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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Audrey (Larnaca, Cyprus) on 04/20/2009
★★★★★

Olive Oil Pulling Remedy improves my tooth and jaw discomfort within hours.

I discovered this site a few hours ago seeking a remedy for my white coated tongue. As today is a public holiday in Cyprus I could not rush out and get some coconut oil which is what I wanted to do after reading the recommendations. So I opened the cupboard and took a shot of olive oil instead. (No mediterranean kitchen is ever without olive oil!). I managed to swish for about 12 minutes before I felt as if I was going to choke. I spat it out and rinsed thoroughly.

That was about 3 hours ago. I am so excited that I had to come back to the site to share my results. The sensitive tooth and jaw pain I have had for months, has almost completely disappeared. I coughed up a lot of phlegm and now feel so much clearer in my ears and throat.

I am stunned! I thought I was familiar with most of the well-known natural remedies but this is a new (and extremely effective) one on me. Thanks so much Earth Clinic and all it's users. I'm converted!


Skin
Posted by Michele (Wolcott, Connecticut) on 04/03/2009
★★★★★

I oil pull with Cod Liver Oil. It is a popular brand that has lemon and mint added. I can't taste the fish at all. I love oil pulling with the cod liver oil. My mouth is clean and healthy. And it is great for my skin. I don't injest any cod liver oil. I do take Omega 3 fish oil caps though. I feel that plenty of the vitamin A gets into my blood stream with the oil pulling. I also oil pull with Avacado oil, and extra virgin coconut oil. The avacado oil is great for your hair. Makes it healthy and shiny. And they are all good for your skin.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Francesca (Merseyside, UK) on 03/03/2009
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

hi everyone came about your site by accident. Began op about 5 days ago. I used ordinary extra virgin olive oil pulled for 20mins in the morning yet oil still remained yellow when i spat out yet the next morning when i woke up the first thing i noticed was i felt energised, a totally different person who is normally lethargic upon waking. I had a lot more mental clarity . On the second day my cracked heels which were sore every time i walked were healed and soft. My hair which was dry felt softer and my skin feels softer too. I have stopped coughing as well. I have suffered from bad chest infections since i was a child yet op has stopped the wheeze and the cough dead in its tracks. Every morning - wake now i feel i am being propelled in the right way towards super health thankyou so much for this site i will report back with more news


Broad Benefits
Posted by Anne (Los Angeles, CA) on 02/24/2009
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I've been pulling about two months, using various oils but most frequently coconut and sesame. The main benefit I've noticed is that my teeth feel wonderful! The first time I pulled I noticed my teeth felt as if they had been individually polished! It was delightful! The first few days of OPing I kept running my tongue over my teeth just to enjoy the sensation!

Now I'm accustomed to the polished feeling but it's still great!

The first two weeks of OPing I tried several different oils and noticed each had different effects on me. Unfortunately, they don't have those effects any more but I'll list them here in case anyone else has the same reaction.

Sesame seed (cold-pressed): this oil made my teeth the "happiest" and smoothest.

Coconut oil (extra virgin, cold-pressed): I felt resonance with this oil. It was as if my personal vibration and the vibration of the oil were the same. Using that oil just felt correct for me. I know that sounds ridiculous but there it is, I cannot explain it better than that. Also, the coconut oil did not make my teeth as polished-feeling as the sesame.

Flax seed (cold-pressed): I loved this one. After pulling I felt very, very calm and peaceful. It was like taking a dose of Zen.

Olive oil (EVO): this gave me a mood boost. After pulling I felt joyous and buoyant.

For the last two weeks I've been exclusively using coconut oil. I'm going to switch next week and see if the olive oil still gives me an emotional boost.

Good luck to you oil pullers!


Dental Issues
Posted by Louise (Windsor, Ontario, Canada) on 01/15/2009
★★★★★

hello, i staretd oil pulling 3 days ago,all i can say is WOW, my teeth are whiter already and the black streaks on them disipated, by the way i still drink coffe,presently i use Siberian cedar nut oil (cold pressed)and only use a sip of it for pulling and 1Tsp, internally for tonifyng the organs. amazing !!!


