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 Vishwapurna (Kalpakkam, Tamilnadu, India) on 10/25/2009
I was doing oil pulling from May, 2009 and I did not have any problem till the midnight of September, 26th. I felt my bed room is whirling. Since then I have been diognised the following problem : Left maxillary sinusities, cervical spondylosis and hypothyroid (TSH:6.25). As soon as I get up there will be palpitations.Once I take coffee, it will increase. While walking there will be an unbalance and I feel I am about to fall. There is a terrific mental depression. While lying on the bed on the left side there will be whirling feeling. My left knee joint developed a pain. My doctor advised me to stop oil pulling. After oil pulling for five months, I have stopped oil pulling from October 1st. Now I am taking medicines for hypothyroid and sinuousities. Can anyone tell me the symptoms are the side effect of oil pulling (after five months). Any body got the same symptoms after five months of pulling?
Anybody's hyphothyroid, sinusities and cervical spondylosis with the same symptoms got cured after oil pulling?
EC: Hi Vishwapurna, can you tell us what type of oil you were using to oil pull with? Thanks!
Side Effects
Posted by Mi (Solana Beach, Ca) on 10/17/2009
Hi...i thought while doing op you can't do other things...however, in this article it said people are doing op while taking shower or shaving...so I am really confused..
Another thing is that while I am doing op every time, after 15' or 20', the oil in my mouth got very thick, not watery like it's described in your article. I am a dialysis patient also and my kidneys failed right after my 2 major surgeries in 2007 & 2009. I also has problem w/ high blood pressure.
The sad thing is, I am only 39 years old, happy, active, eat healthy food, exercise regularly but still got all these problems. Please help me. Thank you.
Side Effects
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, usa) on 10/18/2009
Hi Mi,
I read the instructions but don't really see where it says not to do anything else. I know you aren't supposed to eat before you do it. I have been oil pulling successfully now for almost 3 months on a daily basis. I can't do it without some other activity to keep my mind off it. I find if I focus on the oil it makes me want to gag and sometimes I have to run to spit it out! I know that's a little crazy but, if I distract myself with reading earth clinic while doing it or reading email or gardening, etc. I'm absolutely fine and even find myself at 1/2 hour when I'm really concentrated on something. I have not had any negative side effects from this only positive. Also, I noticed in the beginning my oil didn't thin out that much but now it does. Perhaps, it's part of the process. Not sure, just a thought. Give it a try again if you can and let us know if you see a change. You sound like you have it very together outside of the kidney issue. Good luck...
Side Effects
Posted by Summerhaunt (Licking, Mo, United States) on 10/15/2010
When you first start oil pulling the oil may start out a little thin, then it will get thick as you swish it around (it varies each time as to how thick... Sometimes not much, sometimes alarmingly thick), then it may thin out. When it starts to thin out is when you want to spit it out. Many people believe that when it's getting thick is when it's "pulling" the bad stuff out, and when the thick oil then goes thin is when it's full of the bad stuff so it's time to stop swishing. I have noticed the days when I do have it get thicker is when I'm feeling more yucky and toxic, and I feel much better after my swishing and spitting it out.
Lung Debris Expulsion
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca) on 09/21/2009
This is just a thought. I would consider using the hydrogen peroxide method to really clear up all that mucus. It is absolutely amazing! Both my husband and I did it with incredible results and had our two kids do it as well. I didn't even realize just how much phlegm could be in a body! Chinese medicine has lots to say at the havoc it can wreak. Check out the H202 section.
Dental Issues
Posted by Teresa (St. Augustine, Florida Usa) on 09/20/2009
★★★★★
Sesame Oil Pulling Reversed My Periodontal Disease
I have always brushed my teeth regularly but I have not been so good at flossing. A year and a half ago I went to the dentist for a usual check up and cleaning. My gums had started bleeding when I was brushing my teeth so I wanted to get them checked. I was especially worried about my 2 front teeth which are implants I got after an accident years ago.
