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 Joojoo (Tampa, Fl) on 07/16/2014
I have used coconut oil for oil pulling the last 2 days. Part of my gum is inflamed today, like red, puffy, and it feels kind of raw when I touch them with my tongue. I looked everywhere on the internet, and haven't seen anyone with the same experience. Is this normal? Are there ways to heal the gum or should I just keep pulling? I do have lots of fillings and 2 root canals. Thank you!
Side Effects
Posted by Maxine (Guayaquil, Ecuador) on 06/20/2014
Hi all. My local supermarket, here in Ecuador, has started selling Sacha Inchi "extra virgin" olive oil. I'd never heard of it before. Has anyone any experience of the oil or the seeds? I used it for the first time yesterday to oil pull and the detoxing effect was higher than when I've pulled with sunflower oil or virgin olive oil. Headaches, flu type symptoms, etc. I will, however, continue and see what happens after I've finished the bottle. Thanks in advance.
Side Effects
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 05/10/2014
Liz, don't try too hard: 1. Two minutes is also useful! 2. You can also do it with plain ol' water!
Side Effects
Posted by Liz From Atlanta, Usa (Atlanta, Georgia, Usa) on 05/10/2014
I have a question about oil pulling. The benefits sound great and I really want to do this, but I can only hold a teaspoon of oil in my mouth for 1-2 minutes and then I start gagging and retching. I'm so glad I followed the advice to do this on an empty stomach! For the first week I used olive oil because that is what I had in the house, but then I bought some organic unrefined sesame oil and still I gag and retch. I've now tried 12 times and can't get beyond 2 minutes. I busy myself with with getting ready for the day to take my mind off the swishing, but that has not helped. So my question is, how can I overcome gagging and retching? Please advise.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Julie (Clarksburg, Md) on 04/21/2014
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling for approximately one month and my teeth feel wonderful and the cleanest they ever felt. My skin is so clear and my brown spots on my hand and arm are fading. I no longer get headaches. My nasal passages are always clean - no allergy headaches this spring! The arthritis in my knees are so much better. I am also sleeping better. I will continue to do this. Its the best thing ever!!!!!! LOVE IT!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sam (Uk) on 04/15/2014
★★★★★
I wanted to write in with my own personal experience of oil pulling used in combination with my home made toothpaste which I have been doing for about 12 months now. I found the basis of my toothpaste here on earthclinic and from other research I did on the internet.
I can personally attest to the benefits of oil pulling. Definitely whiter teeth, at least two shades whiter and the oil removed the majority of stains within the first two months of use from a past history of having smoked for many years. No tartar ever since I started. The other thing it definitely does is remove particles of food which become lodged at the back of the mouth and tongue which can be missed when brushing the teeth and tongue .. oil pulling can also dislodge tonsil stones which you never knew you had. All these things can be missed and contribute to bad breath. Other things to note, while oil pulling, it will bring up phlegm which can also contribute to bad breath.
If oil pulling is done regularly and consistently with diligence .. properly .. swishing around the mouth for at least 15 - 20 minutes every night before bed you never wake up with bad breath in the morning. Gums are definitely healthier and pinker and has relieved mild tooth pain every single time.
My oil pulling regime has been done while I shower in an evening before bed and every morning when I wake up. Alongside oil pulling I have been using my homemade toothpaste. Sometimes I take my home made toothpaste and add it to my swishing mixture in my mouth which further adds to my oral hygiene routine. I am sure there are other things which have improved or that I have benefited from since I have been oil pulling which I have forgotten to add, for now this is my year long experience.
Note .. tongue brushing must be included in oral hygiene routines for good oral and dental health.
Thank you also earthclinic for having such a wonderfully diverse and informative site which helped me immensely in my journey towards better health.
