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 Rainidaze (Lakewood, CA) on 05/11/2009
★★★★★
Coconut Oil Pulling: I used 1 tbl of CO 20 minutes in the morning first thing for a week straight then on and off for 2 more and I am amazed that I have no more morning breath or mid-day yucky mouth any longer after 2 days and my teeth are even whiter than before. My mouth always feels fresh teeth very dentist clean. So glad I found this site. Thanks so much!
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.
Heart Issues
Posted by Pam (Ooltewah, Tn) on 05/01/2009
★★★★★
oil pulling and heart: I ran into OP one morning while getting together my sunday school lesson. For some reason my finger hit a site about acv which i take and happen to mention op I thought what is op. I looked it up and bought my sesame seed oil and began. The acv has helped me tremendously but the op makes me feel like I have a new heart!! I could not lay on my left side because i could feel my heart trying to push blood like it was having a hard time and when i would get off the acv for a long period of time my heart would just do weird stuff and almost where i almost faint. I am amazed by op i can lay on my left side and my heart feels like its brand new!! Op at first made me feel so tired for a few days but that left also at first i had a bad taste in my mouth but it left after a few days. Let me know if anyone else have had my symptoms!!!
Dental Issues
Posted by Renate (Parrish, FL, USA) on 04/24/2009
★★★★★
Nancy, Change your oil. Try cold pressed organic (or expeller pressed) sesame oil or Safflower oil. Everyone can react differently to different oils. Our (my husband) gums are much better from OP. My husband's previous dentist (we changed) would not do a cleaning and told him he needed $1,000 in root planing etc. I told him he had to do the oil pulling for 3 months and then go to a new dentist and see what they have to say. The new dentist did the regular cleaning and they could not believe how clean his teeth were. He has to have a little gum work done, but all in all I was very impressed with the results. It was 10 months since the last cleaning. My dental checkup showed a lot of improvement with my gums as well showing pockets that are now 2 and 3 and a few 4. Big improvement. Thank you Earth Clinic and everyone who took the time to write about their experience.
Oil Pulling and Dental Fillings
Posted by Lee (Rochester, NY) on 04/21/2009
Oil Pulling - just be careful if you have fillings (silver) in your mouth, as the oil pulls that as well. I had these in (4), since I was 7 and 30 years later after pulling, I had to replace 3 of the 4. When it says it pulls ALL TOXINS OUT, they are not kidding.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Trish (Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada) on 04/19/2009
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling for seven days now (first 3 days with EVOO, and the last 4 days with cold pressed sesame oil). Today, after oil pulling, washing my mouth out the with baking soad, sea salt, and warm water combintion, I immediately brushed my teeth with olive oil soap and flossed. In addition, I scraped my tongue (with a metal scrapper) which I don't do too often. Well, after I had done all that I blew my nose and was shocked to see blood coming out of my left nostril! I have never experienced a nose bleed in my entire life (40 years old). Do you think I just blew too hard or is this a cleansing reaction from the oil pulling?
I too have experienced some positive results ever since oil pulling: my chronic bad breath is much improved; my arm pits don't stink anymore; and an old injury in my left arm resurfaced (with pain for 2 days) only to be now healed hopefully for good. I know I have a long way to go to cleanse my entire body. I always thought that the only true way to remove toxins quickly was by fasting, but I am so happy to have now found another way of doing it (while still enjoying food)! Thank you so much Earth Clinic and a big thank you to all of the people who have posted their feedbacks, as I found their comments enlightening. Best wishes to everyone on this site.
Side Effects
Posted by Betsy (NYC, NY) on 04/16/2009
Oil pulling tooth fell out. Has any one had anyone this happened? Husband is 84 and has been OP for about 2 weeks.
Dental Issues
Posted by Scooter (Phoenix, AZ) on 04/16/2009
★★★★★
I started OP almost 2 years ago and no immediate effects except my teeth feeling like they were just cleaned by a dentist. Over a month into it (daily routine), teeth tightened up even though I never thought/felt them being loose. Give it time but be routine.
Dental Issues
Posted by Lynn (San Francisco, ca) on 04/09/2009
★★★★★
I started oil pulling 3 weeks ago with Sesame Oil. At first I was absolutely disgusted by the consistency and could barely keep it in my mouth for 3 minutes. The next day I tried again and was able to swish for about 7 minutes. Everyday the process became easier and easier and now I'm up to 15 minutes. It has not taken away the dark circles under my eyes, my allergies are the worst they've ever been, and my energy has not improved BUT I have definitely noticed that my teeth are extremely clean and feel absolutely amazing. The horribly bad breath (which I attribute to several years on antibiotics) that plagued me has completely disappeared. Clean teeth and fresh breath are reasons enough for me to continue oil pulling and hopefully after a few months I will reap the benefits that others speak of.
