The Benefits of Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil

88 User Reviews

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Posted by Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 09/20/2013
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Oil Pulling REALLY does cleanse as well as make your teeth whiter and improve your oral health. When I started with coconut oil, it did a number on my eczema skin, making it worse. So... I stopped! But going back to it after a couple of weeks also brought another kind of detox I did not go through the first time - i.e., headaches, backaches, blurry vision, but, better skin. Now, the heavy detox symptoms (3 days) are wearing down; skin is definitely looking better, and more importantly, if I oil pull for 15 minutes before bed, I sleep like a baby. Finally deep-sleeping through the night! Getting enough sleep by oil pulling has really improved my mood, my foggy brain, and my dark, under-eye circles -- they have all but disappeared. So, a big YES that oil pulling works where nothing else natural that I tried, did.

Replied by Rosie Q.
(Santa Cruz Ca)
12/30/2013

Hi everyone, I am new to this site and unsure of how to begin a new thread. Anyways, I am wondering for anyone's experience with oil pulling if they have mercury fillings. I started a few days ago and am not sure if it's too dangerous, basically swishing the oil around could bring mercury out of the fillings and into my mouth. so I am not sure if I am experiencing candida die off or something worse! I am going to keep it up, it's mainly an increase in mucus and acne which are both signs of candida die off. Any feedback is appreciated! Oh am also wondering if anyone has ever gotten their fillings removed- any and all information on that would be wonderful. Thanks so much!

Replied by Mike 62
(Denver, Colorado)
12/30/2013

Rosie: I am going to send you to 4 websites. 3 of these contain complete and technical explanations from phds in cellular biology and 1 has hundreds of videos where ordinary people who have recovered very rapidly from everything under the sun give testimonials and recipes. We are a world wide organization with meetups in all large cities. We are the 80/10/10ers. Dr. Doug Graham candida at natural news, raw food health the candida cleanse, Andrew Kim blogs, why cells go bad, insulin revisited, carbon dioxide, and raw food videos.

Replied by Jerry
(Aurora, Co)
12/06/2014

Hi Mike 62,

I did not see a post of the 4 web sites you mention but would be very grateful for access to them. Thank you! Best Regards, Jerry


Coconut Oil
Posted by Billie (Washington State, Usa) on 09/12/2013
★★★★★

I started oil pulling with coconut oil about three weeks ago. I have a stubborn fibroid, and after being on six month herbal regiment to shrink it, while it helped, I just didn't want to take all those herbs anymore. It did help reduce my period from heavy and seven days to about five days, and lessened the flow -- sorry if that's TMI :)

Anyway, I researched oil pulling and what caught my attention was that a person who had a problem with shifting teeth, once they started oil pulling, their teeth stopped shifting. Mine have been shifting since I got my braces off 8 years ago. I have to wear my retainer at night. So I started oil pulling and I have not had to wear my retainer since; my teeth have stayed straight and are whitening beautifully.

Even better though, my most recent period only lasted three days, and it was extremely light. I don't have any joint pain, I feel refreshed. I am hoping that it helped shrink my fibroid a bit more, as I am combining this with Chaste berry and serrapeptase, as well as drinking ACV water.

I feel better than I did when I was in my 20s. I love oil pulling; it's easy, I do it in the shower, and after I spit out the oil I gargle with salt water to loosen the little bit of oil from my mouth and then brush. If you haven't started oil pulling and are still trying to decide, give it a try for about a week, especially if you are suffering from arthritis. A week won't hurt you, and sparing fiftheen minutes before breakfast to do this -- you won't regret it.

Replied by Elsa Easterly
(Elsewhere)
09/13/2013

Billie,

Great to hear of your success! I am interested in what you were taking for menstrual issues. Could you please be specific about the amounts of chasteberry (and any other herbs), serrapeptase, and ACV that you used? Thank you very much. Elsa

Replied by Billie
(Washington State, Usa)
09/16/2013

Elsa, I take two capsules of serrapeptase a day, as well as one capsule of blackstrap molasses for iron and two capsules of chasteberry. I only drink ACV and water throughout the day. I avoid soy, and I also try to avoid dairy unless it is organic. My periods have been consistent and now because of the oil pulling, light. I am very happy with the results.


