★★★★★
I was looking for a way to avoid root canals. I had pain in my teeth on both sides of my mouth and just did not want any more root canals. I read in a book written by a dentist that root canals allow bacteria to set up as soon as 24 hours after they are done. And that the bacteria can spread to other parts of your body and cause pain and disease that the medical doctor won't make the connection that the problem is stemming from a root canal whether it was done years ago or just recently. I am happy I found this site. My goodness how can swossing oil around your mouth have such power and allow you to reap such benefits? Here are some of mine:
The first night I found out about oil pulling I just used a cotton swab to massage my gums and teeth with olive oil. The next morning my gums were so sore. I wonder if the oil stirred up the bacteria in my gums. I started oil pulling that morning with coconut oil as I read it killed bacteria. Over a period of some time, my teeth had become yellow, I do not know why as they used to be white, white, white. I oil pulled for 20 minutes. Immediatly I saw that my teeth lightened up tremendously. I was elated. I had used tooth bleach but the procedure would have to be repeated). Mucous began to released as I was doing the oil pulling and continued afterward for probably over an hour (I didn't time it). My teeth are so smooth now (and whiter), only after 2 days of this. When I drink water now, I feel so hydrated and the water taste good just hitting my mouth. This is something I had never even thought of. I didn't know what I was missing until now. The pain in my teeth has lessened. I can still feel a little bit. But it is leaving.
I had pain, first in my right hip, then got tremendous pain in my left hip. Now both areas are almost pain free. Also, I had pain in my neck and shoulders, it is gone. I am feeling twinges of pain I believe in my lung area. I used to wake up practically craving junk food and would have to force myself to eat the healthy organic foods that I always buy. The cravings seem to be gone for the time being. Now I feel stable and want the healthy organic vegetables with no problem. I woke up this morning with a lot of energy and couldn't wait to get out for my morning job. I had gotten to the place where I felt exercise was something I "had to do". Now I am back to the pleasure of taking care of my body. And not only that, my joy of doing things and new ideas are returning. The feeling I have now is: What can I do today. I love this. The relief of these symptoms tells me that bacteria can cast a dreary veil over your life. I am thankful for the founders of this site. Oh, one other thing. My doctor said, I have high sugar but not high enough to be on medication. Sugar is an environment where bacteria can flourish. I believe the cocunut oil pulling has killed a lot of bacteria in internal environment.
★★★★★
Sinus Infections
Side Effects
Side Effects


This is a question for Ted.
I have been Oil Pulling for two weeks and am having some problems. I have Glaucoma plus other health problems. I am 80 years old. Since OP with Sesame oil, I seem to be very sensitive to the sun's glare. Have to use sunglasses on top of my Transition glasses. To add to this problem, I have blurred vision for around an hour. Then everything goes back to normal. The pain that I had in my shoulder disappeared and I feel fine otherwise. I stopped OP for three days and the problem went away. Now I don't know what to do. Please advise me. I would like to continue with the OP but do not want to hurt my health in other ways. I also broke out with a small rash on my chest. I presume that it was the toxins going out of my body. Should I start the ACV, bicarbonate of soda and water for two weeks to detoxify my body and then start again? Thanking you in advance. Evelyn G.

I also started taking a tsp of VCO in the evening. I read that it is really good for high cholesterol and thyroid issues. My theory is that my immune system has been compromised by allergens, both natural and artificial. As a result, my liver is working too hard and my endocrine system has been challenged. I know that my hormones are completely crazy. My inner barometer is broken. I feel like my heat sensitivity is due to that and is also a response to allergens which are not being dealt with efficiently because my liver is overworked. I know that thyroid and cholesterol issues run on both sides of my family. This bad smelling and toxic sweat, I believe, is really a secretion brought about by high cholesterol. Lipids are being excreted through my skin and they contain toxins that are being carried out of the body. The sesame oil will help internally and also externally as a nightly massage. I am going to try scrubbing my skin periodically with baking soda because it actually itches a little (I guess from the toxins) even though I use a peppermint castile soap. The liver produces cholesterol when it can't get it from dietary sources. I'm not sure but maybe VCO and sesame oil ease the production of these lipids by the liver. Eventually, I will also take a tsp of sesame oil daily too. I will report back about the progress!
Detoxification
http://www.thecandidadiet.com/caprylicacid.htm
Caprylic Acid (or Octanoid Acid) is an anti-fungal agent found naturally in coconuts and breast milk. In the commercial world, it is found not only in Candida cures but also dyes and perfumes. http://www.fungusfocus.com/html/caprylic_acid.htm
Broad Benefits
★★★★★
I found this site just a week ago after coming home from the dentist extremely frustrated (on top of having a 1/2 numb face for the next two hours). Over the last few months I've been drawn to natural cures actually for my spouse, not myself, to help cure her polymyositis and fibromyalgia (off topic, but magnet therapy is helping). Anyway, after that trip to the dentist I said, "there HAS to be a better way!" Briefly, I'll state my history as having struggled with gum disease for at least the last ten years. It has gotten much worse in the last year. Unfortunately, I had an accident last fall that further irritated two of my teeth that were already slightly loose. When I went to the dentist last Thursday to see what could be done I was really upset that 1) my insurance wouldn't cover a deep cleaning because I'd had one within the last three years 2) I needed to get that cleaning (I agreed) to help keep my teeth clean and 3) that it would cost me ~$500 for just ONE side of my mouth ~ and the total would have been ~$1,600 out of pocket (includes injecting antibiotics directly into eight teeth/gum areas at ~$40/tooth)! Because I thought I *needed it,* I bit the bullet and got one side done but when I got home I was determined to find another way. It was too much discomfort and I didn't want to pay for it if I didn't have to. That's when I stumbled upon oil pulling. I thought it sounded absolutely too good to be true but with all of the testimonials and the fact that it had very little risk why not try it? Well, last Friday morning, 6/18/2010, I started with Sunflower oil. I lasted about 12 minutes. I thought it taste rather bland so I switched to organic, virgin sesame oil the next day and have been using that up until today, Friday, 6/24/2010. My results are as follows:
1-After day one I immediately noticed that my teeth became a little whiter
2-After day two I became really congested and had to blow my nose a LOT. I also had a couple of pimples pop up, which have since cleared. I think the sunflower was better for whitening quickly.
