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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Funmilicious (Lagos, Nigeria) on 08/10/2012
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling with coconut oil for over 6 months now and I have had amazing results in two areas: my sinuses and my breath, I guess the two were related.
I have had terrible sinuses since I was a kid, hereditary, my father was always pulling mucous and spitting out (gross) several times every single day. Mine sinuses were not that bad, but was bad enough.
First I tried nasal rinsing with neti pots and then the sinus wash bottle. It worked great by getting rid of my tonsil stones and I still do sinus rinse occasionally.
Oil pulling does a great job of pulling out excess mucous from the sinuses a d cleaning out the nasal passages.
I have not had a cold in several months, my sinuses are clear and I have great breath. Thank you earth clinic.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Tracie (Charleston, Sc) on 08/07/2012
I read somewhere that you should detox with ACV for a week or two before beginning. I drink tons of water each day, more like a gallon or more. I started adding ACV to my water and my queestion is, is there a limit to the amount of ACV that I can have each day and still be healthy? i'm trying to begin a habit of putting in a tablespoon per 24oz. and if it is ok for me to have that much is it ok that I am doing the oil pulling at the same time? Is there a limit to ACV while oil pulling?
Side Effects
Posted by Stella (New York) on 08/07/2012
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started oil pulling with organic VCO. I followed the procedure and even did the 5 minutes ted recommended instead of 20. My skin looked great and my gums started to improve but about a week after, I noticed that my teeth were sensitive. It was as if my fillings were loosening. I had to chew slowing and avoid sugar, even xyitol. After I stopped pulling, most of the sensitivity went away. Has anyone else experienced this? I'd like to continue but not if my fillings are going to loosen.
Hot Flashes
Posted by Maria (Charlote, Nc) on 08/02/2012
★★★★★
I'm 51 and my hot flashes disapeared about 2 weeks after I started doing oil pulling with unrefined organic sesame seed oil.
Alcohol Allergy
Posted by Lese (Mclean, Va) on 07/30/2012
You say that oil pulling took away your allergy to alcohol? I have an allergy either to the alcohol, sulfites, the fermenation process or something for over 20 years. I would like to hear more about how you believe oil pulling solved that issue? Please help. Thanks!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Liz (Co Springs, Co) on 07/29/2012
★★★★★
I started pulling oil with cold pressed olive oil. It was about 3.00 for a container of it making it fairly inexpensive. I have asthma and anemia. My teeth are also super sensitive. I also constantly have green yellow crap coming out of the lower half of my lungs alot. Sorry to be graphic. Only when my lungs are open can I get the stuff out. It has been 3 days already. The first day I only felt nauseated. But my teeth were so clean. The second day I had clean teeth and I fell asleep. I just got done doing this and my gums are super pink my teeth the whitest they have been in years. The hard plaque is slowly removing. I feel alot calmer and relaxed. My muscles dont hurt as much (I have chronic pain from both a horse and car accident) and I feel like I can finally sleep. So far I have been doing this in the evening. I am hoping with the enzyme stimulation it increases my metabolism so maybe I will even burn fat while sleeping? I will post another update in a week or so and let you all know how it is going. But so far its great. I have no reason to lie or any company I run to support with this testomony. I really want my respiratory problems gone!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Arla (Covelo, Ca, Usa) on 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
Broad Benefits
Posted by Farmgirl (Northern, Mn) on 07/12/2012
I have had asthma for years and tried all kinds of herbal remedies but nothing really helped until I started taking a Tablespoon of good quality fish oil, a Tablespoon of organic flax oil and several scoops of probiotics in a morning smoothy. After two weeks of a daily smoothy I noticed that I didn't need my rescue inhaler. I had been taking it every day for years. It was allergy season also. Previously I would have an asthma attack every time I sneezed, but after taking the above mentioned in the smoothy I noticed significant improvement of allergy symptoms as well. I went for three months without having to use my rescue inhaler but twice, then I ran out of ingredients and got lazy about making the smoothy. I actually stumbled on the concoction so I didn't put two and two together right away. It only worked for me when taken together not separately. I also was drinking a green drink during that time.
