Oil Pulling
Health Benefits

Oil Pulling: Unlock Natural Oral Health & Detox Benefits

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 Hayat (Paris, France) on 08/14/2008

I'm on my 4th day of oil pulling and what I feel is very strange: Tingling all over my body except my face as though my blood had little needles and poking me all over. wanted to know if that was normal?


Nerve Tooth Damage From Drilling
Posted by Shemika (New Brunswick, NJ) on 08/10/2008
★★★★★

I found your site in June of 2007 because I allowed a dentist to talk me into repairing a chipped tooth, he even claimed he wouldn't do any drilling. But he lied & drilled so deep into my gums a nerve was damaged. I was in non stop pain from the time I left his office dispite the novacane,which got worst after it wore off. I could not sleep & cried every night for a month, almost going to the emergency room but determined not to go back to him and fearful of dentists. After searching the net I tried your herbal remedies for the pain and started oil pulling. And within a few days the pain was gone and the only thing I did to maintain it was the oil pulling. I continued it for about 9 mos and felt the tooth must have healed by then so I stopped oil pulling and about two months later the pain returned but there was swelling this time and I was told I must definately get a root canal asap. Instead I started oil pulling again along with ACV and the swelling went away and the pain stopped again. I also recently found a great book about healing cavities and tooth infections called Cure Tooth Decay by Ramiel Nagel. He has a website I believe is www.curetoothdecay.com. He advises what foods to eat to recover from cavites and pressure tecniques to restore the bodies hormonal balance which I barely tried but was amazed that they seem to work right away and I felt a difference. That tooth is now almost 100%. No sensitivity to hot or cold & I can chew any kind of foods no matter how hard, & the tooth no longer feels weeaker than the others. Unlike before when I had to chew certain foods like steak or nuts on the other side of my mouth.


Safflower Oil
Posted by Carol (Cocoa, FL) on 08/02/2008
★★★★★

First, I would like to thank the originator for this web-site. I have been oil pulling for about two months and I have an enormous burst of energy after oil pulling. Previously to oil pulling I was having a problem with my left arm. I had gone to the doctor to have it checked, I had a stress test, blood work etc, results were normal. (it felt like I had some type of pulling in my arm). I have not had any problems with it since oil pulling. My teeth are very white. I am also doing Weight Watchers along with my daily pulling I am losing weight when I started WW I was 247lbs, I am now at 237lbs I don't know yet if I can contribute this to oil pulling yet. I only use 1 tsp of safflower oil and swish for 15-20 every morning. Truly thankful for the energy it gives me. It makes me more active.(which was needed). Thank you. Carol


Skin
Posted by Thelma (Baltimore, Md) on 08/01/2008
★★★★★

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I tried the oil pulling method and I must admit that the first two weeks my skin was unbelievable. I could not stop looking in the mirror. I am 44 years old and I swear I was looking at least ten years younger. The pores around my nose had tightened and the laugh lines had started disappearing. I used one tablespoon of sesame oil every morning before brushing and flossing. After the first two weeks I ended up with a sore throat, pink eye and skin rash. I have never suffered from pink eye before. I know this was from the O/P. I beleive it was the toxins finding an escape route. I started again this week but I am only O/P once a week and then I will gradually work my way up to daily O/P again. If anyone has any suggestions or any similar experiences can you please post. Thanks.

Skin
Posted by Tracy (Sussex, NJ) on 03/28/2023

That is a healing crisis…keep going!


Skin
Posted by Daniel C. (Phelan, CA ) on 05/24/2024

"Keep going" is correct, it's actually called HERXING, The BODY is DETOXING, so you're gonna worse, before you get better...


Side Effects
Posted by Ulrike (New York, NY) on 08/16/2008

To those who have sores/infections after OP: did you follow the directions closely? It says that you are supposed to rinse your mouth and nose out with anti-bacterial solution (salt and/or baking soda). You are also supposed to drink water after OP, and you are supposed to use a naturally anti-bacterial oil like sesame oil. You are basically bringing up all sorts of germs from your system through delicate mucous membranes, and if you don't clean said membranes after OP, expect problems! As for the tooth alignment issues, most likely you had a preexisting condition (maybe deep pockets from poor oral hygiene) and after the OP removed the bacteria your tooth shifted.

