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.
Alcohol Allergy
Posted by Bob (Northridge, CA) on 02/07/2007
★★★★★
I was close to twenty years allergic to alcohol. I've been using Olive oil Sunflower oil and Sesame oil for about a month and a half to get rid of psoriasis it did not help at all-what it did was cure my allergy to alcohol-that's for now.
Alcohol Allergy
Posted by Lese (Mclean, Va) on 07/30/2012
You say that oil pulling took away your allergy to alcohol? I have an allergy either to the alcohol, sulfites, the fermenation process or something for over 20 years. I would like to hear more about how you believe oil pulling solved that issue? Please help. Thanks!
Asthma
Posted by Mary (Nevada City, CA) on 02/06/2007
★★★★★
This winter my asthma came back - but not quite as badly as last year. I came back to your site and found oil pulling. What an amazing thig! I was waking up each night needing to cough - but the oil pulling allowed me to cough up mucus in a gentle way - I have been doing the oil for 3-4 weeks and the progress has been steady. Interestingly, I felt the oil pulling clear my sinuses fist - and I didn't think I really had a problem with that. The lungs have been more gradual - but there is definite progress and I don't need the inhaler unless I exercise too hard. The oil pulling was creating such a cleanse in me that in the first week i was feeling very tired and out of sorts. The I decided to do ACV -that was like a miracle - I was no longer tired. My feeling is that the oil pulling pulls toxins out from deeply stored areas of the body - but once the toxins are circulating - the ACV helps to flush them out. The same thing thing happened for my daughter... A side benefit of the ACV is that my blood pressure went down more than 20 points. I do think the ACV is also helpful for the asthma - I also find it very hlpful to take 1 teaspoon of turmeric in a bit of hot water or coffee each morning - with milk and honey to taste - this also helps the asthma very much - and I hope it will help create a longer ter cure...
Asthma
Posted by Marion (Riverside, California) on 11/11/2008
Dairy is not good for Asthma sufferers... instead, try Soy milk.
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!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Liz (Bangalore, India) on 02/05/2007
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi, I've been oil pulling with sesame oil for over 2 months and it has helped me with my sinus condition, energy level, and to get past the flu season while everyone else got it. (Which is a surprise because I'm the first to catch a bug). But the thing is I stopped a few weeks ago, and I've developed allergies, itchy skin with welts and now I have discovered a swelling, in my breast. While my doctor says it can wait for 2 weeks before getting checked, I was wondering if there's any connection between my new conditions and the oil pulling. I am a little concerned, I'm not sure if I should continue or stop. I have mercury filling that actually chipped soon after I got it done (over 5 years ago)
Congestion
Posted by Gracie (Pasadena, CA) on 02/04/2007
★★★★★
I went to health food store twice yesterday looking for correct oil; the only cold pressed oil that they had was olive. I could hardly sleep with excitement of my first oil pulling... After 2 minutes I had to spit out oil because of mucus in throat. Yellow. Again for maybe 3 minutes I swished oil with mucus in throat, spitting out white substance. Another try for about 2-3 minutes, I spit out white substance and coughted up 2 globs of white thick mucus. Dry heaving and wanting to vomit over toilet bowl. I could have swished the oil around for the full time but for the draining mucus in throat. It was not unpleasant having the oil in my mouth at all as I was using a nice fine olive oil. I'll continue tomorrow morning and trust that with time I'll be able to manage 20 minutes. In the meantime, I am most grateful for this information.
Dental Issues
Posted by Vaidvij (Bangalore, India) on 01/26/2007
★★★★★
Oil Pulling Therapy seems to work well in clearing the toxins of the body. I have my bad tooth problem cured and still continuing the therapy. Overall effects are amusing and very much satisfactory.
Whitens Teeth
Posted by Lorelei (Utah) on 01/11/2007
★★★★★
After more than 2 months of oil pulling, I am ready to comment. I wanted to make sure I gave it enough time to see what would happen.
First, do NOT use unrefined oil! That was a big mistake! I spent the whole day trying not to barf. I used refined sesame oil after that. I swish for 10 mins, rinse, and swish for another 10 mins, then rinse with baking soda and salt in water (about a half tsp each in a few ounces), then rinse with just water. I only have the patience to do it once a day.
