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
Posted by ECM (Concord, NH, USA) on 05/07/2009
★★★★★
Oil Pulling (w/ coconut oil)
Honest to God, this stuff would be considered a miracle cure if I believed in miracles!
I started taking a TBSP of this about 10 days ago just to experiment with it because I'd read so many good things about it. At first, the only thing I noticed was that, after each 20 minute pulling session, I'd be coughing up stunning amounts of phlegm (mainly coming from the back of my throat where the nasal cavity empties into your throat. I also noticed, immediately, that I was having an easier time breathing all day long.
Anyway, that was a nice benefit: clearing out the pipes and easier to breathe, can't complain but hardly shocking stuff.
Then, about 5 days ago, I was checking out my teeth after brushing one morning. (During the last few years I've had some trouble with gum recession and nothing really seemed to work and I had resigned myself to, at some point, having some serious dental work done.) However, looking at the upper right side of my mouth I noticed something shocking: a gap between two teeth that had widened substantially for the past several years was CLOSING. In fact, I started probing the gap with my tongue and was shocked to discover I couldn't get my tongue very far up into the gap where, not too long ago, I could pretty much touch the gum tissue between the teeth. At first I didn't believe it: I mean, I'd only been doing this for five days and I started to question whether I was remembering correctly, so I just sort of made a note of it and then went about my day.
Now, over the last five days, the gap has grown so small that the two teeth in question are virtually touching one another again--I can't get my tongue into the gap at all anymore and, at this rate, it'll be gone by tomorrow morning! In all seriousness, each subsequent day it has improved, almost in real-time! I am now dying to go to my next dental appointment and see what the good dentist has to say about the state of my teeth now!
I also want to note again that I went into this not expecting some of the amazing things I've read on here and on the internet but, really, this stuff is the real deal and I can only imagine if it's having this much of an effect on my gums (and this quickly!) what it's doing internally. Talk about a 'miracle'!
Insights and Theories
Posted by Actua (Nowhere, Al) on 08/18/2013
Canola is genetically modiied in the same way your prized begonias would be. It was created using traditional crossbreeding techniques and is no more superscience than bananas are-by the way, look up the Gros Michel die off an then the current crisis with the Calabash.
Canola was bred to remove the toxins that at the time would be deadly. As it now stands, the presence of those chemicals is laughable. Canola oil is both cheap and healthy when compared to most other oils and can be considered the poor mans extra virgin olive oil. Get your facts straight.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Douglas (Md) on 08/21/2013
No canola oil is not at all healthy. It is one of the main causes of diabetes. When using canola oil it takes 6 months to undo the damage from 1 serving of this nasty oil. It places an artificial fat wall around your cells walls that disrupt the electrical balance of your cells. This fat wall then does not allow glucose to properly penetrate. This knocks your pancreatic cells out of whack which produce Insulin and causes blood sugar imbalance. You can fix this in about 6 months if you cut out all canola oil as well as all margirin and vegetable oil. Buy a bottle of cold pressed Flaxseed oil and a bag of ground flaxseed. The ground flaxseed has to be used as soon as its introduced to the air because it goes rancid very quick. The flaxseed oil must have the top secured at all times and kept away from heat and light. Mix 1 table spoon with 2 tablespoons of 4% milkfat cottage cheese. Or you can double the amount depending on how hungry you are. Mix very well. Take this mixture and add in 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed. Mix well and you can optionaly add cinnamon for blood sugar balancing(it mimmicks insulin) and apricott or organic fruit of your choice. Eat this 3 times per day. This diet is known as the budwig diet and it reverses diabetes as well as cancer. Avoid taking vitamin C when using this diet at least 3 hours before or after eating. The flaxseed oil mixes with the fat of the cottage cheese in a way that makes it become water soluble. The oil then can bypass the liver and directly bring oxygenation to your cells and organs through your blood stream. Your diabetes will be reversed within 6 months or less if you eliminate all bad fats especialy canola, margerin, and vegetable oils. Also if you can get organic cottage cheese that is the prefered type to use. God bless and good luck to everyone. Sending light and love out to all that read this!!!!
