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.
Blocked Sinuses and Ears
Posted by Wendy (Haddon, Australia) on 05/06/2012
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi I have been oil pulling for two weeks, in the first week I felt energised and my mouth felt wonderful, my blocked ear and nose became clear after a year of trying every thing for this, however in the second week I feel very tierd to the point of not wanting to get out of bed my bags under my eyes have doubled and I have had pain in my shoulders and elbows that I have never had I am wondering is this normal or should I stop oil pulling. I thank you for taking the time for reading my question. Kindess Regards Wendy
Blocked Sinuses and Ears
Posted by Zilverb (Seabrook, Tx, United States) on 05/07/2012 16 posts
I do not think it is the oil pulling. It could be a health crisis but it should not have lasted so long. I have been oil pulling for some months and it has been all good and improving all the time.
Blocked Sinuses and Ears
Posted by Cindy (Albany, Ny) on 05/28/2012
Everything I've read on OP says to keep doing it through the difficulties, and the situation will improve.
Side Effects
Posted by Dorothy (San Francisco, Ca) on 03/31/2012
I've been oil pulling for five months, and I've noticed an increasing heart rate, which got up to around 95 bpm at the most. Usually my heart rate is around 65-72 bpm. I've felt increased energy and have lost weight, even more than I would like. After my heart rate shot up, I quit OPing altogether for a about a week and a half and am now OPing every few days. I realize that I could be going through a healing crisis, but how long do these crises usually last? I've had difficulty sleeping and feel very fidgety frequently. I don't understand it. Can anyone shed light on this? I want to continue OPing, but I don't want my heart rate to be out of control. I'm nearing 60 years of age. Thanks for any feedback!
EC: Hi Dorothy, what type of oil are you using?
Side Effects
Posted by Dane (Portland, Or) on 03/31/2012
I have a similar question, I'm a 26 year old male in very good health, but ever since moving back to Portland, OR (cloudy wet and rainy) 3 years ago I have had sinus congestion and seasonal allergies pretty badly (I struggled with these issues as a child here as well throughout the grey winters and into spring). I started oil pulling and am now on day 7, the first four days I had really red eyes and heavier bags than usual every morning, which I assumed were detox symptoms and now the past three days I have had an increased heart rate with palpitations upon any activity, restlessness and minor abdominal pains. I have been taking some organic food-based vitamins with probiotics and making sure to drink plenty of fluids and electrolytes, but don't want to overconsume any minerals. Are these normal symptoms?
I have been alternating sunflower and EVCO every morning.
I feel great every year by the end of summer so I think there may be some sort of seasonal deficiency that I suffer from, but I wanted to get on top of this if I am going to live here any longer. Should I keep OPing? Are symptoms I am experiencing very unusual?
Side Effects
Posted by Dorothy (San Francisco, CA) on 04/01/2012
Hi Dane, I have the same problem, an increased heart rate with OPing. I haven't found much info on it. I use organic coconut oil, and I'm wondering if I ought to use another one. I'm afraid that my blood pressure has also gone up, although I haven't taken it. I've had to cut way down on OPing. I used to OP daily, each morning for five months, but I had to stop for awhile, and now I'm only doing it twice a week. My heart rate actually went up to around 95, and it's usually in the 60-72 range. I'm also having heart palpitations. I keep researching for answers. I don't want to stop OPing as it does give me increased energy and is a mood enhancer, but I don't like having a rapid heart rate.
General Feedback
Posted by Dorothy (San Francisco, Ca) on 04/02/2012
Hi EC, Thanks for responding to my post! I've been using Organic Coconut Oil.
Side Effects
Posted by Dorothy (San Francisco, Ca) on 04/04/2012
Thank you, Hope, for your suggestion! I did buy some sesame oil to oil pull with originally, then opted for coconut oil. I wonder what it is about the coconut oil that causes rapid heart rate and sky-high blood pressure? I didn't take my blood pressure as it scared me just having a 95 bpm heart rate.
Side Effects
Posted by Mvo (Johannesburg, South Africa) on 04/04/2012
Please google "the pulse test" you may find the answer to your question.
