Oil Pulling
Health Benefits

Oil Pulling: Unlock Natural Oral Health & Detox Benefits

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.

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157 User Reviews
5 star (151) 
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4 star (5) 
  3%
1 star (1) 
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Posted by Catinthebag (Fort Collins, Colorado, Usa) on 06/05/2012
★★★★☆

I started oil pulling about 6 months ago due to some health issues and wanted to give it time to see how it went before I posted my results. I used Unrefined Organic Sesame Oil and oil pulled every morning for 20 minutes.

Immediately I noticed that my teeth felt 'fresh from the dentist clean', my breath also seemed fresher and my teeth were whiter. This hasn't seemed to reduce any in the past 6 months, my teeth still feel & look good, in fact I just had my 6 month check-up and my dentist said "everything looks great, keep doing what you're doing" -- mind you, last time I had 4 cavities that had to be filled! Speaking of cavities, I have a lot of fillings in my mouth and have not noticed any problems with them coming loose.

The other thing I noticed is the actual act of oil pulling makes my sinuses drain like crazy which is inconvenient since my mouth is full but I make it work.

As for noticing any reduction with the health issues that I've had, I honestly can't say that I have noticed any improvement -- or any unimprovement -- either.

I've read different theories for why oil pulling works from it 'pulling nasty bugs from your body', to 'massaging acupressure points on your tongue' to simply 'swishing out the the mouth bacteria'. Personally, I think the swishing of bacteria out of your mouth makes the most sense, why it works, I don't know, maybe having your own saliva mixed in there with the oil helps break stuff down. I did find out that if you put a small amount of oil in a bowl and whisk it, it will turn white so I don't think waiting until the oil turns white to spit it out has any credence, I think some people are probably just better swishers than others .

As for me, I will continue to oil pull because I enjoy the routine and it seems to have some benefits and no detriments thus far.


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Posted by Jenn (Toronto, Ontario Canada) on 03/28/2012
★★★★★

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Editor's Choice

Thanks to all who contribute to this wonderful site and for giving me the gift of oil pulling. I originally started oil pulling to rid myself of a sinus infection. I am a bit wary of antibiotic overuse and big pharma in general (my family thinks I am a conspiracy theorist, LOL! ). After reading testimonials and instructions I decided to use one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil with two drops of tea tree oil for about 5-10 minutes. I was ill and didn't have cocunut oil in the house and didn't feel like going out to source it. Within two treatments I noticed teeth whitening and what seemed to be what I can only describe as pinkening and tightening of the gums. I had been diagnosed with gingivitis for many years by my dentist. My sinus condition seemed to worsen with more and more discharge and swelling. I smoked cigarettes for about 30 years, and I suddenly had an aversion to smoking. I then developed a terrible cough with lots of mucous, difficulty breathing, terrible headaches, fatigue, body aches, sticky eyes, pimples and a gum infection from heck! The gum infection was raging and I tried all the home remedies on Earth Clinic and only seemed to worsen it. I became very scared and my friends convinced me to stop oil pulling go to the hospital. I got two kinds of antibiotics and used multiple pain killers for one week. They seemed to suppress the symptoms but after I finished the doses the gum infection came back even worse than before with swelling on my cheek and lip. A lot of people told me to go an get a root canal or tooth extraction, neither of which seemed to fit with my idea that gums and teeth can heal like broken bones. There were sores and pimple like outbreaks on both my gums and cheeks. I realized that I was going through some type of cleansing/healing crisis and I needed to let it run its course, although others around me thought I would eventually expire from a septic type infection. Interestingly, the site of the gum infection was a previously identified weaker spot.

I didn't restart oil pulling immediately, as I now know that EVOO and Tea Tree Oil mixes (probably the same for other oil and oregano etc mixes) are very potent at drawing out infection and impurities. I used salt/alum poultice, baking soda/salt poultices (use with cotton balls for about 20 minutes, more and your skin will get raw) and rinses, I also got rid of regular toothpaste and started using hydrogen peroxide/baking soda/salt paste. I alternated this with raw garlic clove rubbings and garlic clove/water rinses.

