Oil Pulling: Unlock Natural Oral Health & Detox Benefits

Hi,

I have been getting a lot of eruptions on my face as well as on my body for many years. I want some one to help me out by giving more knowledge on oil pulling for skin/ harmonal imbalances. Pls some one let me know will oil pulling help me cure my skin eruptions and harmonal imbalances?

Before I started to use braces in my teeth I always felt pressure in my down teeth. With the braces it disappeared but after removing them the pressure came back again and I was quite disapointed. Funny enough, after starting oil pulling it disappeared completely. Talking to my orthodontist the other day he told me that he thought that it was not so much the oil but the exercise I do by oil pulling for 20 minutes every day. Maybe he is right but another good thing about oil pulling, the fact that you exercise your face and your muscles. Maybe it also helps to keep a person young as the facial muscles are exercised every day. I don't see any changes yet but it might just keep my face firmer (I am 52).

Hi Gayla, Good luck with oil pulling. I never had a negative reaction to it. I use a variety of organic, cold pressed oils and it has become a peaceful part of my early morning ritual. Be relaxed about it and you will get to actually enjoy it! Lee

I ran across this site by accident a couple of days ago, found it exciting, ordered organic sesame oil and organic sunflower oil. OP'd yesterday morning using ...extra organic grapeseed oil, for 20 minutes. It went well but I did swallow (not oil, I kept the oil in the front of my mouth). Tomorrow morning plan to use organic camelina oil, will have proper oils in a few days.

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.

my oil pulling regimine

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

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.....

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I started oil pulling almost two months back.The following advantages are seen.

1)No bad or sour from the mouth
2)Sleeping habits has improved
3)Frequent urination stopped during night times

Following disadvantage is seen
My eye sight has become dull
We use multiple oils for oil pulling

I had my amalgam fillings taken out 3 years ago so that has not been a worry for me.

I have a similar concern about a titanium plate on my c-spine. Any feedback about possible side effects of OP with regard to this situation would be greatly appreciated. I am using sunflower oil once a day.

Oil pulling dental problems

Well, I am trying to solve this problem. I had a talk with someone who knows a lot about these things and he told me that when there are problems with a filling it is because the tooth already had problems because oil pulling as such shouldn't cause any problems in teeth that have been properly treated. So, this morning I called my dentist and I am going there next week. In the meanwhile he told me to go on oil pulling (my tooth has now been fixed for the second time). I will do it with sunflower oil for the time being because I want to read a book on oil pulling with coconut oil (after reading here about so many side effects I am afraid to try without proper guidance). I will keep you updated. I know one thing, it would be rather odd for fillings to start falling just because of a bit of oil.... and I have no problems whatsoever with my old ones, only this one which is 18 months old. My husband who has very old ones had no problems either but he only did oil pulling for a few days.

Hi, I would love to try oil pulling with walnut oil as well as I also suffer from eye floaters but I fear for one of my dental filling which doesn't seem to resist at least sunflower oil. Do you have any fillings?

Just wanted to write on the progress with oil pulling. Started with walnut oil and within two days the black floaters in my eye disappeared! I had just visited my opthamologist who said it was just old age and nothing could be done about it. I can't wait to tell her about my OP experience. Skin problems also have nearly disappeared.

Question: Can you mix oils to pull and/or should you alternate, and how often?

I am using Teds recommended detox before oil pulling (ACV & baking soda). I was wondering: Can you mix oils that you plan to try? If not, should you give one oil a specific duration time before changing oils? I am thinking of beginning with either Sunflower or EVOO, and after reading some of the benefits of say...Sesame or Coconut, I may like to try many oils? Is there a proper way or time frame to do this?

Oil Pulling Oil Type

I recommend grapeseed oil for beginners. It is thinner, very light in flavor and easier to "work" when you are first getting started. I have used sesame and olive in the past. It seems like just about everything from the olive tree is good for us, so why not? Grapeseeds have health building properties too, so it seemed a good thing to try.

Hi newtoallthis,

Yes I have since stopped after doing it for several months. That was in Oct '09. It was effective I have to say and I believe in OP but when I discovered the mini beet protocol here on EC, I decided to really go for it after reading the claims of what that could do for you. That led me to juicing and raw food and boy oh boy! Was that ever life-changing. It was everything MBP claimed and then some! Quite honestly, I think almost everything I read here on EC could be addressed with juicing and adding in lots of raw veggies- at least, 70% in addition to what you eat. That would lead you to realizing how much can be changed through this process and lead you away from the typical Standard American Diet (SAD). Once that happens you easily embrace these change because you see such amazing changes take place.

I can't say I see any changes since stopping the OP but I went on to even more amazing protocols that have only improved my health.

To you, on a quest for health, Lisa

Thanks, Lee and Lisa. What oil do you use?

Lisa, did you stop for a particular reason? Do you notice any difference in your health since you stopped?

Does anyone know the effects of OP on a smoker? Will it possibly reverse damage done if I combine quitting smoking and OP?? Would the detox be worse if I chose to do it that way? And what type of oil would be best for something like that? Coconut Oil sounds rather rough at the beginning, but I am going to introduce Apple Cider Vinegar into my diet 2 weeks beforehand, so as to lessen the detoxing effects on my body. Also, if it helps to know, I'm anemic. I'm ready to take care of myself the right way and this site has been so HELPFUL! Thanks in advance.