Inner Ear Infection, Imbalance Issues
Posted by Lynn (Raliegh, Nc) on 01/26/2011
For several years I had tinnitus in my right ear. My ear felt clogged up and I took remedies for the tinnitus. Then early in 2009, I began to have balance problems and head rushes upon rising. I finally had an MRI and it revealed a brain tumor (acoustic neuroma) the size of a golf ball, pushing my brain step to one side. It was removed with some residual effects a year and a half later, but nerves take the longest to heal in the body. I should have listened to my body sooner and gotten an MRI when the docs told me to several years ago. I know my body b/c I do everything nutrtionally sound for it and for over 25 years. I ignored the strange sensation on my tongue from the tumor sitting on the 7th cranial nerve. Bottomline, if you don't feel right about something that is happening in your body, you are probably right. Be proactive.
Recently I did sesame oil swishing. I didn't rinse my mouth out completely after each swish. I was told to let it sit in my mouth after spitting. Bad advice and I should have read more info on it. Long story short, I got sick. I was miserable for several days. I will start it again but this time I will do it correctly.
Inner Ear Infection, Imbalance Issues
Posted by Mahesh (San Ramon, Ca) on 04/08/2011
I had some what similar conditions. Try Gerson therapy and start drinking three glass of raw organic milk. This should help. For me, it has improved a lot.
Parasites
Posted by Penawan (London, UK) on 03/20/2009
★★★★★
Hi People,
I am a natural remedy freak and am willing to try anything short of urine therapy ;)
I tried pulling with hemp oil the last two days. I had a slight pain in the left throat area, always a sign of oncoming infection, but today it has disappeared. I gargled for 3 - 5 minutes, but the hemp oil still retained its yellow colour when I spat it out, though in increased volume because of the stimulation of saliva. I don't know if I should gargle for a bit more.
I read in your report that microscopic examination of the foamy oil after gargling showed parasite eggs, etc. As the test is apprently done only on the oil by-product, I am not sure if this is scientific. Perhaps a comparison should also be done with gargled out plain water. This is not doubting the potential benefits of oil pulling, but tests must be rigorously done to be doubly sure.
Keep up the good work!
Congestion
Posted by Joan (Kingston, Jamaica) on 03/19/2009
★★★★☆
Coconut oil OP: I read your site about OP and the use of CO to help with sinus relief. However, my sinuses are so badly infected that I cannot breathe through my nose and therefore have to breathe through my mouth. Tonight I decided to try OP with CO but could not even sustain it for 1 minute because I was suffocating. What do I need to do to be able to accomplish the procedure? Please advise. Await your response. Thanks.
Congestion
Posted by Angie (Newark, DE) on 03/21/2009
★★★★★
Try using a netti pot to clear your sinuses before you proceed with the oil pulling. You may have to fill the pot 2-3 times for each nostril if you are badly plugged up. I used to suffer from severe sinus infections until I started using a netti pot.
Congestion
Posted by Jim (Watertown, South Dakota) on 04/17/2009
I have also suffered with Sinus issues until I cut out all dairy and then started using a very specific concentration of the top 7 natural antiviral/antifungal/antibacterial's in concentrated liquid form (Garlic, Giner, Habanero, Onion, Olive Leaf, Horseradish, Zinc, GSE, Wild Mountain oil of oregano etc. in a base of ACV. You can buy this premade in a wonderful product that I use on my whole family - even the littles - and it works AMAZING for sinus & flu issues. I often go from full clog to breathing free in less than 1hr. It's just unreal. I laughed uncontrollably the first couple times I used because I never would have believed a natural cure would work so well and so quickly.
Not wanting to violate policies of the webposting, if you e'mail me, I'll gladly send you a web link of the site that sells this wonderful, 100% natural antiviral mix in 2oz bottles. I'm not connected in any way other than just being a loyal and extremely jubilant customer.
You just put anywhere from 2-3 dropper fulls in about 2oz of water (I use 5 for my 200 pound self when in a full sinus situation) Then chase that down with another 4-8oz of water. It is VERY concentrated. You will immediately smell the 50 cloves of concentrated garlic in this little 2 oz bottle the minute you put your first dropper full in. It works faster and longer than any of the alternative methods I've found for sinus relief. It's equally great when I travel in high speed germ tubes (aka airplanes full of sick people).
Congestion
Posted by Marisa (Orchard Park, New York) on 10/13/2009
Hi Jim, I would love to know the product you are using for sinus issue, it sounds very effective. I use a netti pot with some success, but I still have post nasal drip that I would like to be done with. Mahalo, Marisa
Congestion
Posted by Janice (Coloma, Mi) on 10/13/2009
Jim, I would love to know the name of this product as well.
Congestion
Posted by Jim (Watertown, South Dakota) on 10/23/2009
It is VIRAGON and can be purchased at baselinenutritionals.com.