Dental Issues
Posted by Yoli (Fontana, California) on 04/07/2014
I have the same question about porcelain crowns. I have several of them. I have been oil pulling for around a year now and I don't want them to fall out or start to come unglued. Any help with this would be appreciated! Yoli
Coconut Oil
Posted by Liz (Boston, Massachusetts) on 03/25/2014
It's supposed to be solid, so the answer to your question is yes. It will liquefy once it is in your 98.6 degree mouth. :) The entire jar will become liquid when the weather is warmer.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Jean (Milwaukee, Wi) on 03/20/2014
When people refer to coconut oil, I don't know if they mean the solid, white oil but that sounds yucky. I imagine it causing a gag reflex. Medium Chain Triglycerides oil (MCT) is the lighter, liquid version of coconut oil and would be easier to get whole tablespoon in your mouth. It's more expensive though but good to have on hand for diet. I just thought, you could warm up to liquefy the solid before taking and that may be what everyone does! Oh well, I prefer the lighter taste of MCT or sunflower oil and use less than a Tbs so that I can keep in my mouth for the entire 20 min.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Layla14 (San Jose, Ca) on 03/11/2014
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I am 28 yrs. old, female at around 148 lbs., 5'5". I am pretty healthy overall, with minor skin concerns. I made a choice to start trying different types of Ayurvedic therapy and to start using more organic body products without all the chemical/parabens. I firmly believe that I can be healthier (along with a clean diet & exercise of course) without relying on medicine/chemical crap, so that is the reason why I have taken it upon myself to do research on Ayurveda & holistic health :)
Currently suffer from certain things: occasional dandruff, some scalp psoriasis, oily skin, keratosis pilaris (upper arm), fatigue, unhealthy weight (in my opinion, I want to be at 130 lbs.), occasional mood and mild depression. Also my knee joints will start hurting if I put too much stress on them (i.e running more than 5 miles). I also feel that I drink too much alcohol/usually social binge drinking weekends and sometimes weekdays. I know, it's bad!
I started oil pulling 3 days ago with coconut oil for 10 mins. first thing in the morning. The side effects of detoxing did not start until this morning (third day), I woke up feeling hot (flu-like symptoms), groggy, and just moody. Throughout the day I have been feeling somewhat nauseated as well. I've noticed that after my first OP, I've had really deep sleep accompanied with vivid dreams!
Positives haven't been significant, since it's still too early to tell...but just like with other people... I have seen that my skin looks somewhat smoother, teeth are whiter, my vision seems a lot clearer too (colors are more vibrant), good quality sleep, and I have also been leaning on to craving healthier foods. My cravings for salt & sugar seem to be decreasing as well.
I am going to continue with OP and I'll check back in within a few weeks! Hopefully will see more benefits :)
Oil Pulling Side Effects
Posted by Rhonda (Paducah) on 03/11/2014
I did oil pulling for 20 minutes for my first time today. Was this too long and should I notice any side effects?
Castor Oil
Posted by Leah (Ohio) on 03/05/2014
100% cold-pressed Castor Oil is actually used internally as a stimulant laxative (can be purchased at drugstores). So it can be used internally. Also, with the oil pulling method, you are not supposed to swallow the oil, since it is extracting toxins. It must be spit out.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Kickdiver (Abu Dhabi, Uae) on 02/06/2014
★★★★★
Had terrible allergies, doctors were prescribing pharmaceuticals with bad side effects and had no further help, no results, was getting worse by the month, pretty much every 3 weeks or so awful allergies, they'd last 3 weeks sometimes, and I was getting my first asthma-like attacks. Totally frustrated, I remembered this site and read about OP and gave it a try with Sesame Oil. After the first day the symptoms went worse, splitting headache, my eyes felt they were about to pop out of my head, not only that, my whole body felt like it was swelling up, especially my abdominal area. I almost went back to the meds but then remembered that in natural medicine one often experiences a 'healing crisis', so that's what this must have been.... After 3rd day, I am feeling substantially better. No more stuffy head, no headaches, I can breathe through my nose, throat is not hurting.. and... wow... my hot flashes, are decreased by about 90%....... THAT... my friends, makes it already worth the little effort. I look forward to this every day now, because a night without tossing and turning because of feeling hot/cold is priceless. My gums feel great, my teeth are shiny and white, my head feels clear, I also have less bloating after dinner, if I see any more health problems disappear (painful joints, food allergies, dry hair etc) I will post them on here. I feel, like I have found a wonderful (very CHEAP) and easy way to detox my body. Definitely two thumbs up!!
Oil Pulling During Pregnancy
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 02/04/2014 2048 posts
Alexa: To improve the body's detoxification and ensure the health of the baby, substantially increase cruciferous vegetables in the diet (in the least); in the most take extracted supplements of DIM, I3C, Sulforaphane.