Side Effects
Posted by Seeker (Tampa, Fl) on 05/12/2012
95 heartbeat is nothing. I was put on heart monitor for a day because of the stress and palpatations I was getting. My heart rate was shooting up over 160 several times a day. No wonder it felt uncomfortable. I am only in my 30s.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Joy (Harrisburg, Pa) on 02/03/2012
★★★★★
Have been OP with sesame for about a week now. It was tough at first, as I have a strong reflex to swallow. If I couldnt make it the full 15 minutes, I did it for 10 minutes twice that day spaced out. So far I have noticed good and bad properties. The good ones are that I don't seem to be getting the regular corner of the mouth cold sores I used to get on a very regular basis. I notice the stains on my teeth seem to be lessening. The bad is minor and is also attributed to being severely anemic and struggling with depression and unhealthy habits in general, however I am finding myself very tired A LOT.
Another thing to mention is that since the birth of my daughter 11 months ago I have had severe painful acne (and I have always been blessed with beautiful skin). I have started proactive recently, so it may be a combination of things (however I am more consistant with the oil pulling than I am with the proactive system), and I have noticed less large painful deep cystic type blemishes and an overall less red appearance to my face and neck.
I struggle with an addiction to cigarettes right now so I'm not sure how much the oil pulling will have a chance to work with such an addiction but I'm already noticing differences. Also reading about "health crisis" situations I don't feel really uneasy about that... I have been sick most of my life with any number of respiratory and throat issues so I rather welcome a full body purge!
I find that with OP if you just decide you are going to do it and stick with it, it gets easier. I try to distract myself with chores or email checking or read a good article about something that intrigues you... It starts to go faster than you realize!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Arla (Covelo, Ca, Usa) on 07/17/2012
Sounds like there are lots of toxins in you, wanting to get out. (At least your body wants them out. ) So you are helping release them through oil pulling. Having a baby is a very cleansing even. And pimples and other outbreaks are just another way for the body to release some disgusting toxin. So keep oil pulling, juicing, fasting, and attending stop smoking classes (or use patches) and enjoy a longer, healthier life!! Good luck! Arla
Broad Benefits
Posted by Rbmj1485 (Grand Blanc, Michigan, United States) on 08/11/2012
Hey Joy! Just wanted to say that you could replace the Proactive System with apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil. I would suggest organic either way, and
unrefined virgin coconut oil. I have had severe acne for over ten years and have been recently using these products. I have noticed a dramatic change in just the first week! First, bring 1 cup of purified water to a warm temp, but not boiling, using a small pot. ( no microwave) Then pour water into heat-safe glass cup. Add 1-2 Tbsp of ACV and then use a cotton swab to dab affected areas. Second, after ACV has dried completely, apply the coco oil to the same affected areas.
I do this process myself and cover my entire body! Its absolutely refreshing!
Side Effects
Posted by Cf (Delaware, Usa) on 01/09/2012
I noticed an increase in hot/cold sensitivity when I began oil pulling, too. I use organic, extra virgin coconut oil. I'm not sure why the pulling increased the sensitivity, but after switching to a non-flouride toothpaste I longer have a problem.
Side Effects
Posted by Cf (Delaware, USA) on 01/09/2012
Correction... after switching to a non-flouride toothpaste, I no longer have a problem.
Insomnia
Posted by Courtney (Granite Bay, Ca) on 12/20/2011
To Jane from Tennessee - What oil are you pulling with? I suffer from insomnia as well, and am hoping that if I use the same oil as you do, I might benefit similarly.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Patricia (Carmel, Ca) on 10/31/2011
I have been reading about OP, and wonder if it works to eliminate toxins in system from past chemotherapy & radiation treatments?
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 11/01/2011
Patricia you would be better off taking iodine (lugols) to detoxify from the chemo.
Also the chemotherapy will according to this article kill off the good bacteria in the gut causing candida to overgrow as a result. The iodine will kill off the candida. I recommend you read the article.
http://www.whale.to/a/last1.html
Side Effects
Posted by Dave (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 10/18/2011
I've been Oil Pulling off and on for about 4 years now. I always use organic sunflower oil. From reading all the posts here and my own experiences, clearly OP affects everyone differently.
To be honest, nowadays the only time I 'swish' is about 2 -3 weeks before a dentist appointment. For me, it definitely whitens my teeth and seems to tighten my gums slightly, but not much else. I have consistently observed that (for me) after about 3 days I actually start to sleep worse, unsettled and broken.
