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 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.
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
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 Anndee (Mumbai, India) on 07/02/2012
I had eczema since 2008, and visited this site last year and tried oil pulling with coconut oil.. Like you said my eczema flared up at first... Then sometimes my fingers would go soft, but the patches would appear again.. For better cure of eczema do try chewing on wheat grass early morning empty stomach.. I found my eczema almost gone in two months time.. Oil pulling is good for mouth, teeth, gums, nose and ear related problems.. I had very sensitive teeth, bleeding gums, cavities and was suffering from dust allergies.. All of this went off with oil gargling... I first tried with coconut oil for 6 full months, now have shifted to cold pressed sesame oil.
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.
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.
Side Effects
Posted by Lavender (Seattle, Usa) on 01/05/2010
Tashimoto,
using organic unrefined oils should eliminate the concern of pesticides and insecticides.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mickayla (Blue Springs, Missouri) on 10/21/2009
★★★★★
I pretty new to the whole oil pulling. I started about 2 weeks ago. I've seen such great feed back on sesame oil and decided to try it. and WOW im impressed. not 100% sure on what it's doing exactly inside, but the things I can see are amazing. I typically take about 1 tblsp in the morning (not consitently) but before I consume anything. so far my results have been, My Breast are fuller and perkier, better sleep, wake refresh, amazing energy, discharge decreased but not gone, so far I have lost 3 1/2 pounds, appitite totally supressed! and a major thing, my depression systoms are pretty much gone ( im Happy). My only question is, is it safe for my little brother to use it? he is 13 and he notices the change with me and is eager to try some!
Dental Issues
Posted by Danielle (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 10/15/2009
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi. I have been oil pulling for approximately three weeks with coconut oil. At first with a little more than a tablespoon, more recently I have been measuring a tablespoon exactly. I do it in the morning once I get up before brushing teeth or eating breakfast. I rinse my mouth out afterwards and spit a few times.
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.
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!
Lung Debris Expulsion
Posted by Lisa (Layton, Ut, USA) on 09/21/2009
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Healing Crisis with OP w/Virgin Coconut Oil My daughter and I just heard about and started oil pulling with VCO (done mornings, probably not a full tablespoon each time), while reading ______'s book and incorporating VCO into our lives. She almost immediately started coughing up (sometimes violently) all kinds of phlegm from her lungs and this has continued for about a week now (no signs of sickness such as fever, but she does have a sore throat from coughing it all up). Inbetween coughing, she does note that she seems to have more lung capacity than she's had since a bout with shingles about 6 years ago (when she was 20) that left her with a more severe asthmatic condition than she had when she was a kid.
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.
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!
Migraines
Posted by Lily (Pasadena, Ca) on 09/14/2009
oil pulling and migraine side effect
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.
Migraines
Posted by Rin (London, Uk) on 09/14/2009
Lily, I had the very same problem with sesame oil and oil pulling. Headache at the back of the head that then moved to the bottom left of my head. I too have stopped as I couldnt function with the pain. I hope someone can help us both with an answer.
Migraines
Posted by Dan (New York, Ny) on 10/30/2009
Response to Lily and Rin: Have you tried a different type of oil such as sunflower oil? Perhaps it has something to do with the sesame. You may have to leave the seed family altogether and try a different oil.
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!
Heart Issues
Posted by Leah (Nyc, Nyc) on 09/13/2009
★★★★★
I started getting heart palpitations every day for the last month or two. They are very scary. I was told to cough hard to get the heart back in rhythm. That worked for a second or two. I then took Black Strap Molasses (1 teaspoon) and a 1/2 hour later I drank water with 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar. That combo usually stops the palpitations for 1/2 a day.
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
Dental Issues
Posted by Jake (Chicago, Il) on 09/10/2009
I would try rinsing with wild oregano oil several times a day in addition to the oil pulling.
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!