Chronic Sinusitis
Posted by Melisa (Grove City, Ohio) on 12/11/2008
★★★★★

I have used oil-pulling for only 1 day now (1 TBS Olive oil) in hopes of helping my chronic sinusitus....(i am willing to try anything at this point). First i cleaned out my nasal passage's (using 1/2 tsp baking soda to 8oz filtered water) which i have been doing for about 3 week's, when i combined the oil pulling with the nasal cleaning i had so much mucus that i nearly choked on it......AMAZING!!!!! I would never have believed it had i not tried it for myself.

Also i have had some chronic upper back pain which i believe has been due to a severe bout of pluracy a few years back....I had it in my back and chest but it never really went away completely. I have seen doctor's and evern went to the emergency room. Still I have found no relief until the following morning of my first oil-pulling. The pain seems to have moved into my shoulders.....could this be the inflammation working it's way out?

Thanks,
Melisa


Broad Benefits
Posted by Debi (Riverside, CA) on 11/18/2008
★★★★★

I have been having gum problems, sinus problems, and enamel disappearing from my teeth. I occasionally look at EarthClinic,have some organic coconut oil, so since I was up early I decided to try it. I did it for a little over 10 minutes and had to spit, my mouth was full! As soon as I spit it out I had so much very thick mucus also that I was throwing up a little. I can't believe how thick the mucus was! After about 5 minutes I got the baking soda and brushed and rinsed and my morning headache is gone and I can breath clearly. I will do this every day and will report back later.


Insights and Theories
Posted by Ann (Upstate NY) on 04/20/2022

Some people are allergic to coconut, so I wonder if the tingling isn't an allergic reaction.

Have you been diagnosed with periodontal disease? I wonder if your gums aren't bleeding...


Broad Benefits
Posted by Marci (Tucson, Arizona) on 02/25/2008
★★★★★

OP First Time--Surprising Results. While doing a little research on activated charcoal, happened upon your OP info today 2-25-08. Thought I was getting the flu today due to appetite loss and diarrhea. Took 2 charcoal capsules which cured the latter, then found your articles and tried with 1 tbsp. olive oil. Since I had slight gag reflex initially, I calmed myself and was careful about rinsing my mouth after spitting out (tea tree oil w/mouthwash then brushing). My headache and stomachache are gone and my mouth has never felt so clean. My mood is definitely lighter and could it be that my teeth look brighter?? Speaking of which, would you please clarify the effect on tooth enamel? My teeth are rather porous, stain easily and the dentist says the enamel is eroding. Many thanks for all your hard work and inspiration. /M


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.


Whitens Teeth
Posted by Barbara (El Paso, Texas) on 01/19/2008
★★★★★

All I can say is Wow! Oil Pulling really works. My dentist wanted to whiten my teeth,to the tune of $600.00, I refused and told him I had just started oil pulling (he didn't know what it was) and it is suppose to whiten teeth so I would wait to see the results. My husband and I were both amazed. After only 3 days my teeth had whitened at least 4 shades, and my tongue was pink and healthy, the coating disappeared! Along with the ACV treatment for my rheu. arthritis and the oil pull, I feel better and have more energy than I've had in years. When I went to the store to buy the oil I bought Sesame oil (could only find the toasted)and Organic Virgin Olive Oil. When I tried to open the sesame oil it flew out of my hands and broke all over my kitchen floor. So, I used the olive oil and have had all these wonderful results from using it. I am a "new person" thanks to this wonderful site!! Thank you!