Don't kid yourselves, these remedies hurt worse than childbirth but I felt that this was a bad infection that needed a multi prong approach. If you can, use aspirin rather than ibuprofen or tylenol, I tried all three but something in the aspirin seems to help the healing process. I also used tea bags between the cheek and gum to absorb any pus and blood that came out of the sore area. Use the black bags, they are more effective than other types, I tried peppermint, chai, green tea but found the old fashioned black to be best. As soon as I felt some improvement in the level of swelling, it took about one week, I resumed oil pulling with EVOO and tea tree and took epsom salt baths (rinse afterward).

One more week later, I can say that my gum infection is almost completely gone, my teeth are whiter, stronger and my gums seem to have regenerated. My sinuses and chest are clear and I feel that my energy is greater than before all of this happened. I have taken the tea tree out of my oil pulling regime (twice a day) as I feel it's probably more like an antibiotic. I also think that Ted's simple alkalizing formula (baking soda, lemon juice) will help me avoid many infections in the future so I started that process as well. I also haven't had any cigarettes since I started oil pulling one month ago. OP has the potential for unleashing the remnants of all of your previous ailments and big pharma treatments so if I had to do it again I would not start with EVOO and no Tea Tree, I would get the coconut, and backing off the pulling when the body becomes a bit overwhelmed is perfectly fine. Sorry for the long post, just wanted everyone to know that sometimes the healing crisis is very terrible and you will feel sick and lonely, but it is well worth it to go through to the other side. Thanks Again.


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Posted by Jennifer (Chicago, Il ) on 03/06/2012
★★★★★

1st my boyfriend tried OP he started almost 2 wks ago we noticed 1st the fresher breath then he noticed the dark pigmentation on his face clearing, his nails looking healthier, and his feet on the heels softer which before the callus was bad so I started on 04mar12 the immediate result that I experienced was a spurt of energy which usually in the am I am so restless and exhausted then I noticed the fresh breath and healthier looking nails only after 3 days of OP ~Wonderful~


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Posted by Mrc (Louisville, Kentucky, Usa) on 02/28/2012
★★★★★

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

My holistic practitioner suggested I learn about and do some oil pulling to help with my fibromyalgia pain. I read everything I could find and figured what the heck - how could it hurt? I began 9 days ago. The first morning seemed odd simply having the stuff in my mouth for so long. It definitely got foamy and white. (The coconut oil simply melts in your mouth in a matter of moments). I op for 15 minutes each morning, for 5 days in a row. My hair got so soft it felt like silk. My skin was also incredibly soft and beginning to glow. My teeth were whiter, my mouth felt clean and silky.

Then the 6th morning I spit out a couple of metal fillings from my teeth along with the foamy white stuff. I was so surprized! I have stopped oil pulling until I get to the dentist and get my teeth fixed. And my aches and pains do feel better. Although after I stopped I woke up two days later with a very painful sore throat and stuffy head. But it only lasted a day. On to the dentist and I will give this more thought as to if I will proceed.


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Posted by Joy (Harrisburg, Pa) on 02/03/2012
★★★★★

Have been OP with sesame for about a week now. It was tough at first, as I have a strong reflex to swallow. If I couldnt make it the full 15 minutes, I did it for 10 minutes twice that day spaced out. So far I have noticed good and bad properties. The good ones are that I don't seem to be getting the regular corner of the mouth cold sores I used to get on a very regular basis. I notice the stains on my teeth seem to be lessening. The bad is minor and is also attributed to being severely anemic and struggling with depression and unhealthy habits in general, however I am finding myself very tired A LOT.

Another thing to mention is that since the birth of my daughter 11 months ago I have had severe painful acne (and I have always been blessed with beautiful skin). I have started proactive recently, so it may be a combination of things (however I am more consistant with the oil pulling than I am with the proactive system), and I have noticed less large painful deep cystic type blemishes and an overall less red appearance to my face and neck.

I struggle with an addiction to cigarettes right now so I'm not sure how much the oil pulling will have a chance to work with such an addiction but I'm already noticing differences. Also reading about "health crisis" situations I don't feel really uneasy about that... I have been sick most of my life with any number of respiratory and throat issues so I rather welcome a full body purge!

