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" !
Side Effects
Posted by Brenda (Alexandria, VA) on 02/07/2009
Coconut Oil is an anti-fungal oil. The detox effect from using this oil can be pretty strong. I did oil pulling two years ago, then I let life get in the way. Lets just say I am back to where I started (so, tip . . . keep it up. Anyway, I used coconut oil after swishing with Olive Oil for a few months. Within a few hours I was coughing up lots of mucous. I remember searching all over my purse while waiting for a train to blow my nose. the Needless to say, I started oiling pulling again this morning. My oil of choice is Coconut Oil (1TB). I will post the detox effects if I have any.
If the detox effects of Coconut Oil is too strong switch oils.
Side Effects
Posted by M (St Louis, Mo) on 02/09/2009
Answer for JD from Anchorage, Alaska: I too got face bumps or redness from coconut oil, I am a blood type A and found out that type A's often have a sensitivity to coconut oil. Try another oil, Sesame works for me. If my teeth get sensitive from its astringency I'll add a little bit of another type, like canola or olive oil. Like someone else suggested switch around every so often to keep the OP working well. It is also good to research individual oils for their benefits, EFA's, anti-biotic or anti-viral capabilities etc.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 Genia (Madison, WI) on 12/22/2008
I've been oil pulling with Coconut Oil for about 10 days now & was recommended this by an instructor in a holistic health class I'm taking. I didn't do a lot of research before I began, which could be a mistake. I was told it was a general detox, which I've done before so I'm familiar with feeling slightly under the weather, tired, etc.
However, about a week into the oil pulling I woke to find my top left gum tissue around the molar really swollen and painful. It was so painful it woke me out of sleep. Also, my lymph node on the the same side is very swollen and painful to light touch. My cheek on the same side is tender to the touch...I assume sinus. My gum in the area I described is still swollen and painful and so is the lymph node...it's been four days!! and am generally feeling under the weather.
I was told that my body is just getting worse before it gets better, but I'm tempted to stop due to the discomfort level. I do have amalgam fillings in the area that is swollen...could this be the problem? Should I stop the oil pulling? Or is there a modified way to continue?
On one good note, my skin has never looked better! It's the dead of winter in Wisconsin which usually causes severe dry skin for me, but my skin is softer than it's ever been and I barely have to put on moisturizers!
Looking forward to hearding your feedback,
Genia
General Feedback
Posted by Ellen (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) on 12/23/2008
I would continue to oil pull, but I would add a couple of drops of oil or oregano to the oil...this should clear the infection pretty quickly. Also try applying coconut oil to the area and then add a drop or two of the oregano oil as well. This will relieve any pain pretty fast and heal the area quickly as both oils are antiviral and antibacterial...keep apply this to the area throughout the day.
You are doing a good thing with the oil pulling...so don't stop. I also had amalgams for 1.5 years when I was o-pulling and did not have this reaction so I think you had a deep rooted infection that is surfacing which is good. The o-pulling will also attract and remove some of the mercury in your system.
Hope that helps.
Side Effects
Posted by Matthew (Tallahassee, FL) on 02/07/2009
Genia from Madison and anyone else experiencing painful facial side effects!!
I have been oil pulling for a little over a month now. I have had the SAME reaction as you. My top left gum behind my back molar was under excruciating pain and my top right gum was also under pain (although not as much). I think that the oil pulling for some reason or another caused "trigger points" in the back of my top molars. I went to the bookstore and read everything I could about pressure points and inflammation and came across a book called the "Trigger point therapy workbook" by Clair Davies. The book is based off the studies of Dr. Travell and Dr. Simmons. It has proven to be extremely beneficial in relieving the facial pain. You basically massage the trigger points out. I'm not sure if the trigger points are what caused the pain in your mouth or not... but they definitely were in mine. Check out the book if you get the chance.
http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1572243759/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234021519&sr=8-1
Also, I think I am going to switch from Coconut Oil (although it is improving my skin dramatically).. to Sesame or Sunflower
Side Effects
Posted by Andrea (Cornwall, NY) on 04/15/2009
That was not a trigger point.
Congestion
Posted by Sri (NJ) on 12/19/2008
★★★★★
I always had Sinus issues as far as 12 years now. Allergies manifested as really quickly. Oil pulling is a god send for people with any of these issues. It became a routine for me before brushing and makes my day a whole lot better. It loosens up the phlegm in the sinuses that accumulates overnight and make it easy to sneeze it out. It seems to also take care of the stubborn plaque and teeth cleaning. Sometimes, if the brushing in the evening does not make me feel clean on teeth, i get to another round of oil pulling to clean up.
