Oil Pulling: Unlock Natural Oral Health & Detox Benefits

| Modified on Jan 21, 2024
Oil Pulling Health Benefits

Oil pulling, a traditional Ayurvedic practice originating from India, has gained significant popularity in recent years for its natural approach to oral health. This ancient technique, deeply rooted in Ayurveda's holistic healing methods, involves swishing edible oil in the mouth for a specific duration to detoxify the body and improve dental hygiene.

The Process of Oil Pulling

The practice of oil pulling is simple yet effective. Typically done first thing in the morning, before eating or brushing teeth, it involves swishing a small amount of natural, food-grade oil (such as sesame, coconut, olive, sunflower, or safflower) in the mouth for 15-20 minutes. This prolonged swishing is crucial for achieving optimal results. Afterward, the oil, now milky and foamy, is spit out, followed by thorough rinsing with warm water and brushing of teeth.

Understanding Gandusha and Kavala Graha

Oil pulling can be performed in two distinct ways: Gandusha and Kavala Graha. Gandusha involves filling the mouth with oil and holding it for 3-5 minutes before spitting, while Kavala Graha involves a smaller amount of oil, swishing for about three minutes, then gargling briefly before spitting.

Health Benefits and Effectiveness

Oil pulling is believed to 'pull' bacteria and other debris into the oil, thus detoxifying the mouth and contributing to overall health. This practice is especially beneficial for tackling oral problems like gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and more. The removal of these oral pathogens can also have a positive impact on conditions like heart disease, arthritis, eczema, and chronic infections.

The list of conditions that oil pulling can treat is a very long one! For hundreds of years, this treatment has been used to assist the immune system and to prevent or cure, among other problems:

  • Heart Disease
  • Arthritis
  • Eczema
  • Chronic Infections
  • Coughs
  • Headaches Insomnia
  • Poor Kidney Function
  • Bronchitis
  • Bad Breath
  • Gum Disease
  • Stained Teeth
  • Low Immunity
  • Streptococcus

The Role of Different Oils

While sesame oil is the most popular choice for oil pulling, coconut oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and safflower oil are also widely used. Each oil offers unique benefits, and some practitioners alternate between different types to maximize the advantages.

Cautions and Considerations

Despite its popularity, oil pulling should be approached with caution, particularly regarding the type of oil used. Some oils may be harmful if swallowed, so it's important to choose high-quality, edible oils for this practice. While there is limited scientific evidence supporting oil pulling's effectiveness in disease prevention and treatment, its dental benefits are widely recognized.

Conclusion

Oil pulling is a safe, natural, and easy practice that can significantly enhance oral health and overall well-being. Whether you're seeking a natural alternative to commercial oral care products or looking to complement your dental routine, oil pulling offers a unique approach to maintaining a healthy mouth and body. Discover the transformative power of this ancient practice and explore its benefits for yourself.

Continue reading below to learn how oil pulling helped our readers and please let us know how it helped you!

Related Links:

Oil Pulling for Dental Health
What Is The Best Oil for Oil Pulling?




Instructions and Theories

4 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  75%
3 star (1) 
  25%

Posted by Molly (San Francisco, CA USA) on 03/28/2008
★★★★★

I've OPed for about three years now. And I've followed endless discussions about what it does and does not do. I now have a theory.

I don't think that OP "pulls" anything out of the system. What it does seem to do is infuse your body with EFA's sublingually (under your tongue) which enters the bloodstream bypassing gastric juices. I found a patent that uses oil as a transporter of medication for a sublingual medication. From what I read, Oleic Acid is commonly used for this transport.

It makes sense why some people have skin conditions clear up with OP. They are being dose with good oil.

Secondly, there is now do doubt that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your organ health. A well known biologist, a friend of my Dad, said he thinks that the bacteria in the mouth, the really bad stuff that forms plague, is very attracted to the acids in the oil. So it melts this bad stuff and then you spit it out. That's why your teeth get much cleaner than by conventional means, like alcohol based rinses.

And so, when you melt this bad stuff, you simply spit it out..buh bye.

Now, I think this is the major link to why people experience healing while OP. As your mouth is populating with all this nasty bacteria (or worse, infections), you are swallowing the stuff. That bacteria is attacking you internally. That is why some people have had heart attacks after a dental procedure, like a root canal, that infuses their body with nasty stuff. Yes, it can attack the heart and other vital organs.

