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 Iris (Los Angeles, Ca, U.s.) on 08/20/2010
★★★★★
I have been using coconut for oil pullin for 2 days. Today is 8/20/2010.
I was looking for a way to avoid root canals. I had pain in my teeth on both sides of my mouth and just did not want any more root canals. I read in a book written by a dentist that root canals allow bacteria to set up as soon as 24 hours after they are done. And that the bacteria can spread to other parts of your body and cause pain and disease that the medical doctor won't make the connection that the problem is stemming from a root canal whether it was done years ago or just recently. I am happy I found this site. My goodness how can swossing oil around your mouth have such power and allow you to reap such benefits? Here are some of mine:
The first night I found out about oil pulling I just used a cotton swab to massage my gums and teeth with olive oil. The next morning my gums were so sore. I wonder if the oil stirred up the bacteria in my gums. I started oil pulling that morning with coconut oil as I read it killed bacteria. Over a period of some time, my teeth had become yellow, I do not know why as they used to be white, white, white. I oil pulled for 20 minutes. Immediatly I saw that my teeth lightened up tremendously. I was elated. I had used tooth bleach but the procedure would have to be repeated). Mucous began to released as I was doing the oil pulling and continued afterward for probably over an hour (I didn't time it). My teeth are so smooth now (and whiter), only after 2 days of this. When I drink water now, I feel so hydrated and the water taste good just hitting my mouth. This is something I had never even thought of. I didn't know what I was missing until now. The pain in my teeth has lessened. I can still feel a little bit. But it is leaving.
I had pain, first in my right hip, then got tremendous pain in my left hip. Now both areas are almost pain free. Also, I had pain in my neck and shoulders, it is gone. I am feeling twinges of pain I believe in my lung area. I used to wake up practically craving junk food and would have to force myself to eat the healthy organic foods that I always buy. The cravings seem to be gone for the time being. Now I feel stable and want the healthy organic vegetables with no problem. I woke up this morning with a lot of energy and couldn't wait to get out for my morning job. I had gotten to the place where I felt exercise was something I "had to do". Now I am back to the pleasure of taking care of my body. And not only that, my joy of doing things and new ideas are returning. The feeling I have now is: What can I do today. I love this. The relief of these symptoms tells me that bacteria can cast a dreary veil over your life. I am thankful for the founders of this site. Oh, one other thing. My doctor said, I have high sugar but not high enough to be on medication. Sugar is an environment where bacteria can flourish. I believe the cocunut oil pulling has killed a lot of bacteria in internal environment.
Dental Issues
Posted by Bart (Brooklyn, Ny) on 08/19/2010
★★★★★
I've had a really bad tooth infection for the past couple days, so after scouring the internet for solutions, I found oil pulling. I'm a bit skeptical, but my good friend is currently on the regime, which seemed harmless to her. The only thing I had on the pantry was Extra Virgin Olive Oil.... Swished around 2 tablespoons worth for approximately 15 minutes, and the pain was leaving me! It kind of blew my mind. The next morning, the swelling in my gum went down slightly. It was pretty much gone the day after. I haven't noticed anything else with using it. The infected tooth is chipped in half from an accident awhile ago, and I've been waiting for a root canal. Luckily this will hold me over for another week.
Eczema
Posted by Jane (Cork, Ireland) on 07/23/2009
★★★★★
I read all the feedback and at my wits end decided to try Oil Pulling
I have suffered from excema for 10 years - quite bad to look at. Have Not itchy but goes quite red after spicy food/vinegar.
Tried Olive Oil first and found that I broke out in loads of spots. I have great skin on my face and the excema is only on my body. I never get spots on my face and the first day after oil pulling i broke out. I take a very tiny amount in my mouth and need to pull for about half an hour before it turns white. One of the things i have noticed since i have been doing it for a while, its quite easy to just leave it sit in your mouth. I think you have to swirl it round continously. I do it for 20 mins and get some results but a good half hour for me and i see such a reduction in my excema. Its not completely clear but when i think of the amount of money on steroids! Oil pulling is by far the most effective. I have done it over the 4 month, one month without and the oil pulling is definelty helping.
I also tried coconut oil and that excaberated my excema - flared up immediately.
Tried evening primrose oil - made my excema worse.
Have tried avocado oil as well but think olive oil is better. Hadn't done the oil pulling for a week and had drank soda drinks over the week end - pulled for 5 minutes and the oil had turned white.
So think oil pulling is improving my excema
Have bought some apple cider vinegar but don't know if i should drink it with the baking soda.
