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.
Congestion
Posted by Celleste (Penang, Malaysia) on 02/09/2009
★★★★★
I tried Oil Pulling for the very first time 30min. ago. Been reading about the great results it brings, so I was really curious. I tried it with 1 TSP. EV Olive Oil; when it first entered my mouth the taste was horrible. I almost spitted it back out but told myself to hold it. Then 5 min. later I really couldn't stand the taste anymore, so after gagging repeatedly, I spit it out. Was rather disappointed at myself for not keeping it in long enough. BUT...interestingly, the oil already turned white & frothy (I'm down with flu, so I guess I must be really toxic now). Then as I was brushing my teeth, I blew out a significant amount of mucus from the left side of my nose (which had been stuffy all night), & after I finished brushing, as I was checking my teeth (do this every morning by habit), I again blew out a significant amount of mucus from the right side of my nose. So now my nose is clear & I'm breathing so much better. As I was looking in the mirror, I happened to notice that my teeth are whiter already & my tongue has a prettier pinkish shade (it had been coated for the past week coz of my flu). I have to say I'm pleasantly shocked. I didn't expect any of this after just 5 min. of what I thought to be a 'failed' OP. One thing, though, the after-taste of Olive Oil is still there, & I don't find that pleasant at all. So I'll definitely continue OP to find some more surprises, but I'll try other oils. Finally, my heartfelt thanks to Earth Clinic for running a true site like this without any gimmick of promoting certain products & to all of you out there for sharing your experiences.
Abscessed Tooth
Posted by Melinda (Macungie, PA) on 10/21/2008
★★★★★
I learned about Oil Pulling from your website and I feel so thankful for this wonderful treatment. I had an abscess under a tooth in my mouth that would not go away. I had tried antibiotics twice and it just went away for a while and came back. The last time I had an abscess I needed to have the tooth pulled and an implant put in - lots of pain and money.
I started oil pulling - for the first 2 weeks twice a day and then once a day. The abscess looked better and better but did not go away. Daily i would clean out any accumulated pus, and eventually i only had to do that every 3 days or so. Then - one morning after 2 months of this - when I went to clean it out to my great surprise a small bubble came out - the outside was clear and inside was a bright grass green color. After that day, the abscess completely healed. It has been three months and everything is just fine. Thank you so much for the information that you post here. I used 1 tablespoon of Cold Pressed Sesame Oil and I added a few drops of Oregano Oil to it for oil pulling. I am still oil pulling, switching types of oil every few months.
Skin
Posted by Helen (Austin) on 05/23/2015
I have been doing oil pulling for a little under a week. I woke up with bilateral pink eye, a sore throat, and a face covered in acne:/
Insights and Theories
Posted by Jean (Milwaukee, Wi) on 03/20/2014
When people refer to coconut oil, I don't know if they mean the solid, white oil but that sounds yucky. I imagine it causing a gag reflex. Medium Chain Triglycerides oil (MCT) is the lighter, liquid version of coconut oil and would be easier to get whole tablespoon in your mouth. It's more expensive though but good to have on hand for diet. I just thought, you could warm up to liquefy the solid before taking and that may be what everyone does! Oh well, I prefer the lighter taste of MCT or sunflower oil and use less than a Tbs so that I can keep in my mouth for the entire 20 min.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Therese (New York) on 05/10/2018
I just OP'd for the first time. I used organic coconut oil because that's what I had on hand. When I spit out, mine was red, too. Can anyone shed light on this?
Also, my tongue and teeth (actually gums, I guess) were tingling, and I could feel the glands in my throat. Is this to be expected?
Lastly, it's just been discovered that my thyroid is enlarged. Does anyone have any idea if there could be a positive effect on the thyroid by OPing?
I'm *SO* glad I found this site!!