3-After day three I noticed that I was sleeping a lot deeper and had a ton of energy during the day
4-As of last night I noticed that both of my loose teeth are secured. I would say that one is 95% while the other is trailing at 90%!
5-My skin seems a little clearer.
I am ASTOUNDED by these results as I'm 29 years old and was worried to death about losing them. My own sibling who is a dentist in another state told me that something drastic needed to be done or I would lose them. :( Also, a dentist that I was going to every three months up until earlier this year (I've recently relocated) wanted to do a LASER procedure to penetrate the gums and fix the problem. I'm SO glad I didn't do that! The only reason I didn't do it is because the timing was bad with me preparing to relocate and that procedure would have also been ~$1,600 out of pocket. (My sister did tell me not to do laser because it was too invasive and not necessary).
At any rate, that's my report after a full seven days. I'm grateful to not lose my appetite like some others here because I'm underweight and am consuming a lot in order try and gain 10 pounds. That is another journey in itself, but it's coming along now that I'm tracking my caloric intake. OP has made junk food less appealing, which is a good thing. My process is to brush and floss as usual, OP for 5-10 minutes, spit, rinse, brush with water and baking soda and rinse one more time. It sounds like a lot but it's not that bad. Fifteen minutes go by quickly if you just fill it by checking your email. Besides, 15 minutes a day to save thousands of dollars and unnecessary pain is worth it! Oh, I also cut down on sodas tremendously over the last week. I had about three rather than one a day. I drank mostly water - had no desire for soda.
I'm so excited about this I want to tell my family and friends but I'm going to wait until 30 days go by. I know they're going to be skeptical, especially the dentist, but if she can get a hold of my dental records then there will be proof! My wife has now decided to try it. Yesterday was her first day and not more than ten minutes after doing it she felt "different" and had to release phlegm. This morning she woke up with me at 5:00 as chipper as ever, very energetic without the aid of coffee, an energy drink or Adderall. We're both amazed. I do worry that her healing process may be unbearable as she's been struggling with chronic illnesses for at least eight years, but it would worth it if she no longer had to deal with them or prescription drugs with horrific side effects.
Sorry, this post is a lot longer than I intended it to be.
Multiple Oils Tried
Skin
★★★★★
I am using 1TBS of sesame oil, and pulling for 20 minutes each morning. i have no problem with it...sometimes I lose track of time and pull for 25-30 minutes....
Maybe too soon to notice anything major, but my skin looks AMAZING! even the skin on my back, which is prone to acne, is clear and smooth....i don`t think i can remember a time in the last 15 years that i didn`t have a spot on my back. I don`t know if this is just the oil pulling, (i also tone my back with apple cider vinegar) but i`m pretty pleased!
My teeth look white, but they always are pretty white, and my gums look pink, but i think they always are too...i do notice a little less bleeding when i floss, and the general smell of flossing isn`t so unpleasant.
mostly, i cannot wait to get into some slinky summer dresses and show off my glowing skin!
p.s. for those of you with alot of ayurvedic knowledge...i`ve been told on two seperate occaisions by two people who studied ayurveda that i have a vata imbalance. (way too much air...i sense instinctively that this is true.) are there any other natural health methods that might benefit this?
★★★★★
About Oil Pulling
★★★★★
My girlfriend's granddaughter practices Chinese medicine. I sent her this website and asked her opinion, here it is verbatim:
"Interesting link. I'd have to disagree with the phrase that "According to Ayurveda, mucous is a poison." That is not what Ayurveda teaches. Saliva is very important in Ayurveda and is actually a healing aspect of the body. Saliva decreases Agni or toxins and increases the digestive and assimilation processes. In excess, saliva can be seen as an imbalance--and easily remedied. Sesame oil is good to use at night (swishing it in the mouth) to prevent teeth grinding. Sesame oil is used for a number of things in ayurveda. This type of mouth rinsing can also be done with Tea Tree oil diluted.
I'd also have to disagree with the Note #4 that things will get worse before getting better. Those that study Ayurveda or any other form of herbal medicine know that this effect does not and should not happen if you are using what is right for your body. It is sort of like the "No pain, no gain" myth. But hey, if it works for you and you feel better doing it. then that is all that should matter."
I'm still going to do OP, because it sounds compelling. I know our mouths are filled with disgusting germs because a human bite will almost not heal, it is so terrible. Perhaps it is these disgusting germs, whatever they are, that the OP'ing deals with.
★★★★★
I use both olive oil and coconut oil togather.(1 tsp ea). This seems to be very effective.My swish time varies from 10 to 20 min. depending on my tolerence for a stong herx, that day. It is clearing up a 4 year problem with leg edema/eczema
jim
Broad Benefits
★★★★★
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Sinus Infections
★★★★★
Ganglion Cyst
★★★★★
Well pleased.
Ganglion Cyst
★★★★★
Broad Benefits
★★★★★
Detoxification
Detoxification
Also, maybe you are actually reacting to the type of coconut oil being used? If non-organic oil is being used, maybe the side-effects are actually a reaction to something that non-organic coconuts have been treated with which is being carried directly to your bloodstream... just a thought...
Sinus Headaches
★★★★★