I was told I had gingivitis and pockets in my gums indicating the onset of periodontal disease. They gave me a dental rinse to use at home and had me come back in 3 months. After 3 months the bleeding gums cleared up some but not much. After that, I did not go back to the dentist for a year. Of course my teeth and gums continued to grow worse, bleeding and causing me problems.
Then about 8 months ago I was searching online about bleeding gums and discovered oil pulling. I became curious and figured it was worth a try. I bought some organic refined sesame oil. Within about 2 weeks I noticed a remarkable improvement in my oral health. My gums stopped bleeding and my front teeth quit bothering me.
I stopped oil pulling as an experiment just to make sure it was indeed the oil pulling that was causing the improvement. When I stopped for a few days my front teeth started bothering me and my gums got red and puffy, looking like they were going to bleed again. I resumed the oil pulling and noticed immediate relief and improvement.
I just went back to the dentist last week (this would be a year between visits). They took xrays and did the cleaning. They discovered that my gingivitis/periodontal disease was almost completely gone! No cavities either. The cleaning was a breeze. They were surprised. The dentist verified that my oral health has greatly improved. I am delighted!
I am convinced it is the oil pulling that improved my oral health since I did not change anything else in my lifestyle or hygiene habits. I will continue to oil pull for the rest of my life. I am using refined Sesame Oil every morning before breakfast.
Heart Issues
Posted by Rose (Boston, Ma, usa) on 04/23/2012
Try organic virgin coconut oil for oil pulling. I started with that, and have had no negative effects. I actually just a tooth that couldn't be saved extracted on Friday, no pain, no swelling, nothing. I can't say for sure, but I definitely think the coconut oil had a lot to do with it! Definitely kept it from becoming infected, amazing antibacterial properties.
Detoxification
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca) on 09/04/2009
What you're describing is an onset of intense detox. This is not unusual for many of the natural remedies here on this site hence why so many people caution to go slowly. I eat very healthily, try to stick to organic for the most part, eat close to the earth and don't use any drugs or medication. Still, upon taking apple cider vinegar last December without much thought after purchasing the one with the mother from Whole Foods, I went home after work with it and took a capful in water. That night I woke up with a raging headache, chills and fever throbbing neck pain and immediately I knew that what I was experiencing was a major detox. Basically, it is best to try to let the detox occur instead of masking it with other drugs, etc. That's why it's best to move slowly. By going back on medications you are creating more toxins in the body. Also, be aware that they are finding a lot of connection between candida and chronic fatigue. Do research and learn how to move through the symptoms (lots of water, rest, alkaline foods, etc.) The phlegm that comes out is poison trying to get out of the body and is what causes much havoc through the body. Chinese medicine has lot to say about phlegm and what it can do to the body. You really want to encourage that to come out. When I worked with H2O2, the amounts of mucus that exited my body- well, you don't even want to go there! I cannot believe how great I feel though since that detox. I have loads of energy, my skin is clear and I don't have to constantly clear my throat as I used to. Now, I'm on oil pulling and that is miraculous in and of itself. I wish you the best in your exploration and research.
Detoxification
Posted by Ranjana (Arlington, Tx Usa) on 09/28/2009
Thanks Lisa, for your feedback. After waiting about 4 weeks, I did the oil pulling again today, same oil and 10 minutes. I see the same problems (see post from 9/2/09) coming on 12 hours later and also feel itchy. It is like an allergic reaction almost and I know I am not allergic to sesame. This is discouraging, any advice anyone. Should I switch oils? Thanks for your help.
Side Effects
Posted by Julie (Leverett, Ma Usa) on 09/01/2009
I started OP about ten days ago with 1 tblsp of Safflower Oil for twenty minutes in the AM. I had no side effects except for a mild tummy ache after every pull. Within a week, I noticed that I was sleeping so much better. This is huge since I am always battling with sleep issues.
After reading testimonies from this site and talking with my friend who OP, I decided to try Coconut Oil. I did this one time, before bed, with 1 tsp. of VCO and I had a huge reaction! I woke up at 3AM with great pain in my neck, back , arms and feet, and my stomach was hurting. I also felt very anxious. It's hard to believe that I would have such a reaction, but there is no other explanation.. I have stopped OP for a few days, because I feel so terrible still. I even feel slight nerve pain around my face. It makes me think that I was triggering a heavy metal detox with the OP.