Eczema
Posted by Anndee (Mumbai, India) on 07/02/2012
I had eczema since 2008, and visited this site last year and tried oil pulling with coconut oil.. Like you said my eczema flared up at first... Then sometimes my fingers would go soft, but the patches would appear again.. For better cure of eczema do try chewing on wheat grass early morning empty stomach.. I found my eczema almost gone in two months time.. Oil pulling is good for mouth, teeth, gums, nose and ear related problems.. I had very sensitive teeth, bleeding gums, cavities and was suffering from dust allergies.. All of this went off with oil gargling... I first tried with coconut oil for 6 full months, now have shifted to cold pressed sesame oil.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Rusty (Kaneohe, Hawaii) on 06/22/2012
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling for the past 2 years and the first thing that I have noticed is that I have not had a bad cold since then, and using olive oil at first was harsh but, I have become used to it. Losing weight I am way over weight and since I have been oil pulling I have lost 50 lbs and feel much better. I oil pull every morning before I have breakfast for about 20 minutes. When I come home from work I oil pull again this time longer over one hour while on my computer. Oil pulling is a part of my daily life. My over all condition has improved a lot. No more asthma atacks or wheezing and with the loss of the weight I find myself getting around much more instead of watching TV all the time. I am not as tired as how I used to be after losing the toxins that plays a major roll in my life. At the beginning my body was purging out all the impurities and this does happen. Depending on your condition. Everyones condition is different.
Also check on MMS by Dr. James V Humble and the cures that MMS can do for you like cancer. How the drug companies want to get rid of this Dr. Humble, because for pennies a day you can live much longer. Check him out. aloha, Rusty
Insights and Theories
Posted by Oscar (Syracuse, New York) on 06/13/2012
Dear Bess, I surely do share your feelings of gratitude for this life saving and enhancing forum. Thank you EARTH CLINIC for all that you do for all of us....Oscar
Side Effects
Posted by Cag3db1rd (Tulsa, Oklahoma) on 06/13/2012
It might be a good thing that your silver fillings are coming out. Silver fillings are often full of mercury. I might suggest seeing if they can be replaced with acrylic.
It's amazing how our modern lifestyle has caused us all these health problems, and the only thing we can do to repair the damage is go back to the old ways of healing. Western medicine just doesn't seem adequate anymore to me.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 06/13/2012
To Jack from Northport - What a lovely and true sentiment about the oneness of our world and how we all can help one another. You have a wonderful "gratitude attitude"! Cheers, Bess.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Jack (Northport, Ny. Usa ) on 06/12/2012
Thank you so much for this wonderful site. And god bless everyone for contributing from around the world. This is a great example of our potential and the oneness of our world
Peace, love, heal
Broad Benefits
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.
Side Effects
Posted by Betsy (Northampton, Northants, England) on 05/29/2012
★★★★★
Just wanted to update you. My dry mouth has stopped without me making any changes, so it must just have been my body getting used to the oil pulling. I maybe should have mentioned I exercise a lot with respect to the amount of water I drink, twice a day most days so I need to keep hydrated. I also take multivitamins because of the goodness I lose in my sweat as recommended by a fitness trainer.
My spots on my face seem to be going and my skin is looking nice. I still have a decreased appetite and don't crave sugar at all.
Blocked Sinuses and Ears
Posted by Cindy (Albany, Ny) on 05/28/2012
Everything I've read on OP says to keep doing it through the difficulties, and the situation will improve.
Coconut Oil
Posted by English Rose (Cornwall, England) on 05/26/2012
I did coconut oil OP when pregnant/nursing with no issues.. Only benefits!