Detoxification
Posted by Ranjana (Arlington, Tx Usa) on 09/02/2009
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I tried the oil pulling for bleeding gums and a tooth that had started to feel loose. I did 10 minutes two mornings with unrefined sesame oil followed by brushing with baking soda. The results were amazing for my tooth and sums. The tooth was not loose anymore, no bleeding and I could chew on that side after many months. However, I started to feel sore with serious headaches and neck pain, and fatigue. I have chronic fatigue, and I really try to avoid doing anything that would trigger this. So, I stopped the oil pulling. Things got worse, I had to go see my doctor, he said I was badly congested and that was causing the severe headaches and neck pain. Now I am on 3 different medications with no relief. Could this be due to the oil pulling? Did it bring out all this mucus without getting rid of it?
Any comments would be appreciated. I would like to go back to the oil pulling for my teeth, but cannot risk the sinus congestion. One episode last year led to 5 months on 2 different antibiotics, and I really wish to avoid a repeat. Thanks.
Detoxification
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, usa) on 09/28/2009
Hi Ranjana, I'm glad to see you braved it and went back to doing the oil pulling. Again, the itchiness is another detox symptom. It is the heat and toxins trying to get out of your skin. Remember, our skin is one of the largest organs to detox from. I would also stay with the sesame oil because it is obviously doing its job. Since you are not allergic to sesame then understand that you are detoxing. You will have to move through the symptomology if you wish to truly detox. Make sure you are drinking lots of water. Perhaps try taking baking soda to alkalinize yourself as well. In Chinese medicine, red eruptions on the skin or itchy skin is too much heat built up in the body. Try some cooling herbs. Hope this helps.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Peanut (Sebring, Fl) on 08/14/2009
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started oil pulling about a month ago. I've noticed my sinuses are a whole lot better and I sleep better at night. The changes I noticed were fever blisters on my lips and my eyes are having that crusting over thing going. Something's definitely happening.
Allergies
Posted by Mindy (London, England) on 08/13/2009
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have just started OP and have found that on each occasion (first thing in the morning for 3 mornings now) I couldn't get past the 5 to 6 minute mark of 'swishing' before I would start gagging and have to spit out. What I have noticed is that the oil I'm swishing seems to change - we all know that it needs to thin out and goes white but it's as though the toxins are infusing the oil, taste absolutely vile and thereby make me want to puke. I'm guessing that as I continue with the OP, this will lessen. Has anyone else experienced anything similar.
I should also add that I have horrid allergies which seem to have significantly reduced even from day 1. I also feel alot more engergised in the morning after OP. So I'm definately feeling benefits which is why I'm keen to continue and indeed make this a part of my daily ablutions.
Thank U. Mx
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.
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.
Skin
Posted by Eunice (Nairobi, Kenya) on 08/04/2009
★★★★★
I have tried oil pulling with sesame and sunflower oil for the last one month. my skin looks younger, softer and the age spots are quickly disappearing.I have also been taking EVCO now and then and have been using it as a moisturiser. In addition, I have used baking soda for brushing my teeth. They are whiter and firmer and when I wake up in the morning my breath is fresh! Thanks for this website.
Hip Pain
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca) on 08/04/2009
★★★★★
Hi everyone, I have been using this site daily since November 08. I have tried so many of the remedies from this site too numerous to list and each has been effective. No negative results. I have tried all of them for at least one month if not more. I have used them on all of my kids ranging from 10- 24 and my husband as well and sent many people here to check this amazing site out.
My biggest issue has been incredible hip pain. I have been a ballet dancer my entire life and 3 years ago I suddenly could hardly move my legs in my hips. When I say suddenly I mean within a weeks time- from being able to dance, take class and show steps when teaching. It has been a long journey with taking Chinese herbs (I highly recommend them especially over any medicine as they are healing rather than masking), acupuncture, chiropractics, massage, energy healings as well as remedies from here. At any rate, I avoided trying the oil pulling as it sounded to simplistic to be effective and tried many of the others.