Has anyone else experienced such a strong reaction? I really want to get back to pulling with the Safflower oil, since this felt so healthful to me, but am afraid to start again with this pain in my body.
Thanks!
Side Effects
Posted by Sue (Greenville, Nc) on 09/04/2009
I have been OP with 1 T. sesame oil and also taking coconut oil - 2 teas/ 3 x day as a supplement (not OP with coconut). The OP has been fantastic, however, ingesting the coconut oil has caused some pretty intense detox reactions. Since it has such excellent antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties, I suspect your symptoms are related to the release of toxins from these organisms as they die off. I've experienced heavy metal detox symptoms with the sesame oil OP, but they've been manageable with the addition of a oral chelator or metal binder like charcoal, zeolite, etc. My brain feels much clearer, I have more energy and the mercury staining on my gums has decreased greatly. Try using a different oil, like organic unrefined sesame for a while before using coconut.
Side Effects
Posted by Becky (Springer, Oklahoma) on 12/16/2009
In response to a possible heavy metal detox, which sounds very plausable, chlorella is one of the top ones for metal detox. When you start with high doses, one can actually see/feel the metals leave one's body in b.m.'s You can also have your hair tested for metal toxicity.
Triggers Hip Pain
Posted by Sophienam (Geneva, Switzerland) on 08/16/2009
Oil Pulling Causing Crippling Pain in Hip
Hello, I started oil pulling some weeks ago now but after two weeks I got a crippling pain in my hip. I switched oils from sunflower to olive but this made no difference. I stopped the oil pulling for two weeks and the pain stopped. I restarted the oil pulling again yesterday and immediately the pain came back. I've never had this pain before and it's so bad I've started to walk with a limp. Has anyone else experienced this pain? Should I stop? Continue? I was doing so much good for the pain. Help..
Triggers Hip Pain
Posted by Csweeten (Reston, Va Usa) on 08/17/2009
Hi:o),
I came across your post and thought it was interesting. I started oil pulling about 2 months ago. At the same time I started a bottle of gold coin grass to help out my gallbladder situation. I was painfully limping for ~3 days and sore for a few weeks. I had attributed the pain to the gold coin-gallbladder meridians pass through hip areas. But now I wonder which caused the pain. I continued on through. Healing crisises are common and at least signify to me I'm heading in the right direction. My hip pain has never been as bad as that first month. Hope this helps:o)
Keratosis Pilaris
Posted by Beautyqueen (New Haven, Ct) on 12/29/2009
Exactly what type of oil did you use? I have a problem with ingrown hairs (keratosis pilaris), and I'd like to use what you used for optimal results.
Thanks!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Qwert (Awesome, Ma, USA) on 08/22/2009
It might just have been a coincidence that you had chest pains when you were doing your OP. You can get chest pains for no reason, maybe you had a stressful day or maybe it was humid, or maybe you ate something that was giving off referred pain to your chest. but ask your doctor and maybe he can help with why you were having chest pains. usually OP wouldnt cause chest pains, but if it does, it would probably be due to detoxifying reasons. good luck.
Whitens Teeth
Posted by Tibby (New York, NY) on 07/29/2009
★★★★★
Oil Pulling And ACV. Stumbled upon your site searching for skin care products... Anyway spent a few days reading the feedback and decided to try ACV and Oil pulling. Only three days into it but my teeth are whiter from the oil pulling and I have noticed a significant loss of appetite for the ACV. Very interesting, I thought it was all BS lol.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Felicia (Santa Rosa, Ca) on 11/27/2009
As for your diabetes, please look into fenugreek and cinnamon supplements and organic apple cider vinegar. I have a close friend that I got on the regimen and he now has consistent blood sugar readings within normal ranges. He started with low and high blood sugar readings, they were all over the place. I wholeheartedly believe in apple cider vinegar for aid in many health problems.