I am about 5 days into my vigorous routine as I write and last night had a quite a terrifying experience. Not sure if it was from OP or that it was just a coincidence, but while sleeping, I threw up, awoke and could not breathe, inhaled and all I got was stomach acid. Horrible. About 12 hours later, I can still taste it when I breathe. (Sorry to creep you out). Again, it could have been something I ate, but nothing like that has ever happened to me before. Bedtime is approaching.... but as of now, I do plan to continue with the OP.
Thanks for reading and best of luck to you all.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Lonelobo (Midwest, Usa) on 09/09/2011
★★★★★
Just started oil pulling last week and have already seen improvements in my health. Sinuses are clearing up, neck, shoulder and knee pain gone, and arthritic hip significantly better. I started with coconut oil since that's what I had on hand but have since switched to sunflower oil. Both are light and very easy to pull with.
I have noticed my skin has become a bit oily since I started pulling. Does this get better or does anyone have tips on treating the oily skin?
I've also been wondering if there is any problem with adding some garlic oil to the sunflower oil? I have garlic oil gel caps for my dogs. On a whim I cut one open and added it to my sunflower oil. It gave it a little kick and really cleared my sinuses. But I've heard conflicting things about getting garlic oil in the bloodstream. Think it would be a problem to add garlic oil to my OP routine once a week?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Publcviewer (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Usa ) on 10/24/2011
This is my take. (This post is about any oil used. ) First of all I used Sesame Oil… it is dark and does not say toasted; all it says is 100% pure. However, reading more and more testimonials here.. I went out and bought Sesame Oil Cold Pressed. The first day I used the dark I think I noticed the merest… the slightest lightening of some decay, and the rest of my teeth. It was so slight I'm not sure it wasn't all in my head. I felt an unbelievable energy, but then again I was hitting a second-wind and that usually happens, so still… in my head I don't know. In using the cold pressed for the following four days after.. I noticed absolutely nothing at all; nothing. This morning after using the cold pressed and still nothing.. I decided to try the dark again. It seems as if I may be noticing a little more lightening in the decay and the rest of my teeth, but again I'm unsure if this is in my head or not; time will tell.
If this does work on whitening teeth and cleaning decay… we'll see, but if so, it is my very strong belief that that's all it would do (except for one other thing that is a possibility), and here's why:
Sesame oil is one of most oils that are acidic, and that's really why it is important to brush your teeth after, or that acid will eat away at your teeth and gums. In fact it is most likely this acid that is eating away at the yellow and decay, and nothing else is responsible for it. Secondly.. Just after using when swishing your mouth with Hydrogen Peroxide there is no foam, and there certainly would be if there were any remote traces of toxins. (Brush your teeth before bed and see. ) Third.. the only other thing it may possibly do is ease up on the fine lines in the face, because the oil is reaching throughout the face via the sinus cavities.
I believe the people that are claiming it works wonders on this are merely responding to not only a placebo effect, but also they're taking medications and therapy for their medical problems, because not one person said they went off their meds, and no one would risk going off their meds for such a gamble. Maybe the people that say their feeling awful; in a number of different ways are the ones going off their meds, because I'm quite sure this is a crock beyond the merest of basics, and if even those exist, or maybe it's the oil penetrating throughout the face and causing reactions in the entire cranial cavity. I'm just thankful that I'm not trying for a miracle cure to reverse or restore anything, and at best the only thing that will do that is eating a proper 80% alkaline to 20% acidic food/drink intake daily. If you really want to see results throughout your body that's what you'll have to do.
Now at this point for studies alone I will continue for the teeth whitening, and I'll report back at a later date to give my results. Many of you will swear up and down - as you already have and in response to this, but my take on it stands firm regardless.
Safflower Oil
Posted by Michelle (Lexington Park, Md) on 08/01/2011
★★★★★
Hi,
I just started oil pulling last night. I can say the my mouth has never felt cleaner. I am using Safflower oil. I haven't been able to find coconut oil yet. I am planning on trying it for a mouth to see if there is a really big difference. Then I am going to tell my daughter about it.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 06/09/2011
do you make sure to drink after rinsing when you finish pulling?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jeff (Dallas, Tx) on 06/09/2011
I am new to this site -- have been reading it non-stop over the last several days, so perhaps someone who is more seasoned than I will comment. But, it sounds like you have quite a few things going on there and would benefit from implementing more than just OPing. I would highly recommend switching your oil to Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for OPing, perhaps even taking a tablespoon or two a day for good measure. Also, read the section on Apple Cider Vinegar and its amazing effects. The last thing, and probably the most important, would be to take a good hard look at what kind of food you're consuming -- cut out all breads and sugars for a while. Have you done the Candida test where you spit into a glass of water and see if your spit is stringy? If it is, you need to go to the Candida section and plan your attack for defeating it. Hope this helps.