OP simply removes it so that it cannot go anywhere else. Dr. Karach talked about curing a long time blood disease. Perhaps his dental health was very bad.

Add a drop of Oil of Oregano to your oil pulling for about a week every 3 or so months, and you have a powerful anti-bacterial agent to kill all this stuff. Oregano Oil is natures anti-biotic, so it should not be abused, and used just like you would a pharmaceutical anti-biotic.

All these theories I have come from a long time listening and discussing this modality.

OP is very gentle. It's just food for goodness sake! And I believe that it should be a common morning occurrence, just like brushing your teeth.

I've actually used it to get rid of sinus infections and lung infections. It has cut down on the time I am sick, but darn if I've hardly gotten sick since I've started OP. Also, my long time seasonal allergies are gone. If I do have any lung complaints, I OP back to back until I don't cough anything up anymore.

I have used (always unrefined and organic) Sesame, Sunflower, Walnut, Macadamia, coconut, Udo's Oil, Total EFA Oil....amongst others. My personal all time favorite is Sesame, hand's down. I have noticed that if you change your oil about ever two months, it's like a renewed therapy. Don't know why, perhaps your body is getting used to that particular EFA formula. But I have noticed that when I change, my teeth get whiter even more.

Thought I'd weigh in since I haven't been here for awhile. Actually, it was myself and Ms Kitty from Oregon that turned Earth clinic onto this some years back. I'm so pleased to see that this is still being discovered and that people are having such good results.

OP is a no-brainer. It's not dangerous, it can't pull stuff out of your body, like medication, it's simply swishing some "food" around your mouth. But what it does do is invaluable.

Keep Swishing!!

Replied by Edna
(Solomon, Kansas, USA)
01/21/2009
★★★★★

I wanted to add a note concerning the addition of a drop or two of Oil of Oregano during the OP. You'll want to make sure that you get ORGANIC oil, and not only that, but make sure it is labeled as "Oil of WILD OREGANO! What sells under the label "Oil of Oregano" or "Oregano Oil" is really Marjoram, and does NOT possess the wonderful, natural, anti-biotic properties of Oil of Wild Oregano. Don't let 'em fool ya!

It is oil from a specific wild plant (not the same plant known in Spain as "oregano" and used in cooking) that grows on the hillsides of the Mediterranean region which is the real deal. It is the most powerful anti-biotic agent in nature.

I wouldn't have known the difference if someone hadn't once told me, so I wanted to pay it forward. Thank you for the opportunity.

Loving this site! :0)

Be blessed!!

Melissa
(Marseille)
09/16/2021

For the real oregano essential oil ... I found it in www.maisonlaget.fr amazing quality, .

Replied by Mikeggg
(Albany, Ny)
11/01/2012
★★★★★

I think you're right on in your assessment of what is going on when doing OP.

I would add that the emulsifying effect of the oil being broken down into tinier globules is probably also trapping any loosened material (food particles, bacteria, sugars, dead cells, etc... ) so it is removing a lot of the non-mucous membrane matter from your mouth. This also includes good bacteria, but by lowering the overall population of all types of bacteria, I think it levels the playing field allowing the good bacteria a chance to take hold to maintain the necessary balance for a healthy environment.

I also think that the body may be much more specific in which EFAs it absorbs there so it could pull just the ones it needs instead of everything that passes through the digestive track. These EFAs are also pure and not first acted upon by stomach acids or other digestive processes.

Replied by Liz Turner
(Devon, Uk)
01/15/2014

Have started using coconut oil but not sure how you can fit a whole tablespoon in your mouth, even a full teaspoon feels a lot of oil! Are you sure its not meant to be a teaspoon?!

Kennywally
(Midwest)
06/02/2016
46 posts

@ Liz Turner, Devon

In my experience, a half tsp is usually sufficient and I spit in trash not sink after 20 seconds, 15-20 minutes in ridiculous, as there is sooooo much saliva built up long before 15 minutes even. For me, 20 seconds and spit, and coconut oil is the best, and it does scavenge bacteria out between the teeth, because I have chronic gum issues. I take the half tsp, and start the process and then 20 sec later, I spit red into garbage, it takes at least 2 more times before the spit runs clear and I do not rinse that out ever....because it is naturally antimicrobial and will help protect and keep bacteria level low as you sleep.