Root Canals, Crowns and OP
Posted by Donna (St. Clements, Manitoba, Canada) on 05/26/2012
Hi Ted: I'm curious what your opinion is on my situation. I started oil pulling a week ago, and have not noticed any significant changes. I have 7 root canals and 14 crowns. I suffer from osteoarthritis of the knees and shoulders mostly, but also fatigue and depression. I eat gluten free, sugar free and very low starch, mostly organic; no packaged food, pop or even juice. Just quinoa, flax and chia seed, organic vegetables, and some local fish, and free range chicken with an apple here and there. I am wondering if the op is going to remove the bacteria at the base of the root canals, and as I have read recently, could be the cause of my arthritis. I'm thinking of having all the root canals pulled, but I can't afford all the bridge work to replace them. Any advice from you would be appreciated.
Thank you so much for your time, Donna
Side Effects
Posted by Tony (Church Hill, Tn, Usa) on 05/24/2012
This is a reply to Lily from Australia. Where did you get that 4 litres of water is too much intake? I'm not a health professional at all but when you detox the body you're supposed to drink as much water as possible. Just look up other responses about detoxifying the body on here. Bill & Ted both will say in wouldn't hurt to drink a gallon of water a day. Of course, that would be purified water only. We need to rid the body of these toxins so flushing them out with plenty of water is the way to go. Thanks!
Side Effects
Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 05/24/2012
Hi Betsy, you are drinking too much water and washing away your minerals eg: potassium and magnesium. If you cut back your water intake your thirst will eventually go away but you have to persevere. The recommended amount of water is 2 litres a day. 4 is far too much. I take in less than 2 litres in the winter. You may need to supplement with magnesium tablets to stop your thirst faster. Potassium is in many foods, you can look up potassium rich foods on the net. Hope this helps. Lily.
Side Effects
Posted by Mgws (Dover, New Hampshire, Usa) on 05/23/2012
I tried it for awhile and found the same dry mouth thing and took it for a "yes, I should be drinking more water" phenomenon. I stopped OP because it was inconvenient--shame on me? I only personally knew of one person doing it and I suppose I needed more encouragement/confirmation.
Side Effects
Posted by Betsy (Northampton, Northants, England) on 05/23/2012
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I am on my fourth day of OP with Coconut oil and since day 3 I have had a really dry mouth. This is not something I have ever suffered from before. I am drinking about 4 litres of water a day. I am ok when I eat something but about an hour later I am really dry again. Has anyone else suffered from this because I have read a lot of posts and not come across this side effect. I have also come out with a very spotty face which I am hoping is just my body detoxing. On the plus side I have much less hunger and don't crave any sweet food at all, most unlike me.
Sensitive Gums
Posted by Patsy (Stockton-on-tees, Uk) on 05/21/2012
★★★★★
I have been using Rice Bran oil for about 4 weeks now. I have seen no other comments about the use of this oil so would like confirmation that it is ok to use (all I had in the store cupboard when I began). It seems to have cured my gum problem - I can safely rinse my mouth with cold water without pain - something impossible to do before. There doesn't seem to be any other improvements so far, however I think I have a cleaner tongue. How long does one keep going with this?
Dental Issues
Posted by Jane (Mountain View, Ca) on 05/18/2012
★★★★★
I have been Oil Pulling with organic Coconut Oil for 17 days. Unbelievable. Nose runs a bit, while one TBS of slighted heated Coconut Oil with 3 drops of Melaleuca Alternifolia (optional) is swished around very consciously in my mouth for 20 minutes. Immediatley when oil is in mouth I have phlegm from throat slightly surfacing. Nose running. No problem. Results after 17 days: Gums and Teeth feel great, much whiter teeth, plaque has disappeared, infection is gone in one tooth, can now chew on side of mouth where new bridge was put in 3 months ago. Almost in one week I could start chewing. Soreness and sensitivity was entirely gone. Two of my teeth that dentist said to remove because of infection I am not going to remove. I wish that the oil pulling would grow bone. Anyone know about this? I have periodonal condition. My plaque has all disappeared. I spit out and rinse with [an oil] solution and gargle. I will write back when I see my hygienist July 5, 2012. Thank you all. Jane
Side Effects
Posted by Seeker (Tampa, Fl) on 05/12/2012
95 heartbeat is nothing. I was put on heart monitor for a day because of the stress and palpatations I was getting. My heart rate was shooting up over 160 several times a day. No wonder it felt uncomfortable. I am only in my 30s.