However, do not oil pull without at least 3-4 hours after eating and 30mins after drinking anything. This is also mentioned elsewhere. Please follow the instructions meticulously. One thing i noticed is that the amount of time you swish it in mouth depends on how stuffed you are. If you are good, oil takes a while to liquify and if you are stuffed, it liquifies quickly and you can feel it thinning.
This also helps me manage my allergies and I stopped using the sprays and now i am on accupucture treatment to completely get rid of these problems.
If you have that feeling of phlegm stuck in your lower sinuses even with oil pulling, you may want to use netipot. Use kosher salt and warm water. That should give you relief for atleast 24 hours, free of any stuffing what so ever. There are advanced techniques with neti pot (drug stores call it sinus rinse) which can effectively clean every part of sinus over time. Good luck!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Gr8ful Gal in Cleveland (Cleveland, Ohio) on 12/07/2008
★★★★★
I just want to thank Earth Clinic for such helpful health advice. I was already using ACV. (*1/2 cup in the morning). But I noticed my depression worsening I was thinking of going to a therapist. When one night I was internet surfing and found this site. I also kept having migraine headaches. (of course) no doctor, or medicines helped. I ran across the oil pulling remedies. So, I tried it. The results are great!!!! The oil pulling (first thing in the morning) *1/2 a cup of acv its the BEST THING I could have done. Its healthy for me and has no negative side effects. My depression has gone away!!! I sleep better, I am not restless, my mood swings have diminished. I have so much energy its ridiculous!!! I can feel and see the difference. I have also tried the BSS (Baking Soda Scrub) I add honey and a little water until it thickens to my liken. (I have oily/combo skin). I used ACV as a toner,(diluted with water on a cotton ball). VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) as a moisturizer. (very thin amount) My face glowed. I only do it 3x a week. It is so great to have all these resources at hand. And they are so inexpensive. Thank You so much!!! Earth Clinic.
Side Effects
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 12/21/2008 490 posts
To Judy and Deb with aches & pains from oil pulling:
Hi there, I don't think I read what kind of oil either of you are using, so there is a possibility of a reaction or allergy to the oil being used. I also have lots of head/chest congestion because of allergy, but have no problem with using EV olive oil. Try switching to a different oil and see if that helps with your aches & pains.
I do have the answer to the Lecithin granules. They are taken internally - just stir them up in milk, juice or water & drink them. My preference is buttermilk.
Side Effects
Posted by Joy (Solana Beach, CA) on 02/23/2009
I take lecithin in a fruit smoothie every day...along with a tsp of powdered wheat grass juice and sweeten it with Stevia.
Side Effects
Posted by Veronica (Welsh, Louisiana/USA) on 04/15/2009
What does the Granulated Lecithin do to you? How does it work like Oil Pulling? Veronica
Dental Issues
Posted by Babby (Ridgefield, CT, USA) on 10/30/2008
★★★★★
Oil pulling is supposed to cure anything from angina to warts. While I can't say I've noticed any great bodily "health" benefit from oil pulling, my teeth are sparkling.
I'm a smoker and I have several crowns and an inlaid bridge, and these types of porcelain teeth do not respond to typical whitening methods at all.
The first time I tried oil pulling, I could actually see the difference after one 10-minute session and folks have commented on how much whiter my teeth look. In a week I noticed improved gum color. At my last dental check, my dentist wanted to know what toothpaste I was using, because I barely had any tartar (needless to say, he was incredulous when I said I had stopped flossing, which I have never been good at anyway). He also commented that my gums not only looked great, but had actually improved.
I simply can't stand the taste of sesame, so I mix it with either safflower, sunflower, or flavored olive oil. Teeth are then brushed with a good castille soap (soaps made with oils rather than animal fats) which does NOT taste soapy, by the way, then rinse with a little salt water. I am brushing my teeth only slightly more than normal -- twice a day for two minutes after oil pulling, and then a quick scrub with toothpaste just before I go to bed.
Other folks I know who have tried oil pulling have also remarked about the improved appearance of their teeth as well as improved oral health.
Oh....just make sure you don't spit your (now somewhat hydrogenated)oil down the sink drain or toilet or you'll be calling in the plumber or septic guy. And be careful NOT to swallow!
Side Effects
Posted by Marcus (Virginia Beach, VA) on 11/19/2008
Please remember that you quit smoking and this will bring up additional detoxing as well. Please continue the oil pulling.
Side Effects
Posted by Earl (Middleton, Wi. Us) on 09/27/2012
To the person coughing up phlem etc after performing OP. It is quite natural for this to happen because OP causes you to detox. It is not a bad thing but a good thing. People must realize when you do this and obtain a "detox" result, it is working. How can you expect to "detox without detoxing?"