Hope that helps!

Replied by Prioris
(Fl)
01/15/2014

Adjust the amount of oil lower until it isn't too much for you. Take what you can handle. One size doesn't fit all.

Replied by Jean
(Milwaukee, Wi)
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.

Replied by David
(California, US)
08/22/2014
★★★★★

Coconut oil melts at 76 degrees (F), so the solidified oil quickly liquifies inside mouth.

Replied by Babs
(Michigan, US)
03/27/2015

Coconut oil is not the first oil recommended for OP...centuries of experience recommend organic, cold pressed sesame oil, which is what I use.

Replied by Irene
(Chevy Chase, Md)
05/04/2015

Isn't sesame polyunsaturated, and thus cause thyroid problems. Perhaps coconut oil with its lauric antibiotic properties might be better. Also rancidity is not a problem. Perhaps check out Ray Peat You Tube presentations.

Replied by Kazza Veronica
(Victorville, Ca)
10/11/2015

Virgin coconut oil (unrefined) is recommended for one tablespoon for ingestion daily. The OP needs less than a teaspoon.. level perhaps... Enjoy!!!! both if you use them. I do!

Kazza Veronica

Replied by Caroline Barongo
(Kenya)
10/29/2017

Wow, I love this option. I was also afraid I wouldn't last for 20 minutes with oil in my mouth. I use the black seed oil to rinse my mouth and I spit it out in barely 5 minutes.

Replied by Therese
(New York)
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!!

Ann
(Upstate NY)
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...


Avocado Oil

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Casey (Morehead, Ky) on 01/31/2011

Had horrible sinus infection. Read your page and tried oil pulling. All I had was avacado oil at the time. Swished for only 12 minutes, but within another 12 minutes my terrible headache was gone and about 90% of the sinus infection was also gone. An amazing cure! Thanks!

Replied by Sindee
(Carlsbad, Ca)
10/09/2011

Please explain what oil pulling means or the procedure. Thank you.


Avocado Oil
Posted by Elliotsmum (London, United Kingdom) on 05/17/2009
★★★★★

I have just started oil pulling in a bid to help my gum disease. I tried olive oil 1T for the first time as that was all I had. I went out and bought some avacado oil with lemon as I thought that would taste a little better. It does.

I am currently using 1/2 a TBSP as I find it hard to keep in a whole TBSP due to loads of saliva.

I will update regarding my gum disease when I have visited the Periodontist in July.

I have however noticed the following: the bags under my eyes have flattened down considerably and strangely enough my sinus's cleared so well - I was not even aware how congested I was until they cleared. Will keep you updated.

Replied by Tiff
(New York)
05/25/2018

Hello,

Did this make a difference for your gum disease?


Black Cumin Seed Oil

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Barbara (Nashville, Tn) on 05/25/2013

I was wondering if black seed oil would be desirable for oil pulling?


Black Cumin Seed Oil
Posted by Tanya (Pittsburgh, PA) on 05/20/2009
★★★★★

It's been 3 weeks since I had 5 implants with bone grafts installed and I am healing fast. It looks as though I will be able to get my crowns 2 months sooner. After the implant surgery I waited 2 days and then I started my oil pull with 1 tablespoon of black seed cold-pressed oil (black cumin seed oil) for 20 minutes each morning. I could feel mucus coming down the back of my throat and would have to spit. I've used other oils, sesame seed, olive, and safflower oils and I like the black cumin seed the best.

Replied by Skye
(Melbourne, Australia)
01/14/2010

i am have implant surgery in a month for 3 teeth and was wondering if you did it with your partial plate in or out. i havnt had the meeting yet to go through how it all works so it might sound like a stupid question but figured it was worth asking :)


