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.
Side Effects
Posted by JD (Anchorage, Alaska) on 02/01/2009
Greetings from Alaska !
Have been reading your post on O.P., and decided to give it a try. Last night I used approx. 1 tbsp of organic C.O. I followed the basic directions, but was only able to 'swish' for 11 minutes. The oil became extremely runny, as if a ton of saliva had mixed with it. My throat felt heavy with phlegm and I had to hold back gagging. I rinsed very well & went to sleep. I woke up 3 times in the night, needing a drink of water (unusual for me). This morning when I woke up, I had severe angio edema around both eyes bilaterally. The edema had even weeped into lower pockets on my cheeks below, looking like little water balloons. Under my right eye, my skin felt crusty, as if something had leaked around the area. When I looked closer, the edema under my right eye appeared to have little pin head size pebbles in it and when I attempted to wash it, it was extremely painful. I had my partner look for some kind of puncture wound (unlikely a spider bite up here). As the day wares on, the puffiness is decreasing. Ironically, my skin tone was aglow, my teeth much whiter and I coughed up copious amounts of phlegm. I have searched this web site for a similar reaction, without luck. Any thoughts or advice; I am remain hopeful that OP is a healthy move for me. Thanks for creating such a wonderful space for "collective healing" !
Insights and Theories
Posted by Dana (PDX, OR) on 01/30/2009
★★★★★
Try using less oil. I could not use 1 TBLS. I use about half. If I start to gag then I stop swishing and just held it until the sensation passed.
Dental Issues
Posted by Susan (Stroudsburg, Pa) on 01/26/2009
UPDATE: After doing the oil pulling for several days again, I noticed increased energy and decreased hunger which did not dawn on me "why" until I read another post here today... and thought, yeah, I'm experiencing that, and wondered why previous, but realize now that is related to the oil pulling with coconut oil.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Burton (Portland, Oregon) on 01/25/2009
★★★★★
I read about oil pulling on this site and decided to try it, though i wasn't aware of any real health problems. I only had olive oil in the house so I went with that for 3 or 4 days and did the neti pot nasal flush afterward each time. I used a tablespoon of oil and swished for 15 minutes, rinsing afterward with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. baking soda in warm water. Throughout the course of those four days I noticed a startling mood elevation and mental clarity that I hadn't had in a very long time. I also noticed alot of sinus drainage and my ability to smell increased. Also my eyes stopped feeling itchy or dry. I switched over to sesame oil because it was recommended, but have since switched back to olive oil and experienced the same mood elevation and mental clarity. This has made me wonder if I was suffering from low-grade depression the whole time. I feel much calmer and focussed, less confused and find alot more reasons to laugh during the day. I also have a TON more energy and work much harder. This energy caused me to have some problems sleeping for the first few days. One last thing is that my beard seems to have gotten much thicker and softer. I'm excited about such a cheap and simple remedy and would recommend it to everyone.
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!
Congestion
Posted by Deborah (Denison, TX) on 01/25/2009
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling for several years and I have noticed the longer I pull the oil and even do it multiple times has great results. If I feel congested in my chest or head when I pull longer say 15-20 minutes then I can feel toxins and mucus being pulled from my nose and chest. It literally tickles my throat and nose when it pulls the junk out of me. I have spit up some awful looking green globs that are very thick and dense. So while one minute you might see some results when you pull for longer you will pull deep into your body for toxins and disease. i can really tell when I miss my daily oil pulling sessions. My nose becomes stuffy and my chest feels congested. When I first started it only took one pull to get results but as I kept doing it I would not feel as if it was working so I then started doing it 2 to 3 times before breakfast and I feel 100 percent better. I also change my oil type every month so that I don't build a resistance to it. I prefer sunflower oil that I purchased at Krogers and Virgin coconut oil that I purchased in the Wal-Mart pharmacy. I have SL, RA and a multiple of health diagnoses. But I feel as if I am cured because of the oil pulling and ACV tonics.
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.