Within a few days, my teeth were white! This is amazing, because despite not drinking coffee, tea, cola, etc, my teeth stain very easily. They are also mostly plaque-free. My mouth is very healthy overall. Gums look healthier. I haven't had any canker sores either. I can't say that this has helped any other problems though. Still tired and have bags under my eyes. Still had an outbreak of cold sores. Still have psoriasis. Still have terrible periods. Still have dry feet! It has possibly kept me from catching my kids' myraid colds, etc. But that could also be due to cold(ish showers), echinacea, apple cider vinegar, or any other healthy thing I have started recently! I would recommend oil pulling though, just for mouth health alone.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Nancy (Winnsboro, TX) on 01/04/2007
★★★★★
oil pulling- began about 1st week of October. My sleep better, skin is getting softer, less mood swings, lots of laughter, better outlook on life, lost weight. I used sesame oil, some days with sunflower, now have been using coconut oil and seem to have less problems with swallowing this oil than the others. My husband has been doing this as well and is seeing lots of areas of improvment- he's a disabled combat veteran, full of agent orange-we both plan on continuing to OP and keep a record of improvements while we keep up our nutrient dense eating choices as well.
Multiple Oils Tried
Posted by Su Chi (India) on 12/15/2011
I started O.P. a week ago. Benefits already observed sound sleep, good BM and lost 2.2 pounds.
Dental Issues
Posted by J. (Charlotte, NC) on 12/04/2006
★★★★★
I have been doing the oil pulling for three days and have seen increasing improvement in teeth whitening as well as gums are no longer bleeding. I also have my husband swishing and a few friends and we are excited and waiting for results to report back. I love your website and find the information most informative and hopeful.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Stacey (USA) on 09/15/2006
★★★★★
I found that my tongue felt amazing after the first time. It was pink and CLEAN. no matter how much I scrub with my toothbrush my tongue never seems to feel that clean. As well I found that the skin on my face was softer and smoother, my pores were smaller. I was afraid that I would breakout in "Adult acne" but i didn't!!!!! As far as all my other ailments, the jury is still out. Stacey
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mariana (Richmond, California)
★★★★★
oil pulling with sesame oil has so far cured my diarrhea and insomnia. My teeth are whiter. I am amazed that i have not gotten a cold or the flu this year. i was wondering if this also cures epilepsy?
Insights and Theories
Posted by Dellers (London, Uk) on 04/19/2012
For candida just take a garlic capsule every day.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Tracie (Charleston, Sc) on 08/07/2012
I read somewhere that you should detox with ACV for a week or two before beginning. I drink tons of water each day, more like a gallon or more. I started adding ACV to my water and my queestion is, is there a limit to the amount of ACV that I can have each day and still be healthy? i'm trying to begin a habit of putting in a tablespoon per 24oz. and if it is ok for me to have that much is it ok that I am doing the oil pulling at the same time? Is there a limit to ACV while oil pulling?
Insights and Theories
Posted by Jim (Syracuse Ind., Indiana) on 08/20/2012
is there any help for tinnitus?..... Ringing of the ears?
Insights and Theories
Posted by Faddist (Gibraltar) on 09/03/2012
My tinnitus is caused by too many heavy metals - in my case from my teeth from crowns- I am trying the pulling therapy - but so far it has not improved my tinnitus. I think it should and maybe I am not doing it for long enough.
I detox metals by juicing greens and occasional liver cleanses.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Cyd (Phila Area, Nj) on 10/17/2012
is there a particular reason this is done in the morning? can it be done before bed?
Insights and Theories
Posted by Rosie Q (Santa Cruz Ca) on 12/30/2013
Jim from Syracuse- I have read somewhere that taking zinc helps with tinnitus although I have not had much experience using that personally. There is a great ear drop formula you can find in health food stores- grapeseed oil with a tiny bit of tea tree oil, it helped me a lot.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 01/19/2015
To Hainer: You could be allergic to sesame seeds and hence, sesame oil. Switch to another oil like coconut and keep switching perhaps every two weeks, until you find the one that suits you.
Dental Issues
Posted by Wwtd? (Hawaii, US) on 04/22/2015
★★★★★
Oil Pulling Has Cured 14 Year Gum Infection
I'm ashamed to admit that even though I have been "natural" my whole life it never occurred to me that dentistry could be as bogus as western medicine. There is a place for dentistry for sure, just be cautious.
My tale: In 2000 when I was 40, I had a root canal/crown. Infection persisted afterward. Dentist prescribed antibiotics off and on.
I quit eating ALL forms of sugar (except fruit) and grains in 2002. My infection disappeared. It returned a year later when I began eating grains occasionally. My new dentist treated it with antibiotics 2 months then INSISTED I see a surgeon. The surgeon explained he would have to dig out the infection and perhaps any fragment of root left in my gum causing the infection. I didn't want to die so had the surgery.
3 months later my infection returned. The surgeon told me there was nothing he could do except extract the tooth, after costing me nearly $8000.