Side Effects
Posted by Rita (Redwood Valley, CA) on 02/10/2009
If you are experiencing uncomfortable detox symptoms put 1 cup sea salt and 1 cup baking soda into a bathtub of warm water and soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps to pull out the toxins and alleviates major healing crisis symptoms.
Dental Issues
Posted by Aliesha (Newcastle, NSW, Australia) on 10/18/2008
★★★★★
My partner recently had immense toothache pain. One of his upper teeth had broken away revealing a large cavity, and the two bottom ones, had small black flecks on them - obviously needing fillings. He had seen me doing oil pulling on a regular basis, and although happy with my results, I don't think he thought it was for him. He was writhing around in pain, couldn't sleep and pain killers would not work. The earliest dental appointment was a week away. I finally convinced him to do oil pulling. To be honest, I wasn't sure it would work, as I thought perhaps his tooth was too far gone to be be saved, but he did it every morning for around 5 days. The pain completely disappeared in all teeth. He is now a big believer and is recommending it to all his clients. Thanks for a wonderful site.
Dental Issues
Posted by Page (Los Angeles, CA) on 10/04/2008
I stumbled upon this site several months ago. I was so happy to find the information on " Oil Pulling ". Soon after I started oil pulling with the sesame oil that was recommended. I thought that my results would be very interesting and I want to share them with you.
Within one month I was in soaring pain with my first Root Canal. Thank God I found a good dentist in Los Angeles because what was soon to come would have been unbearable! In the last four months I have had 3 more root canals! With very little money as a single mother for over 16 years my teeth had been neglected. If your teeth are not in perfect shape: Do Not Oil Pull. You'll be sorry. Instead, find yourself a reasonable dentist and try to get caught up on your dental health.
A friend of mine with perfect teeth and in excellent health tried it for three weeks and saw no results at all.
Good Luck to everyone.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sue (Sarasota, FL) on 09/14/2008
★★★★★
Oil Pulling. I've been Oil Pulling since December 2007. I started because of dry eyes. I can't say that it helped my dry eyes but some of the benefits are truly amazing, in my case.
I've worn nail polish most of my adult life and, therefore, have yellow nails. After oil pulling for several months, the yellow disappeared. Now that's amazing. Additionally, without prompting, my dental hygienest asked if I was doing anything different. She said I know you drink red wine but you hardly have any stains whatsoever. I go every 6 months for cleanings. I also believe the dark circles under my eyes are much less noticeable. No one ever says... "you look tired." like they did before.
Lastly, to those of you who have asthma, I did too for about 15 years. Chiropractic fixed that. I had an x-ray which showed an old back fracture and my alignment was terrible. After about 9 months of treatment several times a week, I decided to stop my daily inhaler. Very nervous doing so. CURED. Chiropractic cured me. That's all I can say.
Hope this helps.
Sinus Infections
Posted by Simon (Panama City, Florida) on 09/13/2008
★★★★★
Yea: I was suffering from intense sinus head ache pain from a prolonged sinus infection. I read about oil pulling and tried it twice the first day I felt better that day. The next day I felt like a million bucks. I had been suffering with this for two weeks. I couldn't believe how quick this worked for me. I had tried antibiotics,the netty pot,and decongestants but they did not relieve the symptoms. It is now the third day and I still feel better. I can smell again.YEA! I will continue oil pulling once in the morning.
Detoxification
Posted by Abby (Chicago, IL) on 08/30/2008
I did the Oil Pulling with Sesame oil for about a week. I took about a tablespoon once a day in the morning according to directions. I swished for about 15 min, to 20min. About a week later I started getting bad headaches. I never get headaches, but these were bad. I also got diarreah that lasted 2 to 3 days. I felt really sick. I thought maybe this was all apart of detoxing, and I must have been really toxic. I wanted to continue to see if my symptoms would subside, but I had an important weekend that I couldn't be sick for. So I stopped. I want to try again but I'm a little afraid. Maybe it was wrong oil for me? Or maybe I need to just keep it up until I'm throughly detoxed? If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it. -Abby
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.
Allergies
Posted by Michael (Los Angeles, CA) on 08/19/2008
★★★★★
Oil-Pulling (remedy) for allergies (ailment):
I started oil-pulling with Sesame oil about 3 months ago. It took a little while to get used to 1 whole Tablespoon of oil for 15-20 minutes, but I just did my normal morning routine while oil-pulling. I have not had to take any prescription allergy medications that I usually took at least a few times per month or when pollen counts were very high in my area. I oil-pull every morning when I wake up without fail and find that I have increased energy and no allergies.