Blend of Oils

Posted by Murray (Melbourne, Australia) on 03/29/2013

Research indicates that Sesame and Sunflower oils are the best two for OP. I also read that Sesame Sesame seed oil is absorbed quickly and penetrates through the tissues to the very marrow of the bone. It is said to enter into the blood stream through the capillaries and circulates. The liver does not sweep sesame seed oil molecules from the blood, accepting those molecules as friendly. As I am wanting healing for a chronic form of leukemia this circulation to the bone marrow is potentially beneficial. The challenge is this: When I OP with Sunflower oil for 20 minutes it turns white but not when I OP with Sesame oil. I therefore tried a 50/50 blend of Sunflower/Sesame oils for 20 minutes and it DID turn white. My question: Is there benefits from blending the two oils? Will I get the benefits to my bone marrow from the Sesame oil if it is blended with Sunflower oil? Are there dangers in blending these two particular oils or things I should be aware of? Thanks in advance :-)


Canola Oil

3 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  33%
1 star (2) 
  67%

Posted by Alice (Stonewall, MS) on 05/03/2009
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Canola Oil Should not be used for Oil Pulling. Canola Oil is not a natural oil. It is a genetically modified version of Rape Seed Oil. I would not recommend using it for oil pulling or cooking. Research shows it has a tendency to leave scaring on your heart after continued use.

Also, do not use peanut oil. I was told when I first started pulling not to use it because of the mold it develops after it is picked.

Replied by Christinej
(Surprise, Arizona, Usa)
07/09/2010

Canola oil should not be used for oil pulling. I agree with this comment 100%. I have researched Canola oil and it is bad stuff.

Replied by Chris
(Paris, On)
01/31/2011

UUUH... Rape seed oil and canola oil are the same thing... They just changed the name to please the masses... Rape seed oil sounds wrong apparently... PS, almost everything you eat, drink, and see is genetically modified... Even yourselves... Sleep tight

Replied by Amy
(Mentor, Oh, Usa)
04/19/2011

True, Canola is "Canadian Rapeseed" abbreviated. Also sadly true that much of what we have easy access to is genetically modified, but by doing research, knowing our grower/rancher, we really can avoid most of it. That's how I do sleep tight.

Replied by Kittycat
(Livermore, Ca)
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!

Replied by Al
(Alvena, Sk., Canada)
01/27/2013

Canola is a modified version of rape. I don't know if it was done by cross breeding or by GMO but it was done to reduce the acidity of the oil as the acidic rapeseed oil was considered to be unhealthy. I use grape seed oil for all my cooking as it has zero cholesterol. I am 54 and have "the blood pressure of a healthy 150 pound 18 year old" at 330 lbs.. Has anyone used grape seed oil for oil pulling?

Replied by Actua
(Nowhere, Al)
08/18/2013

Canola is genetically modiied in the same way your prized begonias would be. It was created using traditional crossbreeding techniques and is no more superscience than bananas are-by the way, look up the Gros Michel die off an then the current crisis with the Calabash.

Canola was bred to remove the toxins that at the time would be deadly. As it now stands, the presence of those chemicals is laughable. Canola oil is both cheap and healthy when compared to most other oils and can be considered the poor mans extra virgin olive oil. Get your facts straight.

Replied by Douglas
(Md)
08/19/2013

No canola oil is not at all healthy. It is one of the main causes of diabetes. When using canola oil it takes 6 months to undo the damage from 1 serving of this nasty oil. It places an artificial fat wall around your cells walls that disrupt the electrical balance of your cells. This fat wall then does not allow glucose to properly penetrate. This knocks your pancreatic cells out of whack which produce Insulin and causes blood sugar imbalance. You can fix this in about 6 months if you cut out all canola oil as well as all margirin and vegetable oil. Buy a bottle of cold pressed Flaxseed oil and a bag of ground flaxseed. The ground flaxseed has to be used as soon as its introduced to the air because it goes rancid very quick. The flaxseed oil must have the top secured at all times and kept away from heat and light. Mix 1 table spoon with 2 tablespoons of 4% milkfat cottage cheese. Or you can double the amount depending on how hungry you are. Mix very well. Take this mixture and add in 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed. Mix well and you can optionaly add cinnamon for blood sugar balancing(it mimmicks insulin) and apricott or organic fruit of your choice. Eat this 3 times per day. This diet is known as the budwig diet and it reverses diabetes as well as cancer. Avoid taking vitamin C when using this diet at least 3 hours before or after eating. The flaxseed oil mixes with the fat of the cottage cheese in a way that makes it become water soluble. The oil then can bypass the liver and directly bring oxygenation to your cells and organs through your blood stream. Your diabetes will be reversed within 6 months or less if you eliminate all bad fats especialy canola, margerin, and vegetable oils. Also if you can get organic cottage cheese that is the prefered type to use. God bless and good luck to everyone. Sending light and love out to all that read this!!!!!!!!!!