Coconut Oil
Posted by Cadillacmatt (Los Angeles, Ca) on 08/13/2013
★★★★★

I came across oil pulling while looking for a holistic approach to oral care. I had a filling break from my tooth and I didn't want for it to rot out like ive seen in other people's. So I tried it, at the time I only had evoo, and although the results are awesome, the after taste made me gag. I did the evoo for two weeks, the difference was noticeable, whiter teeth, just an overall clean ( fresh from the dentist type of clean). Then I bought some coconut oil. Way better tasting, same results!! I'm glad I found this technique and recommend it highly!!!


Coconut Oil
Posted by Adnama (Urbana, Il) on 08/07/2013
★★★★★

I first heard of oil pulling about a year ago when I was trying to find remedies for dark circles. I gave it a shot for about a month, ran out of coconut oil, and didn't pick it back up until about 3 weeks ago. Since then I've been doing it twice a day for 20 minutes, with maybe one or two days I just didn't have the time for it. I started it up again because of a mouth sore caused by a decaying tooth. Oil pulling + peroxide + gargling with salt water made the pain go away within the night.

I am 21 years old, 5' 3", and 203 pounds according to my scale today. Since oil pulling, my keratosis pilaris has cleared up considerably. I still have a few bumps but my skin all over has a nice glow and I no longer have the red bumps that gave my skin the 'chicken skin' look. But I did recently have a visit to the beach, and I've always known that salt water + sun calms down my keratosis pilaris too. When I first started oil pulling I had the same effects but it took longer, but with the combined 'treatments' my skin is very smooth.

I've always had a glow to my face since I use the Oil Cleansing Method, but the added effect of Oil Pulling certainly helps too. My stretchmarks have faded, but I've been using organic unrefined virgin coconut oil (used for pulling as well, I got a pound of it off Amazon for fourty bucks, it's lasted me over six months and I still have 1/4 of it left) everytime I get out of the shower for over a year. I'm not sure if it has helped my dark circles. They're hereditary and have always been dark, like I got punched in both my eyes. I suppose I have been using less concealer lately...

My teeth are cleaner, whiter, and stronger. I have a tooth that is beyond being fixed, but I don't have the money to get it extracted. Oil pulling definitely keeps the pain away and helps keep food particles out. My tongue is always pink, my breath never smells bad. But I also use baking soda and peroxide to brush my teeth and tongue. I have a slightly crooked jaw caused by me chewing mostly on my left side do to my decaying tooth on the right side. It doesn't hurt anymore and I'm pretty sure my jaw line has gotten more defined. My left side is also the side that has fillings and the pulling doesn't effect them at all.

I have more energy. I'm really not a morning person but with a new job I started I have to get up around 6:30 am. Without oil pulling I don't think I'd be able to drag myself out of bed.

And since oil pulling, I haven't wanted to smoke marijuana. I actually stopped completely a week and a half ago. I'm not sure if it's because I'm oil pulling or because I stopped smoking weed or both, but I eat less and people have told me my over all appearance looks tighter like I've been working out. I have been walking a lot more, that's for sure. Probably because my energy is up. Yay!

Also, my dreams are a lot more vivid and I can remember them when I wake up. Also might be a side effect of not smoking anymore, but I have oil pulled longer than I haven't been smoking and know for a fact that my dreams started when I began oil pulling. I've probably had more energy because I have been getting a deeper sleep, and I only need 8 hours as opposed to the 10 hours I've been used to!

All in all, I've had a positive outcome to oil pulling and I don't plan to stop. Even if it's just a placebo effect, I definitely feel better and healthier. :)

Replied by Hales
(Los Angeles. California)
12/05/2014

Thank you so much for this forum, I've been wanting to start OP but I was worried that it would loosen my crown on my lower tooth or that it would have a bad effect on a decaying tooth I have, but after reading that others have the same issues as me and nothing bad has happened, I'm for sure all in. Thank you all so much

Replied by Hamm
(Florida, US)
01/14/2015

I think real exercise would do you well. Play sports and if you can't do that, just run. 21 is tooooo young for health problems.


