The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Dental Issues
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!!!
Detoxification
Posted by Steve (Las Vegas) on 08/13/2013
★★★★★
It sounds like you both are experiencing some detox symptoms. This does happen with oil-pulling sometimes. Some of the side effects can be racing heart, nausea, headache, flu-like symptoms, rash etc. Take some time off allowing your body to clear the toxins, drink lots of water and start again when you feel good. It's worth doing since you are clearing so much junk from your system.
Castor Oil
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 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
Castor Oil
Posted by Maryellen (Loveland, Ohio) on 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
Dental Issues
Posted by Victoria (San Diego, Ca) on 09/12/2012
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello. I started oil pulling one week ago, mainly due to a massive toothache I had. I've had work done in the area, but with no insurance, a trip to the dentist was definitely not happening. So I looked for everything. I'm happy to say that I no longer have the sharp pain in that side of the mouth. But the area, my jaw, and my mouth in general still feels sore, almost like when I got my wisdom teeth pulled. I've also been experiencing general fatigue and body aches that I assumed were just detox symptoms. But aren't they supposed to last just for a few days? I feel like I've been sick for a week.
Another curious thing is anytime my head is upside down (I practice yoga), I feel pressure at the top of my nose and smell a strong scent that reminds me of tooth decay. I know this is disgusting, but it seriously reminds me of when I got my last root canal... The smell when the endodontist was removing the decay. What can be causing this? I do, unfortunately, have a mouth full of amalgam fillings. I've read about the concerns about pulling with these, but I've also read the arguments. Like wouldn't you want to draw out the mercury if you're able to spit it out? And if your fillings do fall out, oil pulled the decay from under it, and it's time to get them refilled anyhow. I don't know how true any of this is. I've read everything online, but there definitely isn't much on the topic. I pull for 20 minutes in the morning every day and some days in the afternoon a second time. I started with coconut oil since that's what we had but have bought sesame oil to use instead now. Should I continue pulling? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks!
Side Effects
Posted by Hope (Sacramento, Ca) on 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 :-)
Dental Issues
Posted by Jowhitney (Portland, Or) on 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.
Dental Issues
Posted by Lee (Boone, North Carolina) on 04/09/2012
★★★★★
I just started oil pulling 3 days ago. My main desire is to cure joint pain, but one thing I noticed after only 3 times is that my mouth feels great. I was having a lot of pain in a tooth that has had a root canal & another tooth with a cavity. I was getting ready to get a dentist appt. But the pain is completely gone after the oil pulling. I hope it works that well on my joints.
Dental Issues
Posted by Giveitagojones (Edinburgh, Uk) on 04/04/2012
★★★★★
I have been using Coconut oil for about 6 months now.
I stopped during a period of dental treatment (I had a wisdom tooth removed that was more filling than tooth, I strongly believed it was the cause of a strange cough I had had since the filling was done, the cough was difficult to describe, but it would disappear if I didn't brush my teeth???), I opted to have the tooth removed. A few days after the extraction and still not back to oil pulling, I suffered what can only be described as hell, my blood pressure shot up and I experienced palpitations like never before. The inflammation and discharge at the wound in my gum had allowed an infection to spread throughout my body.
The advice from my Doctor "go and see the Dentist", the advice from my Dentist "That's normal, just use some some salt water to clean the area", the advice from the emergency room I quickly visited shortly after that same day "It's not a heart attack, try to exercise more and stop smoking", the advice from a Consultant after I had completely lost my patience (and mind) five minutes later, "Take this Amoxicillin (Penicillin), and go and see your Doctor if it doesn't improve".
Anyway, to cut a long story short, I didn't bother with the antibiotics and went back to oil pulling, 3 days later, all was well (I did go crazy on my "cure all" Ginger as well), in hindsight, I should have just stuck with the oil pulling and sucking on a cut piece of Ginger root after the extraction, and when I get trouble with my teeth again (as we all will), I don't intend pausing the oil pulling.
Has anybody ever had a bad reaction to Coconut or Ginger when used together or alone, in any form?
(I should add with respect to the coughing situation above, the cough disappeared within a day or so after the tooth removal, and the only other way I could stop it was by oil pulling, but this would only last for about two hours or so).
This is an excellent site by the way and was the source of my original discovery of oil pulling.
As for the saturated fat issue with Coconuts, I don't sell Coconuts or have any interests in the Coconut industry, I personally feel that they are doing me no harm, your experience may be different, good luck and God bless to all (I hope this helps someone).