Replied by Larry
(Fairfax, Va)
08/19/2013

Reply to Douglas, MD: I found your comments very valuable, especially re:diabetes. To overcome the ill effects of using canola oil, you recomended following the Budwig Protocol. You mention mixing flaxseed oil with 4% min., milk fat content cottage cheese; but my researching of the Budwig Protocol shows that lower milkfat content cottage cheese is optimum (eg, 2% fat content cottage cheese or Quark). The lower fat content cheeses allow the flaxseed oil to become more water-soluble, enabling it to more easily enter the body cells.

Replied by Douglas
(Md)
08/21/2013

No canola oil is not at all healthy. It is one of the main causes of diabetes. When using canola oil it takes 6 months to undo the damage from 1 serving of this nasty oil. It places an artificial fat wall around your cells walls that disrupt the electrical balance of your cells. This fat wall then does not allow glucose to properly penetrate. This knocks your pancreatic cells out of whack which produce Insulin and causes blood sugar imbalance. You can fix this in about 6 months if you cut out all canola oil as well as all margirin and vegetable oil. Buy a bottle of cold pressed Flaxseed oil and a bag of ground flaxseed. The ground flaxseed has to be used as soon as its introduced to the air because it goes rancid very quick. The flaxseed oil must have the top secured at all times and kept away from heat and light. Mix 1 table spoon with 2 tablespoons of 4% milkfat cottage cheese. Or you can double the amount depending on how hungry you are. Mix very well. Take this mixture and add in 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed. Mix well and you can optionaly add cinnamon for blood sugar balancing(it mimmicks insulin) and apricott or organic fruit of your choice. Eat this 3 times per day. This diet is known as the budwig diet and it reverses diabetes as well as cancer. Avoid taking vitamin C when using this diet at least 3 hours before or after eating. The flaxseed oil mixes with the fat of the cottage cheese in a way that makes it become water soluble. The oil then can bypass the liver and directly bring oxygenation to your cells and organs through your blood stream. Your diabetes will be reversed within 6 months or less if you eliminate all bad fats especialy canola, margerin, and vegetable oils. Also if you can get organic cottage cheese that is the prefered type to use. God bless and good luck to everyone. Sending light and love out to all that read this!!!!

Replied by Hotlava
(Seattle)
10/22/2013

Canola Oil should be strictly avoided- its ALL genetically modified, meaning genes from differing species are artificially added to the plant genetic reproduction... nothing to do with traditional agricultural genetic breeding (ex, begonias or apples)! The name itself is short for Canada Oil, and it is a modern agricultural product, not a centuries-old traditional food that has withstood the test of time in human nutrition.

Transgenic modifications were created for the sole purpose of a few corporations owning patent rights to our food supply, no matter how much they declare they are "feeding the world" and helping our meet out outrageous population needs. It's all political and economic rhetoric to increase their profit margins and corporate survival. Very little unbiased research has been PUBLISHED, meaning most scientific research on the topic is contaminated with economic agendas.

Human's have farmed for how long without the help of Monsanto/ DuPont? And now those companies own the game!

Google "Institute for Responsible Technology" to get a list of documentaries that will change your life regarding the topic (plus a host of powerpoint slides showing GMO food health implication in animal studies). Mercola.com is another good resource. Educate yourself about the health impacts of GM foods and agriculture, and don't buy into big agribusiness' political campaigns!

The best step forward is to have manditory labeling of GMO's on our food labels, so we can have personal soverignty (right to choose), and we can pay attention to what we are REALLY eating.

If avoiding GM foods improves a person's health, then so be it! If not, then we can research with a new hypothesis! This is the scientific method, currently being denied to the American Public due to corporate manipulation.

Any time I am force-fed information that is convenient to corporations or corporately-owned governments (*cough*), I ask myself "who is profiting off this information?"

Blessings to the Earth Clinic community... people's power is in learning and educating themselves!

Replied by Timh
(Ky, Usa)
10/23/2013
2063 posts

Go to Just Label It http://justlabelit.org and help fight this injustice.