Oil Pulling During Pregnancy
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 02/03/2014
Dear Alexa,
My understanding has been that you should avoid doing things during pregnancy that cause detox, as toxins released could get to the baby. Unfortunately, the same recommendation holds during breastfeeding, so you end up having a long time where it is not best to do things that detox the body. Of course, in some ways the body is always detoxing...elimination channels are taking out toxins and waste regularly; the idea is just that you don't want to do extra detoxing while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Now, midwives do sometimes recommend epsom salt baths (to stop pre-term contractions) and that can be detoxing. Perhaps it is milder. Though you wouldn't want to take a super-hot bath as it can raise the temperature of the baby.
If you are looking to do general detoxing, it would be best to wait. If you have a specific issue in your mouth you are dealing with, there may be some other things that would be better to try while pregnant.
~Mama to Many~
Oil Pulling During Pregnancy
Posted by Alexa (New York) on 02/02/2014
Is oil pulling safe during pregnancy?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Yve (Taunton, Ma) on 01/30/2014
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I've been oil pulling over a year. Using varies organic extra virgin oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, evoo, 20 minutes in the morning everyday. The result is great! No more bad breath, aches and pains. sleep better (used to be a light sleeper). No more cracked heels. Overall health improvement except my hair. I have very fine, thin hair and short, and used to be able to shampoo when needed, about twice a week. But after two months of oil pulling, I noticed my hair gets stringing and oily next day after wash, it wasn't dirty, smelly or itchy. it looks awful. my scalp is normal. I've tried all the remedies online recommended. that includes baking soda, acv, and dish detergent, nothing works. it only makes the scalp and hair dry because of the stuffs I used. I use rinse just to help smooth the hair for easy combing, not on the scalp. Does this happen to anyone? Any suggestion?
Insights and Theories
Posted by Prioris (Fl) on 01/15/2014
Adjust the amount of oil lower until it isn't too much for you. Take what you can handle. One size doesn't fit all.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Liz Turner (Devon, Uk) on 01/15/2014
Have started using coconut oil but not sure how you can fit a whole tablespoon in your mouth, even a full teaspoon feels a lot of oil! Are you sure its not meant to be a teaspoon?!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Diverguy1979 (Lebanon, Indiana) on 01/12/2014
★★★★★
I'm 34 y/o male and have been using this site for seven years, it is truly my go to for all my ailments. I feel what you may be experiencing is a sick like condition from the oil pushing out toxins. I read about this affect on the hydrogen peroxide treatment page. I urge you to read up on this and then decided for yourself to push through or discontinue. I wish you luck in your research!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Robertapate (Port Orchard Washington) on 01/08/2014
You may want to look into taking Iodine . I take Iodoral. It immediately took care of ALL breast tenderness, soreness, fibers, cysts, everything. It was so bad before that I could hardly stand under the shower. Amazing product and another sad "Natural" healer that has gone from our diets. Check it out. Dr. Abrahams
http://www.westonaprice.org/metabolic-disorders/the-great-iodine-debate Hope this enlightens you on breast tenderness and health. =)
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.
Oil Pulling Side Effects
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 10/28/2013
Dear Krysten,
You asked about oil pulling and detoxing while breastfeeding. Is there something specific you wish to detox from, or just general detox? How old is your baby? With a young breastfeeding baby, I would be more cautious about detoxing. No matter what the age of your baby, you will want to take detoxing slowly and gently.
I think some gentle detoxing is okay with an older baby. Your body is detoxing in sense all the time. Your blood, kidneys, and liver are all working to keep your body clean. Drinking water is a form of detoxing and we do that daily.
I would say that no matter what you try, if you start having a strong reaction to stop or slow way down. Better yet, just take it slowly. If you start with Apple Cider Vinegar, take 1 teaspoon in 6 oz. of water for a few weeks. Gradually work up to 1 Tablespoon in 8 oz. of water each day. At some point, if you add oil pulling, try it with 1/2 Tablesppon of oil for 5 minute a day. Maybe move up to 1 T. for 10 minutes a day.
I have used Apple Cider Vinegar all through pregnancy and breastfeeding. I have done oil pulling while nursing a toddler. I have never noticed any reaction in my children. At the same time, I have never done any detoxing during pregnancy or breastfeeding that have ever caused me to have strong (herx type) symptoms.
Hope that helps!
