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.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Sara (Rialto, California) on 11/10/2010
★★★★★
Hi everyone I am new to this site and the first thing I read about was all the benefits you get from apple cider vinegar and I tried it for heartburn that I had. For awhile I had a really bad stomachache from the heartburn so I did the Apple Cider Vinegar and it went away.
Well about a week later I came down with a really bad sore throat I had trouble swallowing I was getting paranoid cause I cant stand to be sick so I grabbed my Apple Cider Vinegar and did a mouthwash and gargle. Well lol I did it straight no water and after I spit it out I took a breath and couldnt so I held my breath with constant swalling till I could breath again. I guess maybe I should of drank something right after but I didnt. So anyways I was so relieved that my sore throat was gone. I was so happy so to get to the bottom of all this if you are op-ing and you have side effects can you use the Apple Cider Vinegar to clear some of the symptoms I want to do the op-ing but need to know if I can do other things to help with the symptoms thank you and good luck everyone.
After Knee Replacement
Posted by Coregon (San Diego, Ca) on 06/09/2013
The symptoms you describe were probably "detoxing effects" from the oil pulling. I had symptoms similar to yours and I believe it was from all the medications I was on before and after surgery leaving my body.
Your artificial joint likely had no "glue" or "cement". Newer joint replacement surgeries today use pegs and screws and eventually bone tissue grows over the new joint making it even more stable. Glue and cement are rarely used anymore. There is no way coconut oil could get into your joint from your mouth and loosen something in your leg. I asked my surgeon how sturdy the joint with the bolts was and he said "nothing.. short of severe trauma (car accident, etc. will loosen it". Here's a description of how joint surgeries are done now.. to relieve your concerns:
"In a non-cemented procedure, components of the implant have a roughened porous surface designed to allow bone to grow into it, eliminating the need for cement.
"The implants are "press fit" against the bony surfaces that are precisely cut through the use of multiple cutting jigs. Faultless positioning is necessary for bony attachment to occur with initial fixation by metal pegs and screws of the implant to bone. Since this implant relies on the bone to hold it in place, this procedure requires good bone to be successful."
http://ehealthmd.com/content/how-artificial-implant-fixed-bone
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Daniel (Christchurch, Nz) on 10/28/2010
Regarding oil pulling, If you leave water, or any other liquid in your mouth, without spitting it out for 20 minutes you- will end up with a mouth full of mucus. Just try it with any oil or liquid
Side Effects
Posted by Cyngi (Philadelphia, Pa) on 10/21/2010
I have been oil pulling for a week today day #1pain in my head was gone. I feel like I am coming down with the flu , runny eyes /lots of mucus/pain in my shoulder/heel I think I will go back to using sesame oil maybe coconut oil is not good for me , let me know if these symtoms are part of a healing process.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Summerhaunt (Licking, Mo, United States) on 10/15/2010
★★★★★
Consecutive Oil Pulling Sessions
To Tahiti: Once I did it all day while doing a 6 hour car drive. I kept a BIG cup with a lid next to me for spitting into. I had no problems at all oil pulling that long. I have also done several back to back, with no problems. I know of several people who also have done 5 or 6 back to back who reported a feeling of euphoria after perhaps the third or fourth. I have never gotten the euphoria, but it has helped clear brain fog, pain, keratosis pilaris, softened skin, and given energy boosts.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Summerhaunt (Licking, Mo, United States) on 10/15/2010
★★★★★
I think one of the reasons they say to oil pull away from meals is because the swishing and chomping when you oil pull stimulates the gall bladder (chewing motions signal to the gall bladder that food is coming so release some bile). Waiting allows the oil pulling to stimulate the liver and gall bladder and get a mini-liver cleanse. If you do it too close to a meal, then you're not getting the added benefit of the liver/gall bladder stimulation.
Also, perhaps too close to a meal has the oil absorbing some of the nutrients your body is trying to absorb from the food. But it's good either way... Still lots of benefits to get from the oil pulling whether you do around food or not. Better to do the oil pulling whenever you can make the time than not do it at all.