Sinus Infections
Posted by Antoinette (Raleigh, NC) on 01/05/2008
★★★★★

WOW! I was just reading about the oil pulling. I have severe sinus problems, as well as a host of other ailments, which I will relate at another time. I woke up this morning severely congested, with thick green mucuous. I searched the computer under sinus treatments and found this website. I decided to try it although I was scared. I didnt have sesame or sunflower oil, I only had extra virgin olive oil, so I tried it. I just tried right now for the first time. Within 2 minutes....yes!! 2 minutes! my nose opened up, and I could breathe!!! I started feeling more alert in my mind, and I was so shocked. I just spit out the solution a few minutes ago...... and I brushed my teeth, and Im going to drink the 2 to 3 glasses of water. I will post again soon. I will do it again tonight. Thanks!!!


General Feedback
Posted by Melissa (San Diego, CA) on 10/02/2007
★★★★★

In response to Rebecca from Bronx NY: I also wondered about oil pulling. I did it for two months with no evidence of it helping with anything. I was hoping it would alleviate pain from exposed nerves due to receding gums as well as with acne and general detox. I stopped the oil pulling for a couple of months but was desperate for some sinus relief with a cold one afternoon. I pulled two afternoons in a row and had really great results. Help with sinuses, no tooth pain, and major colon cleanse! I figured out what I must have been doing wrong for two months when I saw no results. I was pulling in the mornings while getting ready for work and getting my daughter ready for school so it didn't really have my full attention. Sometimes I would be distracted and would stop swishing or swallow a little (not the actual oil, but just whatever mucus or saliva was rising up in the back of my throat). When I pulled in the afternoons, it was a time I could just focus on the pulling. I don't pull very often now since it is rare for me to have an empty stomach anytime besides morning (I'm a grazer) and I'm not willing to get up at 4:30am to have enough time to focus on pulling before I start my day. Hope this helps.


Skin
Posted by Candy (Riverdale, NY) on 09/06/2007
★★★★★

I started oil pulling with unrefined sesame oil 2 months ago, the inital results were great. My skin glowed exceptionally well. Then I read Ted's opinion on which oils work best, one of them being refined sunflower oil. I switched to sunflower oil and the results were unfavorable, my skin did not glow at all, as a matter of fact it looked quite dull. I stopped used sunflower oil and switched back to unrefined sesame oil. And my skin is glowing once more. I have been acne free since oil pulling and I've been sleeping soundingly too. I have recommended oil pulling to my sister who's had a loose tooth and the oil pulling has since reinforced her loose molar.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Jackie (Grand Rapids, Minnesota) on 07/03/2007
★★★★★

hi, i am a newby here, just found out about oil pulling yesterday. Based on all the positive reviews, i just had to try it. I used ordinary budget brand olive oil i had on hand. I was able to do it for 20 minutes without any problem. last night and this morning. This morning, i had hardly any undereye puffiness. usually i have quite a lot and my eyes look sore and tired and sad looking and tear up quite a bit. today my eyes were bright and as the day has gone by i think i can see better.Also noticed was a heightened sense of well being. It's not imagination, i look younger feel and look bright and alert. This is something i plan on continuing forever. Almost forgot, my teeth look whiter, already. I purchased Hain sunflower oil today, organic apple cider vinegar and local raw honey for under 20 bucks.Took some ACV this afternoon. went for a long walk after supper, usually my fingers swell, none tonight and the pain in my hands is reduced.( i don't know why my fingers swell when i walk in the woods, but it's happened since i was in my 20's, now 60.) I can't thank you enough. Sincerely Jackie


Broad Benefits
Posted by T. (USA) on 09/18/2006
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Oil Pulling

I have used this for years and have given it to many people. I used it for arthritis which has never returned as I used this method regularly. I have seen it cure snoring and many sinus issues. I have a friend who worked in a copper smelter and has emphesema and he swears by it. When I am exposed to pesticides and toxins or am experiencing die off from clenses I use this treatment. I am worried however that there is no information listed in your swish about toxins in the mouth after and the need to brush and gargle as well as snorting with baking soda and salt in warm water after so I am including the email I received years ago with the instructions I have as I would hate anyone to get sick or CA of the mouth due to not cleaning out the toxins right after swishing.