Have also tried the baking soda paste on excema and it worked a bit but burned and hurt a lot
Detoxification
Posted by Sydy (Staten Island, New York) on 07/14/2009
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been doing the OP for a week today now with cold pressed olive oil --I noticed from day one so much flem coming from my throat as the days went on I now have lots of flem -a migraine which I always get and want to get rid of due to hormonal changes and a nausous stomach-- my tongue is coated with thick white stuff and my v----- smells exactly the same as my underarms like a metal weird smell--I know I am detoxing right now through my pores and all areas of my body= also my glands in my throat are swollen and my neck seems stiff--I have detoxed other ways before and have delt with the same symptoms--wow I say this is so cool --with me symptoms I have seem to get worse as the healing process takes action---people who do it for a couple of weeks and give up should just change oil and keep going--natural health take a longer time for healing to happen but when it does happen it is permanant unless you go back to the lifestyle that cause you feel crappy to begin with..good luck to all who cherish their bodies enough to heal----sydy
Bronchitis
Posted by myra (westfield, new jersey) on 06/25/2009
★★★★★
I started oil pulling with flaxseed oil yesterday as that was the most organic, freshest oil I had in the house. I used 1 T and did it twice yesterday. I really wasn't expecting any immediate results, but amazingly the bronchitis I have had for over 3 weeks (after a bout of flu) is starting to break up. I am experiencing looser phlegm and less wheezing and the heavy feeling in my chest is gone. I cannot wait to see what further results will bring. Today will probably switch to safflower or coconut as they have had such great reviews here.
Dental Issues
Posted by Andy (Burnley, Lancashire, England) on 06/24/2009
★★★★★
Yesterday, I was in excrutiating pain from a tooth I broke and had filled about a month ago. Could'nt get an appointment for a week at the dentist. I looked online for anything that could possibly help with the pain (strong painkilers did not even touch it).
I tried raw garlic, garlic mouthwash, cold water with salt (hit the roof with pain) warm water with salt (hit the roof again) nothing worked. I had read about oil pulling but discounted it as I needed an instant fix. At 3.00 am (3 hours before going to work) after 16 hours of constant pain,In desperation I decided to give OP a try with extra virgin olive oil. Five minutes after swilling and cleaning my teeth I was asleep.
I woke up with no pain at all. Another thing I noticed during the day was when I had a drink of water from the cooler, although I did feel a slight throbbing after, there was no sensitivity to the cold water at all. (I have always had sensitive teeth even before the toothache)
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. CONVERTED. I am going to carry on with OP and see what long term benefits I get.
Also I have not had a cigarette today yet and its nearly bedtime ! not even thought about it until now.
Gum Disease
Posted by Ari (Roswell, GA) on 04/23/2009
★★★★★
I'm so so excited. I posted a few months ago and want to provide an update. I had a sever case of gum disease. NO MORE! I started oil pulling a few months ago, daily. I use Sunflower oil and Coconut oil.
I went to the dentist today and I was told my pockets are normal, except for a few and my gums look great! He told me I didn't need deep scaling and a simple cleaning was all I needed! I'm over joyed.
I also use coconut oil in my hair, it looks great. I use it all over my body and I simply feel terrific. I have told tons of people about this site and will continue to do so.
Lots of Love, Ari
Insomnia
Posted by Vince (Enid, Oklahoma) on 04/12/2009
★★★★★
I have tried caster oil while oil pulling. It makes me very sleepy. After I pull.
Insomnia
Posted by Nightfire The Mad Alchemist (Danville, Illinois, United States) on 03/11/2012
★★★★★
Hi pibbles I use VCO in the mornings for OPing and in the evening before bed I use Castor Oil and like Vince it makes me sleepy.... other benefits I noticed is that it usually helps my teeth if they have been aching and it's so darn thick that when I'm finished my jaw is usually to tired to 'grind' in my sleep which I have had a problem with on and off at nights, that leaves my jaw sore, and with a bad headache but with CO haha, no more.
Sinus Infections
Posted by Liz (Fairfield, CT) on 03/04/2009
★★★★★
It's day two of my oil pulling. The first shot, I felt my sinuses start to drain down my throat while doing it! This after a 10 day round of antibiotics that did not work!I was just AMAZED! As a bonus: my teeth felt like glass...as if I had just had a professional cleaning! I'm waiting for the fountain of youth thing to kick in. It was also not as unpleasant as I had imagined. I did it on my commute, then spit in the parking lot! That will give 'em something to speculate about at the water cooler! Tee-Hee!
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!!
Addiction, Smoking
Posted by Tina Fina (San Juan, Puerto Rico) on 02/06/2008
★★★★★
Hola! My name is Tina. I've been a fashion model for years, a smoking fashion model, that has quit drinking alcohol but hasn't dropped the cigs. I did the oil pulling for the first time with E.Virgin Olive Oil and whoever came up with this technique is a genius! I did it for 20 minutes no problem (tasted the nicotine and the toxins emerging) It is imposible to take one drag off a cig all day. I keep tasting the nicotine coming out! I think i've found the ultimate solution! Can't wait to share it with my family and friends ! Thank you ARYUVEDA and DEIRDRE! GREAT SITE *MY FAVORITE! T.
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).