Dental Issues
Posted by Earlygirl (Sacramento, California) on 03/15/2012
★★★★★
I started oil pulling with coconut oil about three weeks ago based on comments posted here on Earth Clinic. I had just had my semi-annual teeth cleaning at the dentist's office and the hygienist was really cranky with me because she was finding 4s. I must say that since I started oil pulling, (once a day in the morning on weekdays, weekends off) my gums are a much lighter pink color and they seem to be growing back. And when I floss, there is no blood. I am thrilled and looking forward to going back for my next cleaning and seeing the hygienist's reaction.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jennifer (Chicago, Il ) on 03/06/2012
★★★★★
1st my boyfriend tried OP he started almost 2 wks ago we noticed 1st the fresher breath then he noticed the dark pigmentation on his face clearing, his nails looking healthier, and his feet on the heels softer which before the callus was bad so I started on 04mar12 the immediate result that I experienced was a spurt of energy which usually in the am I am so restless and exhausted then I noticed the fresh breath and healthier looking nails only after 3 days of OP ~Wonderful~
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mrc (Louisville, Kentucky, Usa) on 02/28/2012
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
My holistic practitioner suggested I learn about and do some oil pulling to help with my fibromyalgia pain. I read everything I could find and figured what the heck - how could it hurt? I began 9 days ago. The first morning seemed odd simply having the stuff in my mouth for so long. It definitely got foamy and white. (The coconut oil simply melts in your mouth in a matter of moments). I op for 15 minutes each morning, for 5 days in a row. My hair got so soft it felt like silk. My skin was also incredibly soft and beginning to glow. My teeth were whiter, my mouth felt clean and silky.
Then the 6th morning I spit out a couple of metal fillings from my teeth along with the foamy white stuff. I was so surprized! I have stopped oil pulling until I get to the dentist and get my teeth fixed. And my aches and pains do feel better. Although after I stopped I woke up two days later with a very painful sore throat and stuffy head. But it only lasted a day. On to the dentist and I will give this more thought as to if I will proceed.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sara (Newport Beach, Ca) on 01/24/2012
★★★★★
Oil Pulling Completely Removed Plaque and Decay From Teeth
I'm SHOCKED at my results from oil pulling using coconut oil. I have veneers, 5 on top they were VERY expensive purchased at a time when I had much more money than I do now, they were in dire need of replacing due top unsightly grey decay at the top. I started oil pulling about 3 months ago the GREY discoloration that was decay is GONE, my veneers & all my teeth look brand new. I thought I may be imagining it but went to the dentist today & he said my veneers don't need replacing anymore. He said I had very clean teeth & no plaque.
I have however NOT noticed the oil pulling fixing my psoriasis or my acne, but oh well it fixed my plaque, teeth issues & saved me over $10,000. :) I also don't notice any increase in energy. However it also COMPLETLY FIXED any and all sinus/allergies issues I had.
Side Effects
Posted by Mark (Newton Abbot, Devon Uk) on 05/14/2013
Hi Mike from Wilmette, Usa: This also happens with me. I did not have any issues with any of my teeth apart from one can be sensitive to extremely sweet foods like honey, but otherwise no problems. When I oil pull with black seed oil (BSO) my teeth often hurt like heck and are very sensitive to temperature for several days.
I only seem to get this with the BSO so now I use other oils I would suggest trying other oils until you find a suitable one for you also look into enamel issues of your teeth
I suspect the oil is merely highlighting an existing issue that is already there, In my case too much pineapple (very acidic) may have reduced my coating of enamel which then allowed the oil to highlight this problem
I am now looking into fixing my enamel properly through diet and no longer use BSO.
Congestion
Posted by Lee (Lake Wylie, Sc, Usa) on 01/04/2012
★★★★★
I would like to thank Earth Clinic and Ted for such a wonderful site. Earth Clinic has changed my life literally! Thank you!
I started Oil Pulling about 5 days ago and let me tell you immediately My clogged up sinuses cleared up drastically! I have lived with stopped up sinuses and all the misery that comes with it for years! Not breathing, constantly trying to clear my throat, just awful. So when I started oil pulling, I could not believe it, I can breathe again! Everyday it has gotten better and better! I started with Coconut oil and alternate with sesame and sunflower oil. I oil pull 2 times a day sometimes 3. I do not take prescription medicine, never ever! I do not believe in the traditional methods of healing anymore. Because the side effects of the medicine are worse than the benefits. Any prescribed medicine I have ever known about is just to treat the symptoms not heal. Home remedies heal! I have not been to the doctor in years because everything I take is natural. I have completely converted over to a hollistic natural way of living.
I recently took my daughter to the emergency room because she hit her head and I was concerned. The nurse asked if she had her flu shot for the season and I said no we do not get flu shots, we choose natural methods. She looked at me like I was crazy. That is ok because we never get sick! By the way, after the doctor looked at her for 20 seconds and did not allow me to ask any questions, the emergency room bill was 1200.00! Ridiculous!
Remember the body is designed to heal itself!
Dental Issues
Posted by Barbara (Hydro, Ok) on 04/18/2012
It's possible you are allergic to the sesame oil. That could be causing your weakness, lethargy, etc. Might try a different oil.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 11/01/2011
Don't forget an Australian study that claimed fish oil capsules, virtually eliminated the side effects of chemo, regarding hair loss etc.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 11/02/2011
You will also need to repopulate the gut with good bacteria (probiotics, fermented foods). I wonder if the fish oil helped with chemo because of the iodine content in it?