One other note: simple toxicological tests indicate that anything put on the gums will flow to the connective tissues around the organs of the body. This can be shown in a lab! So there is the potential for the health of your gums to directly impact your internal organs and visa versa.


Dental Issues
Posted by Violet (Gresham, OR) on 07/17/2008

I was curious if there was any way that Oil pulling could cause teeth to move from their normal placement or otherwise become crooked. I was oil pulling for about 2 weeks twice a day and just noticed a gap between my central and lateral incisor on the right side with the lateral starting to turn in slightly so that it doesn't line up with my other teeth. Could the oil pulling have caused this?

I used a Tbsp of cold pressed extra virgin sesame oil in the morning and at night. I first started to stop my gums from bleeding but it seemed like my gums started receding and then I later noticed the tooth becoming crooked. I don't know if the Oil pulling caused this but is there anything I can do to fix the tooth and gums?


Dental Issues
Posted by Larry (Bon Aqua, USA) on 07/10/2008
★★★★★

I learned about OP from a nurse at my VA. I thought about it and searched the internet for info.
The reason I used it was to remove the bacteria and poisonous toxins I was sure were under my teeth. I also have diabetes and that causes teeth problems. When I started I was in pain from an exposed nerve.

I used 1T seaseme oil and 1T sunflower oil combined w 5 drops black walnut, 5 drops pepperment and 6 drops cinnamon oils. The peppermint for pain and the cinnamon for the antibacterial. Note: oregano as far as I know is an anti-fungal, not an anti-bacterial.

Regardless I swished my mix for 15 min, keep in mind I was in pain at the time. The first effect I noted, there was no pain even when I drew cold air through the area of my mouth. I could eat hot or cold food w no pain. Needless to say I am hooked for life. Teeth that were rising and becoming loose over the next week returned to near normal and tight in the gum. I don't know about the rest of my ailments. My teeth are much better.

A side observation I would like to mention is directed to the lady in India who tried OP for her wrist and arm metacarpal. I had metacarpal, and the thing I knew that allowed me to overcome it was this. The nevre when damaged will swell in its pathway and this is what causes pain when the joint is moved. Nerves continue to swell if they continue to bump bone which causes more pain. The wrist has a very small passage for its nerves. The swelling that causes the pain is closer to the thumb than the elbow (I mean the swell is trapped). The nerve for the thumb and forefinger extends thru the arm up to the armpit. To releive the pain from my wrist I reach up on a door frame as high as I could. I held on to the frame and dropped my body slowly down, stretching my arm until it was fully extended way over my head. At first fire was running up my arm but when I reached full extention of my arm I felt a pop in my wrist and all pain vanished. Now I stretch to insure it doesn't happen again.

I hope this can help someone. It worked for me.


Insomnia
Posted by Maureen (Tampa, Florida) on 05/13/2008
★★★★★

I started oil pulling 4 days ago and immediately noticed some differences. First I tried Safflower and I slept better then I had in years and my gums did not bleed at all when I flossed that night. Also I am noticing my teeth are whiter and that food I eat after OP tastes better. I don't get food bad breath anymore. My sister noticed her dark circles under her eyes is gone after only 3 days. We are both using Sunflower oil and Safflower but only when I have the time to get a lot of sleep.


