[SIDE EFFECTS]  10/21/2010: Cyngi from Philadelphia, Pa: "I have been oil pulling for a week today day #1pain in my head was gone. I feel like I am coming down with the flu , runny eyes /lots of mucus/pain in my shoulder/heel I think I will go back to using sesame oil maybe coconut oil is not good for me , let me know if these symtoms are part of a healing process."

[YEA]  03/10/2011: Naturallyme from Potlatch, Idaho replies: "I have been oil pulling with coconut oil for the past week and it has helped me a lot, I usually have a horrible hack from COPD and it seems to really help that, today, I am starting to pull with Extra virgin Olive oil for a change just to try it out. The coconut oil has made my face more radiant, I still have bags under my eyes but they are improving I think.. I will let everyone know how the Olive oil does for me. Also, the coconut oil has made my mouth so fresh, and I take prescription pain releivers for back problems, so having a fresher mouth is a plus!"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  04/19/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "Hi, I have started oil pulling again after some problems with a filling in my tooth. First with sunflower oil and now with walnut oil as someone here had had great results with eye floaters. The floaters haven't disappeared (well, I have done it only three days), but I notice that I see a lot less with my contact lenses and that really worries me. Now I read your comment..... can oil pulling affect the eye sight? I thought that it would affect it in a positive way..... Maybe I will stop for a few days and see because I don't want my eyes which are rather weak to get any worse! I never had any problems while I did it with sunflower oil....."

02/14/2010: Joyce from Joelton,, Tn replies: "Hello Eveline, from Toronto:

Didn't see any mention of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) in what you are using and this is good for keeping down inflammation and those joint pains. If you have a farmers co-op store there, check the animal section for it in crystal form and you will probably get it much cheaper than buying capsule form.

Now for that gum infection, having seen hot epsom salts compresses used 4 times a day pull infection out after a red streak was running up the arm, we know that it will heal infection. Since we also know that your body needs magnesium, it is not likely to harm you by using it in your mouth. Hot compresses might prove a little difficult to manage in your mouth but fortunately you can make like oil pulling, only using a supersaturated solution of epsom salts instead of oil. The only downside likely to occur from this is a bad taste in your mouth, but rinsing with water should remove that immediately. Another thing you might want to add to this solution is a small amount of ground cayenne pepper as it also has some anti-inflammatory as well as pain relieving actions.

To make a supersaturated solution of epsom salts, bring 4 ounces of water to a boil. Add epsom salts until no more will dissolve. If you can take the heat, add 1/8th teaspoon of cayenne pepper. As soon as your solution cools enough to hold in your mouth, use it swishing it around in your mouth. You might want to keep it in a jar sitting in a pan of hot water to keep it warm until finished using it. Doing this 3 to 4 times a day should get rid of that gum infection."

02/14/2010: Laurie from Belleville, Ont replies: "Hello Eveline

I don't know if this will help or not...but its worth a try. Its been helping me to reduce a severe infection in 2 teeth (it could only be from 1 tooth, but the nerves sending pain on to the other tooth)

I put 1/2 - 1 tsp Sea salt (I tried table salt..& it made it worse) dissolved in 1/2 a glass of warm water (never hot).
I very gently swish and hold water around the infected area 2-4 times, 3times or more a day. Make sure to spit it all out, I believe to swallow this would only introduce the infection into the body (although I could be wrong)

Don't forget to do the areas on either side too. It may just stop the infection from spreading.

From what I've read in the past... the sea salt helps to draw the infection out. Make sure to rinse with plain warm water afterward too. I'm not so sure leaving any kind of salt in the mouth is a good thing.

Anywhere from a 10 mins to an hour later I can really feel the difference. Either the pain is gone or significantly reduced.

I really hope this does help you.
Good luck to you ..sincerely"

02/14/2010: Rob from Toronto, Ontario replies: "it may help to add a few drops of Oil of Oregano into the oil of choice. Not to knock oil pulling too much but I feel many of the claims are placebo effect. Also, flossing would be my 1st choice for oral/gum health. You could even rub a little diluted oregano oil on the floss.

Also use a gum stimulator to get blood flowing into the area. re: pulling...I doubt the notion that it "pulls" toxins from the body. (has anyone ever measured this in a lab. etc) That is not to say it may have health effects beyond placebo.. perhaps it stimulates one of the many glands in the face, neck area..perhaps it provides fatty acids sublingually or ?? but to speak in absolutes without proof is just...sorry to say...religion."

02/15/2010: Eveline from Toronto, Canada replies: "Thanks everyone for your feedback on the tooth infection. I am pretty sure I can get rid of that localized problem. I like to use Neem tincture and will definitely get back to that and work with some of the other remedies mentioned as well. I have no pain or any symptoms of this infection so it was a surprise when the hygienist mentioned it. What I am more concerned with is that there infection at all. It has to mean there is something going on IN my body. Along with the knee pain and stagnant blood diagnosis, I am just flummoxed about what is going on. I oil pull, I take good cleaning supplements, I dry brush massage, I use a rebounder, I do a lot of things that seem right, eat a pretty healthy diet, don't drink coffee, eat dairy products, work at staying off wheat etc. and then I still feel like I'm not winning at having a really healthy body. The knee pain makes me feel like I'm very old and I'm not.