~Mama to Many~
Detoxification
Posted by Malismjau (United Kingdom) on 10/26/2013
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello! I'm 24 years old female. I started coconut oil pulling about 4 days ago. At the beginning only 10 min in the morning whilst taking shower and didn't notice any particular changes. Last two days I have been doing it 20 min in the morning before breakfast and 20 min before bedtime. I had root canal done on two of my molar teeth 4 years ago. To start with I had infections and I couldn't get rid of them but than it just stopped and I was getting jaw pains every now and than.... yesterday my gums swell around the two teeth, my jaw pains are constant, I had sore throat. This morning I woke up with less swelling. Still feeling horrible. Also noticed that I stink of sweat and it was so intense I had to run to shower straight away. I feel so unwell. I smoke about 6 cigarettes a day. Today I could barely handle one. Feel like I have no carvings at all. Smoke makes me cringe. I am convinced that all toxins and bacteria is leaving my body and I feel very unwell. But happy at the same time and wont stop. I cannot believe I haven't fond this cure before.
Oil Pulling Side Effects
Posted by Krysten (Usa) on 10/25/2013
Hi, so I would assume oil pulling would not be a good idea to do while breastfeeding in case toxins and other gunk might start leeching their way out through my breast milk?
And another question, is there any way you can overly cleanse yourself through oil pulling and rid your body of the good bacteria inside? especially when some. Of the people on the forums of oil pulling are talking about cleansing your body out with apple cider vinegar first for about 2 weeks before starting oil pulling to have a lesser chance of having a herxheimer reaction. Soo idk how and when to jump into oil pulling.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 10/23/2013 2048 posts
Insights and Theories
Posted by Hotlava (Seattle) on 10/22/2013
Canola Oil should be strictly avoided- its ALL genetically modified, meaning genes from differing species are artificially added to the plant genetic reproduction... nothing to do with traditional agricultural genetic breeding (ex, begonias or apples)! The name itself is short for Canada Oil, and it is a modern agricultural product, not a centuries-old traditional food that has withstood the test of time in human nutrition.
Transgenic modifications were created for the sole purpose of a few corporations owning patent rights to our food supply, no matter how much they declare they are "feeding the world" and helping our meet out outrageous population needs. It's all political and economic rhetoric to increase their profit margins and corporate survival. Very little unbiased research has been PUBLISHED, meaning most scientific research on the topic is contaminated with economic agendas.
Human's have farmed for how long without the help of Monsanto/ DuPont? And now those companies own the game!
Google "Institute for Responsible Technology" to get a list of documentaries that will change your life regarding the topic (plus a host of powerpoint slides showing GMO food health implication in animal studies). Mercola.com is another good resource. Educate yourself about the health impacts of GM foods and agriculture, and don't buy into big agribusiness' political campaigns!
The best step forward is to have manditory labeling of GMO's on our food labels, so we can have personal soverignty (right to choose), and we can pay attention to what we are REALLY eating.
If avoiding GM foods improves a person's health, then so be it! If not, then we can research with a new hypothesis! This is the scientific method, currently being denied to the American Public due to corporate manipulation.
Any time I am force-fed information that is convenient to corporations or corporately-owned governments (*cough*), I ask myself "who is profiting off this information?"
Blessings to the Earth Clinic community... people's power is in learning and educating themselves!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Hema (India) on 10/15/2013
★★★★★
Oil Pulling:
Since a week I have been trying this and I experienced these things. oil pulling reduces leg cramps, cracked heels and also gives great energy.
Castor Oil
Posted by Darlener (Charleston, Wv) on 10/10/2013
★★★★★
Castor oil is safe if it is hexane free. Castor Oil used to be given to children on a daily basis for constipation and overall general health. I use Palma Christi - Hexane Free and I used it for oil pulling and watched the color come back into my face as I looked in the mirror. Within moments.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 09/20/2013
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Oil Pulling REALLY does cleanse as well as make your teeth whiter and improve your oral health. When I started with coconut oil, it did a number on my eczema skin, making it worse. So... I stopped! But going back to it after a couple of weeks also brought another kind of detox I did not go through the first time - i.e., headaches, backaches, blurry vision, but, better skin. Now, the heavy detox symptoms (3 days) are wearing down; skin is definitely looking better, and more importantly, if I oil pull for 15 minutes before bed, I sleep like a baby. Finally deep-sleeping through the night! Getting enough sleep by oil pulling has really improved my mood, my foggy brain, and my dark, under-eye circles -- they have all but disappeared. So, a big YES that oil pulling works where nothing else natural that I tried, did.