Coconut Oil
Posted by Baaarb (Sumter, Sc) on 07/20/2013

My daughter and I started oil pulling about a week and a half ago. I have various health issues. Interstitial cystitis (aka painful bladder), heart disease, high BP and high cholesterol, allergies and arthritis, migraines. We use coconut oil to pull and I was hoping to feel better... Instead I have been really sick with the worst migraine ever and we both have this itchy rash. My daughter said she is stopping the oil pulling and I am wondering if I should do the same? My sinus did seem better, but now I have even more medicine to take (benedryl) because of the itching. Can you tell me what to do?

Replied by Tracy
(San Augustine, Texas)
07/23/2013

With as many health problems as you seem to have, you need to be careful about how to correct them. A therapy such as oil-pulling may be too much for you to start off with, causing multiple reactions in your body that your system just cannot handle at one time. I would suggest you segregate your health problems & try some therapies that are specific to each health problem, for now. For instance, for bladder problems, try remedies such as parsley(tincture, extract, herb), cranberry, cornsilk tea & nettles. For high blood pressure, take aged garlic extract or garlic capsules to regulate, beet extract to lower bp, arginine & niacin, etc. For cholesterol, take flax seed (& oil caps), lecithin capsules, fenugreek extract, a weeklong juice diet, etc. For allergies, try Quercetin, local honey & bee pollen, alfalfa tablets, etc. For arthritis, try eating cherries, no white sugar or flour products, cat's claw herb, topical DMSO, etc. Migraines are often one of the ways your body is telling you that it needs cleansing, but they can also be caused by cleansing too fast. As you correct each of your health problems, you may have reactions to the cleansings or healings in the form of migraines, skin rashes, intestinal problems, etc. Two things that can help remove toxins from the body are Chorella & EDTA. Chlorella is a green algae. Spirulina is another algae that is similar to Chlorella. EDTA is much stronger & requires some studying to use properly for detoxifying the body. So, don't rush into anything. EDTA will also help with heart disease.

Replied by Diverguy1979
(Lebanon, Indiana)
01/12/2014
★★★★★

I'm 34 y/o male and have been using this site for seven years, it is truly my go to for all my ailments. I feel what you may be experiencing is a sick like condition from the oil pushing out toxins. I read about this affect on the hydrogen peroxide treatment page. I urge you to read up on this and then decided for yourself to push through or discontinue. I wish you luck in your research!


Coconut Oil
Posted by Mictre (Sydney, Nsw, Australia) on 06/27/2013

Two weeeks ago I commenced using coconut oil for 'oil pulling' and I'm just wondering if the bodily symptoms experienced since are related. After the first two days I contracted gastro-enteritis for a week (so did my 7yr old daugter who is not 'oil pulling'), so I'm thinking that was just bad luck.

On recovery I noticed a sore gland on left side of throat, so I reccommenced Oil Pulling.

Next day I woke with a dull bruised feeling on my left side above the hip and below the bottom rib. As the day wore on it got worse (never sharp). Sore gland still aching. Had two panadol mid afternoon and late that night couldnt sleep or lay on my side because of the discomfort. Wondered about likely hernia. So I got up in the middle of the night and opened up 'Earthclinic' for some self diagnosis. The pain in my side seemed to be in the Gallbladder/ kidney vicinity so after taking 2 more panadol I blended up some apples and mixed a glass with 2 tblspoons of ACV..... Slept very well and woke without pain. Have had same tonic once more today as well as baking soda H20 drinks (2).

Tonight gland still sore and dull side discomfort still present.

What do you think?

Will get GP to check me out tomorrow. Plan to keep going with alkalizing.

P.S 44 yrold overweight cofee/chocolate/cheese/toast/meat eating male.

Replied by Val
(Birmingham, Uk)
06/27/2013

You may be allergic to coconut oil. Try with sunflower oil.