Swollen Glands From HIV
Posted by Will (San Antonio, Texas) on 04/30/2008
★★★★★

I've been Oil Pulling for 3 days now. I use unrefined sesame oil for 20 minutes each evening (I cant stomach it in the mornings). First and foremost I noticed my my teeth are several shades whiter already. My energy increased for the first 2 days, however today I am feeling slight nausea, however I understand this might be due to the cleansing. NOW, the most amazing thing I noticed today was that the glands at the base of my neck which have been swollen for approx 9 mos have completely disappeared!! I was recenlty diagnosed HIV+ and was told the glands would pretty much always be swollen for the rest of my life...however today they are gone at the base of my neck and the ones under my chin are about half as big as they were over the previous 9 months. I AM AMAZED! I HAVE NO REASON TO MAKE THIS UP! Do I think it will cure HIV? NO. However something big is happening here. My next appointment to check my HIV viral load is in about 30 days, I will let you know the results!!!

Broad Benefits
Posted by Annette (Roseville, California) on 04/22/2008
★★★★★

I have been oil pulling for 2 months 1 to 2 times daily. I have noticed several benefits: Immediately my gums stopped bleeding when flossed. My teeth felt more firmly seated in my gums.. and they are whiter. After a month, my skin on my neck and chest improved in smoothness and elasticity (chicken bumps gone). I have a few moles on my body that are shrinking! My elbows are so smooth. Improved morning breath odor. Cravings for caffeine diminished. Improved joint mobility. I had a fingernail that I had mashed in a car door 25 years ago that never fully grew back and it is almost fully reattached! Dandruff is gone after 2 months of regular OP. I use a variety of oils and switch between Virgin Coconut Oil, Cold-pressed Sesame Oil, Olive Oil, and Flax Oil.I can't wait to see further improvements on my body. Keep OP. You're worth it!


Anemia, Lipase Enzyme Levels
Posted by Angela (Syracuse, NY) on 04/10/2008
★★★★★

I have been anemic for 2 and half years now. I was told to take Iron pills. Well they didnt work one bit. Luckily I found this website while trying to find a natural cure for kydney damage and pancreatitis and came across the oil pulling. I read about it and even went to different sites to find out if it was true. Well everything I found sounded amazing so I went out and bought the sesame oil. The first day I took it I felt just a little better. The second day I felt 95% better than i've felt in a long time. I also had blood work done a few days ago and found out I am no longer anemic and not only that but my lipase enzyme levels were back to normal. All this change within a month. I absolutely swear by the oil pulling.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Hollis ( Hilo, Hawaii) on 04/06/2008
★★★★★

aloha Molly from SF who wrote about her oil pulling experience of 3 years.....I have done OP now for 18 months, every A.M. using sunflower oil. I appreciate your advice about switching oils every 2 months as I plan to do OP for the rest of my life.....my mouth, teeth and gums have never been better...and I really think it has kept me from getting sick with colds and such. OP is easy, cheaper than drugs and so effective..


Fibromyalgia Pain
Posted by Willia (Detroit, MI) on 03/25/2008
★★★★★

oil pulling sesame oil. after reading on your site about oil pulling March 2008; I tried it and it worked wonders for my fibromyalgia pain. I used the recommened amount 2 tblsp; swissed it around in my mouth for 15 minutes, spit it out, brushed my teeth and drank two glasses of water. I have tmj--i did not think i would be able to do this for 15 minutes due to jaw pain but after 2 1/2 minutes my jaw pain left. The stiffness, pain and soreness in my body was gone before the 15 minutes was up. I have been suffering from fibromyalgia since 1991 and this is the only thing I have tried that gave me immediately relief. Today I sent my sister-in-law who lives in Louisiana a large bottle of sesame oil. Bless you and I thank you and your readers so much. willia


Gum Disease
Posted by Stephanie (New Braunfels, Texas) on 03/21/2008
★★★★★

re: oil pulling-another satisfied customer!. I have been using oil pulling for about a month. A few days after I started I had a dental appt and showed early stages of gum disease (pockets that measured 6 in at least five places). They wanted me to have $1000 worth of scaling and root planing with antibiotics injected into the pockets. I told them I would think about it, knowing that I would keep oil pulling. I went to my follow up appt yesterday and I only had one pocket that was still a 6, the rest had decreased. The hygienist told me to keep doing what I'm doing so I confessed about the oil pulling which she had actually heard of and now plans to try after seeing the difference in my gums. She said anywhere she would poke them before they would bleed and now they are much better. I hope to come back later and say that my fibromyalgia is gone.