Seeing Stars
Posted by A.c. (Houston, Texas) on 10/13/2010
★★★★★
I oil pull every morning for 20 minutes day. This has been my practice for over a year now. One weird thing happens pretty regularly after I spit out the oil: I see stars. Can any one explain that phenomenon? Thanks.
Dental Issues
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 10/12/2010
I would also like to hear from people who have had no issues with their fillings - I have not done it due to reading the posts on the amalgams where people have had problems. I have a mouth full of amalgams darn it. Anyone? Thanks. Carly
Dental Issues
Posted by Dee (Dublin, Ireland) on 10/13/2010
Hi Francisca, Many thanks for your reply. Do you have any amalgam fillings at all? Dee
Dental Issues
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 10/13/2010
Thank you Bessie, Francisca, and Lisa. Your input has been helpful. I think I just may have to give oil pulling a try! Much appreciation. :-) Carly
Dental Issues
Posted by Dee (Dublin, Ireland) on 10/13/2010
Hi Lisa, Were those old fillings you have in your mouth amalgams? I hope so cause that would make me feel even more reassured. Dee
Dental Issues
Posted by Dee (Dublin, Ireland) on 10/13/2010
Hi Lisa,
I really appreciate your reply and feel even more reassured now. I will keep at the oil pulling. My lower molars are all mainly amalgam and I have had them for many years too. All the best, Dee
Dental Issues
Posted by Maria (Boulder, Co) on 11/30/2014
Hi, I was wondering if it is okay to do oil pulling with lots of golden fillings and a crown? No more amalgam fillings left though! Thanks!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sarah (Melbourne, Australia) on 09/30/2010
★★★★★
Hi All.. I started oil pulling few weeks back. My tooth sensitivity lost, teeth started to feel whiter that usual pale color. But still some clean feeling was missing after sometime. So I used few grains of sea salt and swished oil and lo the mouth felt very cleaner. I have also started urine therapy from yesterday. Other noticeable things are my toe under surface was cracked and within one or two days it was healed and smooth, hair become shinier, now no need to use conditioner after shampooing, skin has become beautiful, earlier there were so many open pores but now they are not. I have sub mandibular tumor in my right side so want to see what this therapy works here. Also taking Vitamin D3 supplements for depression and flax seed oil capsules since I'm vegetarian and can not take fish oil. I have also taken epsom salt bath once to detoxify and have also started taking cold showers..
Broad Benefits
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 10/01/2010
As far as the urine therapy goes, aren't you afraid that you will start drinking less healthy stuff you are throwing out in your urine? Remember that for some ailments they test the urine to see whether you need treatment like with a bladder infection.
Side Effects
Posted by Kim (Bellevue, Wa) on 09/25/2010
I read the posts on the oil pulling. I have been doing it for about a week. I have sinus problems and it seems to be aggravating the sinus. I hope this is just a sign that my body is healing. I'm very sleepy with pressure in my nose so I'm taking taking ACV to help too. Also I'm taking Levothyroxine for my thyroid 75 mcg, the oil pulling won't affect that would it?
Side Effects
Posted by Map77 (Grand Prairie, Tx, Usa) on 09/23/2010
I have been oil pulling for 6 days now. However experiencing really bad stomach pains. More like cramps. Is there anyone else that has these going on? I wonder if I should stop, or is this just my body de-toxin??? Anyone! ?
Side Effects
Posted by May (Hamilton, New Zealand) on 01/20/2011
Hi I am doing oil pulling again Last time I did it was about eight weeks ago I started to feel better after about four days except for flem in the throat that was almost gone when I stopped. Teeth felt healthier and gums improved very quickly. I stopped as To many visitors and interuptions over festive season. Ive started again and this is my third day and I have severe pain in right side about kidney area. Ive had pain here before in the past when Ive eaten to much sugar or drunk a couple of glasses of alcohol so I dont do this very often. The pain is like a constant ache- any suggestions? Ive been drinking lots of water but a bit nervous to keep going with OP in case Im damaging something.