I find that with OP if you just decide you are going to do it and stick with it, it gets easier. I try to distract myself with chores or email checking or read a good article about something that intrigues you... It starts to go faster than you realize!

Replied by Arla
(Covelo, Ca, Usa)
07/17/2012

Sounds like there are lots of toxins in you, wanting to get out. (At least your body wants them out. ) So you are helping release them through oil pulling. Having a baby is a very cleansing even. And pimples and other outbreaks are just another way for the body to release some disgusting toxin. So keep oil pulling, juicing, fasting, and attending stop smoking classes (or use patches) and enjoy a longer, healthier life!! Good luck! Arla

Replied by Rbmj1485
(Grand Blanc, Michigan, United States)
08/11/2012

Hey Joy! Just wanted to say that you could replace the Proactive System with apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil. I would suggest organic either way, and unrefined virgin coconut oil. I have had severe acne for over ten years and have been recently using these products. I have noticed a dramatic change in just the first week! First, bring 1 cup of purified water to a warm temp, but not boiling, using a small pot. ( no microwave) Then pour water into heat-safe glass cup. Add 1-2 Tbsp of ACV and then use a cotton swab to dab affected areas. Second, after ACV has dried completely, apply the coco oil to the same affected areas.

I do this process myself and cover my entire body! Its absolutely refreshing!


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Posted by Sara (Newport Beach, Ca) on 01/24/2012
★★★★★

Oil Pulling Completely Removed Plaque and Decay From Teeth

I'm SHOCKED at my results from oil pulling using coconut oil. I have veneers, 5 on top they were VERY expensive purchased at a time when I had much more money than I do now, they were in dire need of replacing due top unsightly grey decay at the top. I started oil pulling about 3 months ago the GREY discoloration that was decay is GONE, my veneers & all my teeth look brand new. I thought I may be imagining it but went to the dentist today & he said my veneers don't need replacing anymore. He said I had very clean teeth & no plaque.

I have however NOT noticed the oil pulling fixing my psoriasis or my acne, but oh well it fixed my plaque, teeth issues & saved me over $10,000. :) I also don't notice any increase in energy. However it also COMPLETLY FIXED any and all sinus/allergies issues I had.


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Posted by Shannon (Desoto, Tx, Usa) on 01/12/2012
★★★★★

I've been oil pulling for about two weeks and am really pleased with the results. I began with coconut oil but found the texture and flavor to be off-putting. Once I switched to untoasted sesame oil, I found the process completely tolerable. I OP first thing in the morning for 20 minutes and have found the following results: My joints feel better (I have chronic knee and shoulder pain from degeneration), my teeth and gums feel like I've just been to the dentist for a cleaning, my skin is less dry and my muscles hurt less after re-starting to work out.

The best result is the healing of dermatitis. I have severe dermatitis in my ears. They continually itch from the outside all the way down into my ear canal. Not only is it uncomfortable, it's embarassing because of the constant flaking. After two weeks, I have minor itching externally with no flaking and no deep itch. It's as if my ears are healing from the inside out. I'm so thankful for this site and friends with great suggestions!


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Posted by Rosemary (White Rock, B.c., Canada) on 12/31/2011
★★★★★

I am a 55 y.o. female, blood type B-, and have only done oil pulling with sesame oil for about 2 weeks now and I am very pleased with the results. My teeth are cleaner, my skin looks youthful and my pores are smaller in the t- zone and am no longer struggling diverticulitis. I am also sleeping somewhat better. I experienced a small rash on my tongue from days 3 to 8 but it disappearred overnight. I love the information this site provides!


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Posted by Convinced (New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada) on 09/21/2011
★★★★★

I have been OPing for almost two weeks and am just amazed. I guess for me it was worth it just to finally, finally have a lymph node that is normal, not swollen or infected. It went down in a matter of three days. My teeth are whiter, my skin is smooth, I am feeling calm and relaxed and sleeping better. The first couple of days, yes, I had bad headaches and some fatigue but you soldier on, it's only temporary. The benefits are worth it in the end!!

