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.
Congestion
Posted by Camille (Houston, Tx) on 02/07/2010
★★★★★
Hi! Oil Pulling with extra virgin olive oil cured the congestion in my chest and helped me breathe easier! I was having trouble breathing when I wake up in the morning. I could not take a satisfyingly deep breath- my chest was too congested (I am a smoker, hopefully a non-smoker soon). I read about oil pulling and tried it this morning. I used olive oil this time but I am going to pick up coconut oil later today. I swished a tablespoon of evoo for 15 minutes. As I swished, I felt the congestion in my chest breaking up. After spitting out the evoo into the toilet, i was able to cough up some unwanted phlem, thus allowing me to breathe!!! I am going to keep oil pulling!! THANKS EARTHCLINIC!!
Skin
Posted by Craig (Round Lake, Il) on 02/02/2010
★★★★★
I just started (4 Days)the 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in the morning, with diabetes the first thing I notice is that my skin became smooth like I have been putting lotion on. No longer dry and scaly, I think it is the coconut oil.
Safflower Oil
Posted by Lana (Clinton Township, Michigan, Usa) on 01/25/2010
Safflower Oil Pulling
For the past five days I have been swishing my mouth with 1 tablespoon of safflower oil, once a day, about 10 to 15 minutes, before going to bed. I believe this has started a detox for me as I am experiencing mild skin breakouts, lethargy, and mild depression. A naturopathic doctor once told me that detox is emotional as well as physical, and that people going thru detox may experience a bit of melancholy along with some physical symptoms before they feel better. My gums feel less sensitive now. I plan to switch to a different oil after this detox. I believe in oil pulling, and I plan to start with a different oil after this initial detox phase passes. Thank you!
Side Effects
Posted by Cured (Niceville, Fl) on 01/21/2010
For JD and others new to OP--more specifically coconut oil. It sounds like you had a detox and possible candida die-off reaction. To avoid potentially embarrasing detox effects, I don't recommend starting out with the coconut oils. Some people have an array of reactions and some don't.
I did a test first with VCO to see how I would react. I made 2 eggs for breakfast one day before work (big mistake). I used about half a teaspoon. Hour 1 I was fine. Hour 2-3 my tummy rumbled and cramped quite painfully but bearable. Hour 4 was a loose bowel movement. After that I was fine. This experiment told me I had some detoxing to do from what was most likely a candida reaction.
From there I took it slow and just used externally, almost daily. I use as all over lotion/moisturizer(even rubbing around eyes--though not at first). I laid off the VCO a day or so if I had symptoms appear such as sinus or acne detox problems. It was around the end of month 1 before I started eating and OP with it. I believe I did another egg test before I tried OP again. My face did get worse before it got better. I also have been using turmeric capsules for acne this whole time--i still broke out--can't imagine how bad it might have been if I wasn't taking turmeric multiple times a day but no more than a teaspoon a day. I am now about 2 months into this routine and acne is gone less one here and there. I hope this helps those new to CO. Take it slow and enjoy its wonderful benefits!
Walnut Oil
Posted by Laverne (Honolulu, Hi) on 01/14/2010
I tried walnut oil and it was pleasant enough (I thought the oil was going to be gross). I only used 2 tsp but could feel the difference in the mouth after I finished. My mouth felt clean and fresh and I couldn't wait to do it again. And 15 minutes goes by fast when I'm on the computer doing my OP business. I like this thing.
Side Effects
Posted by Lavender (Seattle, Usa) on 01/05/2010
Tashimoto,
using organic unrefined oils should eliminate the concern of pesticides and insecticides.
Dental Issues
Posted by Mike (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) on 01/05/2010
★★★★★
Cure for the dentist!
I've been oil pulling off and on for over a year with sesame/sunflower oil. Extreme tooth sensitivity (hot, cold, and warm) completely gone, toothaches from 1 troublesome tooth completely gone, teeth ridiculously clean smooth (stains tartar are gone). I dont think im ever going to the dentist again! I use in combination with a few drops of oil of oregano as i no longer use toothpaste (tried every brand/type of toothpaste, they all aggravated sensitivity and toothache and don't do squat for healthy teeth (in my opinion)).
Sinus Infections
Posted by Mae (Cape Neddick, Maine) on 01/04/2010
★★★★☆
One week in...
I discovered OP while researching a natural remedy for sinus infection. I started with olive oil, three days later switched to sesame oil, then to VCO. While the sinus infection is in control, it is not by any means cured. I have also been using ACV in warm water with honey twice a day and neti pot 3 times a day. I wish I could say I have had the results some of you have had in eliminating tons of mucus. I will stick with it though.
My question is: I have read many blogs over the past week and don't see that anyone is talking about blending oils. I am thinking about mixing sesame with coconut. Is there any reason why I shouldn't?