Coconut Oil
Posted by Sherbert (Houston, Tx) on 05/16/2013
★★★★★

I started pulling with olive oil on May 5th and didn't like a rancid background taste so I bought coconut oil and like it much better. I have to briefly warm it up to melt it and swoosh about 1 Tbls during my shower in the morning. I have already noticed a few changes in just this short period of time. Will get back with more details soon!

Replied by Ana
(Homestead, Fl)
01/17/2014

To Sherbert from Houston, Tx: There is no need to melt the coconut oil before oil pulling, the coconut oil will naturally melt in your mouth as you oil pull.


Coconut Oil
Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 12/08/2012

There was an excellent article on Dr. Mercola's website about VCO and oil pulling, so I'd thought I'd post for everyone to read:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/12/08/coconut-oil-combats-tooth-decay.aspx?e_cid=20121208_DNL_art_1


Coconut Oil
Posted by Suzy (Eugene, Oregon) on 11/28/2012

I decided to try oil pulling as I have always had very yellow teeth. I am using coconut oil that I have warmed slightly. My experience was, as I was swishing and pulling I was salivating like crazy... The volume of the liquid increased to the point I had to spit and spit alot! Since I am obviously spitting out oil as well as saliva... Should I add more oil and start over? I managed about 10 minutes for the first time, but I am pretty sure the ratio of oil to saliva had shifted.

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
11/29/2012

Suzy, it's fine. If you want to do the whole 20 minutes, just take more oil and continue. The spit helps along.

Replied by Wendy
(Columbus, Oh/usa)
11/29/2012

You don't need a whole lot of coconut oil. I use just 1 tablespoon and never have a problem with "spillage", but I've read here on EC that some people use 1 teaspoon. Experiment with amount, and see what works best for you.


Coconut Oil
Posted by Vero (El Paso, Tx, Usa) on 08/22/2012

I started OP just a few days ago to better my oral hygiene and also for help with my allergies. I'm starting with coconut oil because I am currently breastfeeding and wanted to start slowly with something mild then work up to the sesame/sunflower oil. What I've noticed these past few days is my teeth are whiter and my sinuses are draining but also I notice I'm experiencing panic attacks and feel a bit light headed at times. I'll continue to OP because I read a worsening of symptoms is a sign of being cured but are these symptoms "normal" or should I switch oils? Also I do feel completely drained and can't afford to with a toddler. Can I expect these symptoms to go away and if so, how soon? Thanks in advance.

Replied by Hope
(Sacramento, Ca)
08/22/2012

I also experienced great teeth whitening with coconut oil, but it raised my blood pressure rather severely.

A year later I had forgotten about that and decided to oil pull with it again, as I was going to my dentist in a few weeks for a teeth cleaning and wanted to impress him with my whiter teeth.

Unfortunately, (or fortunately), the office was now taking blood pressure readings before doing the work and my BP was Extremely high and they would not clean my teeth as a result. I remembered about the VCO and have not used it from that day on.

I also do not go to the dentist anymore, as oil pulling with sesame oil, flossing, and using baking soda, keeps my teeth in very good health :-)

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
08/23/2012

Vero, it seems that sesame oil is milder for OP than coconut oil. Switch and experiment. Right now you cannot afford the "detox" stuff.


Coconut Oil
Posted by Nordlanding1 (Uniontown, Alabama) on 08/12/2012
★★★★★

I've been oil pulling with organic extra virgin coconut oil for about 2 months now. I literally ran from the dentist over a year ago when my hygienist cleaned my teeth and told me that I have gingivitis, bleeding gums and what not. When I brush my teeth, my gums would bleed. Almost immediately I started oil pulling, I noticed that my teeth felt tighter. When I brush, it doesn't bleed anymore so I scheduled me a dentist appointment. The same hygienist from a year ago asked where I had been and she remembered that my teeth were jacked up so to speak. So she asked have I been flossing everyday. Of course not was my response so to make a long story shorter, when she finished with my cleaning she was flabbergasted at how well my teeth are now compared to last year. I had a second cleaning a week later. She said, "Mr. Nord, your teeth are great, you've been doing something". that's when I told her about oil pulling.


