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 Nancy (Brighton, Michigan) on 12/24/2008
★★★★★
after op for a month my last visit to the hygenist was greatly improved. she said what ever i was doing to keep doing it. i didn't tell her about the op. now yesterday i noticed a bump about the size of an eraser on the inside of my gum near a tooth. it isn't painful but it has me concerned and wondering if i should discontinue. can't get in to the dentist as it Christmas.
Asthma
Posted by Chris (Austin, TX) on 12/23/2008
Be careful of soy as many people have soy allergies...plus it's not as healthy as it once was thought to be. Also, it tends to be even more mucos producing than dairy.
I did my very first OP today. I'm hopeful!
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 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
Dental Issues
Posted by Jeffrie Ann (Brookfield, CT. USA) on 12/21/2008
I live in CT. as well. I have septic and am wondering why it is harmful to septic and plumbing. You mentioned that you can not spit it(oil)in the sink or toilet or you will be calling a plumber or septic man. Why is that? I just learned about OP and have not yet tried it as I need to go get an appropriate oil. I have no real serious health issues (very minor osteo arthritus in one wrist) that I am aware of so I am just interested as a way to maintain and enhance my health. A reply regarding my septic question would be most appreciated!
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 Judy (Hicktown, GA) on 12/20/2008
It might be me, but I do not understand the reply to Deb from PG, UT. I also have the same symptoms she does, lung problems, and extreme joint pain after 1 month of oil pulling 1x per day for 20 minutes. I also have gum problems that have gotten much worse since op. Does anyone know why this is happening? Also, is granulated lecithin swished as with oil, or taken internally? Thanks to all who can help.
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!
General Feedback
Posted by Suzanne (Houston, Texas / USA) on 12/17/2008
Headaches are often caused by a food allergy. You might try using Sunflower oil and see if you have better results. Good luck!
General Feedback
Posted by Mike (Dublin, Ireland) on 12/16/2008
Hi Abby from Chicago, I had a similar detox-type reaction when I began to OP. I had a constant severe headache, persistent nausea and real difficulty eating. These symptoms became more severe over a period of about a week and I wondered was I doing the right thing in persisting with OP. Similar to yourself I had an upcoming family event so quit OP, and the symptoms disappeared.
However I re-started OP about a month later and have been doing it daily for the last 6 months. My teeth are whiter and feel less sensitive when chewing hard food such as muesli, and my oral health is generally better.
It is also the middle of winter here in Ireland and I have been less affected by colds than most years, with the last cold clearing up without needing a trip to the doc. My sinuses, which have given trouble over the last few winters have also not bothered me this winter. I have also had a number of people remark on my healthy looking complexion and have even asked if I have been away on vacation - strange because I'm normally milk-bottle white in winter!
One of the reasons I started OP was to see if it would cure the keratosis pilaris on my upper arms. Although I can't yet say as I am still using my last dose of prescription cream, the condition seems to have improved over the results I saw using the cream alone. The real test will be when I stop using this tube of cream!
What I would suggest is giving OP another go and see if you experience the same symptoms - all I can say is that I didn't.
Best of luck
Side Effects
Posted by Tamara (BC, Canada) on 12/15/2008
Thanks for the info, I will try the turmeric & rose hip capsules. I have been eating chicken and some red meat but it's interesting because sometimes when I don't eat dinner I feel better the next day? It's been over 2 weeks now and still having flare-ups in areas I haven't had for a long time and am wondering how much longer they will last. I know my arthritis has worsened very much over the last 6 months and is severe so maybe that's why I am not feeling better yet?
Side Effects
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 12/14/2008 392 posts
An alternate oil pulling is possible without use of Oil Pulling, which is Granulated Lecithin, which is a more effective form of oil pulling. Since Granulated lecithin is a fat emulsifier, it virtually pulls the oil out of the system my literally solubilizing them and is excreted via the stool, as well as free heavy metals too, which are oil soluble because they are hydrophobic. It's taken at least 1 tablespoon a day. It is the literal method of oil puling where the oil gets pulled from the body, instead of using the oil to pull out the toxins, while the body accumulates more vegetable oils.
