"Ayurveda advises oil gargling "to purify the taste-buds and the entire system", as explained by Dr Deepak Chopra in Perfect Health. According to this life science, the tongue is mapped by organ-locations -- that is, each section of the tongue is connected to the kidneys, lungs, spleen, liver, heart, pancreas, small intestines, stomach, colon, and spine.

Thus, an oil-mouth-massage soothes and stimulates the key meridians where taste meets organ. Simultaneously, as in any skin-massage, the inner skin and lining of the mouth, palate and tongue become warm and supple and the lubrication prevents dryness (the vatic effect).

In modern dietetics too, dryness is discussed. For example, lack of Vitamin A (retinal) causes the outer lining of the eyeball to dry and wrinkle, and affects vision.

And as any dietician would tell you, all oils contain 960 micrograms of vitamin A per 10 gm (the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A per adult is 600 micrograms). So, it's possible that oil gargling helps in reaching the required retinal to the eyeballs and keeps them elastic and smooth.

Likewise, the Ayurvedic 'purification of taste-buds' also has its equivalent in dietetics as 'antioxidants'. Oxidation literally means `the putrefaction of body-tissues'.

And oil-soluble vitamins, A, C, D, and E are antioxidants that protect and prevent the decaying process and help maintain the integral functioning of cell membranes. That's why, many people are ingesting vitamin E pills to stem 'aging' (oxidation)."

[YEA]  03/01/2012: Southernarc from Durham, Nc, USA replies: "I've only been oil pulling for three days, using sunflower oil for 20 minutes, but I've already noticed a marked improvement in my taste buds.

I've been eating oats for months and have regarded them as fairly tasteless. But on Day 2 they tasted better, and now on Day 3 this breakfast tasted delicious to me! All of my foods have tasted better, and the thing is, I'm eating them and realize how good they taste, THEN I remember/think "I wonder if this is from the OP?" I'm sure that oil pulling is making a big impact.

I smoke pipe tobacco every night. I know I shouldn't but I enjoy the flavor too much to give it up. My smokes have tasted better as well. And in the morning, after waking with "smokers mouth", the OP gets rid of it. And from what I've experienced, the OP is more effective for restoring the taste buds than just laying off the tobacco for a week (which I've done but my buds were not restored as good as one morning with OP).

Big thumbs up for oil pulling for restoring taste buds!"

[YEA]  09/12/2006: Eric from Ontario Canada: "That's it! I am totally hooked on ice cold showers! I have often thought about doing it over the years but always put it off. Now I'm thinking , why did I wait so long? Bottom line...total rush, energy that lasts all day, sense of well being, physical and mental stimulation, heightened awareness, heightened senses such as smell, hearing and taste, positive outlook, strong immune system ( no more colds or allergies), great stress reducer.. .it keeps me an all round happy, healthy and fun loving guy. I would recommend it to anybody. After my morning cold shower I am totally invigorated and I actually want to jump in again during mid day for an added boost."

03/18/2013: Zb from Perry, Georgia: "Hi, this is my first time at this site. I came across this site while googling my condition and am wondering if anyone can help resolve my problem.

I am a 48 year old Indian male, in good health with no major illnesses at all. I do suffer from a little hyperacidity but I cannot let go of spicy Indian food. I do take about 10 mg of Pepcid ( famotidine) for my hyperacidity as and when required. Since last 10-12 days, I have lost the taste of salt in my food. The taste of spice is also reduced. The food is still being cooked the same way it has been for the last 20 years yet I can taste the salt only if I sprinkle a lot more extra salt on the food. Strangely, this happens only with salty taste (and a little bit of spicy taste)and not with sweet or sour or bitter tasting foods. It constantly seems that my tongue is recovering from the effects of eating or drinking something real hot (burning). I used to gargle with mouthwash every night before sleep, but I have stopped doing that since last 5 days to eliminate the possiblility of this taste disturbance caused by the mouthwash.

How can I regain the taste of food? Please help."

05/20/2013: Clio51 from Manchester, Uk: "Hi. Since the last 3 months I have had a metal/zine? taste in my mouth. I take venlafaxine for depression/anxiety which I have been on 6 months now. I read brushing your tongue with salt and baking soda may get rid of it, I did this and the next morning my mouth was very very dry as and tasted massively of SALT. I never did this again. The following morning the roof of my mouth felt sore sensation and also my tongue. I have had the sore tongue/roof mouth now for 2 months, also the taste is still there.

I have been to dentist to see if it's my amalgam fillings but he says they're fine. My go thinks it my be my medication, my psychiatrist says it's my anxiety, panic I've suffered with for over 30 years on and off and never had this before ever.

Question is, what can I do??? Is there something I can try to neutralize my mouth/body?? Anything as the last thing I want to do is mess/change my medication unless necessary after trying something else."

05/20/2013: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe replies: "Clio51, have you read up on oil-pulling?"

05/21/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash replies: "I know what depression is like, firsthand. I also know that low magnesium will cause it and panic attacks... Calcium causes tightening and magnesium causes relaxing.... there are many types of magnesium ... Magnesium citrate changed my game, ... Now I'm winning. Healed my muscles, wrinkles, digestion, and fixed my hormone imbalance.