Blocked Sinuses and Ears
Posted by Zilverb (Seabrook, Tx, United States) on 05/07/2012 16 posts
I do not think it is the oil pulling. It could be a health crisis but it should not have lasted so long. I have been oil pulling for some months and it has been all good and improving all the time.
Blocked Sinuses and Ears
Posted by Wendy (Haddon, Australia) on 05/06/2012
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi I have been oil pulling for two weeks, in the first week I felt energised and my mouth felt wonderful, my blocked ear and nose became clear after a year of trying every thing for this, however in the second week I feel very tierd to the point of not wanting to get out of bed my bags under my eyes have doubled and I have had pain in my shoulders and elbows that I have never had I am wondering is this normal or should I stop oil pulling. I thank you for taking the time for reading my question. Kindess Regards Wendy
Insights and Theories
Posted by Kittycat (Livermore, Ca) on 04/30/2012
★☆☆☆☆
I would not suggest using canola oil for op or anything period! I was getting constant headaches and congestion and awakening sick and sore and finally pin pointed it to ingesting canola oil, (not OP). In fact, OP with sesame oil was the only thing that would help with the headache. If your feeling icky and dont know why, try eliminating canola oil. This is not easy as they put it in near everything, including so called health food. But once I stopped ingesting it I felt sooo much better. Its one nasty oil, not meant for man nor beast!
Weight Loss
Posted by Randy San Antonio (San Antonio, Texas, Usa) on 04/29/2012
★★★★★
Having gone through some painful gum surgeries I was looking for methods of healing up my gums and restoring receding tissue. I happen across Earth Clinic and tried pulling sesame oil. It was pleasant enough and seemed to help so I did it twice a day for maybe 6 days when the headaches got too bad. Now it is my worst allergy time of year so I don't know if it was the pulling or the stuff in the air that was giving me grief. A day and a half later the headache gone I resumed pulling and noticed that my pants were loose around my waist so I stepped on the scale to discover I had dropped 8 pounds in about a week and a half. Now for the record, since my mouth was so sore I was drinking chocolate shakes for some of my meals. This is something I never do but the thought of something cold, rich and most importantly soft was too good to pass up so my caloric intake was much higher than normal. I also noticed the grey hair in my beard was turning brown again and my teeth are brighter - more prominent than before. My gums are pinker and more healthy looking and the cracks on my heals are gone. All in all I am happy with the progress I am making with sesame oil pulling.
I pull first thing in the morning and again before lunch or dinner. I have the feeling that pulling before I eat in the morning might be setting my metabolism higher then it would normally be and that is what is burning calories as well as giving me a feeling of more energy. I base this conclusion on the fact so many weight loss experts recommend you eat your biggest meal of the day when you break your fast. I follow my morning pull with a tbsp of coconut oil and eat my breakfast about two hours later. What will be interesting is if this weight loss is permanent or will my system get used to this and slow the metabolism down to plump me up again. (I am about 5 - 10 pounds over weight)
p. S. I have a mouth full of old silver filings and they are still in place.
Randy San Antonio
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.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Dellers (London, Uk) on 04/19/2012
For candida just take a garlic capsule every day.
Dental Issues
Posted by Barbara (Hydro, Ok) on 04/18/2012
It's possible you are allergic to the sesame oil. That could be causing your weakness, lethargy, etc. Might try a different oil.
Dental Issues
Posted by Newtoallthis (La, Ca) on 04/15/2012
★★★★★
I asked why wait four hours after eating and one hour after drinking water and never found an answer. Recently I added a second oil pulling, before bed--sometimes less than a full hour after drinking water--and I haven't noticed bad effects. I use coconut oil in the morning and olive oil at night.
I am mainly doing it for dental health and consider oil pulling an alternative to mouth wash. Rules like waiting four hours could just be part of making it sound mysterious and magical. I haven't noticed any magical cures, but my gums bleed much less during teeth cleanings and, for the first time, a dentist told me I have excellent oral hygiene.