Finally, after minimal results to my hips from the many remedies (which helped other issues) I decided to go for the oil pulling with organic sesame oil after reviewing so many wonderful testimonies about it. I have used Aryuvedic therapies in the past so I figured why not and recall Deepak Chopra recommending this in Perfect Health when I read it many years ago. Well, I started doing it in the morning for 20 minutes for one week with no real results to speak of and then I decided to step it up to twice a day once in the morning and once in the evening. For me the results have been nothing less than miraculous after 3 long years of excruciating pain. At first, after two days, I was skeptical questioning if it was some fluke! But no, each day gets better and better. I have kept up this practice for almost 2 weeks now encouraged by my results. I went from not being able to stand up without incredible help from my arms or being able to get up the stairs without someone either pushing me from behind or using my arms to pull and prop myself up to being able to just stand and walk up the stairs with very little pain. I can now sit down to the floor and get back up. Many friends have asked me if I would consider hip replacements but I was determined to see if I could find a different answer believing that there are answers other than medicine, surgeries, no hope other than western medicine, etc. Well, I am ecstatic to say I have done it! Please give this a try if you have joint issues. And to everyone, I say never give up hope. Believe the answer will be given and have faith. I understand that there will be days that you will feel hopeless but don't give in to that.
Blessings to all, Lisa
Broad Benefits
Posted by Luckyverdure (Portland, Or, USA) on 09/19/2009
I've heard that the presence of dental plaque is a good mirror for the cholesterol plaque that may build up in your arteries, so whatever process your mouth was going through may have also occurred in your chest.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 09/20/2009
For what it is worth, I cut all sweeteners and grain products (whole grains, all flours, pasta, etc) out of my life about 6 weeks ago, and besides dropping about 20 pounds with no effort and no hunger, I have noticed that the film on my teeth has gone away almost completely. Even in the morning or at night before brushing, there is very little plaque. I think that this must be a good thing! I still eat some starches from sources like beets and carrots, etc., but they don't seem to create plaque like the grains do.
Dental Issues
Posted by Victoria (Sacramento, CA) on 07/24/2009
★★★★☆
I started OP with VCO for 2 weeks ago; 1 tbls, 20 mins, twice per day (first thing in the morning and before dinner). I have been keeping a log of when I OP and how I feel about the experience of this. Reading peoples comments about this OP thing has been wonderful and helpful however I have not had these "remarkable" results as many have claimed. After doing much reading about the positive healthful results from using coconut oil and palm oil, I am convinced that using these oils is better than not using them. I am obese, diabetic and will be turning 54 this November. I have not seen any changes in my blood sugar levels but I do love the way my mouth feels after OP. The small amount of gum bleeding after flossing has completely disappeared and I do believe the OP has corrected this condition. I will continue with this form of treatment and keeping my log of experiences with it and I think I will try another type of oil after about a month of doing this. Does anyone else have similar experiences such as mine and can you tell me what other results you might be having? Are there any other suggestions people have?
Dental Issues
Posted by redd78 (Plymouth, Indiana) on 07/10/2009
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started oil pulling about a week ago.I used safflower oil the first 2 days , then switched to sesame seed oil. I have had a terrible pain in my upper left teeth for over a year. had all kinds of dental exams, x-rays, panorex x-rays and a c-scan. Nothing could be found that was causing the tooth pain.I have also have constant sinus drainage on the left side for several years. I am extremely sensitive to almost all allergy medications, anti-biotics, medications of any kind.I am also hypothyroid, and have a lot of problems regulating my thyroid dosage. I started the oil pulling in desperation to try and find some relief from the tooth and facial pain. I am using 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil 3 times a day. Morning, at 4 p.m. and at 10 pm. I follow the oil pulling treatment with a netipot treatment using purified, boiled salt water.I have had copious sinus drainage, it is milky white , thick and foamy. No sign of infection, just the foamy white color. The pain in my face and tooth is about 80 percent improved. this is the first tme in over a year that I have not been in constant pain from the tooth. I have had some side effects, have had spells of dizziness and some nausea. my appetite is not good, and on the 4th days, I had colon cleansing.This morning I am having some dizziness and nausea. anyone else doing this that is hypothyroid and on medication? I would love to hear feedback from you . Did this interfer at all with your thyroid medication? I am hoping to get past the dizziness and nausea, hoping this is just temporary.....Wanda
Dental Issues
Posted by Al (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) on 07/23/2009
In response to Linda from Port of Spain and chronic bad breath. Please look into Hydrogen Peroxide treatment as described right here on EarthClinic, in the Halitosis section. It should take care of bad breath in one go. I would use a 50/50 solution of 3% H2O2 and distilled water to swish around for half a minute or so. Good luck.