Dental Issues
Posted by Andi (St. Paul, MN) on 07/10/2009
Wanda, I have been oil pulling with one TB organic sesame oil every morning for almost one month. I had a partial thyroidectomy 14 years ago. Currently, I take Armour thyroid (for hypothyroidism) every morning after oil pulling. I have had no adverse effects. I have more energy and better skin (I think that deep line between my eyes is lessening). I am still waiting to see my teeth get whiter. Overall, I am happy so far with the results.
Dental Issues
Posted by Amy (Philadelphia, PA) on 07/10/2009
Tooth pain is often caused by sinus problems, and that foamy white color IS a sign of infection...from the color, it sounds like a yeast over-growth. If you got relief with the neti pot, keep using it on a regular, frequent basis and I bet your tooth pain will be permanently gone before too long.
Dental Issues
Posted by R (Sarasota, FL, USA) on 07/11/2009
Wanda, My husband and I have been oil pulling for several months with fantastic results i.e. improved gums, sensitivity, etc.. We use 1 TBL per day for 5 to 7 days per week. I think 3 X per day may be too much for you as the OP is detoxing and my guess is that the symptoms you are experiencing may be from the detox. I would drop down to 1 X per day to slow down the detox.
Side Effects
Posted by Sarah (Hackensack, NJ) on 07/01/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi, My hubby's been Oil Pulling for the past one week and now his Uveitis seems to be getting worse. He hasn't had this kind of pain in the past 5 years. His eyes look red, inflamed and he is in pain and discomfort. Does Oil Pulling trigger Uveitis flare ups?
We started oil pulling around a week back, I am feeling really good, active and my complexion has also improved but my hubby's facing this problem. Please help.
Triggered Black Spots on Tongue
Posted by Marie (Houston, TX) on 06/22/2009
About a year ago i started oil pulling with seseme oil but after a couple of weeks I noticed black spots had appeared in clusters on my tongue. This seemed to be the only side effect, apart from that it had the desired effect. I stopped oil pulling until a couple of weeks ago (now with coconut oil) and so far, the black spots have neither increased or reduced in appearance. Any reason why the black spots appeared and whether or not they will spread? I love the benefits of oil pulling but i am too vain to walk around with a black tongue.
Dental Issues
Posted by Ophelide (Montreal, Canada) on 06/21/2009
★★★★★
After a night of web-search to avoid antibiotics for a dental abscess, found this site ! In addition to ingestion of a few drops 4xday of oregano essential oil, I started Oil pulling with coconut oil. Within 3 days, the inflammation was reduced by 80 % and no more sensitivity - The 4th day it started again to pulse and I switched to Sunflower oil, twice a day during the week-end. It has been now 2-weeks I began oil pulling and all seems OK by now - I have a dental appointment next week and I hope not to need a root treatment ! In addition my gums look healthier as well as my skin. Very grateful for the helpful information and testimony.
Safflower Oil
Posted by Pam (Durango, Colorado) on 10/05/2010
Lumps, not visible, on tongue. I have one, too, and was so happy to read the article before this re' meridians tied to areas in the tongue. Now I assume it was only a cleansing thing because it's gone.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Cc (Brooklyn, Ny) on 01/30/2011
Hi the cracks in your tongue is definitely fissured tongue. The sensitivity/raw tongue could be geographic tongue. Are you a smoker? Or do you have allergies? I would cut back on the op a bit Also I would take some probiotics. That always helps me with my geographic tongue. Oh stay away from salty spicy foods until it clears up.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Robin (Atlanta, Ga) on 09/14/2009
Hey Michael, just curious about how the coconut oil is still working for you and how much do you use on a daily basis?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Steveplc (London, UK) on 05/28/2009
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been oil pulling once a day for 4 months now. I feel on the one hand it is doing marvels. I am a smoker and drink a bottle of wine most evenings, but i feel oil pulling is really giving my lungs a clearout. The first thing as i spit out, is a really good loose cough 9sorry disgusting i know). I never used to cough and i had a tight chest (part anxiety), i think the cough is good as better out than in. As with most on here the teeth are whiter, skin etc. but as i've been doing so long now i am noticing it reaches other part. I have felt a sensation where i used to get stomach ulcers when i am pulling, not pain, just a sensation that tells me its kinf of "massaging, curing" that bit.