Side Effects
Posted by Stladit (Los Altos, Ca) on 02/05/2011
I have also been oil pulling (Sesame oil) for a week and noticed cramps in my lower right side. I don't know if I am detoxing or what. I do feel like I have more energy and less appetite for unhealthy foods. I want to eat more vegetables and avoid sugar. I will keep at it and post results as I continue in this regimen.
Side Effects
Posted by Ingrid (Sydney, Australia) on 09/12/2010
I have been oil pulling for the past three days - one tablespoon Virgin Coconut Oil in morning before breakfast. Yesterday afternoon I came down with a severe urinary tract infection including blood in my urine and severe pain. I succumbed and went to the doctor and am on antibiotics. I have only had a UTI twice before - and I am 49 and in generally good health, eat 70% raw food, exercise daily. I do have periodontitis and am on thyroid replacement (thyroid taken out in 1991 due to cancer). Would a severe UTI within three days of oil pulling with VCO be related to the oil pulling, or just coincidence? Thank you for your help
Side Effects
Posted by Iris (Los Angeles, Ca) on 08/27/2010
I have been using a mixture of sesame oil and coconut oil (half & half to make 1 tablespoon) the last 4 days. I have noticed that I am experiencing emotional issues coming up that I thought I had resolved and that they were long gone. Now they are coming back. I hope to be put out. Is getting rid of emotional issues one of the benefits oil pulling? I did not notice this when I used the coconut oil alone.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Reefkeeper (As, Ore, usa) on 03/21/2012
I am not sure what this is about there seems to be no empirical proof of this, so like the nurse that I am, I saved the rements, took it to my favorite lab tech, they checked it and found a few normal oral flora and epithelas, so what are these toxins other than in people's mind. Mine and a few friends did not even have electrolyte changes???
Side Effects
Posted by Mick (Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, Usa) on 07/21/2010
I ran across this website by accident and since I've had oral thrush/candidiasis problems (my own diagnosis not the medical profession since they have run tests A-Z several times and claim I don't have this)for many years resulting in extreme tiredness, bad gas, diahrea, bad taste in mouth when awakening, white junk on my tongue made much worse when consuming foods with sugar, I thought I'd try the oil pulling. Started two days ago with olive oil 3X a day then switched to sesame oil. Almost immediately I started having itchy rashes all over my body with both oils. I am continuing the OP but notice the itching gets alot worse during the procedure and within an hour or so after. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm almost ready to give up.
Side Effects
Posted by Linda Marie (Philadelphia ) on 07/30/2022
This is your “ healing crises “ that is happening! It is the body literally dumping all the toxins which have collected for years. Ride it out …& and much better health will be your reward!
i taught health & wellness for years 🙏🏼
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Gayla1957 (Coolidge, Az) on 05/27/2010
★★★★★
I ran across this site by accident a couple of days ago, found it exciting, ordered organic sesame oil and organic sunflower oil. OP'd yesterday morning using ...extra organic grapeseed oil, for 20 minutes. It went well but I did swallow (not oil, I kept the oil in the front of my mouth). Tomorrow morning plan to use organic camelina oil, will have proper oils in a few days.
My girlfriend's granddaughter practices Chinese medicine. I sent her this website and asked her opinion, here it is verbatim:
"Interesting link. I'd have to disagree with the phrase that "According to Ayurveda, mucous is a poison." That is not what Ayurveda teaches. Saliva is very important in Ayurveda and is actually a healing aspect of the body. Saliva decreases Agni or toxins and increases the digestive and assimilation processes. In excess, saliva can be seen as an imbalance--and easily remedied. Sesame oil is good to use at night (swishing it in the mouth) to prevent teeth grinding. Sesame oil is used for a number of things in ayurveda. This type of mouth rinsing can also be done with Tea Tree oil diluted.