Dental Issues
Posted by David (Brooklyn, NY) on 03/18/2009
★★★★★
We can hardly praise your efforts enough. Came to EarthClinic for natural approaches to abcess, and have come away with so much useful information.
Again and again, you are applaused for promoting natural answers in the manner you have.
Used a generous tablespoon of raw virgin coconut oil the first time, then an hour later used extra-virgin olive oil. Four OPs so far since last night, with at least eighty percent reduction in pain, fifty to sixty percent reduction in swelling. I confess I've slipped a few drops of clove oil onto the gum area, which virtually erases the pain, but only for a half-hour or so. The oil-pulling is so surprising. Fast, simple, inexpensive.
Bless every one of you a million times. Looking forwarding to incorporating links to your site into my many sites. So MANY great stories. Thanks to you all.
Castor Oil
Posted by Dianna (Austin, TX) on 03/18/2009
it seems like i read somewhere about someone using castor oil for oil pulling. i don't think it would hurt you. if it did anything 'bad' i think it might just make you have to have a bowel movement. i might try it myself in the morning. usually i use VCO. if you try it please post your results.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Akemp (Fayetteville, Nc) on 03/15/2010
I have been op for two days and have noticed an increase in saliva. I used EVOO. I notice the increase on the first day. Im going to try coconut oil tonight. I also drink avc with water and it causes headaches for me
Insights and Theories
Posted by Antares (Tamuning, GU) on 02/23/2009
★★★★★
When I have an irresistable swallowing reflex while oil pulling, it's because of mucous that has been drawn out. I have to spit it out and then I can start with new oil to finish.
TMJ
Posted by Mary (Cleveland, OH) on 02/11/2009
★★★★★
After giving birth to my daughter 9 years ago, I developed TMJ. About a year ago, I started oil-pulling with organic sesame oil after reading about it at various sites. One day, I realized that my jaw didn't make noises anymore, and I also have full range of motion. In addition to oil-pulling, I also take hot, detox baths with 2 cups of Epsom Salts, and frequently cleanse my ear canals with 3% food-grade, hydrogen peroxide for approximately 10 minutes.
Insights and Theories
Posted by M (St Louis, MO) on 02/09/2009
★★★★★
EC, Could you include with the basic instructions on oil pulling Ted's suggestion to detox for two weeks before beginning the oil pulling process? I think he recommended using 1 tablespoon ACV with 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, stir well, add 1/2 to 1 cup of water and drink one or two times a day for two weeks; OR, take 2 tablespoons of lemon juice plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken two times a day. The alkalization tends to remove toxins if done for at least two weeks. Then on the second or third week they can start oil pulling. This regimen is supposed to greatly reduce the Herksheimer effect of getting worse before you get better. It seems like many people are just starting out with the oil pulling first and wanting to quit because they didn't prepare properly and are suffering from the Herksheimer effect.
Congestion
Posted by Celleste (Penang, Malaysia) on 02/12/2009
(To Jules from Hampshire, England): Hi, thank you for reminding me of the proper thing to do after OP. I thought I could skip the extra gargling & go right to brushing.:) Sorry to those reading; I didn't mean to sound like OP was such a pain to do. IT'S NOT. It's probably just me who's too sensitive about the 'taste' thing. Thanks again to EC for this brilliant site!!
Dental Issues
Posted by Renate (Parrish, FL, USA) on 01/13/2009
★★★★★
I have been OP for about a month in am for 20 minutes. My gums and pockets are better! Many 3s are now 2s and gums are not bleeding during the cleaning. I also have been doing ACV for Acid Reflux and Molasses for anti-aging (I am 56) and general well being. The ACV gave me burning tongue and very burning throat. I did the Baking Soda remedy and now do the EC receipe of 2 TBL ACV, 1 TBL Molasses in hot water w/1/8 tsp of BS. I add the turmeric and cayenne pepper as well.
My liver enzymes are elevated for the 1st time ever and the doctor seemed concerned and I have to retest in 3 weeks. I read in one of Ted's comments that some of the oil in OP settles in the liver. Has any one experienced elevated liver levels or heard of this? Not sure if Ted's comment is a bad thing or not. Thank you EC for this site and to all that contribute.
Dental Issues
Posted by Rosy (Orlando, Fl) on 01/14/2009
I read some place that Coconut oil isn't metabolized in the liver, while all other oils are. What kind of oil are you using? I would try to change to Virgin Coconut oil if your liver is getting grumpy from the oil pulling. I would also suggest organic, as some pesticides/herbicides affect the liver.
Dental Issues
Posted by Renate (Parrish, FL) on 01/17/2009
I am using unrefined sesame oil. I try to buy organic but can't find all the time. I'm confused about what kind of oil to use in regards to unrefined or refined. Dr. Karach (sp?) states to use refined. I do not eat fatty foods, only veggies, fruit, fish, a little chicken, whole grains. I have organic CO and will use that after a break from OP and currently starting on Ted's response. THANK YOU.