Oil swish for getting rid of toxins When I first learned of this, I did it several times a day. Now, I just do it when I feel something coming on, nip it in the bud that way. I probably should do it every day. I got this back in 1992 in a handout a friend of mine brought back from Germany. She got it from a Yoga teacher there. I copied it. All I can do is give you the information I have. It says it was taken from an article that was published in a German magazine, Fortschritt fur alle (Progress for All). I have never researched it out any further than what I am giving to you, because I personally followed the instructions that follow and I KNOW that it WORKS for me. So, I don't feel the need to get validity from outside sources. You have to decide for yourself. By the way, the testimonies are not mine; they were on the handout too. If I were to write one, it would be very similar to testimony # five. Folk Remedy Oil Therapy According to Dr. Karach F. Karach, M.D., presented a paper before the All-Ukrainian Association. The meeting was attended by oncologists and bacteriologists belonging to that Academy of Science of the USSR. Dr. Karach explained an unusual simple healing process using cold- pressed oils. The results of this therapy invoked astonishment and doubt concerning the contents of his report. However, after further examining the workings of the oil therapy, one has but to then test it on oneself to prove its validity and effectiveness. It is most astonishing that such results can be affected with this absolutely harmless biological healing method. This simple method makes it possible to effectively treat the most varied diseases, in some cases enabling one to avoid surgical intervention and the taking of medications that can have harmful side effects. The exciting factor of this healing method is its simplicity. It consists of swishing cold-pressed vegetable oil in the mouth. The healing process is accomplished by the human organism on its own. In this way it is possible to heal cells, tissue and all organs simultaneously; the body rids itself of toxic waste without disturbing the healthy microflora. Dr. Karach says human beings are living only half their life span. They could potentially live to be 140 to 150 years old. He claims that the following illnesses can be effectively healed with the application of oil therapy: headaches, bronchitis, lung and liver conditions, toothache, thrombosis, blood diseases, arthrosis, paralysis, eczema, gastric ulcers, intestinal disorders, heart and kidney ailments, encephalitis, nervous conditions and female disorders. The oil therapy is preventative as well as curative. Dr. Karach says: "With the oil therapy, I healed my chronic blood disease of fifteen years. With the use of this therapy, I was healed within three days of an acute arthrosis that had forced me to lie in bed."

If you can get it, the best oil to use is Hain Sunflower Oil or Spectrum Natural Peanut Oil. In the morning before breakfast on an empty stomach you take one tablespoon in the mouth but do not swallow it. The oil is slowly swished in the mouth and drawn through the teeth for fifteen to twenty minutes. It is thoroughly chewed and mixed with saliva as it is done in the Mayr cure. Chewing activates the enzymes and the enzymes draw toxins out of the blood. thus, the oil must not be swallowed, for it has become toxic. As the chewing process continues, the oil gets thinner and white. It is then spit from the mouth into the toilet bowl. If the oil is still yellow, it has not been masticated thoroughly or long enough. After the oil has been removed from the mouth, the oral cavity must be thoroughly rinsed several times. It is preferable to use a cup of pure warm water to which has been added one-half teaspoon of salt and on-half teaspoon of baking soda. The teeth, gums and tongue must be brushed carefully. It is recommended that salt and soda be applied directly to the brush. After rinsing, gargle with the warm salt-soda water. You can add cooler water to what remains in the cup, thereby diluting its strength. Then tip the cup under the nose and gently sniff up the water to clean the nasal passages. Gently blow the nos. The sink must be cleaned because the spittle contains harmful bacteria and toxic bodily waste. If one were to see one drop of this liquid magnified 600 times under a microscope, one would see microbes in their first stage of development. It is important to understand that during the oil-swishing process one's metabolism is intensified. This leads to improved health. One of the most striking results of this process is the fastening of loose teeth, the elimination of bleeding gums and the visible whitening of the teeth. The oil swishing is done best before breakfast.

