★★★★★
Migraines
Some others have also speculated that severe headaches after OP can be due to detoxification. Toxins may become dislodged and may cause symptoms such as yours (also including joint pain and fatigue).
Lastly, try not to clench your jaw while swishing the oil around. Relax and let your cheeks and tongue do the work. Hope this helps!
Side Effects
What type of oil did you use? After 2 weeks of oil pulling with sunflower oil, I went in for a routine checkup and my blood pressure was 153/99. I have often had 140/90 when checked in the doctor's office, but when checked at home, it was more typically in the 120-130/70-80 range. I have NEVER seen it above 150 systolic or above 95 diastolic. I am not on any blood pressure lowering medication.
Now, I can't say what my blood pressure was right before I started pulling, because I hadn't been measuring it for a few months. I can say that oil pulling is the only change in my diet/behavior in the last month.
Since going to the doctor earlier this week, I have monitored my pressure at home. I also quit oil pulling after the high reading at the doctor's office. My pressure this week has been 130-150/90-100 IN THE MORNING (average is closer to 130/90) and as high as 165/106 IN THE EVENING after work. My best guess is that both my systolic and diastolic values are 15 points higher, on average, than they have been for my entire adult life (I'm 38) and this change has taken place sometime in the last few months, since I took readings a few months ago and it was "normal" (normal for me).
I can feel the high pressure in my body. Pressure in my eyes, head, certain spots in my legs and arms, chest, finger tips and feet. I don't believe I felt this way before doing the oil pulling, so my best guess is that it started after I started doing the oil pulling. I can gauge, fairly closely, what my reading will be based on the pressure I feel (and have confirmed this a few times this week).
Having read that sunflower oil contains a high amount of omega 6, I am wondering if that is somehow implicated in this issue. Even though sesame oil does have omega 6 in it too, my research has shown that it also contains other substances that can lower blood pressure. Therefore, last night I ingested 3 tablespoons of sesame seed oil. Within about 1.5 hours after doing this, my blood pressure dropped from about 155/100 to 145/90 (this is from memory, don't have my notes right in front of me). By morning, however, it was about 150/100 when I woke up. I oil pulled 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil in the shower. About 45 minutes after my earlier reading and after the start of my pulling (which lasted about 10 to 15 minutes), it was down to 140/90. Given the two data points I have, I would say the sesame seed oil may be able to quickly drop about 10 points off both values (FOR ME), whether ingested or through buccal delivery in oil pulling. I should also mention that I do take multiple readings each time to account for the natural variations that are common from one minute to the next.
Since I've given the "bad" effect that I believe was a result of the oil pulling with sunflower oil, I will also give the "good" effect I noticed. Skin irritations on my face and forehead cleared up significantly (90%). I am very confident this is from the oil pulling as it is something I monitor daily when I look in the mirror in the morning. However, I'd definitely trade high blood pressure for some skin irritations! :)
If this gets posted, I will provide future updates on the blood pressure situation.
Side Effects
Adult Acne
★★★★★
Side Effects
Side Effects
Anybody's hyphothyroid, sinusities and cervical spondylosis with the same symptoms got cured after oil pulling?
EC: Hi Vishwapurna, can you tell us what type of oil you were using to oil pull with? Thanks!
I was researching oil pulling and came across your post about having acne. The 2 best supplements I have ever tried for acne are L-Glutathione (500 milligrams up to 3 times a day) and vitamin B6 (ONLY get the P5P form. The other form can cause neuropathy) Try opening a capsule of vitamin B6 (P5P) and take a third of it - or half of it - and see how you do. You can take the same dosage up to 3 times a day. Definitely take the B6 with food because it can make you nauseous. Also, both vitamin B6 and L-Glutathione are potent detoxifiers of the liver so go up to the dose you need VERY slowly! L-Glutathione really helped my hair to become shinier and healthier as well. You do not need to take both of these supplements together for acne unless you feel that that works for you. I have only taken B6 alone and L-Glutathione alone - and both worked separately to completely clear my skin in record time. I suffered with severe cystic acne and was on 3 courses of Accutane so I know what it's like to suffer with acne.