Replied by Louise
(Utah)
10/16/2016

It is my understanding that genetically modified means roundup is infused into the seeds to kill insects to protect the plant. This is the reason bees are dying. And this is the reason that wheat and corn are so dangerous to eat. And this is the reason some countries have outlawed Roundup. Farmers flood their wheat fields with roundup to create a stronger crop to make more money which is wiping out the bee population. Without bees, we have no food. It's a scary situation. Genetically modified is a misnomer.

Dee
(Mountain West USA)
05/13/2022

GMO involves lab insertion of unnatural genetic material into the 'host' seed or animal - In the early stages of this experimentation, news articles were full concern from chefs about the prospect of people with shrimp allergies dropping dead in their restaurants due to the insertion of shrimp genes into tomatoes. They wanted labeling. Labs create 'Roundup-ready" soy which will tolerate overdosing of Glyphosphates. Same with BT corn - able to kill the borer, and also'ready' to tolerate incredible overpoisoning with chemicals. But people then eat of this stuff. And the evidence continues to mount about the deleterious effects of eating these foodlike substances.

But GMO experiments went way beyond that. By now you may have read about their implanting of human genes into wheat, spider genes into goats, etc.

Anyone who still believes the industry's marketing hype about GMOs being no different from products of 'natural selection' has not done their own research.


Canola Oil
Posted by Kelly (Charlotte, North Carolina) on 07/20/2007
★★★★★

I have been doing oil pulling now for about a week but not consistently. My mouth had a sore in the roof of it and my gums were very sensitive and started bleeding. They bled a little more once i started OP but now it's completely gone and not much bleeding. My husband recently started it a few days ago. We have been using canola oil but i will get the sesame or sunflower oil because it seems to have a better result based on the testimonials i read. I look forward to hearing about more natural remedies. Let's put these pharmacuetical companies to shame and do it the natural way, the way it was intended. I do have a question...Do you have to drink water after OP? Please advise. KRM

Replied by Jaime
(Airdrie, Alberta)
01/26/2012

I would be extremely hesitant to use any oil that wasn't organic and unrefined. Canola oil specifically undergoes about 147 steps in its processing including being treated with hexane gas, then burnt to remove the majority of hexane, and finally bleached. Yummy!


Castor Oil

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  100%

Posted by Gg (Lalaland, Ca) on 04/06/2013

Castor Oil? Seriously? I have been a castor oil user for years, but only externally. The castor bean is poisonous, I used to use castor bean plants around my garden to repel gophers and moles until they were the accidental cause of death of a neighbors puppy... After reading this I decided to check my bottle in the cabinet and it clearly says on it for external use only... I'm not sure, but it is in the nightshade family isnt it?

Replied by Darlener
(Charleston, Wv)
10/10/2013
★★★★★

Castor oil is safe if it is hexane free. Castor Oil used to be given to children on a daily basis for constipation and overall general health. I use Palma Christi - Hexane Free and I used it for oil pulling and watched the color come back into my face as I looked in the mirror. Within moments.

Replied by Leah
(Ohio)
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.

Replied by Ta
(St. Louis, Mo, Usa)
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.

Replied by Om
(Hope, Bc Canada)
02/12/2015

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice. The oil must be either sesame oil or sun flower oil. Castor oil can be researched by reading Edgar Cayce where the oil is called palma Christi. If not sure, just google. Namaste, Om

Replied by Maryellen
(Loveland, Ohio)
09/04/2015

My grandmother kept us healthy by feeding us a tablespoon of castor bean oil each month. It is an old remedy that is not popular with AMA (almost free cure). We NEED a little poison from time to time. Why, the apple seed contains cyanide. ME

Replied by Carri
(Greer, Sc)
08/12/2016

I know this is a few years old but figured I would share so others who are exploring don't get misinformed. Castor oil is not poisonous. The only part of the plant that is toxic is the hull of the castor bean. It contains ricin. When removed, the danger is also removed. If you have a bottle that says for "external use only", it is because you have a low quality oil. They use a solvent called hexane to extract the oil because it is fast and cheap. This makes it unsuitable for consumption. Look for one that is organic and cold pressed.