Dental Issues
Posted by Kelly (Nashville, TN) on 01/18/2009
I have a Jack Russell Terrier that was diagnosed with elevated liver enyzmes about 5 years ago. We go to a holistic vet who prescribed SamE for her. She has been on SamE daily (200mg) for years and her liver enzymes are now normal.
Dental Issues
Posted by Renate (Parrish, FL) on 01/17/2009
I am using unrefined sesame oil. I try to buy organic but can't find all the time. I'm confused about what kind of oil to use in regards to unrefined or refined. Dr. Karach (sp?) states to use refined. I do not eat fatty foods, only veggies, fruit, fish, a little chicken, whole grains. I have organic CO and will use that after a break from OP and currently starting on Ted's response. THANK YOU.
Dental Issues
Posted by Louise (Windsor, Ontario, Canada) on 01/15/2009
★★★★★
hello, i staretd oil pulling 3 days ago,all i can say is WOW, my teeth are whiter already and the black streaks on them disipated, by the way i still drink coffe,presently i use Siberian cedar nut oil (cold pressed)and only use a sip of it for pulling and 1Tsp, internally for tonifyng the organs. amazing !!!
Dental Issues
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 01/13/2009 392 posts
A liver has a poor tolerance to oily foods in general and may cause some congestion of liver. In which case I would likely do three things:
1. One tablespoon of granulated lecithin a day.
2. No oil pulling for now.
3. Take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda twice a day or three times a day.
An apple cider vinegar should always have 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda added to neutralize the acidity. Otherwise it will cause burning tongue. Usually a burning tongue or acid mouth is caused by the body's need for more potassium bicarbonate or potassium citrate, which usually neutralizes the acidity of mouth quite fast. A baking soda will require more time, but the apple cider vinegar may aggravate it.
If there is any better alternative to oil pulling (O.P.)without any problems then it is alway the P.O. (Pulling Oil) remedy, which usually the use of granulated lecithin to remove the excessive oil accumulation, usually not from oil pulling itself, but from generally high dietary oily and fatty foods. Any addition of any oil may have broke the camel's back. The effects of Pulling Oil reduces excessive fats and congestion in the liver, while baking soda is supportive to liver function.
Ted
Dental Issues
Posted by Rosy (Orlando, Fl) on 01/14/2009
I read some place that Coconut oil isn't metabolized in the liver, while all other oils are. What kind of oil are you using? I would try to change to Virgin Coconut oil if your liver is getting grumpy from the oil pulling. I would also suggest organic, as some pesticides/herbicides affect the liver.
Dental Issues
Posted by Renate (Parrish, FL, USA) on 01/13/2009
★★★★★
I have been OP for about a month in am for 20 minutes. My gums and pockets are better! Many 3s are now 2s and gums are not bleeding during the cleaning. I also have been doing ACV for Acid Reflux and Molasses for anti-aging (I am 56) and general well being. The ACV gave me burning tongue and very burning throat. I did the Baking Soda remedy and now do the EC receipe of 2 TBL ACV, 1 TBL Molasses in hot water w/1/8 tsp of BS. I add the turmeric and cayenne pepper as well.
My liver enzymes are elevated for the 1st time ever and the doctor seemed concerned and I have to retest in 3 weeks. I read in one of Ted's comments that some of the oil in OP settles in the liver. Has any one experienced elevated liver levels or heard of this? Not sure if Ted's comment is a bad thing or not. Thank you EC for this site and to all that contribute.
Flu Recovery
Posted by Donna (Alamogordo, NM) on 01/10/2009
★★★★★
I have a bad tooth and it was swollen and painful. I did a search and came across the oil pulling site. I began at once with sesame oil. My tooth resolved immediately. But I continued. I got so sick I thought I was going to die. Thank God I was off of work for 2 1/2 weeks but my kids came to visit. I had an incredibly high fever, and turned very pale and so sick I should have not been out of bed. I could not even dress. My head had never hurt so horribly bad. I continued with the oil pulling for 3 times per day. Then as I was getting well, after about 7 days, it was really odd that I began expelling from my mouth in the form of mucous, but not ordinary mucous. It was light, airy, and foamy as I had never experienced before. I expelled this nasty stuff by the kleenex fulls. I continued and got better, my color came back to my face and I felt extremely better. My friend commented that my back by my lungs looked a lot smaller as though I had lost a lot of weight. I now can breathe and seem to be very healthy. I continue to use the oil pulling but only sesame about 3 to 4 times per week but only one time per day. I have wonderful skin and no more nasty dry cracked heels. Thank you for supplying this secret that has helped me regain my health. God Bless You!!!