Side Effects
Posted by Davidd (Forest Lake, Mn, USA) on 10/30/2009

Hope,

What type of oil did you use? After 2 weeks of oil pulling with sunflower oil, I went in for a routine checkup and my blood pressure was 153/99. I have often had 140/90 when checked in the doctor's office, but when checked at home, it was more typically in the 120-130/70-80 range. I have NEVER seen it above 150 systolic or above 95 diastolic. I am not on any blood pressure lowering medication.

Now, I can't say what my blood pressure was right before I started pulling, because I hadn't been measuring it for a few months. I can say that oil pulling is the only change in my diet/behavior in the last month.

Since going to the doctor earlier this week, I have monitored my pressure at home. I also quit oil pulling after the high reading at the doctor's office. My pressure this week has been 130-150/90-100 IN THE MORNING (average is closer to 130/90) and as high as 165/106 IN THE EVENING after work. My best guess is that both my systolic and diastolic values are 15 points higher, on average, than they have been for my entire adult life (I'm 38) and this change has taken place sometime in the last few months, since I took readings a few months ago and it was "normal" (normal for me).

I can feel the high pressure in my body. Pressure in my eyes, head, certain spots in my legs and arms, chest, finger tips and feet. I don't believe I felt this way before doing the oil pulling, so my best guess is that it started after I started doing the oil pulling. I can gauge, fairly closely, what my reading will be based on the pressure I feel (and have confirmed this a few times this week).

Having read that sunflower oil contains a high amount of omega 6, I am wondering if that is somehow implicated in this issue. Even though sesame oil does have omega 6 in it too, my research has shown that it also contains other substances that can lower blood pressure. Therefore, last night I ingested 3 tablespoons of sesame seed oil. Within about 1.5 hours after doing this, my blood pressure dropped from about 155/100 to 145/90 (this is from memory, don't have my notes right in front of me). By morning, however, it was about 150/100 when I woke up. I oil pulled 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil in the shower. About 45 minutes after my earlier reading and after the start of my pulling (which lasted about 10 to 15 minutes), it was down to 140/90. Given the two data points I have, I would say the sesame seed oil may be able to quickly drop about 10 points off both values (FOR ME), whether ingested or through buccal delivery in oil pulling. I should also mention that I do take multiple readings each time to account for the natural variations that are common from one minute to the next.

Since I've given the "bad" effect that I believe was a result of the oil pulling with sunflower oil, I will also give the "good" effect I noticed. Skin irritations on my face and forehead cleared up significantly (90%). I am very confident this is from the oil pulling as it is something I monitor daily when I look in the mirror in the morning. However, I'd definitely trade high blood pressure for some skin irritations! :)

If this gets posted, I will provide future updates on the blood pressure situation.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Carlos (Madrid, Spain) on 03/13/2008
★★★★★

Oil pulling for everything.
Hello, first of all. I have to say THANK YOU TO THIS SITE. I look many years younger since I came here.
I'm having trouble convincing my family of my tips from this site. I tell them Earth Clinic isn't selling anything; it's just people like you and me sharing amazing remedies that have been proven. But I guess it's difficult for people who are close-minded.
After trying and benefiting from Apple cider vinegar, I tried to use it and internal peroxide on my face and borax for my cold and for my face as an antiwrinkle. Also Baking soda cleasing my face..I m a new man,I look younger and handsome. White teeth soft skin.
But the other day I read the top remedies and thoight..whhats this oil pulling thing?
It sounded weird, but I started with olive oil for a few minutes. I noticed more energy and lighter, soft skin around my eyes.Also, I had deeper, better sleep. I had whiter teeth and whiter eyes, but I didn't get to 20 minutes. I noticed they got whiter the longer you pulled.
Then I researched a little trying to aunderstand how it works.I think by researching I have come to learn how Oil pulling may work,just my own theory.
I read about doing it with sesame oil,I begin to wonder why do ayurveda advices sesame instead of other oils.I came across this site. with info on sesame oil
I copy and paste.Its long but WORTH READING DONT SKIP THIS!!!!!!