On the down side, my thyroids (well i think they are thyroids, just below jaw)and other throat glands are swollen and i have a permanent sore throat and almost feel i've had a cold for 3 months. I realise OP is mucous related so its natural all this mucous areas are sore or swollen. And i've noticed my thyroids during and after pulling are rock hard. They soften a bit after but remain swollen. No pain though, the only pain is sore throat which developed 4 weeks ago and comes and goes. Also getting very gunky eyes everytime i wake up. I thought i may have hay fever, the pollen this year is enormous, i've never had problem with hay fever but they say many this year are getting it who didnt before.
I am going to stop for a few days now just to see what happens. In some cases i've read, if you get a problem with OP, pull through it, keep going. But i just feel a few days off for observation will be good.
You are welcome to email me direct re your comments. Thanks
Side Effects
Posted by Helena (Nashville, TN) on 05/27/2009
Help! Has anyone had bad tongue reactions to oil pulling or other types of cleansing? I've been using OP for more than a week, and I have these red, raised, sore bumps on the back of my tongue. Is this cleansing?
EC: What type of oil are you using? Possible that it's rancid?
Side Effects
Posted by Mary (Edgewood, Kentucky) on 05/22/2009
I tried this today - but could not get past the gag reflex - I did not gargle - but merely put in the mouth and swished around the teeth. I gagged - and threw up - any advise?
Side Effects
Posted by Joy (Sydney, Australia) on 06/06/2009
I had the same problem and found just breathing deeply and keeping the oil away from the back of your tongue in the first few minutes is important. Also the oil used - I tried Extra Virgin Olive Oil and couldn't even smell it. I found a good Organic Coconut Oil and since the smell isn't bad or 'oily' it's better. After a couple of minutes it's easier as it's not so thick and is more watery. I think with me anyway the 'thick' oil made me gag.
Side Effects
Posted by KL (Omaha, NE) on 06/07/2009
I had the same problem when I first OPed. I found that if I just let the oil rest for a min or two and found something to do and didnt think about it I did much better. I would do dishes, read, watch tv. The time goes by much quicker and you forget about it. It gets easier each time.
Dont give up it is definatly worth the benefits you will get from it.
Broad Benefits
Posted by K (Sacramento, CA) on 05/20/2009
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been oil pulling for a few months - alternating olive and sesame oils. Gums have tightened up and sinus drainage (heavy at first) has decreased. Energy is good.
However - since doing this my face breaks out, around my chin, cheeks and hairline. I am also using ACV, starting in the same time period..
Could the breakouts be caused by the oil? or by the vinegar?
Are there remedies to fade the dark scars left by the healed broken out spots?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Openlyhappy (Mcdonough, Ga) on 02/24/2010
I was reading your thread on breaking out in the hairline. I read somewhere that oil pulling can help with demodex. Could you have demodex and be getting better? you are breaking out in the proper locations for it? They say when it gets worse it is actually getting better.. just a thought.
Side Effects
Posted by DGF (Sedona, AZ) on 05/20/2009
Can anyone tell me if op is safe for veneers?I have only done it twice and it seems it might be loosing the bond of my teeth.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by luckylouie (Ocean Grove, VIC Australia) on 05/19/2009
★★★★★
The reason oil pulling would be more effective done on an empty stomach is because digestion uses a lot of the body's energy. A large proportion of the blood is directed to the centre of the body after eating to help with digestion. Think about how tired you feel after a big meal. The blood is not circulating as freely and therefore oil pulling will not be as effective. However you don't have to do it first thing in the morning. As long as it has been an hour since you drank anything and four hours since you ate anything, you can oil pull anytime of the day. I personally do it before dinner. I normally have lunch around 1pm and don't eat dinner until at least 6.30pm which leaves plenty of time for digesting my food.If you don't have enough time to oil pull in the morning, try this instead.