Replied by Hef
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
09/22/2011
★★★★★

I have started oil pulling along with Black Strap Molasses for the last two days to address my consistent fatigue (day and night )issues. I was trying to get 8 hours of sleep every day along with exercising in the evening I was feeling better but couldn't get rid of morning lethargy and the tiredness during the day. I read about BSM and O.P here and started doing it. Today is my second day.

Surprisingly enough, I am waking up up quite alert in the morning, without the urge to keep lying on the bed and snoozing. I really woke and wanted to get out of the bed..... otherwise I would feel lethargic even after 8-9 hours of sleep and flee like going to bed again.

Last two day were really different I must day. I'll continue doing both for next few weeks and post my update here.

It just feels amazing to be alert .... During the day!


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Posted by Lonelobo (Midwest, Usa) on 09/09/2011
★★★★★

Just started oil pulling last week and have already seen improvements in my health. Sinuses are clearing up, neck, shoulder and knee pain gone, and arthritic hip significantly better. I started with coconut oil since that's what I had on hand but have since switched to sunflower oil. Both are light and very easy to pull with.

I have noticed my skin has become a bit oily since I started pulling. Does this get better or does anyone have tips on treating the oily skin?

I've also been wondering if there is any problem with adding some garlic oil to the sunflower oil? I have garlic oil gel caps for my dogs. On a whim I cut one open and added it to my sunflower oil. It gave it a little kick and really cleared my sinuses. But I've heard conflicting things about getting garlic oil in the bloodstream. Think it would be a problem to add garlic oil to my OP routine once a week?

Replied by Publcviewer
(Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Usa)
10/24/2011

This is my take. (This post is about any oil used. ) First of all I used Sesame Oil… it is dark and does not say toasted; all it says is 100% pure. However, reading more and more testimonials here.. I went out and bought Sesame Oil Cold Pressed. The first day I used the dark I think I noticed the merest… the slightest lightening of some decay, and the rest of my teeth. It was so slight I'm not sure it wasn't all in my head. I felt an unbelievable energy, but then again I was hitting a second-wind and that usually happens, so still… in my head I don't know. In using the cold pressed for the following four days after.. I noticed absolutely nothing at all; nothing. This morning after using the cold pressed and still nothing.. I decided to try the dark again. It seems as if I may be noticing a little more lightening in the decay and the rest of my teeth, but again I'm unsure if this is in my head or not; time will tell.

If this does work on whitening teeth and cleaning decay… we'll see, but if so, it is my very strong belief that that's all it would do (except for one other thing that is a possibility), and here's why:

Sesame oil is one of most oils that are acidic, and that's really why it is important to brush your teeth after, or that acid will eat away at your teeth and gums. In fact it is most likely this acid that is eating away at the yellow and decay, and nothing else is responsible for it. Secondly.. Just after using when swishing your mouth with Hydrogen Peroxide there is no foam, and there certainly would be if there were any remote traces of toxins. (Brush your teeth before bed and see. ) Third.. the only other thing it may possibly do is ease up on the fine lines in the face, because the oil is reaching throughout the face via the sinus cavities.

I believe the people that are claiming it works wonders on this are merely responding to not only a placebo effect, but also they're taking medications and therapy for their medical problems, because not one person said they went off their meds, and no one would risk going off their meds for such a gamble. Maybe the people that say their feeling awful; in a number of different ways are the ones going off their meds, because I'm quite sure this is a crock beyond the merest of basics, and if even those exist, or maybe it's the oil penetrating throughout the face and causing reactions in the entire cranial cavity. I'm just thankful that I'm not trying for a miracle cure to reverse or restore anything, and at best the only thing that will do that is eating a proper 80% alkaline to 20% acidic food/drink intake daily. If you really want to see results throughout your body that's what you'll have to do.

Now at this point for studies alone I will continue for the teeth whitening, and I'll report back at a later date to give my results. Many of you will swear up and down - as you already have and in response to this, but my take on it stands firm regardless.


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Posted by Shorty (Virginia Beach, Va) on 08/24/2011
★★★★★

I am very thankful for this site and the people who share their experiences on natural healing cures. I recently started oil pulling with seseme oil (toasted was what I could find at the grocery store) for the last three weeks. I wanted to get started right away! I am loving the results I am getting. My gums are healing, looking more pink, my teeth have begun to whiten up(they were yellow), my breath doesn't smell any more.