Hi newtoallthis,

I just wanted to say that I oil-pulled for several months and found it relaxing and effective. I have many fillings in my mouth and a gold cap at the very back molar on top, all from my childhood which was a long time ago now ;) I also have one from only about 2 years ago on the very back lower molar that cracked apart. That one is porcelain. It did not have any negative effect on any of them. Hope this helps. Lisa

I've been oil pulling for nearly a year and have used most of the oils. I am very relaxed about it so do not time it exactly - but it's usually about 15 minutes. I have had no problems with my fillings or crowns. My hygienist commented that my gums look healthier than ever. Best of luck - Lee

I'm afraid to try oil pulling because several people have reported negative results in the presence of amalgam fillings and crowns. Is there a way to do it safely, for instance, using a particular oil? I saw that Ted has recommended doing it for 1-5 minutes rather than 20. Would that make it safer in this case?

Would swishing with water for 20 minutes have any effect?

I would not pull with coconut oil.....the other one should not be a problem.

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I have been oil pulling for about three weeks now, 1 tablespoon daily, alternating between expeller pressed organic sesame oil and coconut oil. I have had some significant improvements (dark circles under eyes fading, gums stopped bleeding), but am greatly dismayed by the fact that my skin (especially my face and hands) have become wildly oily.

I had normal skin before starting, and now I cannot go more than half an hour after cleansing without oil sliding down my face. I wear makeup to work and it becomes blotchy after a few minutes. Halfway through the day the hair around my face has been saturated with oil (my scalp itself doesn't seem particularly oily - yet). I have to constantly wipe my hands as it is coming out from my fingertips. I also notice that my feet seem to be coated in oil, creating a film on my skin and causing foot odor that has ruined a pair of shoes.

I understand that the oil getting into the skin should be beneficial, but is there anything I can do to prevent this horrible side effect? I cannot go out socially after work, or unless I have recently showered because I am so greasy from this. I am worried the excess oil is going to cause acne/blackheads.

I've tried taking a few days off and that seems to help a little, but the second I go back to it the oil fountain kicks up again. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I have been op for two days and have notice an increase in saliva. I used EVOO. I notice the increase on the first day. Im going to try coconut oil tonight. I also drink avc with water and it causes headaches for me

Hi, I OP on an empty stomach / I used to have black patch under my eyes. They are gone.

Hello oil pullers! Does anyone know why we need an empty tummy for pulling? I have terrible dark circles under my eyes and people are always asking me if I feel okay - because I look so sick. They really bother me, and I'm sure the lack of sleep I suffer from isn't helping. I would like to do it 3 times a day but have trouble finding my tummy empty that often. There's usually some sort of something in there (raw honey, molasses, or green drinks of some sort, not necessarily food per say but something.

Any tips are welcome,

Thanks
Mama

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.

I'm new to this site and just started oil pulling with flax seed oil, so I can't really comment on it yet. However, I found your comment about the metallic taste in your mouth interesting. I kept suffering from a metallic taste in my mouth (among other problems)and I am now convinced it was the eye drops I was using. I have Sjogren's so I'm constantly dealing with dry eyes and mouth. You mentioned you have allergies, so I'm wondering if you use eye drops a lot or recently switched to a different brand while you started the oil pulling? I found out that the drops can enter your bloodstream through your tear ducts. Once I stopped using eye drops the metallic taste went away. I'm now using this over-the-counter pure water mist spray that I found at my local pharmacy. Just thought I would share.

I have been OP for awhile now and I feel great. I was talking to a friend about it. He mentioned that it might not be a good idea to OP if you have mercury fillings in your mouth. Can the Metal get in your body if you OP? I had these 2 fillings since a little girl. I am 42 and I was thinking about taking them out, but not sure. Can you help?

Hi there,

I used to use triple refined sunflower oil to oil pull with outstanding results for about 2 years. I recently moved to the US and couldn't find sunflower oil at the grocery store so I tried triple refined Peanut oil instead. I read one of the posts that said that peanut oil was dangerous since mold often grows on the peanuts that are used to make the oil. Is this true? I must say the quality of the peanut oil is really good and it has a clean, neutral taste.

Also, I quit oil pulling for about 3 months last year and all the symptoms of my ailments like stiff joints, yellow stained teets etc, returned 10 times more intense than before. So, just remember, once you start oil pulling, there is no turning back!

Kind regards,
Maria

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.

Hi Cheryl, I use coconut oil. It has a much lighter consistency and flavor. Not nearly as objectionable!

I usually add another oil to the olive oil (clove, peppermint, just a couple of drops). Also, I much prefer the taste of coconut oil.

I tried oil pulling for the first time with two teaspoons of olive oil and lasted only 4 to 5 minutes before the thought of swishing oil and spit around in my mouth made me gag and puke. I there anything that can be done about this?

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

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

Has anyone ever tried oil-pulling all day? Can it be harmful for you? I would like to try it to see what happens, but don't want to put myself in any danger. Any feedback will be appreciated. Thanks!

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

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.

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

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.