Coconut Oil
Posted by Melissa (Maine) on 07/24/2012
★★★★★

I just started this about one week ago, and have been doing it two or three times a day. The first three or four days I was exhausted in the afternoon and had to lay down and rest. I also got two big pimples on my face. Then I started taking a couple tbsp internally each day. Three days ago I started to put it on my upper arms that have really bad psoriasis.

Results so far:

-No bleeding at all when brushing teeth, even though I had to use a stiff toothbrush because I lost mine. This alone is amazing.

-the psoriasis on my arms is still red and obvious, but it is no longer flaking, etc. too early to tell if coconut oil will be a true solution, but it's encouraging and I could probably put some dermablend on and wear short sleeves in public (for the first time in years)!

-lastly, I have had a bump under my arm that was about lentil size several months ago, and it got to be about the size of a small gumball. I have no idea what it is. It is now still bigger than a lentil but smaller than it was. Hopefully it will be gone by the time I have a job and insurance!

Overall, these have been amazing results. I don't know how it works and I don't care! I know it sounds unbelievable, but I wanted to share my success story. It may not work for everyone, but my short term results have been practically miraculous.

Replied by Constance
(Baumholder, Germany)
12/12/2012

I want to hear more about the bump under your arm. I have the same and am interested if you've seen any positive results with OP. My PCP know about it and says it nothing to worry about at this time. The mams are always clear and monthly exams prove normal for years. But, I'm curious nonetheless.

Replied by Ivonne
(Ma)
09/12/2013

If you like how the coconut oil works on your skin, you will love coconut milk. Coconut milk is just as moisturizing, if not more, and it wont leave you all greased up. It is fantastic. I use an organic brand that does not have BPA. Hope it helps!


Coconut Oil
Posted by Jane (Mountain View, Ca) on 05/18/2012
★★★★★

I have been Oil Pulling with organic Coconut Oil for 17 days. Unbelievable. Nose runs a bit, while one TBS of slighted heated Coconut Oil with 3 drops of Melaleuca Alternifolia (optional) is swished around very consciously in my mouth for 20 minutes. Immediatley when oil is in mouth I have phlegm from throat slightly surfacing. Nose running. No problem. Results after 17 days: Gums and Teeth feel great, much whiter teeth, plaque has disappeared, infection is gone in one tooth, can now chew on side of mouth where new bridge was put in 3 months ago. Almost in one week I could start chewing. Soreness and sensitivity was entirely gone. Two of my teeth that dentist said to remove because of infection I am not going to remove. I wish that the oil pulling would grow bone. Anyone know about this? I have periodonal condition. My plaque has all disappeared. I spit out and rinse with [an oil] solution and gargle. I will write back when I see my hygienist July 5, 2012. Thank you all. Jane

Replied by Jowhitney
(Portland, Or)
10/04/2012

On growing bone: see recommended diet by westonaprice.org. The dentist and researcher Weston A. Price watched post-depression malnourished kids grow secondary dentin in their cavity-ridden teeth. Many of us are much less-nourished than we think. Valuable foods like raw milk (see realmilk.com for info and local listings), homemade mineral-rich bone stock and dietary sources of all-important vitamins A & D have disappeared! You CAN re-grow bone. It's a matter of nutrition.

Replied by Cat
(Austin, Texas)
11/17/2015

Oil pulling will clean your teeth very well and heal (usually) your gum issues, but if you want thicker, stronger teeth, investigate food grade diatomaceous earth. My teeth were shaped like playing cards and thinning yearly. After 3 months on diatomaceous earth, they are thick pearly bulbs and very strong. Plus, my gums are better where they have pockets. The DE rebuilds jaw bone strength too! It, plus oil pulling plus getting rid of carbs (horrible for teeth over the long haul) and softly brushing/flossing once a day before bed, is all you need. I have since learned that a morning salt water/peppermint/coconut oil rinse after oil pulling and a tongue scrape is quite enough rather than brushing twice day. Frequent hard brushing can make pockets worse and weaken/damage gum tissue.