EC: A few people have mentioned adding a drop of clove or wild oregano to their Sesame, Olive, Coconut, etc. oil.
Side Effects
Posted by Linda (Chipley, Florida) on 01/02/2010
Lee, Thank you so much for the information. I was doing what you said in your reply. I was ready to give up. melt it first? lol, I never would have thought about that. I was watching the clock lol. So once again Thank you Lee.
Side Effects
Posted by Lee (New York, New York) on 12/30/2009
Linda from Chipley - Are you concentrating on the oil pulling too much? I melt it first (i like to add a little clove oil or peppermint oil to it) - then I leave the bathroom and make the bed, check email, etc. I actually forget that it's in my mouth. Just swish it around very gently and get busy with something else! Good luck.
Dental Issues
Posted by Lindaa (Chipley, Fl) on 12/30/2009
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
How do you hold coconut oil in your mouth for 15 minutes?
Yesterday I lasted 2 minutes, but it really worked for plaque on my teeth and the white coating on my tongue was gone.
This morning I used the same amount (about a teaspoon) and I had the same problem as yesterday. Saliva poured into my mouth. I lasted 3 minutes. I had to stop and breath through my mouth frequently (I must be a mouth breather) I was a coughing, gagging, spitting mess, but it worked again:) My teeth looked better, my gums are getting a health pink already.
Keratosis Pilaris
Posted by Beautyqueen (New Haven, Ct) on 12/29/2009
Exactly what type of oil did you use? I have a problem with ingrown hairs (keratosis pilaris), and I'd like to use what you used for optimal results.
Thanks!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Paige (New York, United States) on 12/25/2009
★★★★★
I was using organic toasted sesame oil unrefined and I've stopped having lower back pain, I was suffering from a chronic muscle spasm that has stopped and I dont recall ever having headaches since I started oil pulling or having trouble with my vision, when I would read I see the words do this weird thing, I dont know how to explain but when I concentrate the words seem to do this 3d'ish thing its weird its like the words pop out of the background and it would happen more when im tired out but no more.
Thank You So Much For Your Time. Paige
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jagadeesh (Bangalore, India, Karnataka, India) on 12/23/2009
★★★★★
I have been doing oil pulling for 3 days now and I feel freshness. It seems to be helping in my general conditions too.
Eczema
Posted by Nicole (Gatineau, Quebec) on 12/22/2009
Message to Oregine Chew. Hope you are not using dark sesame oil. It could have an adverse effect. If you cannot use clear sesame oil, try something else but make sure it is a good oil, organic if possible. Good luck!
Eczema
Posted by Oregene Chew (Singapore) on 12/21/2009
Oil Pulling With Sesame Oil Caused Eczema Flare Up
I have been doing oil pulling for about 1 week using sesame oil, twice a day on an empty stomach.
I have been suffering from ezcema since age of 7 and I am now 17. My eczema has been under control with the help of betopic cream, I belive to be a mild form of steroids. Though I do not apply much these days after learning about its side effects. As long as I avoid allergic food, My eczema will be under control.
But after oil pulling for a week, my ezcema suddenly flared up all over again. It is intense and I reckon that is the healing effects. Though what I am wondering now is as to how long will it last. I am battling whether to use my cream though I would prefer not to use it as I want a cure and not a temporary relief. I do not wish to interfere with the effects of oil pulling. But what I really do need to know now is as to how long will these side effects last?
And what actually causes these healings symptoms. I am really curious.
Thx in advance
Merry Christmas xD
Side Effects
Posted by Kitkat (Macon, Georgia, Usa) on 12/21/2009
Simon, try deleting all breads/sugar and milk from your diet, all refined foods, basically for a while stick with vegetables, fruits and meats. give it a few weeks to see if it gives you some relief. Kathy
Side Effects
Posted by Becky (Springer, Oklahoma) on 12/16/2009
In response to a possible heavy metal detox, which sounds very plausable, chlorella is one of the top ones for metal detox. When you start with high doses, one can actually see/feel the metals leave one's body in b.m.'s You can also have your hair tested for metal toxicity.
Side Effects
Posted by Mira (Oshawa, On, Ca) on 12/11/2009
@Simon from Guildford
Simon, I don't think oil pulling can give us relief from going back and forth to the washroom! I am pretty sure it has the opposite effect but I think maybe that's how it cleanses the system. Read my post from today. I am back to oil pulling after I stopped during the peak of my gluten intolerance problems. I remember when I started having IBS in the spring it was just after (maybe one month maybe less) starting oil pulling. I was very diligent with oil pulling as I find that it is a very easy technique to incorporate into my schedule. And now after a few days of oil pulling, I am having some symptoms back like itchy skin and I am having difficulty to fall asleep.