To accelerate the healing process, it can be repeated three times a day, but always before meals on an empty stomach. The therapy is not harmful if it is repeated several times a day. Repetition hastens the healing process and renders it more effective. How long? This therapy should be repeated until one has returned to his original vitality and his sleep has been returned to a peaceful state. One who practices this therapy faithfully will awaken refreshed in the morning with no bags under the eyes. Normal appetite and improved memory are additional benefits.

Healing symptoms: Patients who suffer from chronic conditions may appear to get worse in the beginning. Dr. Karach emphasizes that a worsening of your condition may be a sign that the disease is in the healing process. It may even happen that your temperature increases. A word of caution: Whereas the oil therapy can be very helpful to people, it is not a substitute for ongoing care by a qualified health practitioner. Any serious symptoms that develop during the course of this treatment should be reported to your doctor to determine whether they are due to the healing process or to a worsening of your condition, which may require immediate medical treatment.

How often? Questions as to the repetition and duration of therapy can only be answered on an individual basis. Acute conditions oftentimes improve quickly, within two to three days. Chronic conditions usually need longer therapy, sometimes up to a year. Never give up!!!

Testimony 1

For fifteen months I had been having pain in my liver. It seemed to become more intense and frequent as the weeks went on. I had tried all the different remedies I knew - special teas, vitamins. Swedish Bitters, ginger compresses, and so on--but the pain did not go away. After I prayed to Mother Mary for help regarding this problem, a friend handed me a piece of paper describing an oil therapy from Dr. F. Karach. I decided to try it since nothing else had worked for me thus far. Each morning before breakfast, I took one tablespoon of sunflower oil and slowly swished it in my mouth for fifteen to twenty minutes. I repeated the procedure each night before going to bed. After spitting out the oil, I found it helpful to use my Water Pik to thoroughly cleanse the tongue and gums. Three days after I had started the treatment, the pain disappeared completely! One week when I was extremely busy, I could only do the treatment in the morning and not at night. During that time, I noticed the recurrence of a slight pain in my liver, which disappeared again when I resumed the practice twice a day. I have now been using the treatment regularly for 1 1/2 to 2 months. I am very grateful to Mother Mary for making me aware of this therapy and hope that it will be helpful to all of you in treating whatever health problems you might have.

Testimony 2

I had been on chemotherapy for a whole year, which had left me weak and tired and very depleted. In October 1991, I started the oil treatment and noticed an immediate improvement in how I felt. My energy began to return and I was able to go back to work full-time plus overtime. I do not have a strong immune system and I feel this treatment is helping me in that area, even though I usually only have time to use the treatment once a day. Everyone around me has been coming down with the flu, but I have not had it. My housemate has tried the treatment, too. Every time she feels a sore throat coming on, she swishes the cold-pressed oil in her mouth and the sore throat disappears!

Testimony 3

I want to tell you about my exciting experience in using Dr. Karach's oil therapy. About forty-five years ago, I tested oil products in a laboratory for the Esso Standard Oil Company. Recently, I had a doctor test me for any residue that might be remaining in my body from this type of work. Since the tests indicated that I had a considerable amount of the residue in my body, he recommended that I take a supplement to remove it. I ordered the supplement but, interestingly, the order was lost. In the meantime, I learned of the oil therapy. So, I tried it for about a week (one to two times a day). Before reordering my supplement, I thought I should have my doctor test me again. Miraculously, he said, "There's not a trace of the residue left in you. It's all gone!" To say the least, I was thrilled! I have continued to use the oil therapy for its many other benefits, and as a preventative as well as a curative. I have noticed that I have not had any colds or coughs, unlike so many others around me.

Testimony 4

I started the oil therapy one night when my teeth and upper and lower jaws were extremely sore--so much so that I feared my teeth were shifting and that I might have to have an extraction. I actually thought I might have to go to an oral surgeon. I followed the instructions and repeated the therapy the next morning and next night. When I awoke the following day, me teeth and jaws were very comfortable and the soreness never returned.