What I would like to know has anyone experienced waking up in the morning with a mouth full of thick mucus that has a yellow tinge to it. I also noticed the tarter buildup on my teeth wearing down? Is that possible with oil pulling? I'll take it!!! I would appreciate any helpful responses. Thanks


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Posted by Traxxxi (San Jose, California, United States) on 06/09/2011
★★★★☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

I recently started OPing every morning with Organic Sesame Oil and noticed immediate positive results: my skin softened and pores shrank dramatically (I actually got many compliments on my skin), my dry eye symptoms were completely gone after 15 years of suffering, my eczema started to disappear, my Chronic Fatigue lessened and I had more energy, and my chronic sinusitis started to clear up. I was truly amazed and in such relief!

After two weeks of OPing, some of my symptoms have returned and even worsened. My skin looks tired and dry again, my eyes are extremely dry, bloodshot and in pain, My fatigue is worse then ever and I have barely enough energy to get out of bed, my eczema is back, and suddenly I'm having dandruff. Luckily my sinusitis has not returned. What is happening??? I was so hopeful that I had finally found a cure for the ailments that had plagued me for so long. I have a myriad of other health issues, in addition to the aforementioned, that I was also hoping would eventually improve from OPing. I can't help but feel frustrated and heartbroken. Any insight and/or suggestions will be so much appreciated. Thank you!

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
06/09/2011

do you make sure to drink after rinsing when you finish pulling?

Replied by Jeff
(Dallas, Tx)
06/09/2011

I am new to this site -- have been reading it non-stop over the last several days, so perhaps someone who is more seasoned than I will comment. But, it sounds like you have quite a few things going on there and would benefit from implementing more than just OPing. I would highly recommend switching your oil to Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for OPing, perhaps even taking a tablespoon or two a day for good measure. Also, read the section on Apple Cider Vinegar and its amazing effects. The last thing, and probably the most important, would be to take a good hard look at what kind of food you're consuming -- cut out all breads and sugars for a while. Have you done the Candida test where you spit into a glass of water and see if your spit is stringy? If it is, you need to go to the Candida section and plan your attack for defeating it. Hope this helps.

Jeff

Replied by Andrea C
(Cardiff, Wales)
06/10/2011

Google healing crises I promise u your ok. A healing crises will usually kick in just as you feel at your best and will flare up what you are treating and a few other symptoms as well. Fever, paranoia, joint pains, panic, but this is because your body is still detoxing and belive it or not this is a good sign and nothing to fear, i too freaked out when it first happened to me and i still got more to come, but its just our bodies healing so don't stop now or you'll undo all your hard work. Love Andrea c x x x


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Posted by Diamond (Cleveland, England) on 05/25/2011
★★★★★

hi, ive been oil pulling now for 5 days with pure coconut oil, finding this quite hard to do, I only last 5 minutes, when I spit it out, it is white but runny, when I do spit the oil out, straight away I start coughing, and bring up loads of rubbish of my chest, but have noticed my chest clear, and my face brighter and smoother, I just hope it is healing my gums, every day I check my gums, just to see if there is a little improvement, as the gaps from my gum to my teeth look terrible, nothing up to now, not sure when I will see any improvement, but I will let u know. ill keep oil pulling.


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Posted by Marissa (Atlanta, Ga) on 03/27/2011
★★★★★

low energy: I've been oil pulling with extra virgin Coconut Oil for about 4 days now. I am sleeping through the night, I have an easier time getting out of bed in the morning. My skin is glowing so much and the little fine lines are disappearing. I still have dark circles under my eyes though. Also, I am having more bowel movements.


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Posted by Tee Tee (Kingston, Jamaica) on 03/10/2011
★★★★★

I did some oil pulling today with coconut oil. Though I could only do it for 2-3 minutes I still felt the effect. I feel lighter, freeer, more energized, definitely more healthy. I have been fighting a cold/infection for a while and after OP, alot of phlegm has been coming up and each time I feel better and better. My chest is completely clear now, all congestion is gone. My sinses are clear too, no more congestion. My mind too feels more at peace.



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