I came across Dr. Weston Price research. I also read about countless cases like mine on the Net. I am not saying it isn't possible for infection to spread. I am just stating my experiences. The infection continued on and off for 14 years. It was pretty much always there. Not overly bothersome, but definitely there, going away for up to 2 months sometimes. I have been infection free for just over a year. I can't say for sure it is gone forever or if my remedy was the cure. I started oil pulling once a day for 20 minutes with organic cold pressed olive oil or coconut oil. I started oil pulling for my gums, having the infection leave was a bonus!
To be fair I must add I am very healthy. I eat 80% or more raw foods. nothing processed, so these results might not be attained by people with poor diets.
Dental Issues
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 04/23/2015
To Wwtd;
Oil pulling effect on tooth infection...
I think the oil pulling definitely is keeping the infection at bay. The effect is to draw out the infection and eliminate rather than letting it fester. The long term duration of the infection means it is deep and on going from a single source and no doubt the original root canal was the cause.
I use colloidal silver two or three times a week as a mouth wash, holding a mouth full for a full minute...a FULL minute. And I make sure that my whole tooth structure top and bottom are saturated during that minute. (I also drink two tablespoons of CS twice daily.) I use CS before and after any trip to the dentist.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Cherry (Fort Worth, US) on 03/18/2015
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been oil pulling about 3 weeks. But, recently I had been itching none stop for the past 2 days. I was wondering is this part of the process because I do not want to stop oil pulling because the way my teeth now feel. Plague stopped building up on my teeth and they absolutely feel wonderful. They feel as if they have had cleaning and a polish. I hope that the itching will stop just as the sensitivity in my teeth and headaches subsided. If anybody can clear this up for me I would be grateful. I have recommended oil pulling to my family and they can see a difference in the color of my teeth.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jamie (Singapore) on 07/14/2015
Did you mentioned what oil you were using and whether you have any allergy problem prior to the itching problem.
Side Effects
Posted by J (Leicestershire, UK) on 02/25/2015
I have a query regarding oil pulling. There are some other websites that warn of the risk of lipid pneumonia as small droplets of oil could be accidentally inhaled. Can anyone comment on this risk?
Oil Pulling Side Effects
Posted by Debra (Milwaukee) on 02/12/2015
I just recently started oil pulling with sesame oil and I have experienced a sore throat. Is this normal?
Side Effects
Posted by Edith (Columbia, Maryland) on 01/03/2015
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Has anybody tried oil pulling for hormonal issues? I've been dealing with hormonal problems and gigantic uterine fibroids for years. I have too much estrogen or too little progesteron. Probably candida problem as well. I've been oil pulling for two month. I missed a day or two here and there, but not much. Started with extra virgin/virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil, then extra virgin olive oil, now coconut oil again. It definitely helps with my hormonal issues, and my fibroids, which is why I don't want to stop, but ever since I've started oil pulling, I've been having some serious flu-like symptoms. On and off, mostly on. Mainly sinus problems (that seem to be candida related) and bad fatigue. I'm pretty sure this is healing crisis, but how much longer is this supposed to last? It just would be easier not to give up knowing how much longer to hold on.
Side Effects
Posted by Timh (KY) on 01/03/2015 2048 posts
Edith: It is obvious you need to do some additional detox remedies and cleanses. For starters ---ACV, Iodine, Turpentine, Borax, and herbs like Garlic and Oregano.
Side Effects
Posted by Edith (Maryland) on 01/03/2015
Thank you for your advice! I did one thorough colon-liver cleanse 2 months before starting oil pulling. I'm aware how amazing cleanses are, unfortunately I find them very time and money consuming. I'm already using apple cider vinegar and all kinds of herbs that are good for the sinuses and are antifungal. I'm also using colloidal silver nose spray and xylitol-grapefruit seed extract-saline nose spray to treat my sinus infection. Taking cayenne pepper capsules helps with the fatigue. I've just checked out turpentine and borax, never knew they were so beneficial. I knew about iodine, I just somehow never got to try it. I will give these a try, thank you for the tip!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Kennywally (Midwest) on 06/02/2016 46 posts
@ Perla:
You say you pull in the morning, and that's fine, but most of the bacterial growth happens overnight, and so that's when I pull, in the evening, just before bed, I may scrape my tongue as well, but I only OP for 20 seconds and spit, then I repeat two more times. I have chronic gum issues, so my 1st spit is red, then second pink, and the third runs clear and I leave it on my teeth so that the natural antimicrobial feature of the coconut oil can give some protection overnight. Best Wishes
Broad Benefits
Posted by Meeya (Sunnyvale, Ca) on 12/07/2014
Fantastic! Did you start off doing the oil pulling 3 times per day, or did you gradually increase? Can you please share how long you oil pull each time? I've heard 20 minutes is needed for full effects. Thanks!