"WHY SESAME SEED OIL IS KNOWN AS THE QUEEN OF OILS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sesame Seed Oil has been used as a healing oil for thousands of years. Sesame oil is mentioned in the Vedas as excellent for humans. It is naturally antibacterial for common skin pathogens, such as staphylococcus and streptococcus as well as common skin fungi, such as athlete's foot fungus. It is naturally antiviral. It is a natural anti inflammatory agent.
It has been used extensively in India as a healing oil, including in experiments which showed it was useful in unblocking arteries. In recent experiments in Holland by Ayurvedic physicians, the oil has been used in the treatment of several chronic disease processes, including hepatitis, diabetes and migraines.
In vitro, sesame seed oil has inhibited the growth of malignant melanoma (a skin cancer): PROSTAGLANDIN LEUKATRINES and ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS 46: 145-150, 1992.
Also in vitro, sesame seed oil has inhibited replication of human colon cancer cells: ANTI CANCER RESEARCH 11: 209-216, 1992.
Research shows that sesame seed oil is a potent antioxidant. In the tissues beneath the skin, this oil will neutralize oxygen radicals. It penetrates into the skin quickly and enters the blood stream through the capillaries. Molecules of sesame seed oil maintain good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL).
Sesame seed oil is a cell growth regulator and slows down cell growth and replication.
In both the small intestine and the colon, some cells are nourished by fat instead of sugar. The presence of sesame seed oil can provide those cells with essential nourishment.
In an experiment at the Maharishi International College in Fairfield, Iowa, students rinsed their mouths with sesame oil, resulting in an 85% reduction in the bacteria which causes gingivitis.
As nose drops, sniffed back into the sinuses, sesame seed oil has cured chronic sinusitis. As a throat gargle, it kills strep and other common cold bacteria. It helps sufferers of psoriasis and dry skin ailments. It has been successfully used in the hair of children to kill lice infestations. It is a useful natural UV protector.
Used after exposure to wind or sun it will calm the burns. It nourishes and feeds the scalp to control dry scalp dandruff and to kill dandruff causing bacteria. It protects the skin from the effects of chlorine in swimming pool water. Used before and after radiation treatments, sesame seed oil helps neutralize the flood of oxygen radicals which such treatment inevitably causes.
On the skin, oil soluble toxins are attracted to sesame seed oil molecules which can then be washed away with hot water and a mild soap. Internally, the oil molecules attract oil soluble toxins and carry them into the blood stream and then out of the body as waste.
Used as a douche mixed with warm water, the oil controls vaginal yeast infections.
Sesame seed oil absorbs quickly and penetrates through the tissues to the very marrow of the bone. It enters into the blood stream through the capillaries and circulates. The liver does not sweep sesame seed oil molecules from the blood, accepting those molecules as friendly.
Sesame seed oil helps joints keep their flexibility. It keeps the skin supple and soft. It heals and protects areas of mild scrapes, cuts and abrasions. It helps tighten facial skin, particularly around the nose, controlling the usual enlargement of pores as skin ages chronologically.
Teen boys and girls have learned, wrongly, that all oil is bad for their facial skin. Heavy oils and toxic oils and creams are bad for all facial skin. But sesame seed oil is the one oil which is actually good for young skin. It helps control eruptions and neutralizes the poisons which develop both on the surface and in the pores. With sesame oil, no cosmetics are needed. The oil will cause young facial skin to have and display natural good health.
Used on baby skin, particularly in the area covered by a diaper, sesame seed oil will protect the tender skin against rash caused by the acidity of body wastes. In the nose and ears, it will protect against common skin pathogens.
For children going to school, who will be in the presence of other children with colds and sniffles, sesame seed oil swabbed in the nose can protect against air borne viruses and bacteria.
When using the oil as a massage oil, stroke the long limbs up and down. Use circular motions over all joints to stimulate the natural energy of those joints"