Some people have low tolerance to any oily foods, including oil pulling. What is not mentioned is the enormous effects of health it has on eating foods with vegetable oils. While oil pulling do in few cases cause a person to be sick, if a person has low tolerance to oils in general. This happens sometimes for certain oils or an entire range of oils, including olive oil. Although I report the least problems from olive oil use, however current oil pulling use is sunflower oil. In case it doesn't work, for sunflower oil, it might work for olive oil. However, some people get a skin allergy response just applying olive oil to their skin or the use on their hair. Certain imbalances in higher chain oil is possible and a condition might be reduced by eating a small amount of beeswax, or another form, octacosanol where these very long chain fatty alcohols reduces LDL, low density lipoprotein, and other substances responsible for the negative reaction from vegetable oil use. It seems to help reduce cholesterol too. If an alternative oil pulling is used without the resultant side effects, adding some peppermint oil may reduce the problem, or if the liver has low tolerance to oil, it also helps if granulated lecithin is used instead. Granulated lecithin taken at one tablespoon per day preferably before meal. It should be noted that oil soluble compounds, including benzene, and toxic chemicals that are oil soluble recirculates in our body for the rest of our life and accumulates in the liver. There's no way out, except granulated lecithin which are a fat emulsifer, that helps the fat become water soluble so the body can rid of them much easier. It's the same thing when we take too much vitamin A or vitamin E and is stored by the liver. I have seen instances where long term used of ANY oils, whether they be aloe vera oil, olive oil, causes allergic and body's negative response. The cause is that the liver simply can't hold any more oils that's being accumulated and has to find a way out. One here I mentioned is granulated lecithin, but there's a limited extend of possible removal with the use of drinking ACV apple cider vinegar, which is also solubilizes the oil, as well as borax remedy, and alkalization remedy. They are all surfactants. The French Paradox where they consume more cholesterol then the U.S, but had less maybe due to the fact that a small amount of alcohol in wine may have helped the liver remove excessive oils and fats. However, other avenues in reducing other oils, such as triglycerides exists in drinking unsugared no artificial flavoring, no artificial sweetners such as green tea also. However, I always add a tiny pinch of borax, as some green tea may have fluoride and this aids in the removal.
While I can't say oil pulling using vegetable oil is the best, the one with the least problem is the use of oil pulling by literally pulling the accumulate oils (and bad oils) out of the system using granulated lecithin. In fish pathology, using rancid oils is about the worse things you can do to cause teh fish to be sick, but rancid oils exists in human diets to much greater extent owing to their being long on the shelf, and cooing of vegetable oils further worsen the oil tolerances, whenever the liver can no longer take any more oils from the system.
Ted
P.S. This second form of oil pulling might be named Pulling Oil instead of Oil Pulling. It's the second type of detoxification using lecithin.
Chronic Sinusitis
Posted by Melisa (Grove City, Ohio) on 12/11/2008
★★★★★
I have used oil-pulling for only 1 day now (1 TBS Olive oil) in hopes of helping my chronic sinusitus....(i am willing to try anything at this point). First i cleaned out my nasal passage's (using 1/2 tsp baking soda to 8oz filtered water) which i have been doing for about 3 week's, when i combined the oil pulling with the nasal cleaning i had so much mucus that i nearly choked on it......AMAZING!!!!! I would never have believed it had i not tried it for myself.
Also i have had some chronic upper back pain which i believe has been due to a severe bout of pluracy a few years back....I had it in my back and chest but it never really went away completely. I have seen doctor's and evern went to the emergency room. Still I have found no relief until the following morning of my first oil-pulling. The pain seems to have moved into my shoulders.....could this be the inflammation working it's way out?
Thanks,
Melisa
Migraines
Posted by Hazlin (Singapore) on 12/11/2008
★★★★★
I was quite fascinated when I read about oil pulling and decided to try it out for my migraine. I could not find sesame or sunflower so made do with VCO and Safflower oil. 1 tablespoon every morning. It worked the first time I tried it! No migraine. It also helped to ease my achy jaw,which was a result of clenching my molars for long periods, to bear wit the migraine. I sleep better too! Will continue this for as long as I can!
Side Effects
Posted by James Sesame (State College, PA) on 12/09/2008
Fine to quit vegetable oils & transfats. But you will have to re-introduce animal fats gradually to reanimate your gall bladder. But this will be a problem. You will not digest or absorb anything until you regenerate your gut. Dysbiosis of the gut was the original reason you had all your problems & is the reason you tried all the 'light' diets & got lighter & lighter & lighter. Now you may only tolerate chicken soup. So you are down to it. To save you life stop chasing symptoms & look at your gut & how to restore it. See articles on www.westonaprice.org like Gut & Psychology syndrome, Natasha Campbell-McBride, and others: Problems adjusting to Traditional Foods, Thomas Cowan, MD; Copper-Zinc Imbalance, Laurie Warner, MA, CNC; How to Restore Digestive Health, by Jordan S. Rubin, NMD, CNC.