Replied by Bj
(Michigan)
11/18/2015

Cat in Austin, Could you please explain how you have used diatomaceous for your teeth? Are you brushing with it, rinsing with it, or taking it internally?

Thank you, Bj

Replied by Cat
(Austin, Tx)
08/30/2016

So sorry it has taken a while to reply to this question. To help with fleas and worms, my cat gets 1/4 tsp every Sunday mixed with his soft food. Diatomaceous earth helped me tremendously for about 3 months, then, I began noticing a grey pallor to my skin and bags growing under my eyes. I figured I was taking too much and needed to stop. It did make my nails grow and harden, gave me tremendously clear, white eyes, and, alleviated pain I had in my bones. It even helped stop my carpal tunnel syndrome.

However, I now use magnesium tablets and I upped potassium salts. I don't have long-term confidence in this product anymore.

Replied by Art
(California)
08/30/2016
2126 posts

Cat,

You didn't mention how much DE you were taking per day and that would be very useful information for people who are thinking of taking or are currently taking DE.

In a clinical study that used only 750 mgs per day, DE was shown to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and have lasting effects, so the multiple tablespoon dosing that is typically seen on the internet may be a little over the top for some people.

Art


Coconut Oil
Posted by Sweetpea (Brewer, Me, Usa) on 04/25/2012

Hi. I just found this site last night, and first heard of oil pulling yesterday morning at the dentist's office. A patient in the room next to me said she works in a chiropractic office, and one of the clients told her about it. She's been doing it since February and her teeth are whiter.

Personally, I've been eating/drinking young, green Thai coconuts now for a couple months... About one a day, and also drink Zico, especially when the Thai coconuts aren't available in my area. It gives me a good afternoon "pep" and I experience a general well-being feeling afterward. Also, I've been using organic, virgin coconut oil in my cooking so I've been reading the benefits of coconuts for awhile now so surprised I hadn't heard of pulling before this.

Anyway, this morning, I tried it. I'm fortunate I found this site last night because there is a Ted on here who said to brush your teeth first, oil pull for only 5 minutes, and then brush again after. I felt better about 5 minutes than 20 since I know I'm toxic and I had a Nissen Fundoplication surgery (they wrap the top part of your stomach around your esophagus) and a side effect of that is I can't throw up... So I dry heave until I go to the hospital where they starve me for 6 days and stick horrible medications that throw me off through an IV... So I don't want to do that. It would take me away from trying this.

So far so good. I've had a tiny amount of mucus, most likely would be a lot more if I had done 20 minutes, but I do have a warm feeling in my sinuses and respiratory tract. Not a bad feeling, just a feeling that something is happening. I have nausea meds I can take if I start to feel nauseous... for me it really will have to go the other direction...

Thank you for this site. It's addicting, and I look forward to reading more posts of others experiences, etc.


Coconut Oil
Posted by Mg (New York, Ny) on 04/16/2012

Hi there, I have started oil pulling with coconut oil and I feel it makes a big difference for me with my teeth and with my sleep. I fall asleep much more easily and wake up feeling much more rested. My main question is this: Am I absorbing any of the medium-chain fats from the coconut oil while using it for pulling? When I'm done, the oil is much more watery. Does that mean the oil is moving through the membranes in my mouth... And being absorbed? I ask because I want my dad (who has Parkinson's) to start getting the medium-chain fats from coconut oil daily. I wonder how much, if any, of its benefits he can get just from oil pulling.

So - is it possible to absorb the medium-chain fats during the oil-pulling process? And how much of the fats from about a tablespoon or two in the mouth? All of them? Thank you.

Replied by Citygirl27
(Richardson, Tx)
06/02/2012

I drink a TBSP of coconut oil in my hot tea a few times a week. It takes me 15-20 minutes to finish the cup. This always coats my mouth, teeth, throat and lips with coconut oil each time. Is this having the same effect as OP? or do I need to do it with cold CO and spit it out? I want to try OP with either this or olive oil, especially if it helps facial skin puffiness! Anyone had these benefits?



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