Replied by Wendi
(Co)
11/04/2017

But who eats the apple seed? :-/


Castor Oil
Posted by African Bride (Z-bar, Tanzania) on 07/30/2011
★★★★★

After reading about oil pulling on this site, I decided to give it a try to see if it would stop the recurring boils I was having. The only cold-pressed oil I could find was castor oil, so that's what I've been using for two weeks. I am happy to report no more boils! I hope it stays that way! I know everyone says to use turmeric for boils, but I've tried it, and it didn't get rid of them. My four year old son also has recurring boils- he's had them ever since he was 1- I wonder if I can teach him how to OP.

The other marvelous result I just realized a couple days ago. I have no more body odour! This is amazing, b/c I had it bad. Tried everything to keep it under control- strong deoderants, natural ones, ACV, vodka, baking soda, essential oils... If this good result keeps up, I will OP the rest of my life!!

My teeth have felt very clean, but I can't say they've gotten any whiter. My teeth are have always been yellow, although I don't drink tea, coffee, wine or anything. I will try to find some sesame oil, maybe that will make a difference.

Amazing remedy, to be sure.

Replied by Roz
(Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
10/07/2011

http://www.earthbabyyogamama.com/fluoride.html

Happy about your OP experience, the above link is for a recipe for naturally made toothpaste that I have used now for 4 months with amazing results. Peace.


Castor Oil
Posted by Cajun62234 (Opelousas, Louisiana) on 10/31/2009
★★★★★

As a proven believer in Castor Oil, the other morning I awoke with a very sore gum in the vicinity of my right canine tooth. A look in the mirror indicated it was blood red, very tender, but no blood excreted when massaging. I generally 'oil' with Sesame Oil, but thought 'Why not try CO?'... Two 20 minute sessions [about 3-4 hours inbetween] and a session at bed time. I excreted all of the 'oiling', but let the CO coating remain in my mouth over night...the next morning it was 95% better; a repeat of the previous day's treatment produced a 100% recovery by the following evening...no redness, no tenderness and a normal, healthy gum..


Castor Oil
Posted by Susan (Oshkosh, WI) on 03/18/2009

Hello everyone! I have become addicted to the site like everybody else. I have a question about oil pulling. I made it through five pages and did not see anything about food grade Castor Oil. I kept thinking about the Cayce remedies and his great results for many ailments using Castor Oil. Has anyone tried it? Does anyone know of a reason it should not be used for oil pulling? My intuition keeps telling me to try it, and I believe that we are often led to the right thing for ourselves. To everyone who is working on healing themselves, don't give up! If one thing does not work for you try again and again. In the trying you reinforce the "health"vibration around you. You are not alone in your seking and all of us who read your posts are pulling[no pun intended] for you and with you!

Replied by Dianna
(Austin, TX)
03/18/2009

it seems like i read somewhere about someone using castor oil for oil pulling. i don't think it would hurt you. if it did anything 'bad' i think it might just make you have to have a bowel movement. i might try it myself in the morning. usually i use VCO. if you try it please post your results.

Replied by Sueli
(Boston, MA)
03/19/2009

Hello and thank you to all who contribute to this wonderful resource! I have a question regarding blood type and type of oil used. I read somewhere that there is a way to find depending on one's blood type a particular oil may work best for his/her condition (I don't know if this is only true for oil pulling, or if it holds true for ingesting the oil also). Does anyone know about this? Thanks in advance.

Replied by Joyce
(Joelton, Tn)
03/19/2009
495 posts

Hello Susan, Most castor oil I have seen comes in 2, 4 or 6 ounce bottles which are clearly labeled for oral ingestion, so why would you need one that states food grade when it is clearly labeled to be taken orally for a laxative effect. I agree with the one who stated that the only adverse effect you would likely have with OP with castor oil would be a laxative effect and since you would be expectorating the castor oil it wouldn't be passing through the intestines whereby it causes the laxative action, therefore there should be no laxative effect as long as you don't swallow it.

For me the worst side effect would be smelling and tasting the castor oil because I despise both the smell and taste, even the ones sold as tasteless & odorless. I had too much of the castor oil forced down in childhood, because this was my parents answer to whatever ailed us. Must have been beneficial because most of my siblings are still alive and I am #8 of 10 children and the youngest who is 6 years my junior is now 70 years old. So if you can tolerate the smell & taste, just be sure to spit the used oil out and be sure to let us know what your opinion of it is. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us.