Weight Loss
Posted by Arlene (Findlay, Ohio) on 07/27/2007
★★★★★
I have been doing oil pulling since June 1st. I have used extra virgin olive oil but today bought some sunflower oil to try. I cleaned my mouth before and after oil pulling but read today that you do it after. Anyway, I have lost 12 pounds so metabolism has increased. My mouth feels healthier. I have more energy. I plan to do it for a very long time. Let me know about cleaning mouth before and after. Thanks
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tunesia (Louisville, KY) on 01/26/2007
★★★★★
I''ve been oil pulling now for 3 mths with olive oil with amazing results. I used to wake up with joint soreness every morning.That ended after the first day for me and I also noticed that I sleep great and can get right out of the bed and function in the morning. my teeth are whiter, and skin is clear. I never had a problem with arthritis in my hands but pulling brought it to the surface and got rid of it I ached for two weeks and it's gone and hasn't been back. I quickly advised my family to start and now 4 of them are with favorable results. It definately does get worse before getting better, but stick with it. My Aunt is in her worsening stages of her ailments but looking forward to getting better.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Renee (Bronx, New York) on 08/28/2011
★★★★★
I have read from many references that it is best to use cold pressed sesame oil or sunflower oil. Though we haven't tried sunflower oil (possibly due to most in my family are genetically not comfortable with the smell) we have also tried virgin coconut oil and they both do the job - without side effects. Hope this helps!
Insights and Theories
Posted by Sharon (Utah) on 07/01/2022
Thank you so much. I haven't done this in a long while but I have some symptoms that are disturbing and I believe it is good to use the aged Remedies that heal the body.
Oil Pulling Side Effects
Posted by Linda (Ireland ) on 07/03/2023
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been oil pulling and while my gums are benefiting I'm wondering about a red fungal looking rash I have on my stomach and my face is red, am I detoxing?
Dental Issues
Posted by Reno (Memphis, Tn) on 01/27/2017
★★★★★
Why do all that gross swishing of oil and spit for 20 minutes? Just swish a small sip of hydrogen peroxide for 2 minutes then spit it out and rinse your mouth. This is even better for oxygenation of the gums and promotes healing of minor abraisions of the mouth and will not burn your mouth. (if you have a beard don't let it get on your beard especially if it's tinted or it may turn white. If you do rinse the beard immediately).
Broad Benefits
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 01/23/2015
Hi Janine,
We are grateful that you have taken time to contribute your findings on the recent oil pulling. It is with joy that we hear it is working out. You will never bother us with any comment, good or bad, on your experience with a remedy or question about a problem. We all enjoy learning from each other at Earth Clinic! Thanks.
Side Effects
Posted by Holly (Atlanta, Ga) on 08/16/2014
I have been oil pulling with coconut oil for almost 5 days now. On the evening of the second day I started a dense headache that has increased slowly and has now turned into a full blown migraine by the 5th day!! All week I did not take any OTC pain pills but I had to take something for the agonizing migraine. My question is, is this normal? My detox is horrific! I hear and read all these stories of how great people feel, I feel I've been hit by a bus! I want to continue OP, I'm am seeing positive results with skin and teeth but this detox is killing me. Do you have any words of wisdom?
Dental Issues
Posted by Timh (KY) on 11/20/2014 2048 posts
I have found that walking around or even sitting upright in a vertical position is not ideal for Oil Pulling. Recline your body 45 degrees and the pull is much more effective.
Side Effects
Posted by Kennywally (Midwest) on 06/02/2016 46 posts
To Liz (Atlanta):
I tried all them oils, olive, sesame etc, but I settled on coconut oil due to taste and it performs quite well. I know originally it called for other oils, but I found them to be difficult to keep in mouth for very long. And to me, 15-20 minutes was ridiculous, but if anyone prefers that, by all means, continue til your heart is content. I vigorously pull for about 20 seconds then spit red, due to chronic gum issues, then I pull again and I spit pink, then I pull one more time and it's clear and I do it prior to bed, because bedtime, the overnight is when the bacteria multiplies the most, and not rinsing off the oil allows the natural antimicrobial quality of the coconut oil to do a bit of protecting while I sleep, Hope that adds to your info base.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Liz (Boston, Massachusetts) on 03/25/2014
It's supposed to be solid, so the answer to your question is yes. It will liquefy once it is in your 98.6 degree mouth. :) The entire jar will become liquid when the weather is warmer.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 09/20/2013
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Oil Pulling REALLY does cleanse as well as make your teeth whiter and improve your oral health. When I started with coconut oil, it did a number on my eczema skin, making it worse. So... I stopped! But going back to it after a couple of weeks also brought another kind of detox I did not go through the first time - i.e., headaches, backaches, blurry vision, but, better skin. Now, the heavy detox symptoms (3 days) are wearing down; skin is definitely looking better, and more importantly, if I oil pull for 15 minutes before bed, I sleep like a baby. Finally deep-sleeping through the night! Getting enough sleep by oil pulling has really improved my mood, my foggy brain, and my dark, under-eye circles -- they have all but disappeared. So, a big YES that oil pulling works where nothing else natural that I tried, did.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Marylynn (Goldman, Oregon) on 06/12/2013
★★★★★
I began OP 7 days ago and have 200 minutes to my credit. I don't mind the experience at all. The longest period was 25 minutes! I am a big tea drinker and my dentist cannor get the inside of my front teeth white, but OP has done wonders! White is working its way down from the top of each tooth! I wonder what my dentist will say?