My guess is that oil pulling precipitates the process of cleansing gluten from our system. In the spring, maybe it was the trigger to something that was already there but that I had no symptoms for. Let's not forget 50% of celiac people have 0 symptoms, others have less than the typical celiac.
I am no doctor but maybe you should interrupt oil pulling until you at least get rid of all gluten in your food and get back to oil pulling 2-3 months later. I am back after 5 months. It is just a suggestion.
Side Effects
Posted by Mira (Oshawa, On) on 12/11/2009
Oil pulling and Celiac/IBS
Hi there,
I am glad I have found this site last spring. I started oil pulling in February March this year and I stopped doing it when I became gluten intolerant in late spring. I was overwhelmed with all my symptoms and what to do about them. Anyway, I am now back to oil pulling for the last 5-6 days. I do it in the morning for 20 minutes sometimes more and sometimes twice a day. I love how my mouth feels after oil pulling.
But I am a little worried because I started having soft stools and diarrhea for the last 2 days. I wonder if my oil pulling wasn't what triggered my IBS this spring too. I don't know if that's because the oil is pushing my system to get rid of the last bits of gluten too. Anyway, after going gluten free in the summer, I was getting back to normal and having between 2-3 bowel movements but this morning by 12am, I already had 3 and around 1:00pm it was about 4 BM! I don't know if it is because of the cosmetics I use too.
I would appreciate feedback from anyone and specially those with gluten intolerance.
I use sesame oil and it says unrefined, organic and traditionally pressed and filtered. When I was researching on oil pulling and found this site, sesame was the oil that most people recommended.
EC: Hi Mira, would you kindly tell us what oil you are using? Thanks!
Side Effects
Posted by Tashimoto (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 12/11/2009
I don't know if this is mentioned in any of the many oil pulling entries here, but it just might be very important. The site: http://www.curezone.org/forums/am.asp?i=110881 states: Dr. Karach has recommended only refined oil. This has been used by millions of people with wonderful cures and accepted in practice. Regarding unrefined oil there may be ingredients injurious to the body and its taste, color and smell may not be agreeable. It may cause or induce vomiting sensation in some people. Since pesticides and insecticides are used in crops, it is possible that trace elements of such poisonous chemicals are not only harmful to health but also carcinogenic. Since refined oil is colorless, odorless and tasteless, such a situation would not arise. I therefore suggest do not use unrefined oils for OP.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Lee (Ridgefield, Ct., USA) on 12/10/2009
★★★★★
I used to gag on sesame oil. It was the first oil I ever used (per most suggestions.) First of all, don't stress over it. If you gag, you can always just spit it out. I found that using a better tasting oil was much easier (evco)- also, evoo plus a few drops of clove oil. Now I can use just about anything without gagging. I drink a little bit of water first and then use it as a peaceful way to start my morning. Don't give up - the results are worth it.
Migraines
Posted by Jesse (Richmond Hill, On, Canada) on 12/06/2009
Lily, it sounds that you have the same symptom of headache as I had two years ago. My life was so blighted by this problem then. And it took me almost 10 years to find out that the real culprit of my headaches was chronic sinusitis. And I believe many people who were suffering from unknown headaches are caused by the the same problem. My solution is to take probiotics. Try it and see how it goes. It is possible that oil pulling could be used as a long term therapy in treating the chronic sinusitis problem, however, there is no convincing evidence found on this site and that is what I am trying to find out.
Side Effects
Posted by Simon (Guildford, Surrey) on 11/27/2009
I have been OP for 11 MONTHS now hoping for some relief from severe coeliac disease problems. I am at present crippled over with stomach pain and feeling as though I need the toilet all the time but it brings no relief. My hope is that OP will clear my system and maybe let my body start to heal itself, as I have been suffering severely with coeliac disease for years now.
I am 20 years old, and this is blighting my life and I am desperate for help.
Could this be OP? Im a bit frightened.
Simon
EC: Can you please tell us what oil you are using?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Felicia (Santa Rosa, Ca) on 11/27/2009
As for your diabetes, please look into fenugreek and cinnamon supplements and organic apple cider vinegar. I have a close friend that I got on the regimen and he now has consistent blood sugar readings within normal ranges. He started with low and high blood sugar readings, they were all over the place. I wholeheartedly believe in apple cider vinegar for aid in many health problems.
Smoking Cough
Posted by Lita209 (Sanford, Fl, USA) on 11/19/2009
Dear Renate from So. Fla: Your post made me think about an experience that I had about a month ago. My wedding ring started bothering me one day. In the evening when I get home I take all my jewelery off to do my chores. On this day I couldn't take my wedding ring off. I tried oil, soap and still wouldn't come off. Meanwhile I felt my finger was swelling up. I went to bed with that "funny" feeling on my finger and then my whole arm started getting weird too. So I finally got up, woke up my husband and made him cut the ring off my finger. I have been oil pulling for a little while now (maybe like a month and a half). I started with coconut oil and then changed to Sesame oil, but never conected it until I read your post. I am still not sure that is the cause, but your comment about the burning sensation on your finger caught my eye. I just wanted to share this to see if anybody has any input. Thanks!