Side Effects
Posted by Sandy (Bangalore, India) on 01/09/2009
From Coconut Oil Cures page, under 'Side Effect Myths':
04/16/2008: Peter writes: "Coconut oil side effects:
1.In the first few days of using coconut oil as a massage oil, it is often the case that the body develops a "sand type overlay " noticeable around the abdomen.
2.When this first happened the reaction was, "how did that sand get into the clothes?".
3. But when it happened to another person, we wised up and realised that it was a salt extrusion from the body and not sand even if it felt like sand.
4. So its a cleansing side effect that occurs in the first few days. After that period it is not longer noticeable.
5. If somebody is experiencing an itching side effect, I would say that that is a side effect of salt extrusion which will disappear as the amount of the salt extruded becomes less."
Side Effects
Posted by Shinta (Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Indonesia) on 01/08/2009
Coconut Oil: I've been doing oil pulling for 4 days now, and i start to have pimples too on my hands & my back. Also feels to start itchy everywhere! around the face, hands, my back, tights and feet. But mostly it's the face, hands and back. Wondering did anyone had any side effects like i do? I'll write as soonest the side effect dissapears..
Broad Benefits
Posted by Doris (Orange County, CA USA) on 01/06/2009
★★★★★
VERY thorough water rinsing permanently ended my terrible worse-before-better flare ups. Once I realized OP pulled years of concentrated toxins from ALL my health issues, if ANY of that was re-absorbed, recovery was stalled with a bad flare up. To stop the cycle of taking 2 steps backward to take 3 forward with OP, I rinsed more carefully. Cautiously, I also weaned into OP, for a week or 2 only toothbrushed with a dab of oil, rinsing well. Immediate whiter teeth, better health, no flare ups. Terrific health results encouraged my focus to work up to full OP process (not as disgusting as I thought it would be). All-over health gained, energy like a 20 year old, cleaner internal feeling and body function, more mobility and agility, vigour - all are from OP. My dental amalgam pain was horrible. Now being fixed. Read, http://www.holisticmed.com/dental/amalgam/.
Addiction, Smoking
Posted by Leighroy (Stockport, Cheshire) on 01/05/2009
★★★★☆
Having spent the whole of the festive period wallowing in my own self pity due to a severe case of the flu, which I shared with the rest of my family, I was fortunate to find your website in the search for a remedy for my affliction.
I became engrossed in reading at least 10 pages of post's relating to "oil pulling" and its benefits. Being probably as sceptical as most are when they told that a tablespoon of oil swilled in the mouth for 15 minutes could change your life. I decided that I had nothing to lose and that I might even benefit.
Wooooooooow!!! the following day, my fever had subsided leaving me with just the "snotty congested remnants" of the flu - I kept an open mind as I had consumed several cloves of garlic that night and had enough "flu remedy tablets" to put a whale to sleep. The following day however I felt optomistic about the whole affair and pre breakfast treated myself to another bout of OP.
THe reason for my post is to give a huge thumbs up for the benefits of this treament which if nothing else has boosted my enthusiasm for life. More importantly I gave up smoking after my second treatment due to the fact that the taste of the tobacco was no longer pleasant. I have managed to remain a non smoker for the last seven days which is the longest I have been without tobacco for 27 years. Prior to OP I had absolutely no inclination to quit and rather enjoyed it smoking at least 10-15 per day.
I am in no way saying that OP will make you stop smoking .......but for at least 7 days it has been the driving force behind my new found love of fresh air. Each morning I use 1 tablespoon of cold pressed olive oil as I cant seem to source sesame. I swish for 20 minutes before rinsing out with a solution of 1tps rock salt/1tps bi carb soda and 8 oz water taking care to lightly brush everywhere.