I use Sesame Organic Oil and am happy with my choice. I rinse well with salt water about three times and then brush my entire mouth, not just my teeth. I do all my spitting in a zip lock bag.
I have been ill for four long months from a six and a half hour gallbladder surgery. The first day that I felt like myself was the day I began to OP. I had more energy and did chores I've not been able to do at all! I was not sitting the day away and it felt so good!
I OP in the morning after waking up and then about 9:15PM if I feel like it. I'm not binging at night on the nights that I do OP. I do have a snack and seem satisfied which is more than a small wonder!
So far so good with me! My jaw dropped when I found this site about OP! If my good health continues I will be doing this forever!
Castor Oil
Posted by Leah (Ohio) on 03/05/2014
100% cold-pressed Castor Oil is actually used internally as a stimulant laxative (can be purchased at drugstores). So it can be used internally. Also, with the oil pulling method, you are not supposed to swallow the oil, since it is extracting toxins. It must be spit out.
Castor Oil
Posted by Ta (St. Louis, Mo, Usa) on 02/11/2015
Castor oil is in many cosmetics and creams/ointments and has been used as a laxative for generations. I've never heard of any problems from consuming other than relieving constipation.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tbs (London) on 03/19/2013
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello all! I started oil pulling about 1 month ago after reading this site - thank you for such an information rich source to read about OP. On to my story with OP.
I am not one to shy away from a challenge so the 'healing crisis' haven't detered me, but I must say they have been intense!
Initially I started to work on my mouth, I have had braces and plates and noticed that my teeth were moving very quickly, I also had receeding gums which my dentist told me was from pressure of my bite. I immediately noticed an improvement in my oral health, teeth which felt loose tightened up and gums are growing back and teeth do look lighter. I don't need to wear my plate at night like I used to!
Secondly, I had cystic acne when I was younger and went onto roaccutane for it (evil medicine) which worked but I would still have the occasional breakout appear. The oil pulling went straight to this next and I found myself breaking out severely, I knew this was part of the healing crisis so continued, that cleared up.
Next I broke out in rashes which looked like ring worm or dermatitis which I have never had when younger but now came in full force. I have been persisting with it and now doubled up oil pulling to morning and night - I now do 20 minutes each time, and brush with aryuvedic toothpaste as well - which I recommend.
The latest and by far most severe is a red scalp irritation - so my skin is hyper sensitive at this time - even though I was using aryuvedic shampoo. This has all been about the past week or so.
I would love to hear from other people who have encountered this, how long your healing crisis go for, etc. I know and can FEEL that this is all healing and working its way out so I am not giving up. I can also attest for the notable difference in overall emotions and mindset, the regular removal of toxins you aren't even aware of lightens the mood ridiculously well!
Good luck.
Side Effects
Posted by Swishie (Green Fort Greene, Neverland, Second Star) on 06/28/2013
20 minutes may be too long as well. You're creating an emulsification that draws out then traps the bacteria in your mouth & encouraging saponification. You want the oil pulled to be white and frothy when you spit. If it falls and goes clear you're basically swishing toxic stuff all over your teeth. I do 15 minutes.
& Always brush beforehand! The sesame oil has been proven to retard plaque for up to 12 hours.
Sinus Infections
Posted by Mike (Logan, Al) on 10/04/2012
★★★★★
I read for several hours about OP and then drove 20 minutes to town to fetch "OILS"... I have a sinus infection and was very uncomfortable and needed some relief. Sunflower oil for 20 minutes and my nose opened up and the sinus pressure is gone. I intend to continue with OP to see if the claims of better stomach health are true. It was not easy at first... There is a gag reflex, and I must admit that my mouth feels really fresh and clean. The baking soda brushing felt great also... Drink plenty of water and I am sure your experience will be just as good. I am amazed!
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.
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.
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
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.