Drinking a glass of water half an hour before eating will also help the electrolytes in the brain which makes you feel GOOD! Love, Joy"

05/22/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wa replies: "A recent nosebleed?
A mineral supplement, iron, zinc
Recently ate some liver or high iron food, black strap molasses or food cooked in iron pan
A change in medicine
A new allergy
Dental Work or
Oral Cancer"

02/11/2012: Carly from Seattle, Wa - Usa replies: "Hi Sunshine... Do you use a sensitive tooth toothpaste? I was having a terrible metal taste a while back, and googled "Sensodyne and metal taste" (or something similar, I forget exactly). I found a discussion group where people were saying it can be a side effect of the toothpaste.

I completely stopped using it for about a week, and the metal taste went away. My teeth started being sensitive again, so I use it now - but only one time of the two that I brush, and I am careful to only use a tiny bit. Darned chemicals in it really seem to help my teeth to not be sensitive.

Anyway, not sure on your other symptoms, but it might be worth checking into if you use that kind of toothpaste.... Or any kind really, if you use big globs of it like they show on the toothpaste commercials. If you read the instructions of the toothpaste box it will tell you to use the size of a small pea, and to contact poison control if ingested! Crazy, I know! That flouride is very nasty stuff. If I didn't have such sensitive teeth I would use only baking soda.

Good luck,

Carly :)"

11/22/2012: Charlotte from West Monroe, La, Usa: "Hello, I must say that I am delighted to find this site! I would like to pose a question in behalf of my husband. He is in good health, 70 years old. Lately, he is having trouble with his taste not being right, and he says that he feels like there is an oil coating on his tongue. There is no pain, no discoloration. There are no dental issues. I have searched high and low, to no avail, for information pertinent to this. Anyone having suggestions, please let me know. I would be most grateful. Thank you! Charlotte"

11/23/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Charlotte, You don't mention anything about his diet or his digestion. Since you say he has no dental issues, the next thing I'd look to are these two things. According to my traditional Chinese medicine Dr. this is due to poor digestion. Also, an oily tongue is an indication of dampness or phlegm condition (retention of food).

The tongue is very important in diagnosing in TCM. You may want to consider seeing a Traditional Chinese medicine Dr. who would be able to address this issue easily. If you want, google: tongue in Chinese medicine to learn more.

Hope this info helps you and your husband. Lisa"

08/22/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Cat, My thought is that perhaps the coconut oil you are using is a better quality and is managing to detox you even deeper. I know when I do a detox in various forms (far infrared sauna, green juicing, etc. )about an hour after, my tongue has the worst taste and feel to it. I use a tongue scraper to solve the problem. Personally, I take it as a good sign that the detoxification is really working. I don't want that to stop! So, I scrape the muck off my tongue and it's fine. You can get tongue scrapers at the health food store. I keep one by my bathroom sink and one in my purse because when it happens, it's disgusting and I want to get rid of it asap! Hope this helps, Lisa"

[QUESTION]  04/06/2010: P.b. from Sydney, Cape Breton: "When this began I thought our well water was contaminated (or that I was going crazy) but I've found threads on other forums about this, though I haven't been able to find any remedies. Twice this past winter I've had periods of an intensely salty taste - like my mouth is full of salt. Everything tastes salty, day after day. I don't feel unusually thirsty though.

What has gotten rid of it for me is stopping all the supplements I've been taking (vit C, D, vitex, turmeric, and a multivitamin). I'm currently slowly re-introducing these supplements to see if I can figure out if it is one of them causing the problem.

Has anyone else experienced this?? Does anyone know what causes it?"

06/07/2010: Judi from Castle Douglas, Scotland replies: "I have exactly the same problem - whatever I eat makes no difference - everything I eat floods my mouth with an intense salty taste and makes me feel quite sick (even sweet things). I take vitamin B complex and Vitamin C. I will try stopping them and see if I get an improvement."

05/31/2011: Chris from Honolulu, Hi replies: "I recently have gotten the salty taste in my mouth and my supplements also include tumeric and vit. D. I also burned my mouth on some very hot soup and wondered if that had some connection. Makes me wonder if it is the tumeric-too bad if it is as it's been a wonderful for inflammation."

12/28/2011: Carol from Edmonton, Ab, Canada replies: "I had a tooth pulled (lower molar) 3 months ago. Was given antibotics after. Had pain in the jaw which could not be explained. Given another round of antibotics, as told slight infection. One month after still had pain, the extraction site was reopened. Told there was nercosis of the bone, it was scraped and packed with clove oil for a few days. Jaw pain felt better. Few days later pain severe, told it was then dry socket. It was reopened at packed again with clove oil. Still have continous pain in jaw and feels as though tissue deep down is not healing. Looks good on examination (ie: socket is closing in). Had pain across bridge of nose and salty taste, went to physician told there is no sign of ear or nose infection. Over Christmas develped unbearable salty taste, pain in jaw. Dental clinics are closed for week. Got ahold of an the dentist on call for emergencies he called in another prescription for Clindamycin (3rd) and also previously had one for Flagyl. I'm not sure at this point whether it is an infection or not. Can't seem to get help. What would cause a severe salty taste (drink lots of fluid). Any ideas for cures, answers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Have tired lots of water, zinc tablets, OTC sinus sprays, changed toothpaste...."