I'd also have to disagree with the Note #4 that things will get worse before getting better. Those that study Ayurveda or any other form of herbal medicine know that this effect does not and should not happen if you are using what is right for your body. It is sort of like the "No pain, no gain" myth. But hey, if it works for you and you feel better doing it. then that is all that should matter."
I'm still going to do OP, because it sounds compelling. I know our mouths are filled with disgusting germs because a human bite will almost not heal, it is so terrible. Perhaps it is these disgusting germs, whatever they are, that the OP'ing deals with.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Lee (New York, NY) on 05/28/2010
★★★★★
Hi Gayla, Good luck with oil pulling. I never had a negative reaction to it. I use a variety of organic, cold pressed oils and it has become a peaceful part of my early morning ritual. Be relaxed about it and you will get to actually enjoy it! Lee
Broad Benefits
Posted by Amy (Sugar Grove, Va) on 05/05/2010
★★★★★
I've been taking the Virgin Coconut Oil softgels for about a month now. I am type o blood type & have had no problems at all. I also use the Extra Virgin Coconut Oil as a mosturizer, my skin looks great! My cellulite is all but gone my spider veins are even disappearing! I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a mosturizer for my face though because I suffer from bad adult acne. The Olive Oil cleared up my acne , took away the begins of all wrinkles & almost all of my acne scars I've had for years are gone. I love it! I'll be 36 next month & I look 10 yrs younger! I love this site! I wash my face with baking soda & water & use Lemon Juice as an astringent.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Shannon (South Park, Pa) on 02/03/2012
Hey, they same thing happened to my forearms but I never connected it. I just started oil pulling with organic coconut oil (3 times so far) and I have had a very itchy throat.... It feels like I am on the verge of losing it. I am oil pulling with my 6 year old daughter who suffers from severe sinusitis. She is a trooper and has made it up to 15 minutes.... Lots of drainage, but still a lot of congestion. I am hoping for good results! I have a few metal fillings in my back teeth... Should I be worried these are going to fall out?
Detoxification
Posted by Kate (Glasgow, Scotland) on 03/30/2010
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi,
I have been oil pulling with virgin coconut oil for just over 4 weeks, to try to address the chronic allergic rhinitis and CFS that I have had for the last 10 years. (I have tried unrefined sesame and sunflower oils with no results in the past). I have been using one teaspoon of oil (if I use one tablespoon, I have to spit out constantly as my mouth gets so full of saliva) and using wild oil of oregano on a 2 week on 2 week off basis, and OPing 2-3 times/ day. Ever since I started, my symptoms of chronic sinus pain/ headache and general exhaustion/ aching limbs have worsened considerably. I have the odd flash of exhilaration and huge energy but this is quickly replaced with having to slog through exhaustion and sinus pain again. After about 4 days the symptoms were so bad that I had to stay in bed for several days before I could function again. After 26 days I have now developed a severe head cold, with a huge, constant downpour of clear mucous, sore throat, swollen glands, and, of course, aching limbs and sinus pain, with continual fits of violent sneezing. I am on my 6th day of these symptoms. This is the first cold I have had in 16 months, and I was beginning to feel quite smug about how well my immune system was holding up while everyone else was getting sick.
I did not expect chronic problems to be resolved quickly. After all, I have had these problems for 10 years, so why would they disappear overnight? However, I am beginning to wonder if it is normal to have quite such an extended healing crisis. Has anyone else experienced anything quite so prolonged?
Any advice or shared experience gratefully received.
Detoxification
Posted by Tammy (Seattle, Wa) on 09/24/2010
Have the people that are having such strong bad reactions considered allergy to coconut or nuts in general?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/25/2011
Is there a thumbs down arrow? I meant to click that I didn't like the comment but it came up as an up arrow meaning I agreed with the comment and I didn't.
EC: Sorry, we (EC management and EC contributors) decided against having a thumbs down button. Will find out from the programmers if it's possible to remove it!