Loose Teeth
Posted by Billie (Washington State, Usa) on 09/16/2013
Elsa, I take two capsules of serrapeptase a day, as well as one capsule of blackstrap molasses for iron and two capsules of chasteberry. I only drink ACV and water throughout the day. I avoid soy, and I also try to avoid dairy unless it is organic. My periods have been consistent and now because of the oil pulling, light. I am very happy with the results.
Loose Teeth
Posted by Elsa Easterly (Elsewhere) on 09/13/2013
Billie,
Great to hear of your success! I am interested in what you were taking for menstrual issues. Could you please be specific about the amounts of chasteberry (and any other herbs), serrapeptase, and ACV that you used? Thank you very much. Elsa
Loose Teeth
Posted by Billie (Washington State, Usa) on 09/12/2013
★★★★★
Coconut Oil Pulling For Uterine Health, Stopped Teeth from Shifting
I started oil pulling with coconut oil about three weeks ago. I have a stubborn fibroid, and after being on six month herbal regiment to shrink it, while it helped, I just didn't want to take all those herbs anymore. It did help reduce my period from heavy and seven days to about five days, and lessened the flow -- sorry if that's TMI :)
Anyway, I researched oil pulling and what caught my attention was that a person who had a problem with shifting teeth, once they started oil pulling, their teeth stopped shifting. Mine have been shifting since I got my braces off 8 years ago. I have to wear my retainer at night. So I started oil pulling and I have not had to wear my retainer since; my teeth have stayed straight and are whitening beautifully.
Even better though, my most recent period only lasted three days, and it was extremely light. I don't have any joint pain, I feel refreshed. I am hoping that it helped shrink my fibroid a bit more, as I am combining this with Chaste berry and serrapeptase, as well as drinking ACV water.
I feel better than I did when I was in my 20s. I love oil pulling; it's easy, I do it in the shower, and after I spit out the oil I gargle with salt water to loosen the little bit of oil from my mouth and then brush. If you haven't started oil pulling and are still trying to decide, give it a try for about a week, especially if you are suffering from arthritis. A week won't hurt you, and sparing fiftheen minutes before breakfast to do this -- you won't regret it.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Douglas (Md) on 08/21/2013
No canola oil is not at all healthy. It is one of the main causes of diabetes. When using canola oil it takes 6 months to undo the damage from 1 serving of this nasty oil. It places an artificial fat wall around your cells walls that disrupt the electrical balance of your cells. This fat wall then does not allow glucose to properly penetrate. This knocks your pancreatic cells out of whack which produce Insulin and causes blood sugar imbalance. You can fix this in about 6 months if you cut out all canola oil as well as all margirin and vegetable oil. Buy a bottle of cold pressed Flaxseed oil and a bag of ground flaxseed. The ground flaxseed has to be used as soon as its introduced to the air because it goes rancid very quick. The flaxseed oil must have the top secured at all times and kept away from heat and light. Mix 1 table spoon with 2 tablespoons of 4% milkfat cottage cheese. Or you can double the amount depending on how hungry you are. Mix very well. Take this mixture and add in 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed. Mix well and you can optionaly add cinnamon for blood sugar balancing(it mimmicks insulin) and apricott or organic fruit of your choice. Eat this 3 times per day. This diet is known as the budwig diet and it reverses diabetes as well as cancer. Avoid taking vitamin C when using this diet at least 3 hours before or after eating. The flaxseed oil mixes with the fat of the cottage cheese in a way that makes it become water soluble. The oil then can bypass the liver and directly bring oxygenation to your cells and organs through your blood stream. Your diabetes will be reversed within 6 months or less if you eliminate all bad fats especialy canola, margerin, and vegetable oils. Also if you can get organic cottage cheese that is the prefered type to use. God bless and good luck to everyone. Sending light and love out to all that read this!!!!