Insights and Theories
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 10/23/2013 2042 posts
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
Castor Oil
Posted by Sueli (Boston, MA) on 03/19/2009
Hello and thank you to all who contribute to this wonderful resource! I have a question regarding blood type and type of oil used. I read somewhere that there is a way to find depending on one's blood type a particular oil may work best for his/her condition (I don't know if this is only true for oil pulling, or if it holds true for ingesting the oil also). Does anyone know about this? Thanks in advance.
Dental Issues
Posted by Susan (Stroudsburg, Pa) on 01/25/2009
★★★★★
Oil pulling got rid of my tooth pain in just 3 days. I had a very painful toothache, my whole jaw and ear hurt from the pain. I could not get into see a dentist for two weeks. For several nights I could not sleep due to the pain. I tried several things first like splitting raw garlic and applying to both sides of tooth and gum area, it relieved it somewhat. I also tried rubbing with oregano oil I had in the medicine chest. I then found info on oil pulling on earth clinic. I was disparate, and tried it. I'm not sure if the garlic kicked in or the oregano....but soon I drifted off to sleep in much less pain. I used organic pure extra virgin coconut oil, unrefined, unbleached. I remember reading that this oil has antibacterial properties somewhere. I woke up the next morning and did it again. I also rubbed raw honey on he area, as I have read that has antibacterial properties as well. It was still hard to chew food for two days...but the pain was subsiding dramatically. By the fourth day I stopped oil pulling. And the pain continued to diminish and go away. I can chew good now and absolutely no pain. I am amazed! I'm curious as to what the dentist will find when I go to see him next week. Now today I did oil pulling again...going to do everyday to see if it whitens my teeth. Will keep you posted!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Albert (Montclair, NJ,USA) on 01/23/2009
★★★★★
Hello, I was as skeptical as anyone else about the claims of OP but figured I'd give it a try since it's a natural "remedy" and not expensive. This is the first month of OP and I ahve already seen some changes. I swish a tablespoon with refined Sunflower oil for 20 minutes every morning and thouroughly rinse and wash my teeth and gums with olive oil soap. At first it took some getting used but now it comes as second nature... First I had a dull pain in my right foot. As soon as I took my first step out of bed and put some weight on it, there it was a reminder of the pain... I no longer have that pain in the foot.. would say I noticed the pain was gone about 2eeksd ago. I had bleeding gums everytime I brushed my teeth and after a month of OP, my gums are pink and healthy. For two weeks now, I have not used the medication my dermatologist prescribed for the rosea rash I have on my face and the redness has almost cleared up... with continued use I anticipate the redness to be gone in a month or two. My best advise is to have patience. this is something that will not work overnight but keep at it and you might see some real benefit. I know I have.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Adad (Colombo, Sri Lanka) on 12/01/2008
★★★★★
To Mona from Bangalore: Do not stop rinsing your mouth with sesame oil. I had rhumatoid arthritis three years ago in my fingers and wrists of both bands. Not only did my arthritis was completely cured in three months, but also my puffed up face which was due to allergic rhinitis (cattarrah). Further this practice also cured by wife's 20 year old bladder infection, the numbness on her thigh; my daughter's and niece's tooth ache; dark circles round another niece's eyes and some other cures about which I hope to post in details. Wish you good health and good luck. God bless you.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Barbara (KEY WEST, FL) on 11/02/2008
★★★★★
I found great relief from oil pulling for chronic sinus, nasal & ear blockage, mouth lesions and blood blisters. My ongoing symptoms have appeared when exposed to moldy housing conditions, not overlooking the molds on improperly washed foods. I tried oil pulling from oil in plastic bottles because I had very little money and could get plenty of extra virgin olive oil on sale buy one get one free.
It tasted so awful I almost threw up!!!! And my oil pulling results became adverse. I became ultra sensitive to smells in the air like exhaust fumes, molds from the rains and tropical Key West heat, chemical smells like burning tires- from some unknown source, etc. I stopped using the cheap oil.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Knute (Sacramento, USA) on 08/29/2008
★★★★★
I was fortunate to find out about Dr Karach's oil pulling therapy over 16 years ago, and my objective was to improve my immune system, as a preventative. And it certainly has done so, for example, the number of colds has gone down a lot. Plus, my digestion has improved very much. Also, I can go on for more hours without feeling the need to eat.