Best of luck to you trying these supplements - I'm going to go post this info on the acne section of this awesome website!
EC: P5P is an acronym for Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate.
Sinus Infections
★★★★★
Congestion
Broad Benefits
★★★★★
Side Effects
I read the instructions but don't really see where it says not to do anything else. I know you aren't supposed to eat before you do it. I have been oil pulling successfully now for almost 3 months on a daily basis. I can't do it without some other activity to keep my mind off it. I find if I focus on the oil it makes me want to gag and sometimes I have to run to spit it out! I know that's a little crazy but, if I distract myself with reading earth clinic while doing it or reading email or gardening, etc. I'm absolutely fine and even find myself at 1/2 hour when I'm really concentrated on something. I have not had any negative side effects from this only positive. Also, I noticed in the beginning my oil didn't thin out that much but now it does. Perhaps, it's part of the process. Not sure, just a thought. Give it a try again if you can and let us know if you see a change. You sound like you have it very together outside of the kidney issue. Good luck...
Side Effects
Another thing is that while I am doing op every time, after 15' or 20', the oil in my mouth got very thick, not watery like it's described in your article. I am a dialysis patient also and my kidneys failed right after my 2 major surgeries in 2007 & 2009. I also has problem w/ high blood pressure.
The sad thing is, I am only 39 years old, happy, active, eat healthy food, exercise regularly but still got all these problems. Please help me. Thank you.
EC: Mi is referring to the instructions on OP found here: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/oil_pulling.html#INSTRUCTIONS
★★★★☆
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Although it seems to be draining my sinuses, and the health of my gums have improved (better shade of pink, no more bleeding) and the white coating on my tongue has disapeared, my tooth sensitivity has been getting worse and my teeth have been turning more yellow. I can also see a line in one tooth now that looks almost like an internal crack and it feels like the outer layer of another tooth, near the base of the gumline has been scraped off. This seems to be the opposite of what most people experience.
I know that sometimes there is a worening of symptoms for a bit, but I haven't read any accounts of this happening with teeth, usually more with rashes, sinues etc.
Has anyone else had this problem? Did it get worse or better in the long run? Did your teeth become damaged? Should I stop oil pulling or continue on? I am afraid that my teeth are deteriating in front of my eyes due to some strange reaction that a rare few may have.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Congestion
Back Pain, Severe
★★★★★
I tried Sesame Oil after experiencing severe back pain from a tramatic injury to my tailbone and my coccyx bone became misaligned, which caused severe pain when I'm sitting down. I also have chronic knee pain, stomach pains, occasional headaches and an infection on the right side of my mouth. I began the oil pulling therapy on July 21, 2009 and after 3-4 weeks I saw a noticeable decrease in my back pain. I used to have difficulty being seated for periods longer than one hour and had horrible pain after riding in a car or driving for long distances. I have experienced such remarkable improvements in my results that I was able to drive from Georgia to Maryland with no pain in my back or my knee, 5 weeks after I began oil pulling therapy. I no longer have headaches or pain in my stomach. I have also noticed that the pain in my mouth is gone because the infection has obviously disappeared!! I feel absolutely wonderful that I am now pain-free and I have accomplished this without surgery or chemical drugs and medication. I am happy to say that my girlfriend and family members have now begun oil pulling therapy.
Detoxification
Detoxification
Lung Debris Expulsion
Lung Debris Expulsion
★★★★★
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
We recognize this as a "healing crisis" and she'll continue OP. We'd just like to know if anyone else has been through this and how long to anticipate that it may last, especially since it's interfering with her whole family's sleep. She doesn't want to take cough medicine to suppress the cough because "better out than in" but wonders how long this might go. It's not constant but quite violent when it hits.
Also, she's still breastfeeding a toddler (only twice a day at this age), and wonders if there is any danger to him other than being disturbed by her coughing. Can a healing crisis like this affect breastfeeding or the breastfed child?
Thank you.
Dental Issues
★★★★★
I have always brushed my teeth regularly but I have not been so good at flossing. A year and a half ago I went to the dentist for a usual check up and cleaning. My gums had started bleeding when I was brushing my teeth so I wanted to get them checked. I was especially worried about my 2 front teeth which are implants I got after an accident years ago.