As such I would recommend OP to everyone and have done so. I would be interested to know if there are any other documented cases where OP has directly contributed to a smoker giving up. Thanks again and yes my teeth are whiter but that may just be the absence of tobacco. I have also found that I need less caffein and have hardly touched alcohol but again this may be due to the flu residue or just the fact that sub conciously I am making a real effort to stay healthy.
Whatever.... OP for life
Skin
Posted by Candy (Riverdale, NY) on 09/06/2007
★★★★★
I started oil pulling with unrefined sesame oil 2 months ago, the inital results were great. My skin glowed exceptionally well. Then I read Ted's opinion on which oils work best, one of them being refined sunflower oil. I switched to sunflower oil and the results were unfavorable, my skin did not glow at all, as a matter of fact it looked quite dull. I stopped used sunflower oil and switched back to unrefined sesame oil. And my skin is glowing once more. I have been acne free since oil pulling and I've been sleeping soundingly too. I have recommended oil pulling to my sister who's had a loose tooth and the oil pulling has since reinforced her loose molar.
Safflower Oil
Posted by Winnie (Washington, DC) on 01/08/2008
★★★★★
I stumbled on your site when searching for side effects for coconut oil. I took coconut oil for about 4 weeks and gained about 10 pounds, I was really hoping for the reverse; anyway I found your site and a lot of good information. I started oil pulling the very day I read about it, I have tried with extra virg. olive oil, sunflower, I didn't notice any real change after just one try. then I tried Safflower oil, did it in the morning just after brushing, then I felt sleepy, I decided to lay down on the couch, and slept for 3 hours; I didn't make a connection then until this morning I tried safflower oil again, same reaction. I slept so soundly, good thing I had the day off today. I'll try it again tonite, looking forward to a great night's sleep. I took 1TBSP for 20 mins. So if someone out there has problem sleeping, this might work for you. TED, whoever you are, I wish you radiant health and prosperity. Your kindness and generousity is written all over your words. Thank you. Winnie
Heel Pain, Sciatica
Posted by J Smith (Lawrenceburg, IN) on 01/01/2009
★★★★★
I just started Oil Pulling 1 week ago, I have been using Seasame Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil. I came to Earth Clinic looking for something to help the inflamation of Sciatica, that for me, comes and goes.
I also had this pain in the heel of 1 foot that just started, only painful when I walked, and that also seemed to come and go.
The heel pain seems to be a lot less, and the sciatica is getting better in this short time. I need to wait though before I see if oil pilling is helping, but the ineresting thing is, no matter which oil I use after the first 5 minutes, the taste becomes salty. I am taking it as a good thing and maybe it is drawing something out. I even read the ingredient label of these oils to see if there was anything else that could be causing a salty taste, and nothing just oil. Let me know if anyone else has experienced that please.
Side Effects
Posted by Ashley (Durham, NC) on 12/05/2008
I have been oil pulling for the past 6 weeks with sesame oil in the beginning and for the past 4 weeks with sunflower oil. In the beginning everything was ok. for the past 3 weeks my eyes have been red and glossy. thought i had pink eye as I used to have mucos coming out of eyes that went away. Went to the doctor a week ago, he said it was allergies and perscribed some drops. WHat a waste of $70. My eyes are no better than before. Could oil pulling be causing my red eyes. They don't hurt just don't look good. Please help me make them go away!Thanks.
Dental Issues
Posted by Janice (Austin, TX) on 12/25/2008
Did the bump appear soon after a visit to the hygenist? If so, is it possible that the procedure at the dentist's office caused the problem? After a visit to the dentist last year, I had bad breath for weeks afterwards. I suspected that either the equipment wasn't adequately cleaned or that she pushed bacteria into my gums during the scrapping part. Yuck. Try holding a hydrogen peroxide soaked cotton ball to the area 3x a day for 5 minutes each time. Sounds like something got embedded in your gum and now you have an infection. Good luck!