Smoking Cough
Posted by Renate (South, Florida) on 11/19/2009
Dear Stephen,
I have been oil pulling for about 9 months. I had a weird thing happen with Sunflower oil - my wedding ring became very HOT and I had to remove it for a few days while the burn on my finger healed. (I have had that ring on my finger for 37 years w/o taking it off). I only used that oil for 2 days. Previously, I used organic, cold pressed or expeller pressed sesame oil (unrefined). While using the sesame oil, I would spit up mucus after oil pulling. I was a smoker, but not a heavy one. I take the mucus as a very good sign.
I would recommend that you change your oil to Sesame. I no longer do it every day. Perhaps your body is telling you to slow down on the oil pulling. Do it every other day and see what happens. I am not sure about the swelling - but again, I would recommend switching your oil.
Good luck!
Smoking Cough
Posted by Stephen (London, UK) on 11/16/2009
Oil Pulling Causing Side Effects After 5 Months
I am really confused, i have been oil pulling for almost 10 months now, once a day i morning mostly sunflower and recently a few with olive oil. About 5 months ago every time i spat out, i did one big cough and bought up phlegm, directly after spitting one big cough. Then about two months ago the cough developed to an hour, once after spittiong out, then later in the day for an hour. That has since got more regular, not worst, but just coughing a lot up.
Also shortly since starting op, i've got some swellings on neck under jaw, no pain just slight swelling.
I am a smoker (been smoking packet a day for 30 yrs), but i'd never been a cougher till recently. i went to the dr. with my 2 months coughing, quick chest examination they said probably a virus. Seemed nothing wrong with lungs. I think it is the op'ing bringing up and clearing my mucus. is that possible.?
I also daily have a salad dressing which has ACV and Turmeric and Cayenne.
Side Effects
Posted by Tonytz123 (Granite City, Il Usa) on 11/05/2009
I tried doing the oil pulling but it made my gums on my front lower teeth hurt and got real sore, its been over 10 days and my gums still hurt, I have never had gum problems before, what could have went wrong.. Tony
Lung Debris Expulsion
Posted by Marah (Edmonton, Alberta) on 11/05/2009
Just wanted to mention apple cider vinegar to you regarding the phlegm problem. I have been slowly coming down with a cold and my chest has felt congested for a few weeks now. Last night I took 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 tablespoons of non pasteurized honey. I drank it slowly, taking a sip at a time since I found it to strong to drink in one go. The results were amazing! By the time I was about half way through I felt the phlegm loosen in my chest and was able to cough most of it up. I thought this might help with the violent coughing because it really seems to help loosen the phlegm up.
Best Wishes!
Allergies
Posted by Villageofone (Euless, Tx, USA) on 11/05/2009
I had the same result after using sesame seed oil by Dynasty - it was an amber color - tasted like liquid peanut butter - very heavy. I have switched to Sesame Oil - (without the word seed) - it is a light - see thru yellow color and it has worked better.
Side Effects
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 11/01/2009 392 posts
Side effects of oil pulling... I don't believe in regular oil pulling. I believe in a balance between oil pulling and pulling oil. The pulling oil is the taking of granulated lecithin to reduce excessive oil buildup in the body. The other thing is some people with hypothyroid may have low iodine levels, in which case 1-2 drops of lugols solution and 1-2 drops of SSKI (potassium iodide), in a cup of warm water or even a liter of water should resolve some hypothyroid in about month. It helps to take 1000 mg of vitamin C for the body to better utilize the iodine, and vice versa.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Herb Bob (Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico) on 11/01/2009
★★★★★
Why does oil pulling work? It acts like a lubricant in your body's hydraulic systems. Sucking like a vacuum, the greasy fluid seals off access to your body's water and air availability. It pushes lymph with poisons, air and nutrients in it through any exit it can (lungs, pores, eyes, hair,etc) along with any water it needs to transport the gunk. That is why, you have to drink three glasses of fluid afterwards. Analogizing with frying oil, it does not work until your cells' water is added to the mix. Then with your cell water the oil becomes hydrogenated, less viscous and less effective after 10 or 15 minutes. The oil solution is forced into your system through the opening below your tongue, your tongue's taste cells, your gums, nasal passage, hairs, and etc. Depending who you want to be, mouthwash with Caesar's, French, Russian, Italian, Basil or Pennzoil. Paging Dr.Gupta, Paging Dr.Gupta