Also research Clay, it will be a life saver. The winter issue of Alternatives (Dr. David G. Williams) Dec. 2008. will get you started. Beware of Big Money, Big Medicine (as in Quackwatch, and most 'science') They are not your friend. They are 'consensus' science at its best. You will know everything & be able to do nothing. Fringe 'science' is no better. Look at Life Without Bread, by Lutz for the best explanation of mitochondrial energy you will find in the Western world.
Side Effects
Posted by Shawn (Toronto, ON) on 12/08/2008
If RA stand for rheum. arthritis in your post, then while you are trying this oil thing, you can add turmeric and rose hip capsules. These greatly reduce inflammation. Good luck!
Side Effects
Posted by Tamara (BC, Canada) on 12/08/2008
I am 25 and have had RA for 1-1/2 years and am on medication but I have been oil pulling for 1 week but have cut out dairy, wheat, corn, soy, sugar, caffeine for 5 weeks, take mineral supplements but feel terrible, seem to be worsening everyday. It is very difficult to continue this when I am not feeling better, has anyone gone through this and if so how long until you will feel better? The pain and swelling is in both my feet and my fingers. So walking and anything with my hands is difficult. I need encouragement to continue on if it's going to work with this instead of resorting to more medication!
Side Effects
Posted by Kate (Greenwich, Connecticut) on 12/07/2008
Deb, it does sound very strange. Possible that some kind of heavy metal (lead?) has gotten into your joints and is now being detoxed from your system? Maybe some supplements to detox from heavy metals would be helpful before you do any more oil pulling. I really don't know enough about this, just my initial thoughts. Hopefully someone will post who is more knowledgeable about joint pain. Have you tried monitoring your urinary pH? I would be interested to know what it is before and after OP. I would also research fluoride poisoning and lyme disease symptoms. The OP is flaring up some already existing condition, that's what I think.
Side Effects
Posted by Deb (PT, UT) on 12/07/2008
I guess I am giving up that someone will respond to my posts. I have been hopeing to get some answers about the oil pulling but maybe no one reads them. I wish all of you the best but I will not oil pull again until I find out what caused the pain in my joints.
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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Adad (Colombo, Sri Lanka) on 12/01/2008
★★★★★
To Mona from Bangalore: Do not stop rinsing your mouth with sesame oil. I had rhumatoid arthritis three years ago in my fingers and wrists of both bands. Not only did my arthritis was completely cured in three months, but also my puffed up face which was due to allergic rhinitis (cattarrah). Further this practice also cured by wife's 20 year old bladder infection, the numbness on her thigh; my daughter's and niece's tooth ache; dark circles round another niece's eyes and some other cures about which I hope to post in details. Wish you good health and good luck. God bless you.
Side Effects
Posted by Deb (PG, Utah) on 11/26/2008
added notes. On day 7 (I stopped OP on day 6) the pain was eased some. Day 8 much better and by day 10 the pain is not noticable. I want to do the oil pulling for my sinuses and lungs but was in such pain in my joints don't know if I can take it again. I wish someone would comment or advise.
Side Effects
Posted by Deb (PG, UT) on 11/19/2008
I don't know if the OP pulls out toxins but I can tell you I have had chronic infections in both my lungs and sinuses for almost a yr. I started oil pulling about 6 days ago. Just once in the morning for about ten minutes. I within the hour felt aching in my shoulders. Since I do aerobics I assumed it was pulling inflamation from the muscles. Then day 3 my left hip hurt so bad I couldn't walk. Today day 6 I didn't pull because I was in such pain I couldn't stand it. In my shoulders and my hip aching throbbing pain. Can someone expand on this issue? I really want to get rid of the infections but just can't get around during the day to function. The pain is really bad.
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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Debi (Riverside, CA) on 11/18/2008
★★★★★
I have been having gum problems, sinus problems, and enamel disappearing from my teeth. I occasionally look at EarthClinic,have some organic coconut oil, so since I was up early I decided to try it. I did it for a little over 10 minutes and had to spit, my mouth was full! As soon as I spit it out I had so much very thick mucus also that I was throwing up a little. I can't believe how thick the mucus was! After about 5 minutes I got the baking soda and brushed and rinsed and my morning headache is gone and I can breath clearly. I will do this every day and will report back later.
General Feedback
Posted by Dani (London, UK) on 11/17/2008
Hi in response to Tonya R. I suffered from acne on one side of my face for over a year. I tried every product and detox I heard of and nothing helped. I eat healthy and exercise regularly so didnt think it was brought on from being toxic. I had never suffered from acne in the past so I put it down to adult acne as I was 25 when it started.