Replied by Vince
(Enid, Oklahoma)
04/12/2009

I have tried caster oil while oil pulling. It makes me very sleepy. After I pull.

Replied by Nightfire The Mad Alchemist
(Danville, Illinois, United States)
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.

Replied by Al
(Alvena, Sk., Canada)
01/27/2013

The only thing I have seen regarding blood type and things that are good and bad depending on it are a series of books by Peter J. D'Adamo, the first of which is titled Eat Right For Your Type. The diet information is invaluable to me. Perhaps the oils that are good for your diet/blood type are the same as for oil pulling.


Cedar Nut Oil

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

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 !!!

Replied by Karla
(Windsor Ontario, Ontario)
08/01/2010

Hello,

I also live in Windsor. Can you tell me where to buy cedar nut oil?

Thanks,
Karla

Replied by Juan
(Windsor, On)
03/01/2011

Hello! I live in windsor too, I am very interested in a natural healthy lifestyle, but I dont know where to get oils and herbs, do you know a herbal store? any help would be much appreciated.

Replied by Sevgilim1321
(Scarborough, Ontario Canada)
03/24/2013

Here in Toronto there is a new store called Healthy Planet; they sell a great variety of natural and organic products, their prices are quite reasonably and I saw products that I have heard in my life!!!

You may want to give them a call: http://www.healthyplanetcanada.com

Replied by Tapas
(Singapore)
05/14/2014

The best oil for oil-pulling is Mustard Oil.


Replied by Missy
(NY, NY)
05/15/2009

I don't have an answer to your question, I would just like to know where you found this toothpaste. Thank you.

EC: Sounds like he made it: ECVO = extra virgin coconut oil!

Replied by Ellen
(Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
12/23/2008

I would continue to oil pull, but I would add a couple of drops of oil or oregano to the oil...this should clear the infection pretty quickly. Also try applying coconut oil to the area and then add a drop or two of the oregano oil as well. This will relieve any pain pretty fast and heal the area quickly as both oils are antiviral and antibacterial...keep apply this to the area throughout the day.

You are doing a good thing with the oil pulling...so don't stop. I also had amalgams for 1.5 years when I was o-pulling and did not have this reaction so I think you had a deep rooted infection that is surfacing which is good. The o-pulling will also attract and remove some of the mercury in your system.

Hope that helps.

Cod Liver Oil

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Betty Lee (Singapore) on 01/18/2009

hi !!! anyone out there had ever tried EMULSIFIED NORWEGIAN COD LIVER OIL for oil pulling ?? It contain EPA and DHA--nutritionally supports cardiovascular health,mood health and overall daily wellness.Contain vit A and D, and heavy metal free !!

I would like to know if it is just as effective as sesame oil?? OR even better than sesame oil ---without any side effects and allergies??

I had a bearable pain in the upper molar and had been using transdermal brush to brush the interior of the gum, I found it helps but to draw out the germs and toxins from the body--- which seem to be very interesting ..

I had not try Cod Liver oil yet for swishing in the mouth but I take it internally and it worked wonderfully for me.I had been taking COD LIVER oil for more than 20 years and it is really antiaging supplement for me !!!!!

Would somebody care to enlighten me?

Replied by Michele
(Wolcott, Connecticut)
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.


Comments on Oils

Posted by Nonukes (Hyogo, Japan) on 09/21/2014

It might be worth noting that although coconut trees grow in India, traditional Ayurvedic oil pulling involves sesame or sunflower oil. And it might be worth noting that the person who first promoted (so far as I know) OP with coconut oil also has an interest in a coconut growers? association of some kind. I don't remember the name of either, but he has published various books on coconut oil. Always ask what the guy is selling. Always ask who might benefit. It is possible that in India sesame oil and sunflower oil are more readily available or less expensive, so are available to more people. Could someone comment on why coconut oil is not used for Ayurvedic oil pulling?

I don't understand why anyone would use canola oil. There is no canola plant. Canola oil is highly refined rapeseed oil. As it comes from the plant it is highly beneficial to health, but in processing it has long exposure to heat, light, and air, all of which degrade it, so that it is unhealthful before it even arrives at the supermarket. Just search on YouTube canola oil how it's made. On various oils (not for OP but on oils in general) see raypeatdotcom (several articles).

Thank you for all the useful information on Earth Clinic.



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