I was told I had gingivitis and pockets in my gums indicating the onset of periodontal disease. They gave me a dental rinse to use at home and had me come back in 3 months. After 3 months the bleeding gums cleared up some but not much. After that, I did not go back to the dentist for a year. Of course my teeth and gums continued to grow worse, bleeding and causing me problems.
Then about 8 months ago I was searching online about bleeding gums and discovered oil pulling. I became curious and figured it was worth a try. I bought some organic refined sesame oil. Within about 2 weeks I noticed a remarkable improvement in my oral health. My gums stopped bleeding and my front teeth quit bothering me.
I stopped oil pulling as an experiment just to make sure it was indeed the oil pulling that was causing the improvement. When I stopped for a few days my front teeth started bothering me and my gums got red and puffy, looking like they were going to bleed again. I resumed the oil pulling and noticed immediate relief and improvement.
I just went back to the dentist last week (this would be a year between visits). They took xrays and did the cleaning. They discovered that my gingivitis/periodontal disease was almost completely gone! No cavities either. The cleaning was a breeze. They were surprised. The dentist verified that my oral health has greatly improved. I am delighted!
I am convinced it is the oil pulling that improved my oral health since I did not change anything else in my lifestyle or hygiene habits. I will continue to oil pull for the rest of my life. I am using refined Sesame Oil every morning before breakfast.
Broad Benefits
Chronic Sinusitis
★★★★★
Cece
Migraines
Migraines
I am middle-aged woman who has been oil pulling with 1 TBSP organic sesame oil for a little more than 3 weeks - 20 minutes in the mornings only. My teeth are whitening and that's nice. But, for about the same amount of time, I've been getting severe headaches that debilitate me. If I am detoxing, that's terrific, but I can't take much more of the pain. It starts about 2 hours after I finish all my morning routines - which are not different except for the OP. Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions? The headache seems to start at the back of my neck and then move to the left side and grow in throbbing intensity. I've tried white willow and feverfew - and a Gaia combo called Migra-Profen, and a homeopathic remedy called sinusalia and even tylenol, aspirin, and ibuprofen - (not together!). Nothing touches this headache. It goes on for hours and hours and finally wears off around 8 at night. I guess I will have to give up the OP because I have to function.
Heart Issues
★★★★★
HOWEVER, I started OP (Oil Pulling) every morning on an empty stomach (1 teaspoon of either virgin olive oil or 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil) and since I've started, I've had no palpitations at all! It's amazing!
If you want to try this, please read up on it (on this website) first.
Leah
On 02/19/2009 Fran Block from Pittsburgh, PA. USA recommended wild oregano oil as the most effective remedy for tooth pain and infection. Someone else on this earthclinic site suggested 3 or 4 drops of wild oregano oil in a quarter cup of water as a periodic rinse - unquestionably the best remedy for tooth issues and pain.
These recommendations saved me after a week of excruciating pain, and probably also from extensive dental drilling and fixing - maybe even tooth pulling. Now at any sign of tooth pain or infection - I mix wild oregano oil in a quarter cup or so of water and rinse with a little bit several times a day, nighttime too if I awaken.
I've been cured from what I suspect would have been more extensive work at the dental office after several cavities were filled by my dentist. He questioned at the time - about 6 weeks earlier - whether the infected teeth would in fact be saved, since the cavities had reached so close to the nerve. But the wild oregano oil saved the day and the pains slowly dissipated over 4 to 5 days, and I've needed no further dental professional attention afterward!
Dental Issues
★★★★★
Oil Pulling has made my teeth stronger and whiter and it is healing a disorder I was going to doctors for nearly 20 years. I've tried all kinds of antibiotics to cure sinusitis. Now after oil-pulling, I feel the pressure in my upper gum, above where a tooth was extracted. Above the bony part of the gum. So I 've had an abcess for two decades. No wonder people stepped back when talking to me. My breath smelled like 20 year old decay.
I developed tinnitis and oil-pulling may eventually clear up all the abcess right at the base of my maxillary sinus, BUT actually above the bony part of my gum where a tooth was extracted in the 80s.
Detoxification