetarian. I used EVOO as i couldnt get Sesame or Sunflower oil. The oil pulling has done wonders for my gums and teeth, my gums are more pink and my teeth are now a lot whiter. A gap i had between 2 teeth has closed up and there is no 'gap' anymore. However the bad breath remains and it is driving me crazy as i have to interact with lots of people. I keep wondering if i should continue with the oil pulling: will the bad breath go away eventually or do i need to use other 'remedies' as well, am I suffering from the herx effect or is my body too acidic? Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks.