However, I will get to the bottom of this and I thank all those who replied and will definitely get that gum infection gone. Many happy days in this Chinese New Year to all.

Eveline"

02/18/2010: Eveline from Toronto, Canada replies: "To The Phoenix from Townsville

Hello and thanks for your input on my issue with the joint pain and tooth infection. I have also been quite dismayed that my healthy lifestyle has not protected me from this incapacitating problem with my knees. Mind you, in 2000 I was in an accident and think that perhaps some of this stems from that situation.

I also have been concerned about the bioavailability of supplementation so will definitely check out your suggestion on borax/boron.

I take it you are referring to F--e's Detox book? I have done so many detoxes in my day, but I am also always still open to learning more and more. Thanks again. Eveline"

EC: Yes, he was referring to that book. Sorry, this particular author's name has been edited out of most posts on this site (for reasons that a few of you know about).

02/19/2010: Eveline from Toronto, Canada replies: "Dear Phoenix

Thanks again for a very informed response. I see that you completely understand my feelings of somehow failing with regard to being healthy and appreciate your sharing your experiences. I'm with you. I don't want to do any extreme measures, fasting or denying myself. My metabolism is too sluggish to do any fasting. That slows it down even more. With my Naturopath I am exploring the low body temperature, the blood stagnation with Chinese Medicine and I do hope to be feeling pain free again before too long.

This morning I used VCO for oil pulling and I must say it was a very different experience than using other oils. Not sure that it was as satisfactory. I wonder if you would recommend using VCO for the topical application to joints as you would the PO? I know I did about 10 days with castor oil packs on both knees, which is also very hard to remove and gets on everything, but that seemed to do nothing. I'd be willing to work with the PO however.

You certainly seem to have a font of knowledge and I do appreciate your input on this forum. Thanks again.
Eveline"

03/04/2010: Eveline from Toronto, Canada replies: "Good Morning The Phoenix, how are things in Townsville? Have been offline for a couple of weeks (traveling) and was pleased to get your response and further encouragement.

I have been considering the toxic overloads most of us are living with and while I have had all my amalgams removed (which I 'm sure was helpful) we still live in a polluted world. So I'm thinking to somehow get rid of those toxins, without that drastic fasting or detox protocols that are often prescribed. I found a volcanic rock powder called zeolite and have started taking it in the last week. It's easy to take, doesn't have a taste really, has some logical sounding explanations about why it will work and of course, the requisite testimonials. Also it's not expensive. However, I've not seen any info on EC about it and since you are admittedly the health researcher I wonder if you have a view on zeolite? I did search for it here on EC and while there are google pages that show it referenced, I've yet to actually find anything about it here. (it feels like looking for a needle in a haystack.) I would think it belongs on the Remedy page if it's as good as reported.

I appreciated your views on the acid/alkaline balance, giving a thoughtful response to the desire for the perfect pH. It's letting me feel less errant about what I eat. I know I eat better than the average person and so can relax about eating that banana or mango instead of limiting myself to only grapefruits or lemons.

Always great to read your responses and again thanks for your continued encouragement. I am off to give myself a Moxabustion treatment and then I'm going to massage with CO! I haven't continued oil pulling with it as I bought a nice bottle of sesame oil and am working with that this month. I will switch to CO next month and then liquify it first!! LOL that was a weird experience letting it melt in my mouth.

Have a great day.
Eveline

p.s. would love to hear from anyone else who has had experience taking this volcanic powder with it's unique molecular framework. "

04/02/2011: David from Pasadena, Ca replies: "I highly doubt that all these testimonials are "placebo effect, " especially since so many of them had already tried other remedies without success (why didn't they have a placebo effect with those?). I've just started this treatment (yesterday), so I can't say anything about its effectiveness. But I can say that everything I've read says at least 10 and more often 15-20 minutes. If you've been doing it 4 minutes, you may not be getting any significant therapeutic effect (like gargling with Listerine for 15 seconds won't kill bacteria while 30 seconds will). As far as "toxins reabsorbing"--that sounds a little farfetched to me--either the oil "pulls" them out or it doesn't. It can't pull them out and then let them go back in, can it? Anyway, I don't think ayurvedic medicine says anything about this idea of reabsorption--maybe if you really overdid it, but I think you should try 15 minutes 2x a day before you decide whether it works for you or not."

EC: A few people have mentioned adding a drop of clove or wild oregano to their Sesame, Olive, Coconut, etc. oil.