I mostly use sesame oil, peanut oil, and sunflower oil: Once per day, one table spoon in the morning, before breakfast, 5-7 days a week. I have found that it's very important to rinse the oral cavity and tonge with baking soda/salt in warm water, and brush all of the same area - including the tongue, after applying just a little baking soda and salt on the toothbrush.
Basically, my opinion is that oil pulling is one of the very best ways to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities, and that includes detoxification. 15-20 minutes in the morning of oil pulling regularly, while taking a shower or shaving or ... - is one of the wisest things we could to, healthwise.
Dental Issues
Posted by Peggy (Marengo, IL) on 08/22/2008
★★★★★
I had a cavity in my wisdom tooth when eventually the tooth began to loosen and caused me pain. I started oil pulling in an effort to stabalize the tooth. The OP had eliminated the pain. After a month the tooth did not stabalize. But the tooth loosened up enough for a family member to yank it out of my mouth. The gums did not bleed and the gums closed up with out complications. When I examined the tooth I noticed that the OP had created a natural filling in the cavity. This amazing proof is why I continued to oil pull besides the other results of whitening of the teeth, stronger enamel and knowing I will never have to see a Dentist again to remove tarter, teeth or fill cavities, etc. I have been Oil pulling for 1 over 1 year and could not be happier with my over all mouth health.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Lela (Sanford, N) on 08/14/2008
★★★★★
Just want to thank earthclinic for it's awesome website, you are the best. I first tried the oil pulling on 08/02/08 and it has done wonders for me. first thing it's done is corrected my digestive system and in only 13 days I'm loosing my bloated belly, my face is glowing, I'm sleeping much much better, I have energy to spare, over all, I haven't felt this good in over 20 years from a day to day period. just can't thank you enough.
There's just one question I have about how offten you should use this method. OK, today is the 13th day of my using it. I noticed that this morning after my 20 min usage when I spat it out it was still yellow, does this mean that I've cleared out all my toxins for now and would need to wait a few days then go back because I did a repeat later on this afternoon and got the same results. what ever your answer is, I will continue to do the oil pulling it's just too good not to continue using.
May God Bless all of you!
Lela
Armpit Bumps
Posted by Julie (Southern, Illinois) on 08/03/2008
★★★★★
Regarding swelling lymph nodes as a side effect of Oil Pulling. I have had bumps under my arms all my life -- just thought that's what armpits looked like. I tried oil pulling for a week or so last year (Sesame oil, tablespoon or so). I only swished for 1 or 2 minutes (hoped to work up to longer). I immediately noticed my teeth were whiter, or maybe just shinier. But what absolutely astonished me was that the lumps/bumps under my arms were GONE. Completely! I had never in my life had smooth armpits before! I was flabbergasted. Well, life got busy and I quit oil pulling. My armpits returned to their former lumpiness. The Sesame oil sat on a shelf in the bathroom for about a year. I recently decided to try it again. I had no idea if the oil was still good -- but thought it couldn't hurt. I have only been oil pulling for 3 days, again just for a minute or so, and -- unbelievable -- the bumps under my arms are almost gone again! It's so blatant, it makes me laugh! Well, I am definitely going to keep up the Oil pulling routine (btw I only did it in the a.m.) -- and also am going to try to work up to doing it for a longer time. The longer I swish, as others know, the more the oily stuff becomes watery and you have to go longer to reach this stage. I don't know if the bumps under my arms are lymph nodes (they aren't painful or anything) -- whatever they are, they are almost gone again! I have also been feeling a renewed energy in the morning and hadn't known why, maybe because I was trying to drink my 8+ glasses of water a day-- now I think it's due to the oil pulling. I'm going to keep oil pulling and see if I keep feeling energetic, watch those bumps disappear, and see what else happens! If my half-hearted attempt yields these phenomenal and immediate results . . . something is definitely going on.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Van (Gooseby, UT) on 07/14/2008
★★★★★
As an extra safety measure after oil pulling, i swish colloidal silver around for a few minutes before i drink anything. cheers.