Testimony 5

The idea of a simple, inexpensive, effective health therapy has always captured my interest. When I learned of the oil therapy, I started swishing immediately, experimenting with different oils. I had been to the dentist for a checkup after five years. Although I didn't have any cavities, I had serious deterioration in my gums. I had tried the usual remedies of baking soda and sea salt. My gums would improve somewhat but the condition would never clear up completely. For years I have also had postnasal drip and a film on my teeth in the morning as well as a heavy feeling in my mouth. Severe colds, flu and bronchitis have been a yearly experience. In general, I have had a difficult health history but have been on a good diet and work constantly on my health. I don't do things half way, so I enthusiastically started the oil- swishing therapy three times a day. In the evening, I would often swish for twenty minutes and follow up with an additional twenty minutes while reading or exercising. To my great joy, I immediately began to experience a clean feeling in my mouth each morning. My teeth felt like velvet and have become whiter. The gum condition cleared up in seven days! During the swishing, I experience mush drainage from my sinuses. I have slept more soundly than I have in years. j I have noticed little troubles clear up and my energy has been good. It takes concentration to keep the oil moving in the mouth, but this is necessary because the action of chewing and swishing activates the microorganisms out of the bloodstream into the saliva. The scarping of the tongue with a spoon is something I have practiced for years. I feel it is an important part of the cleansing of the mouth from bacteria. I am delighted with the therapy and looking forward to further changes in my body.

Testimony 6

I learned about the oil therapy from a friend. It made sense and seemed simple and inexpensive, so I immediately decided to give it a try. I have been doing this therapy twice a day for about two months now. I feel it is one of the main reasons I have escaped getting the flu while so many others around me have been sick, including my husband. I think it is also quite effective in clearing toxins and purifying the blood. I have observed that a blood condition that had been making me very tired and keeping me awake at night has improved a great deal. I certainly intend to continue doing the oil therapy on a long term basis. I have little to lose and, I think, lots to gain! Testimony 7 I must admit that I was a bit skeptical upon hearing about the oil swishing treatment. But it sounded so simple, and the possibility of improving my health stimulated my desire to try it for a while. After using this treatment for the last two months, I can truly say that I feel stronger and less vulnerable to the latest illness going around the neighborhood. I have also noticed that my digestion has improved. I can eat less and yet not feel famished before my next meal. It's a great little remedy.


Broad Benefits
Posted by David (Phoenix, AZ) on 09/13/2006
★★★★★

Oil pulling cured Brain Fog, Produced Whiter Teeth, Face used to be wrinkled around eyes but now amazingly smooth. I use expeller pressed organic virgin olive oil. I do a series of 3 flushes in the morning lasting seven minutes each and repeat the process just before bedtime. I have read reports that the mouth starts to re-absorb the very toxic used oil when prolonging (the oil pull) with the first tbs of oil for 15-20 minutes. Take the extra effort and expense and at least renew oil at the halfway point. I'm hooked for life. Combine this with an epsom/ olive oil liver flush for even better results. I removed over 2,500 bilium stones. (Confirmed by a lab)


Dental Issues
Posted by Kai (Seattle, Wa) on 12/23/2010
★★★★★

Best thing ive found for bad breath is h202 (hydrogen peroxide) even the basic 3 dollar bottle from the drugstore will work. Its pretty amazing, I smoke and the ONLY thing that takes the taste and smell out of my mouth is hydrogen peroxide (confirmed by my girlfriend haha) I can even taste the smoke when I spit out the peroxide, it bubbles it all out, hold it in your mouth closed until there is pressure building up from the bubbling, maybe 5 minutes.

If the oil pulling is giving you the bad breath (though that doesn't make much sense, there's nothing in oil that smells bad but may be causing a reaction) I would do this for awhile and see if the bad breath continues, then stop the OP and see if it goes away. One more thought, you may have tonsil stones or some other abcess in your mouth thats collecting bacteria. I had a bad case of strep awhile back that permanently messed up one of my tonsils, there are big spaces in it now and bacteria collect and form "tonsil rocks" its really gross but very treatable and very common. Just a thought, good luck!



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