Okay, after reading this, I went to the Chinese store and bought the dark cooking sesame oil; it's $2$.
In adittion to the above info I found another site talkign about oil pulling,they reminded that many medicines are suggested to take them by placing the pill below the tongue instead of swalow it. Its said theres a good absortion in that area.
SO I guess anybody can benefit from oil pulling with any oil containing vitamins E etc like olive oil cause the nutrients getsa absorbed but without the fat.
BUT if you read carefully the above article you will realize why Sesame oil si the on recomended for oil pullling and the best for this use.Every oil will pass the nutrients to your body by oil pulling BUT not every oil will clean from toxins and bacterias your body the way sesame oil does.Read above.
So I started oil pulling with sesame oil,also used it topically on my face like the article above suggest.I think Im nto going to use any facial cream ever in my life.I sue it as after sahve,have very sensitive skina nd this is the est Ive tried,figts redness and mostourizes without cloggin pores,good for afacial lines too.Absorbs quicly.I have massage on my knees that usually hurt and instantly feels better

I have been oil pulling only for 4 days,not even 20 minutes every time,but I feel more energetic and sleep better,and my face shows all that.
I have bumps on my back, excess oil I think, tried to dry it with peroxide and clean baking soda but the bumps still remained.I did put sesame oil in my back...yes Oil...I thought I was crazy by doing it and that my red bumps would become huge. guess what, my back is smoother than ever and bumps smaller after jsut 1 aplication...

Now the thing that lead me to write this article here just 4 days after sart oilpulling cause it jsut amazed me...I was going out yesterday, drank a lot alcohol.I ame back home,slept for 6 hours,woke up like...you an imagine,headache not clear thoughts red eyes my mouth felt dirty..well all my digestive sistem...you know what IM talking about I was dead lol
Ok I said...hey IM going to oil pull and this time...honestly, I been oil pulling for days but today I started and my saliva organs started to put out stuff on my mouth like...too much.I could feel and taste it coming out while gradually my headache was disapearing,my vision was clearer,my thoughts.I ahd it only for 10min and MAN...i felt clean and new....I ahd never feel something like that and that fast.Usually I take an ibuprofen when I wake up after going out...but I never ahd something working this fast and cleaning my body leaving me awake energetic and clean. So Im writing this in case somebody can believe me since my family doesnt althou I know they would benefit from sesame oil. Im a consumer for life.No wonder anybody can live up to 100 years by oil pulling everysingle day.i really beleive it. Im not constant and Ill skip some days but this is truly a simple health keeper and wonderful beauty aid. God bless you earth clinic.

So my conclusion is..by oil pulling with sesame oil you not just get the benefits from omega and vitamins and minerals contained in many oils,but you clean your body from everything bad.Hope this helps and you give it a try.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Aracely (Roswell, NM) on 02/29/2008
★★★★★

Oh MY GOD!! oh my god.. all i can say is wow!! i read about oil pulling this morning went out and got Sunflower and Safflower oil, i've done 2 sessions with the oil pulling, i must say that it did not get as foamy and white as i thought it would. it was still somewhat yellow. but my teeth are SO MUCH WHITER!! only after 2 sessions!! i have a persistant cough that never goes away no matter what i've used, and i've noticed that after each session, i'm coughing a lot more. i feel almost like a heavyness in my chest but when i do cough, i feel like i'm loosening up whatever it is that has been in my lungs that kept me with that cough. it has a funny kind of taste when i cough. i don't smoke either, well i did when i was 19 but that only lasted about 6 months (me trying to be cool) and i'm going to be 25 next month. i was really only trying it for my teeth, but now i'm going to keep doing it in hopes of clearing up my lungs and removing varicose veins. i have 2 kids now and pregnant with my 3rd so they have been a big problem for me. I will be a regular on this site i can say that much for sure, so i will keep you posted!



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