Congestion
Posted by SB (London, UK) on 06/22/2008
★★★★★
I've just started oil pulling with olive oil. It's only day 3 but I am just amazed .What I do is I oil pull for 20 or more minutes then I wash my mouth out and then brush my teeth with a mix of turmeric and bicarbonate soda (this I was already doing before I started oil pulling). After a few seconds juices start seeping out endlessly from inside my mouth, nose continously runs and eyes keep watering. I presume this is a detox and built up toxins seep out.Then I cough up masses of phlgem from my lungs. It's white, thick and this morning there must have been about half a glass or more . These effects come when I brush my teeth afterwards with the turmeric and bicarbonate of soda and not with the oil pulling alone nor was this happening when I was brushing my teeth with the turmeric mix before I started oil pulling. So this must be the effect of the two combined. Thanks earth clinic because I can breathe much more easily now.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mike (Seguin, TX) on 06/12/2008
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling for 4 days. I used to smoke two packs a day and drink so much coffee I ended up in the hospital with caffiene intoxication. My teeth look so much cleaner and are starting to get white. They had been terribly stained. I work nights, 12 hour shifts, and always have big black bags surrounding my eyes. These bags are almost completely gone and my skin looks so clear. I also starting drinking 2 tablespoons of ACV in 8 oz of water before each meal. My skin is really starting to glow. My energy is reaching levels I have not felt in years. I am in my mid forties. I am really starting to look younger. This upsets my wife very much. She is upset that I am being stared at now by others whenever we are out together. She sees the differences in my appearance and energy but for some reason will still not try oil pulling or ACV. I am going to start keeping a journal and track the changes in my appearance and energy. I am so pleased with the results and it has only been four days!!!! I am enjoying being "noticed" so much more when I go out. It always nice to know that others find you attractive. I FEEL GREAT!!!!!!!!! I will continue with both of these practices for the remainder of my life. It is so cheap and yet the rewards are so tremendous.
Safflower Oil
Posted by Trina (Saint Helens, Oregon, USA) on 04/14/2008
★★★★★
Oil Pulling cured my Rheumatoid Arthritis in a matter of 3 days. Been using Safflower Oil. It helped so much. I sleep like a baby and pain free!! No more limping, dropping cups, hurting to drive, bend - I can open lids - pain free!! I had Rheumatoid Arthritis for over a year. I dont have joint stiffness anymore - but i can feel the joint damage (tightness when moving) In truth i am affraid to stop oil pulling - i dont want it to come back - because i have not stopped my health keeps improving i had gum disease (Periodontitis ), 8 year Chocoholic addiction,Dry Skin and Hair, A Sinus infection and Suffering with RA -gone! My skin is soft as a baby's head to toe- A huge scar i got from last winter i branded my self by backing into a propane heater - it looks like a cat scrach. Anyways its been a month and my health keeps improving. I OP for 2 to 3 times a day. Oh yah my mens. has improved too. Rarely irritable, minor back pain, no chocolate cravings, lil bit of a sweet tooth, lil to no cramps- such a big improvement - THANKU Earth Clinic!!!!!!!!
Dental Braces Tightening Pain
Posted by Serena (Nottingham, England) on 04/02/2008
★★★★★
... I had my braces tightened this morning. My teeth were killing me all day, then when I got home, I took a dessert spoonful of cold pressed, unrefined sesame oil and oil pulled. It really helped and now my teeth don't hurt as much, so if you know anyone who has braces, tell them!
Side Effects
Posted by Hope (Sacramento, CA) on 03/14/2008

I just wanted to warn folks about the possibilities of increasing blood pressure DUE to oil pulling and acv therapy. I loved oil pulling, but a week after starting it (once a day), my blood pressure went from 140/95 to 250/150. I had to go to the ER fearing I might have a stroke. I had also been doing acv therapy (2 tablespoons in water twice day) at the same time. I was under medication for my bp (20 mg accupril).Perhaps it is possible that they both might remove medication from the body? I stopped both therapies and thought perhaps it was the acv, so 2 weeks later , I tried one session of oil pulling and my blood pressure went sky high the next day : 236/120 ! I made yet another trip to the ER to avoid stroke and heart attack. I know many people have had great success with both healing modalites, but apparently some of us cannot tolerate the unexpected consequences. I would encourage anyone with high blood pressure to do only one modality at a time and go very slowly, keeping a close eye on your bp readings!