[YEA]  04/03/2011: Lisa from Closter, Nj Usa replies: "BEE propolis with Manuka honey along with the oregano oil (P73 WILD is best) and the ACV ;and the cayenne pepper in tandem will cure the sinus infection. I used to get them 7x yr. All that chronic sinusitus is from candida. Eat clean and no sugar or refined carbs. I take a plastic spoon (as bee propolis will stick to a metal spoon) and dip it into the Manuka honey- then add a full dropper of Bee Propolis... Slide it down ur tounge into the back of ur mouth(as it can stick to ur teeth). Do 2xday. The Bee pollen in both the propolis and from the Manuka (i get any type over 80%pollen )has an antiallergen effect.

Dont believe the drug pushing drug companies. GOD gave us everything we need. How do u think other cultures survived for thousands of yrs? why was evoo, and herbs etc considered currency? EVEN BEER! Modern medicine is yesterday news. They try diff things but then 10yrs later u always see that people have lawsuits due to drugs they took. ESPECIALLY Now! DETOX first, then inflammation will go away, then restoration occurs. All diease comes from inflammation and cellular degeneration. Oxidation is also important. BUT THE MOST BY FAR- IMHO- is normalizing/testing regularly ur Ph. of BOTH the BLOOD/URINE. EVERYone is finding that acidosis is the main contributor of cellular degeneration. Check it out."

11/19/2009: Renate from South, Florida replies: "Dear Stephen,

I have been oil pulling for about 9 months. I had a weird thing happen with Sunflower oil - my wedding ring became very HOT and I had to remove it for a few days while the burn on my finger healed. (I have had that ring on my finger for 37 years w/o taking it off). I only used that oil for 2 days. Previously, I used organic, cold pressed or expeller pressed sesame oil (unrefined). While using the sesame oil, I would spit up mucus after oil pulling. I was a smoker, but not a heavy one. I take the mucus as a very good sign.

I would recommend that you change your oil to Sesame. I no longer do it every day. Perhaps your body is telling you to slow down on the oil pulling. Do it every other day and see what happens. I am not sure about the swelling - but again, I would recommend switching your oil.

Good luck!"

11/19/2009: Lita209 from Sanford, Fl, USA replies: "Dear Renate from So. Fla: Your post made me think about an experience that I had about a month ago. My wedding ring started bothering me one day. In the evening when I get home I take all my jewelery off to do my chores. On this day I couldn't take my wedding ring off. I tried oil, soap and still wouldn't come off. Meanwhile I felt my finger was swelling up. I went to bed with that "funny" feeling on my finger and then my whole arm started getting weird too. So I finally got up, woke up my husband and made him cut the ring off my finger. I have been oil pulling for a little while now (maybe like a month and a half). I started with coconut oil and then changed to Sesame oil, but never conected it until I read your post. I am still not sure that is the cause, but your comment about the burning sensation on your finger caught my eye. I just wanted to share this to see if anybody has any input. Thanks!"

01/19/2011: Aliii from Kingston, Jamaica replies: "After o/ping for about three weeks I had a crazy burning sensation on my shin. My skin also itched. Then my shin had a bright red spot that literally healed like a burn!!!! I stopped o/ping (sunflower) but recently started with no side effect."

04/23/2012: Rose from Boston, Ma, usa replies: "Try organic virgin coconut oil for oil pulling. I started with that, and have had no negative effects. I actually just a tooth that couldn't be saved extracted on Friday, no pain, no swelling, nothing. I can't say for sure, but I definitely think the coconut oil had a lot to do with it! Definitely kept it from becoming infected, amazing antibacterial properties."

08/17/2009: Csweeten from Reston, Va Usa replies: "Hi:o),
I came across your post and thought it was interesting. I started oil pulling about 2 months ago. At the same time I started a bottle of gold coin grass to help out my gallbladder situation. I was painfully limping for ~3 days and sore for a few weeks. I had attributed the pain to the gold coin-gallbladder meridians pass through hip areas. But now I wonder which caused the pain. I continued on through. Healing crisises are common and at least signify to me I'm heading in the right direction. My hip pain has never been as bad as that first month. Hope this helps:o)"

EC: Check each remedies "where to buy" section for info. If there isn't anything posted for Nairobi, please submit separate questions for each remedy.

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/apple_cider_vinegar_buy.html
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/hydrogen_peroxide_where_to_buy.html
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/molasses-where-to-buy.html

01/30/2011: Cc from Brooklyn, Ny replies: "Hi the cracks in your tongue is definitely fissured tongue. The sensitivity/raw tongue could be geographic tongue. Are you a smoker? Or do you have allergies? I would cut back on the op a bit Also I would take some probiotics. That always helps me with my geographic tongue. Oh stay away from salty spicy foods until it clears up."

02/24/2010: Openlyhappy from Mcdonough, Ga replies: "I was reading your thread on breaking out in the hairline. I read somewhere that oil pulling can help with demodex. Could you have demodex and be getting better? you are breaking out in the proper locations for it? They say when it gets worse it is actually getting better.. just a thought."