Jeff
Broad Benefits
Posted by Andrea C (Cardiff, Wales) on 06/10/2011
Google healing crises I promise u your ok. A healing crises will usually kick in just as you feel at your best and will flare up what you are treating and a few other symptoms as well. Fever, paranoia, joint pains, panic, but this is because your body is still detoxing and belive it or not this is a good sign and nothing to fear, i too freaked out when it first happened to me and i still got more to come, but its just our bodies healing so don't stop now or you'll undo all your hard work. Love Andrea c x x x
Side Effects
Posted by Ed (Baltimore, Md) on 05/20/2011
Oil Pulling and Gall Bladder
I have been oil pulling for almot a week now and today I have noticed my stools are very light in color. Not quite white, but light tan. I understand how the gall bladder works, do I have a blockage in the ducts?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Blanche (Iberia Parish, Louisiana) on 03/07/2011
Well, I don't know about why it would make your teeth hurt, but I also get an irritated feeling in my throat when the Virgin Coconut Oil touches it. Just make sure you don't get it back into your throat when you pull, and also if you eat it, eat it with food and it won't irritate your throat.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Gean (Salina, Ks) on 03/06/2011
Try oil pulling for only 10 minutes with virgin coconut oil, then spit it out, rinse your mouth well, and drink a quart of warm water. I read somewhere that if you swish for too long the toxins are reabsorbed into your system.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mary (Arizona) on 05/04/2013
You wrote that you "swished" the oil. Oil pulling requires that you "chew" the oil like food. Give that a try for a week and see what happens. Blessings, Mary
Dental Issues
Posted by Sue (Johns Creek, Ga) on 01/17/2013
Sesame seed oil has distictive smell which is wood burning smell as you described it. If you are not fond of it, you can perhaps switch to another oil. Although sesame oil is the oil to do the job. Hope it helped.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Glynell (Kilgore Texas, Usa) on 02/27/2011
★★★★★
I Ihave been op for about 7 days, I have definite flu like symptoms, however I have coughed up, blown more junk out my nose, and cleared more junk out my respritory system, than ever, my teeth feel very clean, the aches in my arm, and knees are gone, I am expecting my skin to respond also, my toilet habits are improving daily. I am also drinking 8 0z. water first thing in morning with 7 drops food grade 35% hydrogen peroxide. and I believe this is definitely making me feel so much better...
NELL....TEXAS
Multiple Oils Tried
Posted by Dagmar (Williamstown, Ky Usa) on 02/29/2012
I have had great results with oil pulling (sunflower in the morning and EVO at night). To everyone : you may need to boost your immune system withhedge apple doses (2 caps/day for 30 days - twice a year). Dagmar
Side Effects
Posted by Artistgirl (Detroit, Mi) on 01/30/2011
Has anyone experienced impacted wisdom teeth since beginning oil pulling? I Have been OPing with olive oil for four months and suddenly I have two third molars erupting on me at age 46! I lost a first molar to tooth breakage after a root canal about eight years ago. I do not have a bridge in that spot, so I'm thinking there is now room in the back of my mouth so the second molar has shifted which gives the third molar room to sprout. It is a whole tooth, crown, the works but it is lying lower than it should and is poking through the skin next to my tongue.
Also, I've lost a filling since OPing and another tooth has broken. LOL! What will happen next?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Knute (Sacramento, Ca) on 04/20/2011
I could not agree more with Richard from UK about the effects of pharmaceutical treatments. (Also, it was good to find that there was much focus on the effects of the highest selling pharmaceuticals in the US in the US news today: The mainstream seems to wake up! )
And, about the lymph nodes - seeking a homeopath is a very good advice.
I would like to add that I have found two excellent things that seems to help very much regarding lymphatic drainage (in addition to many other benefits. ) The first is a good rebounder, the second is what's called a chi machine.
There are many good rebounders to choose from.
First I would educate myself by doing a google search for "rebounder benefits" or "rebounder lymphatic drainage".
You may do similar google searches for benefits of chi machine.