I had heard about using creams with peroxide but didnt want to burn and damage my skin. Everywhere I read recommended starting with 2.5% peroxide. This didnt work for me and I had no results as my acne was already too severe. I was desperate so I ended up purchasing a bottle with 10% peroxide (the strongest over the counter treatment I could buy). Within a couple of days my acne started to heal.
You do have to use this stuff sparingly as it can dry your skin out if you use too much - thats what you dont want. I would also recommend using a milder cream once your acne has healed for the odd lingering spot. But the 10% was the only thing that relieved me after a year of endless searching. And yes it did bleach my pillow cases so you may want to use white beding during treatment. hope this helps you and anyone else suffering with stubborn acne.
ps. I have just started oil pulling too. think its a fantastic idea but am sceptical. Not sure whether to start with sesame or sunflower? I am wheat intolerant so hoping it helps my digestive system.
Asthma
Posted by Marion (Riverside, California) on 11/11/2008
Dairy is not good for Asthma sufferers... instead, try Soy milk.
Detoxification
Posted by Tonya R (Okinawa, Japan) on 11/10/2008
★★★★★
Hi, My husband and I just started OP and have been doing it for about 3 days now. The first night I did it something very strange happened. When I woke up the next morning my pillow case which is usually hunter green, had turned yellow! It was as if it had been bleached by amonia coming out of my pores! My shirt had even changed colors like it had been bleached as well and when I washed them, it did not come out. The sheets set is now ruined and has to be replaced. My husband did not experience this at all. Is this normal? Is this just my body's way of detoxing? Has anyone else experienced this? In the morning I use Peanut Oil and at night I use Saaflower Oil. My husband and I both have noticed that we feel better overall, it seems to give us a boost of energy and I've noticed that our teeth are getting whiter. I originally started this because I've been having acne problems, but honestly I haven't noticed much of a change in my skin from OP. I've heard all these stories of other people ending up with beautifu skin from OP and I'm hoping that will happen to me. My acne is not that bad, but I am willing to do anything to get rid of what I do have. Meanwhile, I've been using Hydrogen Peroxide and an Apricot Face scrub along with Clearasil cream and that seems to be helping. My husband and I also drink ACV 3 times a day and I'm hoping that along with the OP will help my acne as well. If anyone has any other suggestions please feel free to email me. I am all ears and will take ANY advice! I love Earthclinic! This site has been wonderful! Good luck to all! ~Tonya and Bobby
Broad Benefits
Posted by Barbara (KEY WEST, FL) on 11/02/2008
★★★★★
I found great relief from oil pulling for chronic sinus, nasal & ear blockage, mouth lesions and blood blisters. My ongoing symptoms have appeared when exposed to moldy housing conditions, not overlooking the molds on improperly washed foods. I tried oil pulling from oil in plastic bottles because I had very little money and could get plenty of extra virgin olive oil on sale buy one get one free.
It tasted so awful I almost threw up!!!! And my oil pulling results became adverse. I became ultra sensitive to smells in the air like exhaust fumes, molds from the rains and tropical Key West heat, chemical smells like burning tires- from some unknown source, etc. I stopped using the cheap oil.
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!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Deborah (Denison, TX) on 10/24/2008
★★★★★
You need to keep doing it so that you will complete the detox. I started oil pulling a year ago and I also coughed up some ugly thick crud. But my thyroid is back to normal and I can swallow dry food again. My vision is clearer and I do not have dry skin anymore. You are just going through the healing process. Also change your oils frequently. I change mine monthly so that I get the best detox. I use sunflower oil and coconut oil from the pharmacy.
Side Effects
Posted by Tess (Palm Beach, FL) on 10/22/2008
Sounds like your body is detoxing. Have you read up on Herx reactions? I think people are supposed to take more vitamin C when they are going through a detox like that. Oh, and drink lots of water too. Hope this helps. Tess
Side Effects
Posted by Emma (London , UK) on 10/22/2008
I have been reading your site about OP and the results some have had. I have only been doing for 2 days after having had a viral infection now for weeks which seemed to have pretty much gone but now i'm feeling back to how I was when it was at it's worst almost! I have also not smoked in the past 2 weeks and am bringing up quite a bit of grose phlem all of the sudden, have a slightly heavy chest and am blowing my nose more regularly also. Is this a normal recation to the oil pulling does anyone know? I have stopped and have not continued with the practise. Thanks for any help you can give on this matter!