Chronic Fatigue
Posted by Hef (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 09/22/2011
★★★★★
I have started oil pulling along with Black Strap Molasses for the last two days to address my consistent fatigue (day and night )issues. I was trying to get 8 hours of sleep every day along with exercising in the evening I was feeling better but couldn't get rid of morning lethargy and the tiredness during the day. I read about BSM and O.P here and started doing it. Today is my second day.
Surprisingly enough, I am waking up up quite alert in the morning, without the urge to keep lying on the bed and snoozing. I really woke and wanted to get out of the bed..... otherwise I would feel lethargic even after 8-9 hours of sleep and flee like going to bed again.
Last two day were really different I must day. I'll continue doing both for next few weeks and post my update here.
It just feels amazing to be alert .... During the day!
Detoxification
Posted by Brian (Minneapolis, Minnesota) on 08/08/2011
★★★★★
First time oil pulling although been winning the battle with other detox methods I figured why not try another along with them it couldn't hurt alternating. Just tried olive oil, and let me say olive oil doesn't taste bad however that being said after swooshing it through my teeth and around my tongue I started vomiting and nasal drainage was pouring out so fast I had to blow my my nose and cough much mucous up. After vomiting a few times I felt better so I went another round hoping to make it more than 15 seconds and I did for near a minute although I hit that point again and when spitting out the oil it was foamy with still a yellow tinge although this was my limit for the day.
I noticed instant results and will keep you updated as I feel over the next couple weeks, btw I had to mouthwash afterward from vomiting and to get the oil residue out and using listerine was more painful than I have ever experienced the past 40 years. I'm winning the fight of having a brain tumor, abdomen tumor, and foot tumor, along with lead and mercury poisoning over the years that left dense metaphesial lines on bones in my wrist. I'm still waiting to see doctors for treatment after diagnosed last February. I'd be dead if I hadn't taken matters in my own hands. Since my several month on off detox regimen with pectosol, chlorella, selenium, ALA, and a couple others I have felt abdomen gummed getting smaller by 60% and look like I'm 27 and not 38 in this short time. Winning as Sheen would say!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Traxxxi (San Jose, California, United States) on 06/09/2011
★★★★☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
I recently started OPing every morning with Organic Sesame Oil and noticed immediate positive results: my skin softened and pores shrank dramatically (I actually got many compliments on my skin), my dry eye symptoms were completely gone after 15 years of suffering, my eczema started to disappear, my Chronic Fatigue lessened and I had more energy, and my chronic sinusitis started to clear up. I was truly amazed and in such relief!
After two weeks of OPing, some of my symptoms have returned and even worsened. My skin looks tired and dry again, my eyes are extremely dry, bloodshot and in pain, My fatigue is worse then ever and I have barely enough energy to get out of bed, my eczema is back, and suddenly I'm having dandruff. Luckily my sinusitis has not returned. What is happening??? I was so hopeful that I had finally found a cure for the ailments that had plagued me for so long. I have a myriad of other health issues, in addition to the aforementioned, that I was also hoping would eventually improve from OPing. I can't help but feel frustrated and heartbroken. Any insight and/or suggestions will be so much appreciated. Thank you!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Marissa (Atlanta, Ga) on 03/27/2011
★★★★★
low energy: I've been oil pulling with extra virgin Coconut Oil for about 4 days now. I am sleeping through the night, I have an easier time getting out of bed in the morning. My skin is glowing so much and the little fine lines are disappearing. I still have dark circles under my eyes though. Also, I am having more bowel movements.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tee Tee (Kingston, Jamaica) on 03/10/2011
★★★★★
I did some oil pulling today with coconut oil. Though I could only do it for 2-3 minutes I still felt the effect. I feel lighter, freeer, more energized, definitely more healthy. I have been fighting a cold/infection for a while and after OP, alot of phlegm has been coming up and each time I feel better and better. My chest is completely clear now, all congestion is gone. My sinses are clear too, no more congestion. My mind too feels more at peace.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Naturallyme (Potlatch, Idaho) on 03/10/2011
★★★★★
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!
Chronic Sore Throat
Posted by Ceecee (Cape Cod, Ma) on 03/07/2011
★★★★★
My 10 y/o daughter has had a sore throat (but no strep) for 2 months. After finding this site I decided to try it for both of us. After 15 min. we spit and rinsed. My daughter started coughing up nasty phlegm for about twenty minutes! Afterwards she excitedly said-Mom-I can breathe through both sides of my nose! Sunday she woke me up at 7:00 and asked if we could do the oil pulling again because "it made me feel so good yesterday" I felt good after my treatment and enjoyed two full nights of sleep, which hasn't happened in years! Will post back in 1 week to report on daughter's sore throat. Love this site-thanks so much!