It's wise to have an open mind - combined with healthy a skepticism.
Anyway, having personally tried both a rebounder and a chi machine, I found that they are both very effective.
And, please continue oil pulling, my favourite for over 19 years!
Safflower Oil
Posted by Eileen10121 (Roseburg, Oregon, Usa) on 01/07/2011
I saw someone else ask this but I could not find the answer. How is safflower oil for OP? I use it topically for other things. Thank you, Eileen10121
Side Effects
Posted by Nasrin Jiwan (Mombasa, Kenya) on 01/03/2011
I have been OP for a month now. The concern is I am having a funny sensation in my tongue. Could this be due to some kind of deficiency or OP.
Side Effects
Posted by Flower (Newark, Vermont) on 12/31/2010
Hi Ted and all that read and respond to this site. Thank you for all this great information! I have been oil pulling for a week with sesame oil and I have been exeriencing dizziness, light headedness. Headaches and eye twitching. I believe this may be a healing crisis, but I want to make sure. Is this normal to feel worse and to feel dizzy and light headed? Is there anything else I should be doing. I began taking Apple Cider Vinegar and honey a couple of weeks ago, then started oil pulling with sesame oil a week ago, 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes before I go to sleep. Thank you for any help that you can give me. Sincerely, Flower
Side Effects
Posted by Therese (St Johnsbury, Vermont) on 12/30/2010
Hi, I have been oil pulling with sesame oil for a week and I have noticed that all my symptoms are much worse, almost exagerated to the point of not being to handle the pain! Everything I have read about oil pulling says that this probably is a "healing crisis" and I should continue with the oil pulling so that I can get better BUT I have to admit that I didn't think I would feel this bad!
I have the following symptoms: dizziness, pain in my neck, upper back and arms (which I have had some neck problems in the past), also the dark circles underneath my eyes are actually darker, I feel exhausted and my anxiety is through very high... Basically I feel and look like a mess!! I pull oil for 20 minutes every morning. Has anyone else had a healing crisis as bad as mine? I hope these symptoms will lessen soon. This site has been a HUGE inspiration for me! Thank you for all the information and personal stories! Therese
Dental Issues
Posted by Brendan (Adelaide, South Australia) on 12/22/2010
★★★★★
Hi Billy, In my experience you might not notice any changes for a while. I started oil pulling a while ago and did it for several weeks and then gave up because I didn't notice any differences, but I resumed oil pulling recently and have been doing it for the last month or so and I have to say, I have turned from a sceptic into a believer as it has gotten rid of my sensitive teeth. I used to get tooth pain when I drank cold water or went from cold to hot too quickly but one day while rinsing my mouth after oil pulling I noticed something, when I felt the usual sensation of the pain coming I noticed as that sensation built it got to a point when I expected a pain to kick in but then it suddenly stopped and I felt the sensation subside, it was quite an odd feeling but it made me think, maybe this stuff does work. I've continued oil pulling and I am now convinced it has even further fixed the problem as I get no pain or sensitivity any more. It's crazy to think something that sounds so silly and simple at first, actually works. It has really made me think about what is possible. I think you should give it a fair go as four days is way too short to tell. I know its time consuming and a bit uncomfortable but you do get used to it and I find now I can just tune out and go about doing whatever I need to do in the morning without it bothering me. I use sesame oil and ive just started using hemp oil too, I do one of each now for 20 mins for each every morning and then rinse thoroughly and drink half a litre of water before breaky. Also I'm interested to know how iodine helped your dermatitis, could you write a bit about how you used it as I have dermatitis on my face which is a massive problem for me. Thanks mate, Brendan.
Coconut Oil
Posted by English Rose (Cornwall, England) on 05/26/2012
I did coconut oil OP when pregnant/nursing with no issues.. Only benefits!
Detoxification
Posted by Randy (Jersey City, Nj, Usa) on 12/03/2010
Could just be a healing crisis--toxins wanting to leave your body. That's a good thing, keep doing it. Just be sure not to swallow... Spit out and clean your mouth thoroughly.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mary (Southern Alberta, Alberta, Canada) on 12/01/2010
To Mychelle, from Pacific Northwest: a liquid menthol called "White Flower" used as a few drops on a tissue, put in a paper bag, and inhaled/sniffed can really help open airways. Most good Healthfood stores, or Chinese pharmacies carry White Flower.