Insights and Theories
Posted by Larry (Fairfax, Va) on 08/19/2013
Reply to Douglas, MD: I found your comments very valuable, especially re:diabetes. To overcome the ill effects of using canola oil, you recomended following the Budwig Protocol. You mention mixing flaxseed oil with 4% min., milk fat content cottage cheese; but my researching of the Budwig Protocol shows that lower milkfat content cottage cheese is optimum (eg, 2% fat content cottage cheese or Quark). The lower fat content cheeses allow the flaxseed oil to become more water-soluble, enabling it to more easily enter the body cells.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Douglas (Md) on 08/19/2013
No canola oil is not at all healthy. It is one of the main causes of diabetes. When using canola oil it takes 6 months to undo the damage from 1 serving of this nasty oil. It places an artificial fat wall around your cells walls that disrupt the electrical balance of your cells. This fat wall then does not allow glucose to properly penetrate. This knocks your pancreatic cells out of whack which produce Insulin and causes blood sugar imbalance. You can fix this in about 6 months if you cut out all canola oil as well as all margirin and vegetable oil. Buy a bottle of cold pressed Flaxseed oil and a bag of ground flaxseed. The ground flaxseed has to be used as soon as its introduced to the air because it goes rancid very quick. The flaxseed oil must have the top secured at all times and kept away from heat and light. Mix 1 table spoon with 2 tablespoons of 4% milkfat cottage cheese. Or you can double the amount depending on how hungry you are. Mix very well. Take this mixture and add in 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed. Mix well and you can optionaly add cinnamon for blood sugar balancing(it mimmicks insulin) and apricott or organic fruit of your choice. Eat this 3 times per day. This diet is known as the budwig diet and it reverses diabetes as well as cancer. Avoid taking vitamin C when using this diet at least 3 hours before or after eating. The flaxseed oil mixes with the fat of the cottage cheese in a way that makes it become water soluble. The oil then can bypass the liver and directly bring oxygenation to your cells and organs through your blood stream. Your diabetes will be reversed within 6 months or less if you eliminate all bad fats especialy canola, margerin, and vegetable oils. Also if you can get organic cottage cheese that is the prefered type to use. God bless and good luck to everyone. Sending light and love out to all that read this!!!!!!!!!!
Insights and Theories
Posted by Actua (Nowhere, Al) on 08/18/2013
Canola is genetically modiied in the same way your prized begonias would be. It was created using traditional crossbreeding techniques and is no more superscience than bananas are-by the way, look up the Gros Michel die off an then the current crisis with the Calabash.
Canola was bred to remove the toxins that at the time would be deadly. As it now stands, the presence of those chemicals is laughable. Canola oil is both cheap and healthy when compared to most other oils and can be considered the poor mans extra virgin olive oil. Get your facts straight.
Detoxification
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 08/14/2013
Val and TinyDancer: When starting oil-pulling you are using muscles that haven't been used in this way maybe ever. Altho we use our mouth muscles for eating and talking, oil-pulling is a whole new area. The tiredness and heart racing might possibly be the overuse of powerful muscles that haven't been conditioned to such movements. Jaw muscles are very powerful: witness people who can balance a heavy bench on their lower teeth!
For this reason I did not start the full 20 minutes as recommended. I barely made it to 3 minutes at first. Working up slowly, the muscles get stronger and can do more.
Detoxification
Posted by Steve (Las Vegas) on 08/13/2013
★★★★★
It sounds like you both are experiencing some detox symptoms. This does happen with oil-pulling sometimes. Some of the side effects can be racing heart, nausea, headache, flu-like symptoms, rash etc. Take some time off allowing your body to clear the toxins, drink lots of water and start again when you feel good. It's worth doing since you are clearing so much junk from your system.
Detoxification
Posted by Tinydancer (Ohio, Usa) on 08/13/2013
The same tiredness and heart racing happened to me too with the oil pulling. After a couple of days of pulling and I realized what was doing it, I stopped oil pulling completely....... Haven't done it in months. I miss it but the increased heart rate scared me. I used olive, sesame, and coconut oil. All organic and it happened with all of them. Oil pulling should not be taken lightly for some people. MHO
Detoxification
Posted by Vee (Texas, Usa) on 08/13/2013
I am on day 2 of oil pulling with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and its doing something-just not sure what. I do have questions though. This morning right after swishing I had a bowel movement. Then a small one again when I came home for lunch. About an hour and a half later I was at work & had to rush to the bathroom where I had a loose (and somewhat explosive) bowel movement that kind of scared me-sorry for the gross details. I suffer from constipation often & don't go this often & haven't eaten anything different so I guess I can contribute this to the oil. The most noticiable difference is my energy-I have none! Today I have been deathly tired-more tired than I've been in some time. I also experienced what seem to be faster heartbeats today. Is this normal? And I'm not using organic EVOO-is this ok? I have sesame seed oil in my cupboard but it's not organic & just says pure-can I use this? And what I'm most confused about is brushing afterwards. Is using your regular toothpaste ok? Hopefully I can get some help with these questions. I'll continue to post updates on my progress. Thanks in advance for the help!