Dental Issues
Posted by Lee (Boone, North Carolina) on 04/09/2012
★★★★★
I just started oil pulling 3 days ago. My main desire is to cure joint pain, but one thing I noticed after only 3 times is that my mouth feels great. I was having a lot of pain in a tooth that has had a root canal & another tooth with a cavity. I was getting ready to get a dentist appt. But the pain is completely gone after the oil pulling. I hope it works that well on my joints.
Dental Issues
Posted by Giveitagojones (Edinburgh, Uk) on 04/04/2012
★★★★★
I have been using Coconut oil for about 6 months now.
I stopped during a period of dental treatment (I had a wisdom tooth removed that was more filling than tooth, I strongly believed it was the cause of a strange cough I had had since the filling was done, the cough was difficult to describe, but it would disappear if I didn't brush my teeth???), I opted to have the tooth removed. A few days after the extraction and still not back to oil pulling, I suffered what can only be described as hell, my blood pressure shot up and I experienced palpitations like never before. The inflammation and discharge at the wound in my gum had allowed an infection to spread throughout my body.
The advice from my Doctor "go and see the Dentist", the advice from my Dentist "That's normal, just use some some salt water to clean the area", the advice from the emergency room I quickly visited shortly after that same day "It's not a heart attack, try to exercise more and stop smoking", the advice from a Consultant after I had completely lost my patience (and mind) five minutes later, "Take this Amoxicillin (Penicillin), and go and see your Doctor if it doesn't improve".
Anyway, to cut a long story short, I didn't bother with the antibiotics and went back to oil pulling, 3 days later, all was well (I did go crazy on my "cure all" Ginger as well), in hindsight, I should have just stuck with the oil pulling and sucking on a cut piece of Ginger root after the extraction, and when I get trouble with my teeth again (as we all will), I don't intend pausing the oil pulling.
Has anybody ever had a bad reaction to Coconut or Ginger when used together or alone, in any form?
(I should add with respect to the coughing situation above, the cough disappeared within a day or so after the tooth removal, and the only other way I could stop it was by oil pulling, but this would only last for about two hours or so).
This is an excellent site by the way and was the source of my original discovery of oil pulling.
As for the saturated fat issue with Coconuts, I don't sell Coconuts or have any interests in the Coconut industry, I personally feel that they are doing me no harm, your experience may be different, good luck and God bless to all (I hope this helps someone).
Side Effects
Posted by Mvo (Johannesburg, South Africa) on 04/04/2012
Please google "the pulse test" you may find the answer to your question.
Side Effects
Posted by Dorothy (San Francisco, Ca) on 04/04/2012
Thank you, Hope, for your suggestion! I did buy some sesame oil to oil pull with originally, then opted for coconut oil. I wonder what it is about the coconut oil that causes rapid heart rate and sky-high blood pressure? I didn't take my blood pressure as it scared me just having a 95 bpm heart rate.
Side Effects
Posted by Hope (Sacramento, California) on 04/02/2012
Hi Dorothy -You may want to try sesame or sunflower oil for pulling. More than once, when I pulled with coconut oil, my blood pressure went sky high. Although it made my teeth much whiter than op-ing with other oils, it did not agree with my heart.....
I still, after more than a year, pull only with sesame and sunflower oil without side effects.
General Feedback
Posted by Dorothy (San Francisco, Ca) on 04/02/2012
Hi EC, Thanks for responding to my post! I've been using Organic Coconut Oil.
Side Effects
Posted by Dorothy (San Francisco, CA) on 04/01/2012
Hi Dane, I have the same problem, an increased heart rate with OPing. I haven't found much info on it. I use organic coconut oil, and I'm wondering if I ought to use another one. I'm afraid that my blood pressure has also gone up, although I haven't taken it. I've had to cut way down on OPing. I used to OP daily, each morning for five months, but I had to stop for awhile, and now I'm only doing it twice a week. My heart rate actually went up to around 95, and it's usually in the 60-72 range. I'm also having heart palpitations. I keep researching for answers. I don't want to stop OPing as it does give me increased energy and is a mood enhancer, but I don't like having a rapid heart rate.
