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 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.
Side Effects
Posted by Shinta (Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Indonesia) on 01/08/2009
Coconut Oil: I've been doing oil pulling for 4 days now, and i start to have pimples too on my hands & my back. Also feels to start itchy everywhere! around the face, hands, my back, tights and feet. But mostly it's the face, hands and back. Wondering did anyone had any side effects like i do? I'll write as soonest the side effect dissapears..
Heel Pain, Sciatica
Posted by J Smith (Lawrenceburg, IN) on 01/01/2009
★★★★★
I just started Oil Pulling 1 week ago, I have been using Seasame Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil. I came to Earth Clinic looking for something to help the inflamation of Sciatica, that for me, comes and goes.
I also had this pain in the heel of 1 foot that just started, only painful when I walked, and that also seemed to come and go.
The heel pain seems to be a lot less, and the sciatica is getting better in this short time. I need to wait though before I see if oil pilling is helping, but the ineresting thing is, no matter which oil I use after the first 5 minutes, the taste becomes salty. I am taking it as a good thing and maybe it is drawing something out. I even read the ingredient label of these oils to see if there was anything else that could be causing a salty taste, and nothing just oil. Let me know if anyone else has experienced that please.
Heel Pain, Sciatica
Posted by Anuradha (Vacoas, Mauritius) on 05/11/2009
Hi Smith, I also noticed the salty taste in my mouth even after drinking 3 glasses of water. I use sunflower n olive oil(only 1 week now). It is curing my sore throat.
Dental Issues
Posted by Nancy (Brighton, Michigan) on 12/24/2008
★★★★★
after op for a month my last visit to the hygenist was greatly improved. she said what ever i was doing to keep doing it. i didn't tell her about the op. now yesterday i noticed a bump about the size of an eraser on the inside of my gum near a tooth. it isn't painful but it has me concerned and wondering if i should discontinue. can't get in to the dentist as it Christmas.
Dental Issues
Posted by Janice (Austin, TX) on 12/25/2008
Did the bump appear soon after a visit to the hygenist? If so, is it possible that the procedure at the dentist's office caused the problem? After a visit to the dentist last year, I had bad breath for weeks afterwards. I suspected that either the equipment wasn't adequately cleaned or that she pushed bacteria into my gums during the scrapping part. Yuck. Try holding a hydrogen peroxide soaked cotton ball to the area 3x a day for 5 minutes each time. Sounds like something got embedded in your gum and now you have an infection. Good luck!
Migraines
Posted by Hazlin (Singapore) on 12/11/2008
★★★★★
I was quite fascinated when I read about oil pulling and decided to try it out for my migraine. I could not find sesame or sunflower so made do with VCO and Safflower oil. 1 tablespoon every morning. It worked the first time I tried it! No migraine. It also helped to ease my achy jaw,which was a result of clenching my molars for long periods, to bear wit the migraine. I sleep better too! Will continue this for as long as I can!
Side Effects
Posted by Tamara (BC, Canada) on 12/08/2008
I am 25 and have had RA for 1-1/2 years and am on medication but I have been oil pulling for 1 week but have cut out dairy, wheat, corn, soy, sugar, caffeine for 5 weeks, take mineral supplements but feel terrible, seem to be worsening everyday. It is very difficult to continue this when I am not feeling better, has anyone gone through this and if so how long until you will feel better? The pain and swelling is in both my feet and my fingers. So walking and anything with my hands is difficult. I need encouragement to continue on if it's going to work with this instead of resorting to more medication!
Side Effects
Posted by Shawn (Toronto, ON) on 12/08/2008
If RA stand for rheum. arthritis in your post, then while you are trying this oil thing, you can add turmeric and rose hip capsules. These greatly reduce inflammation. Good luck!
Side Effects
Posted by James Sesame (State College, PA) on 12/09/2008
Fine to quit vegetable oils & transfats. But you will have to re-introduce animal fats gradually to reanimate your gall bladder. But this will be a problem. You will not digest or absorb anything until you regenerate your gut. Dysbiosis of the gut was the original reason you had all your problems & is the reason you tried all the 'light' diets & got lighter & lighter & lighter. Now you may only tolerate chicken soup. So you are down to it. To save you life stop chasing symptoms & look at your gut & how to restore it. See articles on www.westonaprice.org like Gut & Psychology syndrome, Natasha Campbell-McBride, and others: Problems adjusting to Traditional Foods, Thomas Cowan, MD; Copper-Zinc Imbalance, Laurie Warner, MA, CNC; How to Restore Digestive Health, by Jordan S. Rubin, NMD, CNC.
Also research Clay, it will be a life saver. The winter issue of Alternatives (Dr. David G. Williams) Dec. 2008. will get you started. Beware of Big Money, Big Medicine (as in Quackwatch, and most 'science') They are not your friend. They are 'consensus' science at its best. You will know everything & be able to do nothing. Fringe 'science' is no better. Look at Life Without Bread, by Lutz for the best explanation of mitochondrial energy you will find in the Western world.
Side Effects
Posted by Tamara (BC, Canada) on 12/15/2008
Thanks for the info, I will try the turmeric & rose hip capsules. I have been eating chicken and some red meat but it's interesting because sometimes when I don't eat dinner I feel better the next day? It's been over 2 weeks now and still having flare-ups in areas I haven't had for a long time and am wondering how much longer they will last. I know my arthritis has worsened very much over the last 6 months and is severe so maybe that's why I am not feeling better yet?
Side Effects
Posted by M (St Louis, MO) on 02/09/2009
Tamara, First off, may I suggest what most arthritis. Drs. now know, sugar and caffeine really add to the PAIN of the disease. Secondly, my arthritis has been greatly helped by reading and following the advise for my blood type in Dr Peter D'Adamo's book EAT RIGHT FOR YOUR TYPE. (Blood Type). It explains why not every diet works for everyone.Dr. D' Adamo's father figured out eating patterns based on blood types to help his patients avoid the foods that caused them health problems. Dr. Peter, through science, proved the theory behind the diet for his Doctoral Thesis. In his book he details lists of foods for each blood type that act as highly beneficial to health; are neutral foods; and those foods to avoid because they are toxic to one's blood type, (this works in the same way that other blood types can be helpful or toxic to our blood type if we are given a transfusion). Check it out, you'll feel much better if you eliminate the foods that are toxic to YOUR system. Oil pulling has been very beneficial to my type (A), but NOT coconut oil. Also, blood testing for food allergies WORKS!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Joy (Solana Beach, CA) on 02/23/2009
You might want to also consider taking Lugol's iodine. I read on Earth Clinic that regular use of ACV affects our iodine levels...and iodine is very important for health. Check out Earth Clinic's Iodine Remedy page, if you haven't already.
But anyway, congratulations on all the great results you are having!
Side Effects
Posted by Ashley (Durham, NC) on 12/05/2008
I have been oil pulling for the past 6 weeks with sesame oil in the beginning and for the past 4 weeks with sunflower oil. In the beginning everything was ok. for the past 3 weeks my eyes have been red and glossy. thought i had pink eye as I used to have mucos coming out of eyes that went away. Went to the doctor a week ago, he said it was allergies and perscribed some drops. WHat a waste of $70. My eyes are no better than before. Could oil pulling be causing my red eyes. They don't hurt just don't look good. Please help me make them go away!Thanks.
